Cold Front Fishing in Rockport

After the trip we took to Aransas Pass in July, the three of us decided that we would meet again before Thanksgiving and give it another go. Soon, three became four and we headed South and met up in Copano Bay to spend four days of fishing and hanging out telling lies.

After unloading we made the short drive to Lighthouse Lakes and were greeted with a roaring wind. Soon we were on our way across the channel and into the lakes. It was cold and the water was up and moving. We fished hard and caught a few when the wind died some as darkness approached.

We reached the grocery store and gathered supplies needed for the next three days. Returning to the house Chuck began to prepare dinner for the night, chicken fried backstrap with pan gravy and mashed potatoes. We ate till we couldn't eat anymore and divided the rest that we would eat for lunch.

Friday morning started off the same. Alarm went off at 5am and walked outside only to be greeted with heavy winds and duck hunters. We gave them some space and proceeded to fish the channel on the other side of the highway. We didn't do any good but stuck it out until the afternoon hoping the wind would die down and we could hit the lakes again. Paddling to the lakes was a chore and you wondered to yourself if any ground was being made. 

Once again the wind slowed down and the fish seemed to turn on some. Wading and looking foe tails was a task so it was pretty much cast and hope. Soon we had a few and headed back for a night of food and listening to the high school  football playoffs going on.

Saturday we slept in until 7am and went out for breakfast. The whole time trying to fool the wind, figured if it thought we weren't going out then it would die down. Not working. Headed to Light House and decided to stay in there the whole day. The fishing again wasn't happening so we explored Mangrove trails and just kicked back taking in the sights of the massive amount of ducks moving through the area.

 Soon as the sun began to fall, I tied a popper on and found some tailing reds. Three massive explosions later and no fish hooked, they were blowing it out of the water. As it got darker I paddled back to the group and found Derek hooked up with his first redfish.

After cleaning the fish the pit was lit and we were soon eating grilled fish and potato chips.

A great time was had again. The fishing was not the greatest but the company of great friends made up for it. Looking forward to doing it again.

NUMA Polarized Sport and Ballistic Eyewear (Preview)

Got back from fishing the Coastal region in Texas today and found a package by the door. My NUMA optics Polarized glasses had arrived. I will be testing these out on fishing trips to see how well they work on the water. The two pair that will be tested are the Chisel Ballistic in black frame with copper lens and the Lo-Pro in black frame with copper lens.

Each pair of glasses came packaged inside a case and also included a cleaning cloth pouch.
What lured me to these glasses was the lens has an anti-scratch coating and are 100% UV protection. The other feature that fly fisherman should like is the safety feature of their shatterproof lenses which could come in handy in stopping a fly. Keep an eye out for the review.

His first trip to the river

So.... when your little brother asks if you can babysit his 2yr old and 2 month old so they can go to Wurstfest what would you do. I gave my niece to the wife and took Noah for his first ever wade trip in the river.

When your kids are all in College you forget how curious a young man can be. On the walk down to the river we named every insect that we crossed path's with. Picking up sticks is a good way to beat the brush out of your way, and it's okay to let go of his hand every now and then for him to have a little freedom.

Since we were not prepared (lack of conversation, meant no life jacket) I took him to a section of the Guadalupe river by the house that has been affected by the drought. There is very little flow so I wouldn't have to worry about him getting swept away.

I'm not sure if it was on purpose or accidental, but it didn't take long for him to kick off his shoes and dive in. Before you knew it he was throwing rocks and chasing minnows.

It wasn't about fishing, it is a right of passage that I hope to share with him many more times. I'm already planning a camping trip on the river with him in about three more years. Might have created a monster, he sure didn't want to leave but with the promise of an ice cream cone I was able to coax him out of the river.

Upon reaching the truck I realized that a change of clothes and a towel were left at the house. No problem though as there was a blanket in the back. I kept up my end of the bargain on the ice cream cone, it was good. To bad Noah missed it.

OKTOBERFISCH 2012

Turning right onto the highway, I found myself settling in for a two hour trip West to the town of Junction. This would be my first trip to Oktoberfisch and the original plan was to go there and experience all three days but there was another important event going on this weekend, the Baptism of my new niece. Some things trump others so I will shoot for the full experience next year.
The weather looked promising for the day, partly cloudy with a slight breeze and warming up as the hours slipped away. Exiting the Interstate and heading into town I had finally reached the Llano river and was greeted with a beautiful view as I crossed the old iron bridge.

Pulling into the campground I looked for a place to park close to the river. Walking up to the event tents I saw a couple of seminars taking place. One group was getting casting instruction while two other groups sat under a tent learning about knot tying and building flies.

Approaching the main vendor area, the aroma of BBQ was in the air and led me to a pit where they were selling plate lunches of sausage or brisket with beans, chips, and a soda for five bucks. After lunch I made my way around the tents checking out the gear and the raffle items for that afternoon.

During the day the crowd grew larger as people were returning from fishing the river and getting ready for the evenings festivities which included a steak dinner and raffle. I took advantage of some expert casting instruction from Austin of Salt396 . We then proceeded to try our luck at some of the impromtu casting challenges put on by the instructors that were at the event, and we held our own.

As I drove home it became clear that I had to get back next year and experience more of the event and to fish the river.

Adios, till' next year...............................................

Living Waters Fly Fishing

Tucked away in the Historic downtown section of Round Rock is Central Texas' best kept secret. Started in 2006 as a fly fishing guide service, Chris and his wife opened the doors to the only fly shop in the area in 2008.

Chris and Matt

This was my second visit to the shop. I went there to pick up some Pole Dancer flies that Matt was holding for me that I plan on using on the next redfish trip. What impressed me the most about this place, is how comfortable they make you feel.It's like I have been going there for years. The abundance of equipment that they provide for the fly fisherman is easily noticed as well as the amount of items needed to tie whatever fly you desire in stock.                                                 

Living Waters also hosts events every month, with the highlight being the fly tying night every Wednesday.
Although I didn't see a shackle around his ankle, i'm pretty sure Matt spends a lot of time at his fly tying station. How else can you keep winning the employee of the month award.

If you happen to be in the area stop by and introduce yourself. They are willing to help you anyway possible.