Editor’s Notes
A
ll along the Gulf Coast from
Florida to Texas, live two
species of fish that no doubt the
majority of fishermen have never caught
and possibly most have never seen. But,
they are very popular with those who
have learned to target them for both their
fighting ability and exceptional showing
as table fare. They are the tripletail and
pompano.
Starting out from ground zero on
your own in the pursuit of these two fish
is possible with a little knowledge of
what’s required to locate them and feed
them. And, they are almost polar
opposites in their likes and dislikes so a
little knowledge of habits and habitats is
highly necessary. There are two articles
in this issue that focus specifically on
tripletail and pompano and cover many
of the in’s and out’s required to regularly
catch these two species.
Fishermen interested in short
circuiting the learning curve a bit to
become successful pompano or tripletail,
have the option of seeking out a fishing
guide that regularly fishes for one, or
both, species. One could learn the
appropriate tackle, rigging, bait, habitats
and actually take home a catch on the first
time out. And that one trip can payoff
for years to come.
Summer is here and it’s a perfect
time to get started on these two gems
of the bay and Gulf. And, if you don’t
want to give up the pursuit of reds or
trout, they will always be waiting after
you hit your limits of those two.
Of all the articles in this issue, one
stands out in the information provided
for kayakers interested in launching
from a Gulf beach. It might seem
pretty easy and straight forward for
fishermen new to a paddle boat, but
it’s far from that. Tips for safely
launching into the Gulf and then
returning safely to the beach are
provided by “Paddling Out” editor Jeff
Herman in this issue. Jeff has also
recently completed 12 video shorts on
kayak safety at the request of the
American Canoe Association
(www.americancanoe.org) and U.S.
Coast Guard. Here’s a link to the Surf
Launch video: http://bit.ly/25r11Fo.
While I’ve never launched into
the surf, had I been inclined to without
seeing this video first, I probably
would’ve earned a new battle scar or
two. It’s serious business and the
weather and waves will have a say in
your success.
JULY • AUGUST • SEPTEMBER 2 0 1 6
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