Thanksgiving at the Coast

I trust everybody reading this is waist-deep in excellent fall fishing. The reds are thick on the flats in many places and the trout are getting fatter by the day. If fishing reports can be an accurate indicator, Texas anglers are enjoying flounder catches that beat everything in memory. 'Tis the time for trophies so please remember TSFMag when sharing your stories and photos and don't forget the CPR ethic. Every trout you release could grow to become a new state record.

Billy Sandifer's fans are likely to get a shock as this is the first issue of TSFMag Billy has missed since he joined us almost ten years ago. Billy took advantage of a lifetime dream to trek to California for a 12-day birding tour. If you know Billy, the thought of being absent for writing duty weighed heavily on him but, I assured him the chance was too good to miss and readers would understand. Billy will be back in his trademark style next month.

We have been promoting the responsibility we all have in getting kids introduced to the wonders of fishing and the Texas coast since the earliest days of TSFMag and, the stuff we have been receiving is very encouraging; awesome would actually be a better word here. Check out this month's Memory Maker of Briley Eason's accomplishment in the CCA STAR Kids flounder division. That's what it's all about.

November is the month to count our blessings and give thanks for all the Almighty has bestowed. Getting together with friends and family to enjoy the outdoors over the festive Thanksgiving weekend has never been easier and the fishing and hunting opportunities that wait should be enough to get everybody running out of the house as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are back in the cupboard. Whether you are headed for a relaxing day on the bay, deer lease, duck blind or goose field do it as a family. Introducing spouses, kids, relatives or friends to your passion for fishing and hunting has incredible rewards and can truly make a difference in their lives. Something to look forward to, even if a bit selfish, you will have somebody to take you fishing and hunting in your golden years!

Thanksgiving at the Johnson place will be busy. Pam and I will be sliding in sideways from hunting mule deer in the Panhandle, kids and grandkids will be running about like Native Americans at the pilgrim's feast, popping heads through the door asking if the turkey is done. Casting and blasting will fill our days and the aroma of redfish slabs on the grill will be a welcome change after so much turkey and dressing. Anybody whose mouth hasn't watered for bacon-wrapped duck breast and grilled shrimp hors d'oeuvres waiting on the main coursewell, come see us in Seadrift.

Have a joyous Thanksgiving and God Bless America!