CCA BANQUET RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

Not surprisingly, the field continues to grow in the SETX Series fishing tournaments, but at least thus far, Brian Quebedeaux and Michael Fesco have proven to be tough to beat.The local duo has taken home the first place check in two of the first three events.

The accommodating series, much like the popular Sabine River bass tournaments, take place after work on weekday afternoons.The SETX event kicks off at 5:00 pm every other Thursday evening.

A new high of thirteen teams competed in last week’s tournament and they obviously took advantage of the improved conditions.Each team can weigh in only two fish, a trout and a redfish, and the total weight determines the winners.

Quebedeaux and Fresco’s winning weight was 9.83 pounds netting the team a $900 payday.The team of Steven Havard and Ronny Robison finished right on their heels with 8.68 pounds.Their catch also included the largest trout, 2.53 pounds, which earned them the side pot money as well.They cashed a $700 check for a short afternoon of fishing!

The format is just perfect for anglers with only a few hours to locate and catch the right two fish.Every team is in the game until the last few minutes as it only take the right two casts to leave the launch with a fatter wallet.

You can sign up for the upcoming August events at Outcast Tackle and Arms in Groves or go to the SETX Fishing Series Facebook page.

I spoke with Louis Moore earlier this week and he said that the Orange County CCA Chapter had already sold thirty-six corporate tables for their upcoming CCA Chapter Banquet.A corporate table comes with a designated number of tickets as well as several extras.They currently have only a few left!

Individual ticket sales have also gone well and Louis says, “We will set up tables in the halls if we have to in order to accommodate more anglers.”

The much anticipated event will take place August 9^th at 6:00 pm at the Convention and Expo Center on Hwy. 1442.For more information call Louis at 409-988-4845.I would call today!

Several thick bodied 16 to 19 inch trout had already inhaled my bone colored Chug Bug over the course of the morning so things were very much going our way when the water humped up behind the small topwater lure. The lure turned sideways on the surface just before disappearing in a geyser of off-colored water.

“Way too fast for a redfish,” I informed Kyle Martin as the fish peeled off line as if running from a fire.“It has been so long since I caught a really good trout that I am reluctant to claim victory!”

I saved face by not making such an unfounded declaration as the fish suddenly decided to change tactics and run directly at the boat.Much to my dismay the gray dorsal fin of a three foot shark broke the surface just prior to the angry predator breaking my line.

“So much for any diminished salinity levels on the north end of the lake,” said Martin. “That is no longer a factor.

Earlier in the week, Capt. Chuck had called to say that he was watching a mother porpoise teaching her youngster to hunt on the flats between Madam Johnson’s and Green’s.“They are doing their thing in about four feet of water and I am enjoying watching them.”

While afternoon thunderstorms continued to shorten some very productive trips last week, the tide changes, water clarity and presence of bait improved daily.Small lady fish were banging away at immature shad in the shallows and the trout and reds weren’t far behind.

More southwest wind than we need has hampered things this week, especially the topwater bite, but you can still fish with confidence knowing the fish are there.We weren’t too sure of that as recently as two weeks ago.

The only question now is how long will it take for the bragging size trout to show up again. The norm for years has been that as soon as the small lady fish and ribbon fish showed up the larger trout were not far behind and that may well continue to be the case.

Until we know for sure, I am more than happy to leave the dock once again expecting rather than simply hoping to catch fish.Too much fresh water thanks to a hurricane or tropical storm could easily lay the improving bite to waste, but catching fish pales in the light of enduring anymore flooding!