Flounder Revolution (R) is the concept and original project of award-winning outdoors communicator and conservationist Chester Moore. The goal is to fundamentally change the way flounder are viewed
to ensure their conservation for future generations.
This morning the biggest story on the Gulf Coast remains the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana and its impact on fisheries and estuaries from Florida to now Texas.
Yes, over the weekend winds switched from south to east and began pushing the oil toward Texas.
This NOAA map shows the projected trajectory through Monday. Over the weekend the slick moved from Louisiana's southern peninsula toward Atchafalaya Bay. There are no guarantees it will hit Texas but any continued east wind would push it that direction.
Key flounder habitat has already been greatly affected including the Chandeleur Islands which have been covered in oil. These islands serve as an important staging area for flounder during the fall run.
I have been asked about Lake Calcasieu which is extremely popular with flounder fishermen and so far no damage and there are ways to stop any serious inundation.
“We have no oil here in our area now but continue to monitor our coast and pray for everyone that is being affected by the terrible tragedy. The Lake Calcasieu estuary that we primarily fish is located in southwest Louisiana just across the east Texas border,” said Capt. Buddy Oakes with the Hackberry Rod and Gun Club.
“Our lake is a river driven estuary from the north and has no beach access on the south so the only way in and the only way out of this estuary is through the Cameron jetties on the Gulf Coast. The lake is completely surrounded by futile marshes that feed the entire system. We are very lucky to have this situation and if needed can boom across the mouth of the channel to contain what oil that might come our way.”
This is quite the tragedy for Gulf fisheries and it will have serious, far-reaching impacts. For daily updates click here to to go the Texas Fish & Game news forum where we are keeping a close eye on its impact on recreational fishing and its moving toward the Texas line.
S.A.L.T. Tournament
The annual Saltwater Angler's League of Texas (S.A.L.T.) Memorial Day Classic tournament is coming up and this year Flounder Revolution will sponsor a special catch-and-release category for flounder. The angler turning in live flounder will receive a replica of their catch. Details coming soon....
Tech Tip of the Week
During spring anglers pursuing flounder in the marshes should concentrate their first efforts in the mouths of bayous, cuts and creeks. Look for those wide enough and deep
enough to flush lots of marsh water on tidal movements. Try the first couple of
major points, eddies and the first "S" turn inside tributaries with
moving water. Flounder typically haunt the edge line of such areas.
Baitfish like juvenile menhaden, which are not yet strong
enough, this time of year to fight the currents tend to rest in the slack
water.
It is very important not to overlook this predator/prey
relationship during spring. Many anglers make the mistake of looking for larger
baitfish like mullet and larger menhaden to find flounder, but that is not the
way to go in the spring. During this time of year, they are after the menhaden.
Why is this so?
Because flounder are opportunists and they will go after the
easiest thing to catch and during spring, which is menhaden.
Comments