GIANT Flounder Revolution Update!!!
Greetings fellow flounder fanatics!
It has only been two weeks since I updated but it feels like a year. I spent last week at the ICAST show in Vegas last week, this week wrapping up a huge new project, starting another and taking care of lots of Texas Fish & Game business. It has been beyond intense, crazy even but all positive.
TWO June replica winners
In June we had two fish entered into the replica program and we had a first: two fish so close in size by photograph it was nearly impossible to tell which was biggest without actually examining the fish and measuring myself. So, due to the fact we had a few extra bucks in the replica funding thanks to CCA and Project: Zoo Quest's generosity, both anglers are getting replica of their June catch. Jantzen Miller and Justin Hawkins who have both turned in big fish in the past caught and released flounder just over 20 inches last month. Hopefully we will not have fish so close very often but I thought both anglers deserved a replica and to be highlighted. Congratulations to both anglers.
Concern Over Flounder Poaching
In the Sabine Lake area and also in the Galveston region there have been lots of reports of anglers poaching flounder particularly around saltwater barrier type structures where they can be easily gigged, netted (yes there have been reports of netting) and caught in large numbers. If you catch someone in the act of this call your local game warden immediately. I tried calling Operation Game Thief to give reliable second-hand reports last year but they would not even take the call because I did not have a name or license plate number of the alleged poacher. I thought that was ridiculous but that is for another blog at another time. Call your local warden and make sure flounder poachers are turned in. There has always been a big black market in flounder and now as the revolution grows it is time for those of us concerned about the resource to make a stand.
ICAST Flounder Gear Report
This is the only place you will see ICAST from a flounder angler's perspective. I was blessed to go cover the event for Texas Fish & Game magazine who have been a huge source of support here at Flounder Revolution, so when it comes time to renew your subscription or think of getting one remember their support of flounder. It has been huge. I found some very interesting gear there that while not designed for flounder specifically should work great.
Ardent F700 Denny Brauer Flip-N-Pitch: Ardent has teamed up with the world's top flip-n-pitch angler to design the F700 Denny Brauer Signature Flip-N-Pitch Reel. The narrow spool and large ceramic line eye reduce friction to allow for smooth effortless casts. The stainless steel handle and 22-pound Perma-Lock Drag System provide for strong hooksets and retrieves. I interviewed Brauer who fishes this rod with heavy braid and he said it is killer for putting a super strong hookset on a fish. For anglers who like to fish casting gear for flounder, this is something they might want to consider. For flipping and pitching to docks and other structure it should be killer.
Sebile Soft Weight System: Sebile continues to impress and this year they won "Best Terminal Tackle" at ICAST with their soft weight systems. These easy to install weights can slide up and down a hook to help anglers sink their plastics in many different fashions. For flounder I can think of several applications that this hook can help. I have used it already since ICAST at a pond I do a lot of testing in and found it very effective at getting lures to fall in different fashions.
Power Pro Vermillion Red: Power Pro has a new line of braid called "Vermillion Red" that gives it low-vis properties after about 10 feet of depth. Red is the first color to "disappear" or in this case turn a a dull gray which has big advantages in clear water in particular. It features an innovative manufacturing process known as Enhanced Body Technology that permeates this braided Spectra line with a protective layer that will not peel off.
Gulp! Alive Mud Minnow/Croaker: Gulp! has come a long way when it comes to the flexibility and colors on the lures and this year they debuted the Ripple Mullet and a fine looking mud minnow imitation. This should be a natural for catching flounder as their curltail and shrimp have already proven worthy. Looking forward to testing this in the field.
Ego S2 Slider: Ego Nets took the best accessory category at ICAST with their EGO S2 Slider. It features an extendable handle that allows the angler to increase net length by double by simply pushing a button and pulling the handle. Very convenient for stowing away in a boat or kayak. The best part is it is an entire system that features interchangeable parts that can turn a net into a gaff and vice versa. Not that you will need a gaff for flounder but if you are like me, flounder are not the only thing you pursue, although they are the coolest.
Tech Tip
Small spinnerbaits like Beetle Spins can catch lots of flounder in the hands of a skilled angler. Back in the late 1990s Mister Twister made a special flounder fishing jig that featured a small tear-drop style spinner. It worked great but did not sell well at the time so they abandoned it. If you want to try something different especially when the fish seem to not want what you usually offer them, give 'em a spin.
New Project Announcement Coming Monday...(here's a teaser)
Always dream BIG!
Chester Moore
*Flounder Revolution (R) is a registered trademark of Chester Moore.
Posted by Flounder Revolution at 7/22/2010 4:17 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: flounder stocking flounder conservation chester Moore flounder revolution flounder replica program Texas flounder stocking
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: flounder stocking flounder conservation chester Moore flounder revolution flounder replica program Texas flounder stocking
Hi Chester,
The bite is beginning to slow down a little now as we're nearing those dog-days of summer again. Maybe in a couple more weeks when the water really gets hot we might go up a hot bayou and chum-up a mess of flounder and catfish. Create a fishing frenzy at a favorite fishing hole... have a little fun.
Enjoyed your piece.
David
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