Billy Halfin

Safety first when wading for specks

Should you have been doing any boating in our inland waterways, you will notice what appear to be new buoys along the shallows. That’s more than likely not the case. Now is the time when trophy speckled trout chasers are out in full force. Most of the more experienced anglers who plan to be wading will wear easily visible warm gear on their upper bodies. This is to make them more visual to any other boaters that are also going fishing. This practice should be at the forefront for all anglers who are into the wading thing when they are after the big females specks.

Head west for great bay fishing

For whatever reason over the years, most of the local outdoor writers including present company have spent little ink about East and Trinity bays. Both of those waterways have nearly direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Both Rollover Pass and the Galveston Ship Channel serve as access points for saltwater fish to move in and out of the bays with little effort. Add to that, there are numerous shell reefs in both bays as well as the north and south jetties as stopover points for the fish.

Take to the inshore waters in winter

Fishing in February can be iffy at best. Since the wind, weather and water temperatures fluctuate greatly, it is difficult to learn a feeding pattern. There are some days that make trying to go fishing too dangerous. Lighting and high winds in the 25 mph plus zone along with torrential rain make for those types of days. Other than that, there is some really good fish catching available where the weather is less of a deterrent.

Winter fishing can be great

So when do folks quit going fishing? They don’t! Although most of the anglers are also hunters, there is no reason to overlook some great cold weather fishing. Even back during deer season, many deer hunters, especially in the Hill Country and in West Texas, were privileged to have access to stock tanks. There are also rivers and streams that meander near to or on their hunting grounds. The majority of ranchers that I’ve talked to about fishing in their tanks are super agreeable.

For me, make it a duck hunt

From time to time, folks have asked what my favorite type of hunting is. Such a question does require some deep thinking. The only hunting that I did not enjoy was when I was first taken out snipe hunting at night.

Coming back to reality, I have always had wing shooting with ducks, geese and doves at the top of the list. Even quail and jacksnipe are great challenges, but at the very top is duck hunting.

For me, make it a duck hunt

Coming back to reality, I have always had wing shooting with ducks, geese and doves at the top of the list. Even quail and jacksnipe are great challenges, but at the very top is duck hunting.

Tips for taking a deer this season

The reports that I have been receiving from the Hill Country and East to the Texas Piney Woods are of an abundant supply of corns. Whenever that happens, the deer seem to not move much during the daylight hours. They will feed at night and remain near the feeding area, if possible. There are, however, some situations that will cause the deer to move around during the daylight hours even if ample food is nearby.