AUSTIN, Texas — Dozens of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens continue to deliver food, water, medical assistance and peacekeeping support to East Texas counties still reeling from Hurricane Rita. Meanwhile, the number of state parks temporarily closed by Rita is down to four from about 20 two weeks ago. State wildlife management areas remain open, but fall hunters are being urged to use caution.

Remington remains the largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S. for the third year in a row, leading the categories of both rifle and shotgun production, according to data released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Further securing its position at the top, Remington was also the largest exporter of shotguns in 2003 and was in a statistical tie as the largest exporter of rifles. Remington also garnered the title of largest U.S. firearms manufacturer in 2001, while making history as being the first long gun manufacturer in modern times to secure the top position. BATF data from 2002 showed Remington's continued domination in the production of rifles and shotguns and remained as the largest firearms manufacturer.

Friends and fellow anglers, So far the winter of '04-'05 has been very kind. All watersheds in Northern NM and Southern Colorado are over 100% of the 30 year average and its only the beginning of March. Traditionally our wettest months are March, April and May so the forecast is for adequate water for our finned friends this season. Hopefully this pattern is more than a brief respite from the drought of the past 5 years. Heres my predictions on what to expect this year. The Cimarron should have adequate flows thru June even if they don't release water from Eagle Nest Lake. The drought drastically reduced levels in Eagle Nest so I expect them to hold back as much water as possible to to build up their storage. Flows from the tributaries below the dam should keep flows between 20-50cfs. thru the Stonefly hatch in June. The Costilla which opens July 1st has had a banner snow year. Reports say that most north facing canyons have up to 6' of standing snow. Last year releases from Costilla Resevoir were a lot better [ higher weekend flows and lower flows on weekdays ]than at any time in its 20 year history. I expect flows between 40-90cfs thru mid September. Commance Creek may also make a comeback this year. We have a new piece of private water on the lower Costilla also. Sanchez Resevoir above the Culebra was close to empty at the end of last year. Depending on how they manage the water it should be best from early April thru July and then we'll have to see what the summer rains bring. The Red is its usual self with springs warming the flow and as of now there are caddis, mayflies and little brown stoneflies hatching. Fishing should be great here until runoff which will start in mid April [depending on the weather] and will last into June this year. After runoff the Red fishes well thru November. The Rio Grande will be back to its pre drought condition. If it stays cool thru April we could have a decent caddis hatch. The bugs will be there the only question is the clarity of the water. After runoff starts, fishing on the Rio will be over until September when lower flows and clearer water will usher in the best fishing of the year on the Grande.September and October are the best months here. The Conejos will have significant runoff this year and probably won't be fishable until late June or early July. Fishing should be great thru October. The Pinnacles should be real good when flows get low enough by late July or early August. The Embudo, Santa Barbara, Pueblo and Chama will all be fishable after runoff thru September. Rita returns from 4 months of fishing in Patagonia in May and we look forward to seeing you this season Tight Lines, Ed Adams [505-586-1512]

Ask any die hard tournament or weekend bass fisherman that question and you will receive the same answer.YUK!!!! But ask Wayne Stark long time “BASS CAT” driver and local tournament angler that question and you will hear I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! This writer and Wayne with a group of local anglers made an exploratory trip few years ago to Port Mansfield, to verify the stories told of Salt Water top water and artificial fishing action to rival the best days we have ever had fresh water fishing. Wayne was so impressed that last year he and his wonder wife Mary bought a place at Port Mansfield and constructed what we affectionately call STARK”S COMPOUND. Effective Jan.1 ,1997 Capt. Wayne and Mary opened “Capt. Waynes Bed and Breakfast Guide Service “, Port Mansfield ,Texas. Capt. Wayne has the unique ability to meet anyone’s Salt Water fishing requirements, from flats fishing in the Laguna Madre to Blue Water adventures offshore. He can provide a complete package including lodging , meals and guide service, or one day guide trips. I recommend the complete package as not only is the fishing outstanding, the food and lodging are first cabin. On a recent trip this writer, Charlie Adams, and Keith Porter spent three days with Capt. Wayne and as usual had a great three days of fishing. Thursday was spent in the Laguna Madre catching reds, specks, and founder. Friday was spent off shore where at ten AM we had limited out on red snapper in the four to ten pound range. As Keith had to leave on Friday it was myself, Charlie and Capt. Wayne on Saturday where we had another outstanding day in the Laguna Madre, we caught reds, specks and twenty four flounder. Catching flounder on Hogie plastic shrimp tails is as challenging as Carolina rigging for bass. The photos along with this article should help in reassuring any skeptics that Capt. Wayne has arrived at being one of the premiere lower coast guides and his ability to take his fresh water knowledge and apply it to salt water gives him the ability to put his clients on outstanding fish day after day. To contact Capt. Wayne call 956-944-2508. NOTE: if you book the complete package be sure to request Capt. Wayne’s home made chicken noodle soup you will not be disappointed, I quarantee! Capt. Wayne is sponsored by All Stars Rods, Mariner Salt Water,Hogie Baits, Shallow Sport Boats, Wahoe Boats, Quantum ,MotorGuide, McClain Trailers, Boots -Follmar Marine and Lowrance Electronics.