< Previous30 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 Bay boats connect anglers to the fish they pursue. COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 31 HOOKED FISHING FOR THE PERFECT FIT Boats are like a pair of shoes, one size won’t fit all story and photos by CAPT. NATE SKINNER B ay fishing boats, or flats boats, connect inshore anglers with the fish. They are tools that, used correctly, provide more opportu- nities to enjoy memorable encounters with the species that lurk below the surface of our upper coast estuaries. They come in many different shapes and sizes, from an array of manufacturers. I could talk boats forever and have owned quite a few over the years. Some of my fondest memories in the outdoors have taken place on vessels specifically designed to navigate Texas bay systems, and I have fished out of countless different models and types. From aluminum boats, to shallow drafting skiffs and deep V-hull models, they all have their purpose and place. When it comes to choosing a boat that’s right for you, it’s important to know exactly what your angling goals are. Do you want to target extremely shallow marshes and backwater areas, or will you be navigating deeper open stretches of water more often? Are you looking for a boat that can comfortably fit and fish several people, or will you mainly be fishing by your- self or just with one other angler? Will you mostly be targeting a specific species, or are you wanting to catch whatever is biting? These answers can help you choose a vessel that will best meet your needs and help you become a better angler. There are a lot of boats out there that will perform well in a variety of scenarios and conditions, but no one boat can do it all. For example, if you decide to go with a craft that has extreme shallow-water capabilities, then you’re likely going to make some sacrifices in how well it will handle in rough, unprotected waters. That’s not to say there aren’t boats that can do both, but there are always sacrifices in certain aspects to achieve gains in others. If being able to explore ultra-skinny water is at the top of your priority list, then flat-bottom boats or skiffs, 32 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 HOOKED tunnel-hull crafts, and catamarans, or cat boats, are going to get you where you want to be. These types of boats can float and run in mere inches of water, and can jump up on plane in super shal- low depths as well. They don’t tend to ride smooth- ly in choppy waters because of the design that gives them their shallow water capabilities. Shallow running boats can defi- nitely safely navigate rough, open bay waters, but they just won’t have as comfortable of a ride. This means you’ll have to take your time crossing unprotected waters, or plan to get to know your chiro- practor and dentist pretty well if you don’t want to slow down. On the flip side, these types of boats will allow you to target fishable waters in protected areas during windy conditions that you might not be able to access in a boat that needs more water to float and run in. If you want to spend more time fishing open bay waters, deep channels, passes and the jetties, then deeper, V-hull style boats make more sense. These There’s nothing like hitting the water whenever you want in your very own vessel that’s made for fishing Texas’ coastal waters. (Below) Boats that float and run shallow will take you to ultra skinny, protected areas off the beaten path. COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 33 G aido R eal e state G Roup Carolyn T. Gaido REALTOR ® CLHMS, CRS, RSPS, SRS 713.851.3377 CarolynGaido@SandNSea.com CarolynGaido.com Sand `N Sea Properties, LLC Top Agent Since 1999 Michael J. Gaido, III REALTOR ® 409.457.4900 MichaelGaido.com Kimberly A. Gaido REALTOR®, SRS 713.498.2020 sandnsea.com A trusted name with over 50 years of real estate experience 4116 AVENUE T $649,000 4203 PELICAN $719,000 21019 W. SUNSET BAY DR. $245,000 $1,225,000 12020A FM 3005 $399,000 3823 PERIWINKLE $1,229,000 types of boats handle chop like a Ca- dillac, tend to perform better when it comes to speed and fuel economy, and are great for making long runs from one place to another. Some of them still can float in fairly shallow water; however, they need a lot more water under them to jump up on plane, compared to the shal- lower running boats. Regardless of whether you’re look- ing for a brand-new boat or a used one, there are certain features all bay boats should have to operate at their full potential. If you’re looking at used boats, you’ll want to ensure the vessel is sitting on a well-maintained and reliable trailer. You’ll also want to find a boat with a motor that has low hours, and prefera- bly one still under factory warranty. Other features that are a necessity, in my opinion, include a trolling motor, power pole, up-to-date GPS and sonar system and two insulated livewells. Aluminum boats are more afford- able for those looking for a scaled- down version of a bay fishing vessel. They can be used almost anywhere under safe conditions, and are vir- tually indestructible compared to a fiberglass hull. I have been running bay boats made by Majek Boats for the past seven years. These Texas-made vessels come in different models that are perfect for our bays and marshes, plus they are reliable and perform extremely well in a variety of conditions. My current sled is a 25-foot Majek Illusion powered by a Mercury Ma- rine engine. Owning a bay boat is an invest- ment. It’s an investment into becom- ing a more successful angler, and it’s an investment in creating more memories of the outdoors. Think about how you would like to spend your time on the water, and then go find a boat that will meet your needs and desires. There’s one out there that’s perfect for you. 34 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 CURRENTS | ART ART WITH ATTITUDE Mainlander gives personality to undersea creatures story by JOSÉ MENDIOLA | photos by STUART VILLANUEVA S miling sharks, shifty- eyed octopuses and fun-loving fish. Santa Fe art- ist Mike Quinn’s undersea and land creatures come with personality and attitude. Quinn’s art pieces have been featured in a variety of places and restaurants on the upper Texas coast and across the nation. Quinn, owner of Fish with Attitude, has attracted a strong following and a reputation for his art pieces. But his success didn’t happen overnight. Quinn’s first step toward artistic success started with a failure when he was in college. Initially, he wanted to become a veterinarian. When an advisor informed him his grade point average wasn’t enough to get into a gradate program, he changed his major to art while attending Texas State University. He went on to take a ceramics class where he was assigned a molding project. “It started from a college project from an art class,” Quinn said. “I started selling these fish. I wasn’t breaking any records at the time.” Quinn chose fish because one of his college friend’s apartment featured fish tanks from floor to ceiling, he said. Quinn’s friend kept fish he caught at the San Marcos River. Quinn eventu- ally bought one perch for $10. “We molded the fish and then it became sort of a printing press,” Quinn said. “I would do some with long fins or short fins; big mouth or short mouth; big eyes or small eyes. One mold started the whole thing.” Quinn eventually branched out with crawfish, crabs, oysters, squid and octopuses. COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 35 Artist Mike Quinn stands beside one of his sculptures, Super Tuna, at his Santa Fe home and studio. Quinn, owner of Fish with Attitude, has been creating whimsical fish and nautically themed sculptures since college. (Opposite) Quinn’s pieces are unique in look and design. The caricature-style features give the sculptures personality all their own.36 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 CURRENTS | ART One day, in the early ‘90s, a friend of Quinn’s had a gift certificate for a restau- rant. Quinn joined him at the restaurant, where he noticed a sign that announced a six- week art show. Quinn got in contact with the man who was in charge of the art show. The man agreed to display Quinn’s work. “He called me about a week later and told me they had all sold,” Quinn said. Quinn soon was given an envelope full of cash, his first break in the art world, he said. “All of a sudden, I was rolling,” Quinn said. “I was a pretty broke college kid at the time and I finally had some sort of income. It just took off. I kept bringing fish every Sunday night, restocked and collected a check.” Quinn later went on to ex- hibit his work at art shows and displays outside of Texas. One reason people might be attracted to Fish with Attitude’s pieces is because Quinn’s style is instantly recognizable. “I was at a concert festival and this artist gave me the best compliment,” Quinn said. “He goes, ‘Hey, I love your stuff. You know what’s the best thing about your art? Every time I see it, I know it’s yours.’” (Left) In addition to his clay fish sculptures, Mike Quinn creates larger pieces made from metal, fiberglass or foam. (Opposite from top) Quinn holds one of this popular designs; his sculptures often sport toothy smiles; Quinn looks though numerous sculp- ture molds in his studio. COASTMONTHLY.COM | JuNe 2023 37© 2022 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. 2001 KIRBY, SUITE 600, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77019. 281.652.5588 EST. 1911 Caroline Spagnola 409-771-2859 Caroline.Spagnola@elliman.com See all my listings, scan here: 4023 Bayshore Drive • Bacliff $1,950,000 REDUCED 9520 Seawall Blvd #256 • Galveston $339,000 REDUCED No issues with balcony! All flooring replaced! Assessment already paid in full! Welcome to one of the most ideal and secluded units Maravilla has to offer. This condo has no neighbor towards the West and one of the most expansive views of the gulf as well as the east side pool. 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