February 2009
Transcription
February 2009
www.lakeforkareanews.com 903-885-7223 Page 1 FREE February 2009 “The Little Paper With Big Bass Results” Lake Fork Area News Lake Fork guide Tony Parker shows off a couple of barndoor crappie landed from the deep waters of Lake Fork. Photo by Luke Clayton Fish deep for Fork crappie Page 3 Froggy D’s Lake Fork Report Page 6 ShareLunker #457 Page 7 Stan Kuhn’s catfish report page 19 www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 2 INNOW BUCK M E ET H Marina T Motel, Lodge, RV Park Bass Lantern Restaurant 903-885-7223 Bass Lantern Restaurant Daily Specials $4.99 Hunt Brothers Pizza All toppings no extra charge $9.49 Extra Cheese $1.59 903-878-2500 FAX: 903-878-7131 HWY 154, LAKE FORK Email: MinnowOne@aol.com www.minnowbucketmarina.com •Lakeside Pavilion Perfect for Tournaments and Outdoor Events •Beautiful Lake View •Modern Store •Full Tackle •Bait • Gas •Big Fish Aquarium •Fish Cleaning Station •Boat Launches • Generous Parking •Annual RV Sites • Dump Station •RV & Tent Camping •SATELLITE TV Wi-Fi Available GREATEST PIZZA AROUND Friday All You Can Eat Catfish $9.95 Lunch And Dinner Served All Day TEXAS TOP 25 LARGEMOUTH BASS RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 WATER BODY WEIGHT LENGTH DATE LBS. INCHES Fork 18.18 25.50 01/24/92 Fork 17.67 27.50 11/26/86 Fork 17.64 28.00 04/01/89 17.63 26.25 08/29/90 Fork 17.29 02/14/88 Fork Fork 17.02 25.50 02/26/91 Pinkston Lake 16.90 27.66 02/16/86 Fork 16.86 25.50 02/08/93 Sam Rayburn Reservoir 16.80 28.75 05/31/97 Mill Creek 16.77 03/01/90 Fork 16.75 25.50 03/08/90 Fork 16.63 27.25 02/28/99 Fork 16.59 26.00 05/15/87 Fork 16.54 25.00 02/27/91 Fork 16.44 26.50 03/10/96 Gibbons Creek Reservoir 16.17 26.00 01/15/88 Fork 16.12 27.25 03/22/02 Fork 16.06 25.50 03/09/88 Fork 16.04 25.75 02/29/92 Possum Kingdom Lake 16.02 26.75 10/13/89 Caddo Lake 16.01 25.50 04/13/92 Fork 16.00 27.50 07/03/89 Fork 15.95 25.50 03/27/91 Fork 15.88 25.50 02/17/90 Merritt (Private) 15.74 26.50 01/14/95 ANGLER Barry StClair Mark Stevenson Stan Moss Jerry New Larry Barnes Troy Coates Earl Crawford Bryan Turner Tommy Shelton Herchel Brickey Stephen Trepkus Flo O'Brain Guy Witherspoon Bill Reed Chris Adams Troy Johnson Jim Harrell Tom Hallum Gasper Cardinale Scott Tongat Bobby Shaver John Stanley Wendall Atkinson Jim Taylor Kenneth Morris 18 OF THE TOP 25 LARGEMOUTH BASS IN TEXAS CAME FROM LAKE FORK MEMBER OF LAKE FORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lakeforkareanews.com 903-885-7223 Page 3 NOW OFFERING On Site Service Is Our Specialty! SS KLE WIC DUCT PRO Call about All-American Detailing •Wash •Wax •Roof Treatments 299 S. Texas St. Emory, Tx. • Open: Monday-Saturday 8:30 to 5:30 www.mcfaddensrv.com 903-474-9448 • 1-866-474-9448 • FAX 903-474-9588 Fish deep for Fork crappie Now Located at Steve’s Custom Props on Hwy 17 Get your Props & Rod & Reels repaired at one convenient location! After hour drop-off at Froggy D’s Take a Soldier Fishing Used & Reconditioned Reels QUALITY SERVICE Ardent Reels & Accessories (made in the USA) Joe Armold Yantis, Texas www.armadillorodandreelrepair.com positioning. We will be fishing around pods of shad hanging on deep ledges.” Says Paker as he hammers down and we head toward the mouth of Little Caney Creek in the lower lake. Like most casual crappie fisherman, the majority of my fishing has been in the spring when the fish are packed into the shallows during the spawn or, when they are stacked up around standing timber or brush during the summer. Fishing deep, open water as we were about to do is far different that dunking jigs or minnows in the shallows. Parker depends heavily on his sonar and GPS to locate ideal bits of structure holding baitfish. “Some winter Tonya Turner www.exitrealtylakefork.com REALTOR ® tturner149@yahoo.com NICE HOME IN MINEOLA Nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Each office is independently owned and operated Mineola. Spacious kitchen. Large family room w/woodburning stove for added Bus: 903-473-0100 warmth on cold winter nights. Circular Cell: 903-474-3625 drive in front of the house offers plenty room for parking. Large fenced yard Fax: 903-473-1549 of w/dog pen & storage building in the 710 E. Quinlan Parkway backyard. Offered at $89,999 Quinlan, TX 75474 EXIT REALTY PINNACLE GROUP LAKE FORK TACKLE - NORMAN - STORM - RAPALA - ARBOGAST - VIPER Best selection of tackle at Lake Fork Diesel & Gas - Fishing License - Deli Junction of Hwy 515 & CR 1970 7933 W FM 515 Yantis, TX 903-383-7121 Owners: John & JoAnne Heimgartner REBEL - YAMAMOTO - ZOOM - BERKLEY - GENE LAWREW - MOBY RODS MUSTAD - GAMAKATSU - EAGLE CLAW - VMC 903-850-7131 rina at Lake Fork, the wind was blowing hard from the northwest. Guide Tony Parker was at the gas pump, fueling his Kenner for our day’s crappie fishing. Darned those weather forecasters! The prediction was 5-10 mph. but I noted the flag was “two blocked”; Old Glory was flying as stiff as a poker, this was going to be a challenging day to fish the deep open water areas in the lower lake where crappie hang out this time of year. “We have a couple miles to run to get to the crappie but I think we can catch them if the wind isn’t too strong for the anchor to hold. This type of fishing requires precise boat OWNER - JOHNSON’S - BOMBER - MANN’S By Luke Clayton As Phil Zimmerman and I pulled into the parking lot at The Minnow Bucket Ma- crappie fishermen simply use their trolling motor and move around until they catch a crappie, then they toss out a marker buoy and fish until the school moves out. This time of year, when the water temperature is at its lowest of the year, shad and crappie related to keep ledges. I use GPS to first locate the ledges, often situated around sharp bends in the submerged creeks, then study my sonar and look for heavy concentrations of baitfish. Once the bait is located, crappie are almost always nearby, usually holding near bottom under the shad.” tips Parker as he shuts the big engine down as buries his head in the graph. Precise boat positioning during periods of heavy winds is always a challenge and, especially so when anchoring on a flat bottom. The day before our trip, Parker and his clients had hammered the crappie on a deep ledge that was out in open water, far from the wind-buffering shoreline. As the ledge began to plot on sonar, a huge, Christmas tree shaped ball of shad plotted a few feet up from bottom and small inverted V’s , crappie, were hanging around the baitfish. A marker buoy when out to mark the hotspot, about the size of an automoContinued on page 4 FOR RENT 1 1/2 Bedroom mobile home Water, sewer & trash paid. Prefer adults, no pets. $475 Per month $400 Deposit 903-763-2248 Klassy Kreations “A Shopping Experience” Antiques, Collectibles, Candles, Jewelry-New & Vintage Furniture, Lots of Gift Items Located At Dogwood Plaza 405 S. Hart, Quitman 903-850-0655 • 903-763-1200 www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 4 Fish deep for Fork crappie Continued from page 3 bile, and Parker moved the boat north of the spot and eased the anchor overboard. The wind was simply too strong for it hold. We were forced to head toward more protected waters closer to shore. “We’ll catch crappie here”, says Parker, as he feeds the anchor rope out and the boat settles precisely over another ledge. Small live minnows or brightly colored jigs are Parker’s favorite baits and in the next hour, we had several nice sized crappie in the ice cooler, all caught very near the bottom. The bite was very subtle, even with the bigger crappie which pushed a couple pounds apiece. It’s hard to ‘feel’ the subtle bites during periods of heavy wind. I watched Parker slowly lift and lower his bait occasionally. “I catch lots of these ‘soft biters’ when I raise the rod tip and suddenly discover they have taken the baits”, says Parker and he cranks another tasty papermouth to the surface. After a couple hours fishing these more sheltered waters, the wind settled a bit and we motored back to the open water hotspot. This time, the anchor held and we found the big school of bait and accompanying crappie were still there, and they were hungry! In the next hour, we proceeded to round out the makings of a big winter crappie fry. Here’s some tips from Parker that will definitely help you catch the makings of your own winter fish fry: Fish near bottom around steep ledges and drop offs , around heavy concentrations of shad. Use small live minnows and jigs and move the baits vertically occasionally. The bite is very subtle and crappie will oftenShad simplyShape suck in the bait and enko or Worm you will never feel the strike. Move when the bite slows. When baitfish and crap- wild pork in the freezer. Wild hogs often become nocturnal after continued hunting pressure. I use a light system knows as the Feedlight (www. ultramaticfeeders.com) to illuminate the area around my corn feeder for night hunting. It’s a good idea to contact the game warden in the area you will be hunting and inform him that you will be hunting hogs. Listen to Outdoors With Luke Clayton at www. catfishradio.com pie move, it’s necessary to locate another school. If wind is light, use the trolling motor rather than the anchor to stay on the fish. Remember that all crappie landed at Fork during the winter months must be kept. Pulling them from deep water causes a high mortality rate. Check fishing regulations for exact dates. Contact Lake Fork crappie guide Tony Parker at 903-348-1619 or email: tawakonifishing@yahoo.com. OUTDOOR TIP OF THE WEEK The dead of winter, after the close of deer season, is prime time for putting some BOAT SAFELY Visit Historic Mineola 903-885-7223 State-Fish Art Contest Aims to Draw Student Interest ATHENS, Texas—Deadline for entering the Texas State-Fish Art Contest is March 31, and students and teachers should take time now to review the contest rules and regulations. Texas students who enter the contest can win prizes of up to $1,000. Entries are judged in three grade-level divisions: 4—6, 7—9 and 10— 12. Thanks to funding from the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, the three first-place winners from Texas receive financial assistance for travel to Minneapo- lis, Minnesota, to compete in the national competition. “It’s important that entries be prepared in the format specified in the rules,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Zoe Ann Stinchcomb, Texas coordinator for the contest. “For example, artwork must be the proper size and have the entry form glued to the back. The complete set of rules is posted on our web site, www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart. Links on that page contain everything you need to know to Continued on page 6 Old Country Store Custom Made East Texas Jams, Jellies and Salsa UNIQUE SPICES 903-569-8059 115 S. Johnson Mineola, Texas Leather Jackets • Fashion Purses Jewelry • Motorcycle Apparel Tuesday -Saturday 10 to 5 119 S. Johnson, Mineola • 903-569-1881 Quitman 4 Hwy 15 Hwy 37 Wal Mart Gary Yamamoto Hwy 69 Mineola 4 op 56 Lo 12 miles from Lake Fork 230 W. FM 564 903-569-1441 8-5 Mon.-Fri. • 9-2 Sat. www.lakeforkareanews.com 903-885-7223 Page 5 Traders Village Storage 903-763-2248 • HWY. 37 S. QUITMAN, TX. FOR RENT 1 1/2 Bedroom mobile home Water, sewer & trash paid. Prefer adults, no pets. $475 Per month $400 Deposit 903-763-2248 NOW AVAILABLE!!! Monthly camper space with extra parking. All utilities paid! Need to clear out the “Old” To bring in the “New” We have a space just right for You. ite t S n O emen ag Man Central Heat & Air in Climate Control Buildings (Additional Insulation Added) WHY PAY MORE Ligh ted & Fenc ed Get 1 Month FREE with 6 Month Paid up 5x10 - $25 10x10 - $34.77 10x18 - $39.99 10x20 - $49.97 12x30 - $95 Deposit - $25 CLIMATE CONTROL 7.5x10 - $95 11x15 - $115 Support Our Troops www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 6 Art Contest Continued from page 4 prepare entries and enter the contest.” Stinchcomb noted that a poster teachers can use to promote the contest to students can be found on the contest page as well. “However, homeschooled students are also eligible to enter the contest,” she said. The State-Fish Art Contest is a program of Wildlife Forever, a multi-species non-profit conservation organization that works to preserve America’s wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and scientific management of fish and wildlife species. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded more than 800 conservation projects in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. Thank you for a great 2008! Stop in and see our new line of baits for 2009 We will be closed in January a few days for vacation. Please call before coming. Tackle & Live Bait Available Hwy. 515 Hwy. 17 Take 17 one mile down south. We are at the entrance to the public boat ramp. Come See Us Alba 903-765-2100 5190 N FM 17 903-885-7223 Froggy D’s Lake Fork Report Fishing Lake Fork with TIM WALKER By guide Tim Walker Well, the winter weather is here, or at least on again off again. Along with the typical Texas weather, bass fishing on Fork this month is basically the same as it was for the month of December. The bass are scattered and feeding on the shad in the creeks and grass beds. There is still a lot of grass in the creeks and some main lake points and humps. Bass holding on the grass can be caught using a variety of methods. Fish a rattletrap type bait over the grass and get the reaction bite. Good baits for this are the Sebile baits in rayburn red and the original rattletrap in crawfish or any thing red or orange. Fish these baits just ticking the top of the grass and pausing it every now and then. Lake Fork swimbaits in the 3.5” are another good option. These baits resemble the shad the bass are feeding on and rigged with a waited 4/O hook and fished in an erratic retrieve will pro- duce some violent strikes. You can also slow roll a spinnerbait over and around these grass hot spots to entice the more lethargic fish to bite. Fish the grass from 3 to 8 feet of water, this seems to be where the bigger fish are holding. For the deep bite from 12 to 25, I recommend using a Carolina rig and the only baits I’ve been using for my rig is the new Lake Fork trophy tackle’s hyper freek and hyper worm. These baits are awesome and really catch the fish. Rig the bait with a one ounce Lake Fork tungsten wait and about a 6 to 7 foot leader. The longer the leader you can handle, the more fish you will hook up with. I use 30lb power-pro braided line for my main line and seguar 20lb invis-x fluorocarbon for my leader. Start fishing at the edges of the grass beds and keep working deeper to find the depth the fish are holding. When you find them, fish them slow. If you think you are fish- ing too slow, slow down. Give these fish some time to check the diner out. I’ve been sticking with green pumpkin and watermelon red dipping the whole paddle with spike-it chartreuse Just keep in mind that these fish have been hammered all year long and they have seen it all. Give them some time to check things out. Those big fish didn’t get big by being stupid. These two techniques have been working pretty good for me this month and last. Get you a plan and stick to it. Make up your mind and realize the numbers won’t be there but the next bite you get just might be that fish of a lifetime. The water temp. is holding pretty steady at 48 to 50 degrees, so be careful and wear your life vests. No fish, no matter how big or how much money is offered for him is worth the price of your life. I am booking trips for the spring of 2009, give me a call at 817-999-7876 or call Call shirley today to place your ad in the Lake Fork Area News 903-885-7223 Froggy D’s bait and tackle at 903-765-2100 or Fisherman’s Cove Marina at 903-765-2943. and ask for Tim Walker’s Guide Service. We offer trips for the beginning angler or seasoned angler. Also group and corporate trips. You will get treated professionally and will have a great time. Making memories with family and friends is what it is all about.. Complete rebuilt G.M. transmission. 40 yrs experience. Written warranty by a semi retired rebuilder in the Lake Fork area. I do not take short cuts on parts. No patch jobs or cheap work here. If you want quality workmanship in a unit that will last with a savings of 50% or more compared to most larger shop prices. Call for a FREE Phone estimate. Over the counter sales only. Pickup & delivery arranged. Written Warranty 903-372-1279 www.lakeforkareanews.com 903-885-7223 Choke Canyon gives up seventh ShareLunker 15.45-pound bass is also new lake record ATHENS, Texas—Brad Bookmyer of Leander had his fishing trip cut short January 21, but he was happy about it. After hooking two fish so big he could not turn them and keep them from getting off the hook, he landed a 15.45-pound large- 1991. Bookmyer was fishing in 10 feet of 53-degree water when the fish took a crankbait. “I immediately quit fishing to get the fish into the minnow tank at the Calliham Store as soon as possible,” Bookmyer said. The fish is the third to be entered into the ShareLunker program during the current season, which runs through April 30. Anyone legally catching a largemouth bass in Texas waters, public or private, weighing 13 pounds or more can enter the fish into the program by calling program manager David Campbell at (903) 681-0550 or by paging him at (888) 784-0600 and leavBrad Bookmyer of Leander, Texas, caught this new lake re- ing an area code and phone cord bass from Choke Canyon Reservoir on January 21. The number. fish was 22 inches in girth and 26.25 inches long. mouth bass that was 22 inches in girth and 26.25 inches long. The fish is the seventh ShareLunker to come from Choke Canyon and weighs nearly a pound more than the previous lake record, a 14.66-pounder caught in Photo By TPWD Photo © 2009, Jacob Dement Page 7 Applicants Sought for Game Warden Academy AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking qualified applicants for a game warden cadet class scheduled to start Nov. 1. Applications will be accepted beginning Feb. 2 through April 30. More than 400 people applied for the 55 positions in the current cadet class that will graduate in June. Applicants must be 21 years old on or before Nov. 1 and have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree requirement must be met prior to Sep.1. To be accepted, applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and successfully complete a regional interview, a physical readiness test, and an extensive background investigation. Applicants must successfully complete each step before advancing to the next step. After graduation, the new game wardens will be assigned to vacant stations throughout Texas with the responsibility of protecting the state’s natural resources. Game wardens also protect lives by enforcing the Water Safety Act and conducting standard peace officer duties. More information on game warden cadet requirements may be obtained on the Law Enforcement Career Opportunities page on the TPWD Web site or at TPWD Law Enforcement offices. For additional information, contact Texas Game Warden Recruiter Royce Wells via e-mail at Royce.wells@tpwd.state. tx.us or toll-free by phone at (877) 229-2733. www.lakeforkareanews.com MOTEL, RESTAURANT, PRIVATE CLUB • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Lake Fork Fisherman’s Cove Marina Resort “The Only Waterfront Resort on Lake Fork That Has a Restaurant And Club!” We Have It All... KARAOKE Fri. & Sat. NIGHTS Restaurant •Sports Bar •Motel •Boat Storage •RV Park •Boat Launch •Guide Service •WiFi internet •Dish Satellite TV •Game Room •Tackle •Boat Slips •Convenience Store Jim Frazier 9.5 pounds Winner of the Peoples Choice Award for Best Food at the Taste of East Texas. Certified Black Angus Steaks PRIVATE CLUB (FREE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE) DAILY SPECIALS FROM 4:00 to 7:00 Restaurant featuring seafood Lobster, Crab Legs, Calamari, Craw Fish Tales... www.fishermanscovelakefork.com email: fishcove@lcii.net 2712 N. FM 17• Alba,Texas 75410 903-765-2943 • 888-818-3675 3 miles S. of FM 515 on FM 17 or 2 miles N. of Alba on FM 17 Page 8 www.lakeforkareanews.com LAKE FORK LAND $106 Month Buys Land Waterfronts Lakeviews R.V. • MOBILE HOME • CABIN Owner Financed Gated Entry Central Water • Sewer Waterfront Wooded Propety HOLIDAY VILLAGES • Hwy 154 CLOSED TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY 903-878-7263 903-885-7223 TPWD to host Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop for Landowners TENNESSEE COLONY, Texas-Landowners interested in developing a wildlife management program for their property can learn how on Saturday, March 7th, at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. The full-day seminar will help landowners develop wildlife management plans that meet the requirements of the Wildlife Management Open-Spaces Tax Valuation. Landowners who currently have a 1-d-1 Agricultural Valuation and are actively managing their property to promote habitat for wildlife have the option of converting their agricultural use valuation to a wildlife management tax valuation. “This conversion allows landowners to maintain their tax valuation without being forced to conduct agricultural operations at a level that can be detrimental to wildlife,” stated TPWD wildlife biologist Wes Littrell. “It allows them to focus their efforts on practices which increase the diversity of plants and animals on the property.” Properties that are valued under a Forestry Valuation or are not valued under a 1-d-1 Agricultural valuation are not eligible for a Wildlife Management Valuation. Presentations by Appraisal District, TPWD and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff will help landowners better understand some commonly recommended management practices and create a workable management plan for their property. This is especially important for those landowners interested in a wildlife tax valuation, since a wildlife management plan is a requirement. The program will be held at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area’s Wildlife Conservation Center. The building is located on the main road through the area, approximately 1/2 mile north of the entrance on US Hwy 287 between Corsicana and Palestine. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the program will conclude at 4:00 p.m. The program includes a tour of TPWD’s small acreage management demonstration site to discuss on-the-ground management. The program is sponsored by the Anderson-Houston Soil & Water Conservation District, Henderson County Wildlife Committee, Texas Agrilife Extension, NRCS and TPWD. Continued on page 9 BURNIN STUMP LODGE LAKE FORK Located on FM 515, 6 miles east of Emory 395 CR 1516 Alba, TX 75410 Office (903) 473 4353 Home (903) 473-3638 Cell (903) 569-4169 E-mail ralphgore@verizon.net www.burninstump.com Ralph & Jean Gore www.lakeforkareanews.com 903-885-7223 Page 9 903-439-0010 • Farm Tires • Full Service Oil & Lube • Experienced Staff • Tire Repair and Tax workshop Continued from page 8 Due to limited space, attendees should reserve their place in advance by sending a letter with their name, contact information, property county, and $12.00 per person to the Anderson-Houston SWCD, 303 Lacy St. Suite 100, Palestine, TX 75801-2926 by March 4th. A barbeque lunch will be provided. Interested parties should contact Jennifer Ganter at (903) 928-2251 for additional information. ALL MAJOR BRANDS OF TIRES & OIL Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5:30 Sat. 8 to 12 2 Miles South of I-30 on Hwy. 19 Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center offers bird and nature walks ATHENS, Texas—The first in a series of monthly bird and nature walks at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center will take place at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14. Leading the walks will be Jim Booker, events coordinator at TFFC. Booker has been watching and banding birds since the age of 13. While growing up in California, he supervised banding operations at the Big Sur Ornithology Lab for five years, led numerous international trips and started up the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society, where he served as charter president for three years. He has lived in South Korea and Ecuador, where he was very involved with the local ornithological communities. Booker was a park interpreter at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park before coming to Athens. “Walks will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the second Saturday of every month,” Booker said. “These outings are D TIREANLUBE Y'allGood Come Back Cafe Home Cooking Jim Booker, events coordinator at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, will lead bird and nature walks beginning at 9:00 a.m. the second Saturday of each month. The first walk will take place February 14, 2009. TFFC has a variety of habitat types that attract many species of birds. TPWD Photo © 2009, Larry D. Hodge Daily Breakfast and Lunch Specials Special Evening Menu perfect for both beginning and advanced birdwatchers. We will explore our interpretive wetland trail as well as other areas of the hatchery grounds. Birdlife changes with the seasons, and we should see around 25 different species on each outing.” Binoculars and a field guide are recommended but not required. Wear comfortable walking shoes and meet at the TFFC admission booth. “In addition to seeing birds, we will learn about separating some of the more difficult species in the field, birding by ear and selecting the right equipment,” Booker said. Walks are free with paid admission to TFFC: $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and $3.50 for children ages four through 12. For more information call Jim Booker at (903) 670-2266. Specializing in Flame Broiled Meats Always served with homemade rolls and cornbread and the best sweet tea in the county! Always plenty of homemade fried pies, meringue pies and cakes SPECIALS Thursday night: Country Fried Chicken Saturday night: Flame Broiled Ribeye Located in Emory on Hwy 69 North 903-473-2224 Hours: Sunday thru Tuesday-6:00 AM-2:30PM Wednesday thru Saturday-6:00AM-9:00PM Gifts • Antiques • Collectibles Coming Soon! New Jewelry Candles by Yankee and Circle E Cards By Blue Mountain & LeaninTree Cards 903-474-9150 Mon -Fri 10:00-5:00 Sat10:00-4:00 410 E. Lennon Emory • Hwy. 69 South $1.50 www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 10 Micheal’s Marine Boat-Motor Repair Service NOW INSTALLING & REPAIRING BOAT LIFTS SERVING 903-885-7223 McK enzie Lake Works “Adding Beauty and Value to Your Property” All Aluminum Floating & Stationary Boat Docks LAKE FORK-LAKE TAWAKONI And Surrounding Areas Fisherman, why haul your boat to the shop for repairs? If your boat malfunctions and you don’t have time to get it repaired, call us. WE MAKE HOUSE CALLS! We come to you. NO HASSLE, NO WORRY. Most repairs can be made at your location. Steel/Wood Docks, Piers, Decks SERVICES WE OFFER • We come to the boat and repair it on site if possible. • We are a complete repair service from motor repair to boat and trailer repair. • We offer 48 hour repair in most cases. • If your boat is in storage, we offer a call ahead service to make sure your boat is in working condition when you get there. • We have a consignment service to help you sell your boat or to find you one to buy. • We buy and sell good used boats. Lifts, Fences, Steel/Metal Buildings, Marinas, Barns Is your boat broke? Don’t leave it tied to the dock! CALL MICHEAL’S MARINE REPAIR (903) 383-3406 Remodel and New Construction Retaining Walls MC/VISA ACCEPTED Ph.#1 903-356-2300 Ph.#2 903-269-6173 E-MAIL--microg@texascellnet.com www.lake-fork-guides.com E-Mail RMAC2131@AOL.COM 903-885-7223 www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 11 FACTORY EXPO PARK HOMES Factory Expo Direct is changing the way people buy Park Homes. Deal directly with our Athens Factory Store; eliminate the middleman to get more value for your dollar. Buy a locally manufactured Park Home to eliminate more than 1000 miles in hidden freight costs. • Lake Cabins or Cottages • Retirement Homes • Weekend Retreats • Bunk Houses • Hunting Lodges • Homes for all ages Benefits of buying direct from Factory Expo: • Factory Direct Discounts • View your home during construction • Inspect your home before delivery • Custom order the Park Home of your dreams • Over 75 floor plans from which to select • 150 options and upgrades • First rate design • Engineered quality and value • Nationally recognized local manufacturer • Professional Sales staff Financing available upon approval. Call 800-965-9693 today to schedule your appointment to view our display homes and tour the Factory. Ask about Travel Reimbursement Program. Sales Office Open M-F 9:00am to 6:00pm Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm 3401 W. Corsicana Hwy, Athens, TX 75751 www.txfactorydirect.com www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 12 ~Since 1984~ SARTIN MARINE 2009 Boats in Stock 903-885-7223 Wetland project benefits not only the wildlife By Luke Clayton The sun was just beginning to break over the eastern horizon, a welcome sight to Jacob Sands and myself as we huddled low in the marsh grass, waiting for legal shooting light. The temperature was in the low twenties and a brisk northwest wind made it seem colder. Whistling wings could be heard overhead as teal, pintail, mallards and an assortment of diving ducks stirred from their night’s rest on the water. Across the wetland, the sound FINANCING AVAILABLE of a big flock of geese, a mixture of snows, white front and Canada’s could be heard as the big birds stirred and took flight from their night’s roost and headed to a distant field to feed. The day was coming to life and legal shooting time was seconds away. Sands and I were hunting the newly constructed 1,840 acre East Fork Wetland Project, situated just on the south side of Highway 175, a few miles southeast of downtown Dallas in Kaufman County. The project, a partnership between the Caroline Rose Hunt family’s Rosewood Corporation and the North Texas Municipal Water District, has already become home to countless migrating waterfowl but the project serves double duty as a natural water cleansing system. Water is diverted from the East Fork of the Trinity River, flooded onto the wetland, filtered naturally Continued on page 14 RESTAURANT & CLUB 2009 21XRD 300 XS Mercury Why Buy Used when you can SAVE more on new boats! AUTHORIZED SALES SERVICE & PARTS • Three Certified Technicians On Staff FM 514 HWY 154 www.sartinmarine.com 290 FM 1567 West • 8 Miles South of Sulphur Springs off Hwy 154 Hwy. 154 & 515 Yantis, Tx N I-30 Sulphur Springs FM 1567 FM 515 OPEN: TUES. - SAT. Quitman S 903-383-7726 IN RT INE SA AR M Jacob Sands and his loyal retriever “Gus” show off the first duck taken on the morning hunt. Photo by Luke Clayton East Fork Restaurant & club Home of Lockhart Lures 903-383-7663 www.lockhartlures.com www.eastforkrestaurantandclub.com Specializing in Hand Cut Steaks, Custom Made Bass Baits and Fine Mexican Food For all the folks coming for the Lake Fork experience a stop at East Fork is a must. Greeted with a smile you will be seated for some great eats. Make sure you stop in at Lockhart Lures for your bass fishing needs. We carry lots of baits, or while you eat have a custom bait built to your specs. So, before you leave stop and check us out. KA Full Service Menu R D FR AOK N A Lunch Buffet $5.95 NIGHIDAY E E B RY V I Y E L V DA TS E R (includes Coffee or Tea) TU A S Nightly Dinner Specials Club 903-383-7007 • Restaurant 903-383-7008 Tobacco Shop 903-383-7331 Hwy. 154 & 515 Yantis, Tx. HARD BODIES 24 HOUR GYM 903-335-1109 Yantis, Tx Gift Certificates Available! Come Join the Fun! •Personal Training •Weights •Cardio •Tanning al eci s p S ate R HARD BODIES GYM 903-885-7223 www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 13 www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 14 903-885-7223 Wetland project Continued from page 12 and pumped over 40 miles upstream into Lake Lavon. Jacob once hunted this same bottomland with his late father, Bunker Sands, who was well known for his work in wildlife conservation. Not far from the spot Jacob and I were laying wait for the first flight of ducks of the morning, the new John Bunker Sands Wetland Center will soon be constructed, giving the public and, especially youngsters, a wonderful place to visit and learn about the challenges and importance of water conservation and habitat conservation. I’ve had a keen interest in this project from its conception. Living about 2 miles away, as the duck flies, I’ve had the opportunity to watch the project for the past couple years. Native plants that serve as food for waterfowl were planted in a 20 acre ‘nursery’ and, from this beginning; an additional, larger 200 acre nursery was planted with plants such as Duck Potato Arrowhead, American Wild Celery, Spikerush and several other plants that are already providing cover and food for waterfowl. From these beginnings, a large scale planting of the entire wetlands is underway. I’ve hunted ducks on a private lease a couple miles from the project and have personally witnessed an increased number of migrating ducks this win- ter. From a hunting standpoint, the project is already a huge success but its scope is much, much larger than just hunting. In upcoming years, I can readily see how important it will be for urban folks to have a spot to visit and observe and learn about waterfowl and conserving our natural world. I enjoyed the early morning shooting in what was probably the most prefect waterfowl habitat that I’ve had the privilege of hunting. Species such as pintail and teal, which have usually moved out of north Texas by late season for the warmer climes along the coast, had obviously ended their southern migration when they discovered the dense cover provided by acres of bull rushes and other plants, plenty of shallow water and abundant seeds provided by the plants. As Jacob and I drove through the wetland, stopping often for me to photograph the various species of ducks, we spotted a little island packed with birds. At first, observing them through binoculars from a quarter mile away, we thought they were Whistling Ducks but on closer observation, found them to be “Cackler” Geese, a diminutive species of goose with the markings of a Canada goose, not much larger than a mallard drake. Occasionally, Governmental agencies and private par- PROPELLER REPAIR OUTBOARD MOTOR REPAIR SKEG & CAVITATION PLATE REPAIR INBOARD REPAIR BOAT TRAILER REPAIR ALL MAKES & MODELS LONE STAR MARINE 3627 HWY. 154 LAKE FORK, TX 75497 903-383-7190 BOAT DETAILING • FIBERGLASS REPAIR OUTBOARD ENGINE BORING & SLEEVING WORK DONE ON PREMISES ties have the opportunity to join forces and create something great that perpetuates itself through the years and adds much to the quality of the lives of many. The center will also serve as a biological research field station for college students to conduct wetland studies. In the case of the East Fork Wetland Project and, soon to be John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, the combined forces of the Rosewood Corporation and North Texas Municipal Water District has, hopefully, become a model for similar projects. I can’t wait until this time next year when the Wetland Center opens and school children from all over begin scheduling field trips here to learn to differentiate the species of waterfowl that live year around or, spend part of their migration route at the wetland . I can already envision a new generation of hunters and conservationists learning from first hand observation. To learn more about the Continued on page 15 “Your Lake Fork Connection” Lake Country at Lake Fork Vikki Moore 903-850-9318 vikki.moore@century21.com Mark Moore 903-850-9307 mark.moore@century21.com www.c21lakecountryrealty.com We can connect you to any property for sale on Lake Fork 9983891- AFFORDABLE HOME in Lake Fork Area. 2 bedrm 1 bath with a 400 sq ft addition that could be 3rd bedrm. 1.6 ac lot, trees, tall ceilings, well. Property needs some TLC, owner ready to sell. $57,000 9979372- LAKE FORK AREA home in subdivision with boat ramp to Lake Fork. 3-2-2 with additional 2 car detached garage/workshop. Beautiful tile, open flr plan, split master, sunrm, FP fenced yard. $204,000 9954350- BEAUTIFUL TREED ACREAGE. 20 acres of mature trees, mostly hardwood. Good building sites with utilities at road. Approx 1 minute from public boat ramp to Lake Fork. Bring your home plans. $94,500 www.lakeforkareanews.com 903-885-7223 Wetland project Continued from page 14 East Fork Wetlands Project, go online to www.wetlandcenter. com OUTDOOR TIP OF THE WEEK- Now is prime time for maintenance of hunting and fishing gear. Reels should be cleaned and oiled in preparation for spring fishing. Remember to thoroughly clean the bore of your deer rifle before storing it in the gun rack until next deer season. Shotguns should also be field stripped and cleaned and parts covered with a light covering of oil. O rings on gas operating autoloaders should be inspected closely and replaced if brittle or badly worn. Listen to Outdoors With Luke Clayton at www.catfishradio.com Page 15 TPW Commissioner Parker leaves conservation legacy AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner John D. Parker died Monday afternoon in his Lufkin home, leaving a legacy of passionate advocacy for the wildlife, woods and waters he loved. The cause of Parker’s death has not been determined. He was 73. Gov. Rick Perry appointed Parker to the commission in November 2003. The former homebuilder and past director of the National Association of Builders was also a past national trustee and past state chairman of Ducks Unlimited, among many other affiliations. “John Parker was well known for his passion, eloquence, and the courage of his convictions, and he was tire- less and determined in anything he undertook,” said Peter Holt of San Antonio, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission chairman. “His passing is a great loss to those of us who knew him as friends, and to the cause of conservation in our state and nation.” “It was abundantly clear to anyone who knew him that Commissioner Parker deeply loved wildlife and the outdoors, and he especially wanted young people to enjoy the natural heritage and proud traditions of hunting and fishing he valued so highly,” said Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director. “His passion for conservation was legendary. Needless to say, he will be missed greatly by all of us who care about the future of his beloved woods and waters.” Parker was a champion of youth outreach programs, and he consistently pushed efforts to expand youth hunting opportunities and provide settings and incentives for young Texans to experience nature and the outdoors. Parker loved fishing as well and supported a successful campaign to bring a new freshwater fish hatchery to East Texas, a facility now under construction near Jasper. He was also a stalwart advocate for state parks and spoke passionately of the need for increased state funding for parks in 2006 at a time when awareness of park system needs was just beginning to build. “In 1933, Texans struggling during the Great Depression found hope in a vision of parks that could enhance their quality of life and provide jobs and economic vitality,” Parker reminded readers in a February 2007 opinion-editorial published in the Lufkin Daily News. “There is reason to hope that our state is poised to again make a wise investment, which will benefit all Texans for many years to come.” Through the efforts of Parker and many others, including fellow members of the commission, the governor and legislative leaders, the legislature passed a significant increase in funding for state and local parks later that year. www.lakeforkareanews.com Place your ad today 903-885-7223 Brian Harris from Yantis, and his cousin Tim Jarrett from Hughson, Carolina with some ducks shot with catfish guide Stan Kuhn. BENT TREE MOTEL 903-473-0061 381 LENNON DRIVE HIGHWAY 69 NORTH EMORY, TX. 75440 CLEAN SPACIOUS ROOMS FISHERMEN ALWAYS WELCOME Emory Self Storage GATED ENTRY 10x10 Climate Control 10x10 & 10x20 Ins.Top Also Available: 5x8 • 8x15 • 10x12 Highway 69 South 410 E. Lennon, Emory Tx. 903-474-9150 903-348-5459 www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 16 903-885-7223 Winter redfishing in fresh water Luke Clayton A mature redfish is built like a torpedo with a boat paddle tail. A brute of a fish, a mature or ‘Bull Red’ as the big females are called, is one of the hardest fighting fish in salt water and beyond question, the hardest fighting of all fish in freshwater. Granted, redfish (red drum) are not native to freshwater lakes but several years ago, Texas Parks and Wildlife began an aggressive stocking program on a few power plant freshwater reservoirs in Texas. The top two largest freshwater redfish in the state came from Fairfield and, after fishing the lake yesterday with guide Cory Vinson and my friend outdoors writer Bob Hood, I can testify that the big fish are on a good bite. Vinson headquarters his ‘Guaranteed Guide Service’ at Richland Chambers, targeting the trophy hybrid stripers, catfish and white bass there during the warm water months but when the weather gets cold, and the power plant at Fairfield begin heating the water to temperatures up to around 80 degrees near the hot water discharge, he takes his clients on what is very often the fishing trip of their lifetime to do battle with these hard fighting redfish. Live perch or smaller tilapia caught with a cast net are top baits for catching redfish at Fairfield but Vinson says Rat L Traps and soft plastics also account for good numbers of these hard fighting fish. On yesterday’s trip, we were using small live perch for bait, using balloons to drift the baitfish away from the boat. As we watched the wind push four baited lines away from out boat, I glanced at the thermometer on the ON MUSTANG COVE LAKE FORK, TX A Fresh New Place to Stay on Lake Fork All cabins beautifully nestled along the waterfront 1 bedroom cabin sleeps 2 2 Bedroom cabin sleeps 4 to 5 Bunkhouse sleeps up to 10 boat’s console and checked the water temperature; 70 degrees and we were a good half mile from the mouth of the hot water discharge channel. “There are some submerged humps in this section of the lake. There will be tons of smaller reds in the 80 degree water closer to the hot water canal but the bigger reds like to hang out around the edges of these humps. Most of the strikes come as the bait drifts over the submerged ledges. Steam was hanging heavy on the water and at a distance at not much over 30 yards, it was necessary to look hard to see the brightly colored balloons. Reels were put in freespool, the drags set lightly and clickers were engaged. “When a big red takes a bait”, said Vinson, it will hit it like a freight train. These fish don’t fool around. Just grab the rod from the holder, engage the reel and hang on, that’s all you will be able to do. Reds make long, powerful runs and it usually takes ten minutes or more for the rod and reel’s drag to tire the fish.” Vinson’s roomy Falcon guide boat drifted silently through the heavy fog. The setting was much like an old English horror film; you know one depicting a foggy night in Lon- Charles Newton from Richardson, and Guy Tucker from Plano, with some of the fish we caught on Jan. 2, with guide Stan Kuhn. If you have been waiting for the right time to sell your home...it's here!! Give me a call I'd love to answer any questions you have about todays's market, or give you Linda Burns an estimate on the value of your 903-316-4231 home. don where the mist is so thick it seems one could cut it with a knife. The balloons trailed along, bobbing and weaving by the movement of the boat and wind. The hapless baitfish, suspended a few feet under the balloons, darted about nervously below the surface. The setting was somewhat surreal, our talk of catching big ones and fishing trips past had died down and we were all watching the balloons, somewhat in a trance created by the enveloping fog and tranquil sound of water slapping the side of the boat. Then it happened. The reel closes to me began screaming and instinctively, I jerked it from its holder, cranked the handle and was re-introduced to the sheer power of a big redfish. As I watched the fish make its first long run, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hood engaged in mortal combat with another big red. “These reds run in schools and multiple hook ups is common. We seldom hook just one fish from a school.” Says Vinson as he grabbed the net and stood by, ready to bring the big fish in the boat. It had been a long time since I had fought a fish with the strength of this Continued on page 17 Lake Country at Lake Fork 5200 FM 515 REDUCED All with full kitchens or kitchenettes & 200 Channel Satellite TV. 100 foot fishing pier with boat tie-ups & electrical hook-ups & Private boat ramp 3434 N. FM 17 2 Miles S. of 515 on FM 17 Email: stay@bigmouthlodge.com Website: www.bigmouthlodge.com 903-765-4422 • 877-260-4422 Ready for Move In...this one has everything you are looking for to escape to the country. Beautiful home with large kitchen, open floor plan and great bedrooms, formal dining and the liv room have built ins. Large back porch for enjoying the 4+ acres. Land is pasture and wooded completely fenced. Only about 10 miles from Lake Fork fishing and even closer to Emory. This home is well cared for and shows very well. Priced to sell, call and schedule a showing today. MLS #9978554 $179,500. Seller Motivated Call Linda Burns Very nice land, ready for your home or animals. This is a great location for a subdivision. Frontage on CR 1900 and FM 515 add to the versatility of this piece of land. There are 17.66 acres of leaseback to Little Lake Fork Creek, along with 45.281 acres surveyed, giving you a total of 62.94 acres. There is a pond and great building sites with rolling countryside. #9984384 $214,900. Minutes from Lake Fork Boat Ramp....Put this on your list!!! Call Linda Burns www.lakeforkareanews.com 903-885-7223 Page 17 Winter redfishing Continued from page 16 one and I was enjoying every second of the battle. The redfish would make a long run,stop and I would crank fast, regaining a few yards of line, then he would run again. After about ten minutes but what seemed like thirty, the fish came boatside and bore down to bottom. I kept as much tension on the rod as I dared but he simply would not budge. After one last, shorter run, my redfish finally passed close enough to the boat’s gun- wale for Vinson to scoop it up with the big landing net. “That’s a good one, probably 18 pound or so, says Vinson as he heaves it into the boat. A redfish, with its hues of blue, red and gold, is a strikingly beautiful creature. This one had a total of four spots on and near its tail. My battle was fought but Hood’s was still raging. The runs made by my buddies fish was longer and, after ten minutes or so, his fish was still full of fight and showed no indication of coming to the net. Then it hap- Guide Cory Vinson shows off a hard fighting redfish landed on the recent trip to Lake Fairfield. Photo by Luke Clayton Lake Country at Lake Fork pened the line suddenly went slack; the fish had broken off, probably cut the leader with its sharp teeth. “Man, I would have liked to put my hands on that fish but the fight was worth the trip, those things can really pull.” Says a smiling Hood as he reeled in his line to re-rig if for the next fish. Vinson and his clients catch a lot of big redfish and he was positive the fish that had just broke off was about as big as they get. During the course of the morning, we enjoyed several more line sizzling runs, sipped coffee and talked about an upcoming goose hunt on the winter wheat fields in the area. Then, we motored close to the mouth of the hot water discharge channel and with a few throws of the cast net, Vinson netted several good eating tilapia. They would go well with our meal of blackened redfish later that evening back at one of the guides rental cabins at Richland Chambers. Vinson says the trophy redfish season usually lasts through mid March and a bit longer during years with late winter cold fronts. Guide Cory Vinson can be contacted at 469-867-4299 or online at www.nofishnocharge. winter baits. Most fish are coming from within a couple of feet of bottom, below the schools of baitfish. Listen to Outdoors With Luke Clayton at www.catfishradio.com Place your ad today 903-885-7223 Charles Davis from Yantis, and Brian Harris and son Kevin with a pair of mallards shot with catfish guide Stan Kuhn. A.J.’S FISH HOUSE 5375 N. Hwy. 17 903-473-4198 903-243-4702 cell 903-474-2031 office 903-474-1301 fax 5200 FM 515 com . OUTDOOR TIP OF THE WEEK- Crappie fishing has been good on many lakes and my guide buddies tell me the fish are not necessarily relating to submerge brush and structure, as they do during the warm water months. Look for heavy concentrations of shad on your sonar, usually in the deepest water of the reservoir you are fishing. Small live minnows or jigs rigged in tandem are top Call Today To Schedule Your Special Event! ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET Linda Brazil Southern Fried Catfish “With All The Fixin’s” Fried Shrimp • Boiled Shrimp Chicken Tenders • Hush Puppies & Fries Dessert Included • Menu Items Available Catering Available OPEN: Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 4:00 to 9:00 PM Custom home in gated Royal Oaks Subdivision Extra large treed lot and boat ramp just down the street. Large den with antique fireplace, study, island kitchen, split bedrooms. 3 car garage with enought space for boat storage. Move in ready. $309,900 CALL LINDA BRAZIL 903-243-4702 LAKE FORK WATERFRONT Three waterfront lots with 40ft park model, covered deck, fishing pier, 2 storage buildings. Washer, dryer and all furniture stays. Gated community with boat ramp, pool. Bring your boat and move in. Great weekend getaway. $63,000 CALL LINDA BRAZIL 903-243-4702 40 acres, fenced, pond $149,900 close to Lake • 15 wooded acres, $40,000 close to Lake Sunday 11:00 to 2:00 • B.Y.O.B. • NO WAIT • SEATING FOR 400 • PLENTY OF PARKING • PRIVATE BANQUET ROOM • SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 18 903-885-7223 TPW Commission approves proposed changes in size, bag limits on some lakes AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s Regulations Committee Wednesday approved the publication in the Texas Register of a number of proposed changes to freshwater fishing regulations. The proposals will be presented for public comment at a series of public hearings around the state this spring, and a final decision will be made by the Commission at its March 25-26 public meeting. Details about the possible regulation changes can be found below, and TPWD invites the public to weigh in on these possible proposals by clicking the public comments section on the TPWD home page. Blue Catfish — Lake Lewisville (Denton County), Lake Richland Chambers (Navarro and Freestone Counties), and Lake Waco (McLennan County) Harvest regulations for blue catfish on these reservoirs currently consist of the statewide limits (12-inch minimum length limit and 25 fish daily bag limit). Proposed changes would consist of a 25 fish daily bag limit with a 30 to 45-inch slot length limit, and harvest of only one blue catfish over 45 inches would be allowed. No harvest of blue catfish between 30 and 45 inches would be allowed. Largemouth Bass — Lake Ray Roberts (Cooke, Denton, and Grayson Counties) Harvest regulations for largemouth bass are currently a 14- to 24-inch slot length limit and a five fish daily bag (only one bass 24 inches or greater may be retained each day). Proposed changes would make Lake Ray Roberts consistent with the statewide limits for largemouth bass (14-inch minimum length limit and five fish daily bag limit). Alligator Gar — Statewide Change harvest regulations for alligator gar from no length or daily bag limits to a one fish per day bag limit. Daily bag limit would apply to both recreational and commercial fishing. Lake Texoma — Cooke and Grayson Counties Alligator gar — Change daily bag limit from no limit to one alligator gar per day. Also institute a harvest closure in May to protect spawning adults in a portion of the lake that is within the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and a portion of the lake upstream of the U.S. Highway 377 bridge to the Interstate Highway 35 bridge. Blue and channel catfish — Change harvest regulations for blue channel catfish from a 15 per day bag limit to a 15 per day bag limit of which only one blue catfish 30 inches or greater may be harvested per day. Texas the State of Flowing Water Video Documentary To Air Feb. 12 AUSTIN, Texas — The one-hour video documentary Texas the State of Flowing Water will air at 8 p.m. central time, Thursday, Feb. 12 on all Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations in Texas. It is the fourth in an award-winning series of water resource documentaries produced by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and broadcast in partnership with PBS stations. Texas the State of Flowing Water examines water resource threats facing Texas and looks at what people can do to protect the state’s most precious natural resource. The documentary features images of rivers, springs, bays and estuaries, plus interviews with a wide array of experts, stakehold- CLOSED FEBRUARY 13-15 ers and policy makers. The documentary is made possible in part by a grant from the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program, which funds nearly $18 million in Texas conservation efforts each year from boater and angler purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels. It is part of a multi-year TPWD communication initiative called “Texas: The State Of Water,” supported this year with additional sponsor funding from the San Antonio River Authority, Brazos River Authority, the Texas Water Foundation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. The program explores human use of rivers and water resources in several ways, including the trend GOOD SELECTION of off-channel storage reservoirs to meet future water demands. Impacts to the natural flow of rivers will be examined, including a profile of the Fastrill Reservoir project, which is proposed for the same area where a new national wildlife refuge is being created on the Neches River. It will look at recent legislation designed to determine the amounts of fresh water that should reach the coast to maintain healthy bays. Climate change is a new topic explored in this latest TPWD documentary, which looks at how changing conditions could alter the ecology of Texas. It will also examine the importance of keeping Texas rivers flowing into CARTS TO GO Used - Refurbished - Custom Golf Carts 214-673-1313 (cell) 903-878-2742 Friday-Sunday Lake Fork One mile south of Hwy 154 bridge (across from Trophy Lodge) ** call anytime ** coastal estuaries and bays. It will look at how increasing municipal demand has elevated the importance of water conservation measures. It explores the link between creek beds and aquifer recharge. It shows how more Texans are gaining an appreciation of our rivers and bays through the ever increasing number of designated paddling trails. The documentary includes a brief look at the trend of green building and how simple steps people can take can collectively do a lot to diminish future water shortages. The one-hour TV program is part of a broader TPWD public information initiative begun with a special water resource issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine in July 2002. The initiative also includes radio, Internet and other components. Lake Fork Resort 5004 N. FM 17 Alba, Texas 75410 800-230-4367 • 903-765-2987 lakeforkresort.com Email: reservations@lakeforkresort.com 27 ROOM MOTEL • RV PARK Motel & Park Have Access to Swimming Pool & FREE High Speed Wireless Internet ANNUAL SITES AVAILABLE GAS • CONVIENCE STORE • BOAT RAMP • BOAT SLIPS • GUIDE SERVICE • RESTAURANT • PLAYGROUND AREA • TACKLE • FISHING LICENSE www.lakeforkareanews.com N A T N ’S LA K E H U FO K Page 19 R K S 903-885-7223 CATFISH REPORT Bob Turman and his dog Texie of Yantis, with a limit of cavasbacks shot with catfish guide Stan Kuhn. Commercial Printing Division Echo Publishing Company, Inc. Quality Printing at a Low Price. Typesetting, Layout & Other Services Available 903/885-0861 FAX: 903/885-8768 401 Church St. News-Telegram Building. Sulphur Springs BAIRD CONSTRUCTION Custom Homes Steel Buildings Commercial or Residential February is here and it is time to start fishing. Hunting season is over, no more football, and hopefully the cold weather is behind us and the water will start to warm up. I didn’t get to catfish much in January, as no one wanted to go out. I did have a trip January 2, and they wanted to try and catch a few crappie. Charles Newton of Richardson is an avid crappie fisherman. His fishing buddie Guy Tucker of Plano wanted to catfish. We spent most of the morning trying to catch some crappie but just couldn’t get on them. At 11 a.m. we had enough and changed over to catch some whisker fish. I had been baiting out some holes with corn, creep, and range cubes for three straight days to try and get the fish in the area. Most of the good fishing time was over, but from 11 to 3 we did manage to catch eight nice catfish for the dinner table. Danny King’s punchbait caught all of our catfish that morning. As February starts to warm up I will be going out more and doing a lot more catfishing. I know the catfish are feeding under where the water turkeys are standing in trees. This type fishing, we call “flopping”, is very fun to do. I like to use cut bream heads for bait. We tie circle hooks on our bass rod & reels as you need a stiffer rod for this type of catfishing. Make your cast as close to the tree as you can and 90% of the time your bite will come within the first two or three seconds after your bait hits the water. If you don’t get hit after two or three casts, move on to another tree where more waterturkeys are sitting. You will catch some really nice catfish doing this type of fishing. Starting in late March and April I will be catching catfish up in the shallow water next to the grass. They go shallow looking for a place to spawn. On January 11, I helped the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association do their annual eagle count survey. I was assigned the far east side of Lake Fork. We launched at the public boat ramp off of Hwy. 515 near Glade Creek. There were plenty of duck hunters out hunting that morning and the eagles were not up in the east arm of the lake. We ran all the way up to Running Creek and Coffee Creek and never saw one eagle. Finally after we came back under the 515 bridge heading toward Hwy. 154 on the south side we spotted 4 eagles sitting high up in some tall trees. That was all we counted on our end of the lake. I never heard what the other groups had counted. They did spot seven on the day before counting from land. The winds were too strong to go out in boats so they counted form land. I’m going to predict an early spring this year as I have already seen geese flying back north. That’s usually a good sign for warm weather. I’m ready for some sunshine and I’m sure you are too! Until next month be safe on the water and good fishing. www.flooringcreationsonline.com MARK BAIRD General Contractor 903-395-2577 • Mobile 903-491-7577 Wes Myler of Lone Oak with his first pair of mallards which he plans to mount shot with catfish guide Stan Kuhn. www.lakeforkareanews.com Page 20 903-885-7223 J.R. 903-850-3324 SIMPSON Email jr.simpson@century21.com Office: 800-254-7541 - Fax: 903-763-4487 www.c21lakecountryrealty.com WATERFRONT Alba, TX $600,000 Waterfront home on 1.6 acres +5 acres leaseback. 4 bedrooms, 4 bath, 2 offices, library, outdoor kitchen, 32x40 shop. wbfp on patio, 3 lake pumps for irrigation, 2 slip boat house with party room. Yantis, TX $109,900 Palm Harbor home around corner from public boat ramp on Lake Fork. Open floor plan. Covered front porch & Screened back porch. Carport & storage building for all your toys. Yantis, TX $369,900 3/2/2 Brick & stone, custom home on 16+ acres. Two living areas, 12’ ceilings with arched doorways, gas fireplace and built-ins. Nice pond & covered back porch and nice landscaped yard. Alba, TX $99,000 or $49,000 each Excellent rental properties in downtown Alba. All city utilities & sewer. Both homes are 3 bdrm w/carports. One is older home & other is mobile. Currently rented and tenants would like to stay. Yantis, TX $159,900 3/2/2 Home on wooded lot across from Land’s End subdivision & championship golf course, w/leaseback. Laminate wood floors with bdrm car peted. Granite counters & custom cabinets. Yantis, TX $199,000 Single wide mobile home with 3 log cabins and 3 pads for more cabins or RV's. Has a great pond, located in a heavily wooded area. Makes great rentals for fisherman. Motivated seller! Hwy 154 and FM 515 mins. to Lake Fork $11,000 3 acres, Lake Fork boat ramp 2 miles $12,000 Nice lots, some w/Lake Fork view $14,900 each 1 Acre in nice community on Lake Fork. $25,900 New subdivision, lots starting at $27,500 Lake Fork Country Club, residential lot $27,500 Wooded waterfront pond lot, Lake Fork. $32,900 2 Acres-on hwy, could be res. or com. $39,900 1acre lot, with view of Lake Fork. $39,900 Waterfront lot in Lake Fork subdivision $54,000 WATERFRONT Yantis, TX $579,000 LF Golf Course $219,900 Alba, TX $249,500 Emory, TX $59,900 WATERFRONT 3/2/2 Custom home located at Lake Fork Golf Course. Just across the street from Lake Fork with private boat ramp around the corner. Brick workshop, with golf cart storage. REDUCED! 3/2/2 on 3+ acres fenced with nice pond in great country setting. Less than 5 mins to Lake For k boat ramp. Hardwood floors, 12x12 bsmt, granite counters. REDUCED! 4/3 started in 2003, stone & steel frame home. It’s your chance to pick your own interior finishes, from the flooring to paint. Many new items, some never hooked up. HVAC, aerobic in place. Quitman, TX $299,000 Commercial or residential waterfront property located on Lake Fork with serious hwy exposure. Paved deep water boat ramp at rear of property with a great view of Lake For k. REDUCED Yantis, TX $149,900 Six cabins on five acres gives plenty of room for expansion. Currently rented as efficiency apartments. Septic and deep water well. Just minutes to boat ramp on Lake Fork. Motivated seller! Century 21 Lake County 2005-2008 Top Producer WATERFRONT Yantis, TX $99,000 4/3. 3/2 Lake Fork waterfront home sits on 4+ heavily wooded deeded acres plus leaseback in Birch Creek with large pier. In-ground pool w/waterfall & fountain, deck w/hot tub & gazebo. 3/2 located on 1.7 acres+leaseback, wooded water front on Lake Fork. A public boat ramp is only 1 mile away. Nice open floor plan with lots of cabinet space. Carport & storage building. Quitman, TX $349,000/$85,900 3 Bdrm, 2 Bth w/garage & carport on 1 acre for $85,900 OR take the whole ranch w/several hay barns, tack barns & nice arena for training horses. Property is fenced & has a deep pond. Scroggins, TX 174,900 Franklin County, Satterwhite 3/3 log home, 1.9 acres. Jacuzzi tub, stone wbfp, workshop, carport w/enlarged driveway, tile & carpet. New heat pump, new Texas Star door & fresh paint. Yantis, TX $325,000 40X30 building, formerly a produce stand/store. 250X40 shop buildings w/2 phase electric, 1 was welding s h o p. 1 0 - 1 2 X 3 0 b o a t storages and 10-10X10 mini storages. Seller Will Divide! Quitman, TX $129,000 1 owner home has large fenced yard w/storage bldg, sunroom and covered patio. The HVAC system is approx 2yrs old. Home is just a short drive or walk from schools and downtown Quitman. Lake Fork waterfront lots $62,000 to $77,000 LF waterfront lot w/pier & boat slip $72,000 18 acres w/700ft of road frontage Alba $99,900 LF waterfront subdivision lots $29,995-$110,000 Lake Fork waterfront property 4+ acres in Alba $199,000 Hwy. 154 & 515, 11 acres com. or res. $225,000 BUILDERS: 10 lots in WF Subdivision $226,900 73 Acres fenced w/barn/corral/pond $246,225 98 acre tract, good mix of land $366,070 Awesome wooded hunting property $124,000