Friday Flounder Update
Greetings fellow flounder fanatics!
Been an incredibly hectic week with lots going on. Of course the fall run is starting to kick into high gear with lots of reports of fish being caught all along the coast and plenty of flatfish enthusiasm. Going into this weekend there is plenty to talk about so here we go.
Two November Entries
We are only a few days into November and we are already seeing some replica tournament entries coming in.
Mike Eason caught, photographed and released this 21.25-inch beauty in East Matgorda Bay.
The 2009 Flounder Revolution Angler of the Year Chris Dial submitted the latest fish for the replica program, which he caught in Galveston Bay.
Sea Center Visit
I dropped by Sea Center Texas Tuesday and visited with Shane Bonnot and Courtney Moore and of course checked out the flounder tanks. I was blown away by just how many fish were in the Sabine tanks and the size of some of the Galveston fish. Wow!
I also learned the Sea Center crew is set to start collecting flounder using the specially-designed boat funded by the Coastal Conservation Association.
The boat is essentially a gigging boat with special modifications made for catching and keeping flounder alive.
Shane Bonnot shows a specially designed net that will allow them to live capture flounder using a basic gigging type strategy. Instead of sticking the fish, the net will be placed over the fish and the teeth on the net will help hold it in place if the fish struggles. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) uses a similar netting process and has had huge success. Netting for the hatchery will begin soon.
Alvin/Pearland CCA
I had the honor of speaking the Alvin/Pearland CCA meeting last Tuesday and had a great time talking about Flounder Revolution and sharing flounder strategy with the diehard anglers in attendance. If you live in that area and want to be part of a very active and conscientious group reach out to them. They are good people.
Chester Moore demonstrates the genetic potential of flounder by showing the audience at the CCA meeting the amazing replica of the 13-pound, 11-ounce UTMSI monster provided by The Fish Mount Store.
Flounder Roundup
Next week I will be able to share with you information about a flounder roundup being spearheaded by angler Charlie Hansen. Based out of the Texas City Dike it will take advantage of the fall run in hopes of bringing some BIG saddle blankets for the Galveston Bay system's broodstock program.
Report Flounder Poaching
Anglers should remember the bag limit for rod and reel flounder fishing is two per person. Gigging (both recreational and commercial) is prohibited. Every year there are people who take advantage of the fall migration when flounder are moving through passes and keep WAY too many. Some even use this as an opportunity to catch fish for the black market. Some fill up ice chests for their friends and family. Turn these people in. They are harming the resource. The best way to approach this is to call your local game warden who can respond quickly to the situation.
Flatfish University (TM) Article
Kevin Burns wrote a cool article about Flatfish University for Coastal Angler Magazine. You can check it out by clicking here and scrolling over to page 24.
Tech Tip
This week's tech tip is a link to a blog I did at fishgame.com about how to catch flounder when they are being finicky. Click here to read part two of the series which just came out a few days ago.
God bless and have a great weekend!
Chester Moore
Genesis 1:20
Posted by Flounder Revolution at 11/4/2010 9:08 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Chester Moore flounder stocking flounder conservation flounder revolution flounder replica program Texas flounder stocking
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Chester Moore flounder stocking flounder conservation flounder revolution flounder replica program Texas flounder stocking
The conservation effort looks to be maturing well
Thank you Chester for all you do.
I heard that they are wanting males more than females. Late on the season I see flounder under 14 inches and I know they are wanted males but they can't be taken for the breeding program.
What to do?
The specimen collection boat looks like it was built by Krestas Marine in Edna. If so it is a real caddilac. I know cause I own one to.
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