More Tips & Tricks

And safety tips

By: Manuel Z

SAFETY: If you plan on wading out past the second gut, Please wear a Coast Guard Approved (CGA) Lifejacket. when you get to the second bar the waves will be bigger and the undertow will be much stronger. If you happen to get swept out in the undertow (WITH or WITHOUT a LIFEJACKET) DO NOT PANIC!! Simply keep yourself afloat by treading water slowly and let the current take you out. The current cycles around back to the beach, you may wind up a couple hundred yards or even a mile down the beach but if you don't panic you will make it back safely DO NOT TRY TO SWIM AGAINST THE TIDAL CURRENTS!! If this info comes in handy ... (I hope you never need it!) ... you can thank me later!

Take the time to read the following article: SHOULD YOU WEAR A LIFEVEST IN THE SURF?

WADING: When wading, always remember to SHUFFLE your feet while you walk so that you can feel your way as you walk along. This will keep you from stepping into a hole or drop-off. More importantly it will keep you from stepping on any critters such as Stingrays, Hardheads or Crabs which will prove to be a painful experience.
Jimmy Jackson of Beeville says:
"The stingray barb contains a heat labile toxin that responds well to
heat. If you have a stove, heat a pot of water, pour it into a bucket
and put your foot into the bucket, as hot as you can stand. This almost
instantly stops the pain. The toxin will break down in about an hour or
so , so keep the hot water coming to replenish the heat. After that, you
need to go to a doc to remove the bacteria and get a tetnus shot."

NETTING FISH: When netting fish, lower the net into the water and lead the fish into the net HEAD FIRST. If you try to net the fish from behind, You may just spook it into a thrashing frenzy or into another unexpected run. This raises the fish's chances of escape. After you have the fish in the net... Dont lift the net by the handle, away from you like a boom...point the handle straight in the air and lift it with the fish inside like a handbag. this will keep you from bending your net and destroying it.

FEEDING BIRDS: Birds are excellent FISH LOCATORS. if you see birds (GULLS) diving into the surf, Theres a good chance fish are feeding in that area. Casting lures or jigs in the area may result in screaming reels! NOTE: don't ignore birds that are just sitting on the water they are usually sitting above a school of fish waiting for the feeding to start. Cast a spoon or diving lure into that area.

BELLY RUB: If you happen to get poked by a fishes fin, such as the dorsal or pectoral fin of a hardhead (sea catfish), I can guarantee you some serious pain!! As soon as it happens, rub some of the slime from the fish's belly/body into your wound. And if you have any Asprin or Tylenol handy, take a couple! You will get very Numb around the wound for about an hour or so but the slime should keep you from getting infected. The slime is a NATURAL ANTIDOTE for the bacteria. If the Dorsal or Pectoral fin has broken off in you, Stop fishing and get to a clinic or Hospital IMMEDIATELY and have it removed.

WINTER BAIT: Frozen shrimp is a good choice for winter fishing because most small fish have left the surf for deeper/warmer water. This is good news in the sense that there are fewer bait stealers in the area. This gives GAME FISH a better chance to hit your bait since the small fish are gone and your shrimp is the only item on their menu. But if there (are) small fish...all the better...they become your (LIVE BAIT).