Huge Trout

The south jetty is producing huge trout right now,several over 30" .The bad thing is you only get to keep one fish because they are all over 25" . Sheep's head are biting anywhere there is rocks. The flounder are slowing down a bit,but still catching a few.

45" red drum

Went out today about 10;oo am . Tried several places with very little success .Finally found some huge mangrove snapper by the navel station .caught about 15 using mud minnows ,small perch ,and shrimp. found 7 flounder at the Fina Docks,only 3 were keeper's. Got a 45" red there too.My scales only go to 30 lbs. so I do not know how much it weighed.

Flounder

Went out Thursday just fishing ,after a party that did not show up.Had to use some of the 58,00 in live bait, Caught 4 keeper flounder.black drum and 5 keeper sheep's head near the north jetty.
Went out today same place got 1 flounder lost several nice ones .To catch a flounder wait as long as you can before setting the hook.Got a pompano and some sheep's head on the south jetty.Hooked 3 small tarpon on the north jetty.Found small trout and small red fish in the ICW by Arkansas Pass.

cold front reds

Went out today after a cold front.North winds 20- 25 in the morning and light outgoing tide. Tried the south jetty on the south side .Did not catch any thing there .then went to Martin Midstream and got a really nice flounder hooked several others but lost them ,broke one fish off there.Fished the Fina docks broke three off while the rods were in the holders.Got a 27" red there several mangroves and silver trout and black drum .Went to Allans bite nothing at all.Fished Estes flats got some small trout and 1 small red.'Found some small trout in the ICW between Rockport and Aransas Pass,got a 22" red too.

40" reds

Today we went out and fished the jettys the wind was light from the north.Caught 3 reds 40". We also got several huge sand trout ,black drum, and mangrove snapper. The bays are really doing good right now after the rain.

Bachelor Party

Saturday I had 4 members of a bachelor party including the groom.That was a lot of fun .They wanted to catch big fish so we went where I had been catching Sharks and lane snapper .We caught a bunch of lane ,4 large Spanish mackerel.and tried to catch a large shark.It is called fishing and not catching for a reason, the sharks had apparently left.We came back in because some were not feeling well after partying the night before.We fished the jetties on the way in where we lost several big fish before we got a 34" red. Sopped for an hour to let them rest and grab a bite to eat.Started at the Fina docks got lots of mangrove snapper one big flounder croakier ,and got some small reds n trout in Shamrock. Had great day with a bunch of great guys.Note to the groom ;The secret of a happy marriage is no matter what she says the answer is always YES DEAR .

Visit THE ROCKPORT AQUARIUM

Friday I had the pleasure of taking out volunteers from the Rockport Aquarium .We were not tyring to catch limits or table food .But needed some specimens for the aquarium. These fish needed to be small and colorful.We were looking for Spanish Hog fish to replace the one that died in a plumbing problem.Unfortunately the waters have cooled off somewhat since Summer.We did catch some Lane snapper that was small enough but we also got lots of them really big for the table. We also got some large Spanish mackerel. On one rig we found the dog snapper were were looking for ,we also found lots of Barracuda.Caught one small one and got cut off lots of time. We even had one run into the side of the boat as I was trying to help land a large blue runner.The waves picked up so we had to head in to the bay .
There at the Fina docks We tried to catch Sargent major but got lots of perch ,sand trout and croaker.
Thanks for the ROCKPORT AQUARIUM for providing a FREE ADMITTANCE for any one wanting to learn about fish in our bays and gulf.

Thursduy evening

Went out Thursday evening with Dave trying to figure out what was wrong with his boat.We fished several places with artificial only and caught some small reds with Berkley gulp and lots of perch.finally picked up one 22" red in Shamrock.

6 ft. Bull Shark

Went out Wednesday with 1 client. Fished some near shore rigs.Got several really nice LANE Snapper 18" Trigger ,King fish ,Spanish Mackerel,and kept getting bite off on live bait.Ha several snapper stolen when bringing them up.Made stronger and stronger leaders ,still kept getting bit off.Finally made one with 400lb wire .Caught a 6ft.BULL SHARK which we released after a few pictures.
Right now some other guides are not getting any fish with this full moon. The fish will bite the last few hours in the evening .

Trout N Reds No RED TIDE

Last week caught 3 limits of Trout in the Aransas Channel after a cold front .They were 10 to 12 feet deep on live shrimp.The fish were biting really light like perch .
Went out Sunday caught 7 nice reds 28' to 22".Several were perfect tournament fish. The best place to get keeper reds was South Bay and the jetties.Also hooked a 3' TARPON at the jetty.
We missed the RED TIDE again .It was at PORT ARANSAS ,but not in the jetty.The north wind blew it out just in time. I have heard reports of it getting in the Packery channel and Baffin bay is not doing very well right now.South Padre and Port Isabel has been hit hard from the Red tide . So far we have had really good fishing ,with a few flounder showing up.

Windy Saturday ;nice Sunday

Went out from Cove Harbor Saturday caught a couple Mangrove snapper and lost several Flounder at Lydia Ann Channel early .Went on to the jetties where it was too rough to fish even behind the jetties. Went on to Sailboat channel and got a 26" black drum small perch and small drum.The channel was full of boats ,especially where I wanted to fish.So much for secret fishing holes. Drifted Estes flats with a few small fish.Boats all over the place . Went to South Bay could not get in the places I wanted to fish because of boats sitting in them.Wound up back at the jetties hooked up several big fish finally got one 37"Red. The fishing was hard after a cold front .
Sunday Had to fix my sterring Finally got to fishing around 2 pm .We landed 3 nice reds lost several big ones all on live perch.Some of the reds were great tournament fish. Went to the Fina docks picked up over 2o mangrove snapper.

Reds biting at jetties not much red tide

Went out today caught a 14" gag grouper and a keeper trout really quick at the Fina Docks on live perch. Moved to the Lydia Ann Channel to try and find some Flounder.Hung 3 but could not get them to eat it all the way. I then went to the South Jetty .Several boats were already there catching lots of reds. I caught a 28 " ,then 6 more over 40". Two big 40"reds at the same time and I was the only one in the boat. Went to the north side of the north jetty. Caught 4 more keepers .Only kept 3 reds.Lots of mullet all over the north jetty.The red tide still was not at the jetties yet.I saw no dead fish anywhere.I did not run south because the waves were too high.
Brad and I saw red tide at the jetties 3 weeks ago and reported it ,but it went away.At that time there was no fish kill at all.

Reds at Fina dock

Went out Saturday on a trip. Fished the South Jetty on out going tide .Lost several big fish caught 2 keeper reds.Lots of TARPON rolling ,could not get one to bite .The water temp was 74 F. Went to the Fina dock ,to get out of the north wind.Caught two reds one over 41 inches.Several big gafftop,sand trout whiting,and black drum.
Went to go fih in the Aransas shrimp channel and wound up helping a stranded boat.Fished over at Ingleside .Caught big gafftop .mangrove snapper and lost and broke off several monster fish.

Reds at the Jetties

I have some reports of nice reds being caught at the jetties.I had a trip where we went to Allen's bite ,long reef light house lakes ,and Ingleside catching only small fish.We caught lots of small fish every where we went.I talked to guide Ron Matson ,as I was fishing ,he had the same results.
Most fishermen all say the fishing is tough until the water settles down after the rains.The key right now is fish deep around the jetties if the wind will let you.If it is too windy try around the Fina docks or the ferries.

Small fish

We have been catching some nice reds at the jetties .Today we went out to Long reef ,Deadmans reef ,and Allyens Bite .Caught lots of small reds and trout, but all were short.Next we went to California Hole .Drifted it only to get more short fish.Fished Lighthouse lakes and Martin Midstrream picked up only sand trout and mangrove snapper.Later went to the crossroads and caught 15 nice mangrove snapper and lots of lady fish.

Busy

Sorry for not blogging ,have been really busy lately.I have a new website as soon as brad puts it up.We have been catching King fish near the jetties and hooked up a tarpon .The trout have been picking up near Allen's bite .Good red fishing in Wilson's cut. Offshore we are catching ,some state water snapper ,dog snapper ,lane snapper,ling,barracuda,grouper.and sharks.

redfish in south Bay

I haven't been able to blog due to computer problems and just too busy fishing. I have had a charter every day for the last two weeks. We have been catching some really nice reds in south bay on falling tide,
I also have been catching lots of red snapper and dog snapper offshore, Kings, Ling and Sharks are biting good too,
Recently, I have caught 4 PARROT FISH. they are found in the carribean and probably came over here from the hurricanes last year.

Beautiful water

The wind is calm and the waves offshore are 2 -3 feet .Blue water is 3 miles from shore, with clear green water at shore .Yesterday we were catching Kings ,and spanish mackerel 1/2 mile from shore with large sharks under our boat .The weather forcast is to remain this way for a week after the fourth .

Tarpon at the jetties

The bays are not producing right now .The best is at ransom Island .Offshore is Great for snapper,kings,barracuda and sharks.The blue water is within 10 miles and no weeds.Friday we had two TARPON at the south jetty.A 5 footer and a 6 footer.

7' 3" SAILFISH

Went fishing with a father daughter team today .We landed several nice snapper ,triggers,a grouper ,one big Barracuda.On the way back we stopped at the ships anchored out from Port A.Caught a big sailfish on 30 lb. line .The 21 year old daughter caught the sail. I will have a pic on the blog later and on the wall at the store.

Kings at the Standpipes

Went out with my son Brad this morning and came back with 14 kings and 3 sharks.

8 ft. hammerhead

Went out on Eds boat Friday and Saturday for him.We landed lots of snapper ,ling King mackerel,trigger fish,blue fish,and sharks.The last fish we landed was a 8 ft. hammerhead shark.

The bay water has gotten a lot clearer since the wind has quit.The trout are in the second gut on the surf right now .California hole is producing easy limits of trout and reds .

40lb Smoker King

Went out yesterday between the rain showers. Caught some lane snapper a shark and a Smoker King fish.We call them smokers because that is what they do to your reel.We had a large grouper pull the line into the rig and break off.That is the second time this week that happened there.Last time I hooked it same spot on a 2 lb live blue runner.I was using a 5/0 Penn gold reel loaded with 100 lb mono.The drag was locked down and that fish still beat me by getting into the rig. If that is the same fish he has also eaten a 15 lb snapper whole on a previous trip.
I know where he lives and We will pull him up yet!

4 FOOT DORADO

Went out Saturday offshore on Doctor's Orders .We landed several sharks ,snapper ,amber jack ,and a 48" Dorado on 20 lb line.That dorado lept in the air many times .We all had a great time.

We have been catching trout in Baffin Bay and some reds .Had a trip there last Friday and lost a lot of fish but we did land 12 keeper trout and 1 nice red. The fishing was tough for other anglers as well.

Fished the Babes on the Bay tournament last Saturday .Sherrel my wife and Kacie my daughter brought in a full stringer of 3 20" trout and a 26" redfish .Still did not even place that was about 900 people entered.We kicked about 800 butts but that was not enough!

We have been catching easy limits of trout in clearer water near Super Flats.Most caught on shrimp but the bigger ones on croaker. The reds are biting cut menhaden and cut mullet.
The Kingfish are here Brad caught 3 today in the jetties.The wind is starting to lay down and I am running offshore asap.

Windy ,tough fishing

Last two weeks have been quite a challenge ,windy 50 mph ,muddy water ,and high tides.The best fishing lately has been right up in the mangrove bushes and grassy shorelines .The reds have been hitting cut perch mostly,some on live shrimp and some on Berkly Gulp.Trout are few because of bad water clarity.Ransom Island ,dagger island ,East flats ,Shamrock cove,and Ingleside cove have been the clearest .

SPRING FLING media event

We had a really great time at the Rockport Spring Fling media event .Lots of great vendor's showing off their products.From Lankat bait bucket ,Midcoast products to Berkley Pure fishing.We also had a lot of great outdoor writers like David Sikes join us.

Windy Fishing

The wind has been 20-30 mph. from the southeast. The reds are on the Inter coastal waterway from Rockport to Ingleside .Fish the cuts leading from the bay.The fish will bite really good until about 9:00 am. Spinner baits are working great,with a purple ,chartreuse tail .Gold blade and chartreuse head.Work both sides of the shoal and the west bank too.
Large weedless spoons 1/2,or 3/4 oz are required for the wind.If the water is muddy then throw large White gulps.

HAMMERHEAD SHARK

Went out Tuesday just fishing for fun .Left the dock about noon Fished for 4 hours .Brought back 3 limits of snapper ,several vermilion snapper , lane snapper two blacktip sharks, and one strawberry grouper .Had a 45 minute fight with a 178 lb. ,8' 2" hammer head shark .

STATE SNAPPER

Went out with Ed on his 30' Boat ,also a nice family of 4 from San Antonio.We went out with 5' seas and wind blowing at 20 mph.We caught 7 nice Red Snapper and 1 Vermilion Snapper. Had several lines bit off including some bit through steel leaders.Had 1 nice snapper coming up when a big Barracuda ate it all but the head.

Monday sheeps head

Went out with some pretty nice people Monday.Windy water was cloudy.We caught several sheep's head ,1 keeper flounder ,and 1 27 7/8" red.At Lydia Ann Channel.Went fishing some near shore rigs with no success. Came back in and got some more sheep's head .

Houston Tackle Show

Come and see me if you happen to be at the show this weekend .I will be at the MIDCOAST PRODUCTS BOOTH. Also stop by the LURE SAFTY WRAP BOOTH and say hi to Dennis Smith for me .

Snapper

Went out scouting looking for new places to take my clients.Went back to where the snapper got eaten by a large grouper.Snapper are still there ,also a Atlantic sharp nose shark.I also got a small 3 lb. Warsaw Grouper which was released .Went on to some other rigs and wrecks.Found several in state waters holding snapper .The water temp is 69 degrees out side the jetties.The clarity is getting better with KING GREEN water all over. I also found 5 big bait schools around , and one school of Spanish mackerel.
The Sheep's head are in full swing around the jetties with a few nice reds and trout.Some gaff top showing up. THE FISHING WILL ONLY GET BETTER THE IN THE MONTHS TO COME!!

Mangrove Snapper

Windy day 45 mph gusts all day long.Water temp started out at 69 then went down to 61 as the day went on.Most of the bays looked like chocolate milk.Found some clear water back in a cutout caught 17 mangrove snapper ,1 sheep's head and a huge black drum in the cut.All the snapper were 17" to 15" except 3 that were 10". Went out to a well in Corpus Christie bay caught a 20" trout.When on to the old Mc dermit harbour and got 2 big Gaff top catfish.We was severely limited by the wind to where we could fish ,but we still brought in a cooler full.

More Flounder

Went out today it was pretty windy from the south.Caught 4 keeper flounder, 4 Sheep's head ,2 black drum. All caught on free lined shrimp. Went out scouting with brad after trip and caught some Mangrove Snapper and found some red drum for tomorrows trip.

Snapper!!! SWALLOWED

Went out with some great guys from Oklahoma City. Their trip on a head boat was cancelled ,so they called me. We caught 16 nice snapper and one vermilion snapper.three of the snapper were 15 or better.One 15 lb snapper was eaten by a Huge Grouper .We fought that fish for over an hour before he spit that snapper out. He swallowed that snapper WHOLE!!

SNAPPER!!!

Booking a Trip

If you want to book a trip we require a credit card ,or a 100.00 deposit before we confirm a date.It is not held for you until this has happened .There is a 100.00 charge if you cancel or no show me.I put in a lot of hours before and after each and every trip.
I will get up at least two hours before the trip and buy bait,at least 50.00 each trip.Sometimes 75.00to 100.00 in live bait .This bait cannot be returned if you do not show.It will simply die.After the trip I clean fish ,Clean boat ,rods,anchors,and not to mention about fixing things on the boat.A boat has lots of problems especially around saltwater.I have insurance on my boat ,liability ,and on my truck that I use .This does not pay for fishing lures ,hooks ,line,anchors,ropes, ,weights,or fishing rods and reels dropped overboard.
This does not cover advertising lost wages or because somebody cheated me.I do not ask for a tip but it is very appreciated .Tips usually are 50.00 to 100.00 for a good day.
It is a nice way to scratch out a living and no I am not getting rich.There are weeks in the winter where I go with out trip but the boat payments still come in,as do the bills and food too.I go out when it is the only day you have to go fishing no matter what the moon phase or weather and expect to catch fish.I can hook fish up and hand the rod off only to lose the fish .I still get blamed for no fish.I can work the lures and catch them ,but try to teach somebody else how to do it.I will explain what the fish are doing to help you understand how to catch them and for your later trips without me.
If you can not afford my prices ,I understand i have been there too.You can book with a head boat in Port A for a cheaper trip .
I GUARANTEE A GOOD TIME AND TO CATCH FISH NOT A LIMIT OF FISH.I do better than most guides and when we limit out I do not run back to the dock,I keep fishing for other species.I usually stay later and give you extra time.

getting booked up.

I have been really busy .5 trips in 5 days.The wind was howling last few days making the fishing hard.Muddy water and the wrong moon phase ,But we STILL caught fish.went to BAFFIN BAY two days ago caught several nice trout on Berkley gulp and only one on live shrimp.They were really picky and would not eat live perch,mullet or shrimp.
Thursday went out at noon and got 5 nice flounder ,2 mangrove snapper ,and two limits of Sheep's head.They all wanted live shrimp.
Talked to other guides and they were not catching anything but rat reds.
Woody's in port A shrimp is 16.00 a quart and crazy Cajun at Conn brown harbor is 12.00 a quart.I will use a quart per person on a trip and still need more.

41'' Redfish

Went out today and the wind was howling from the north.we tried the south jetty and got a 41" red .Could not fish where the flounder and sheepshead were.Tried several places and only got a few small reds and a small flounder.Water temp is 57 most every where in the bay.We did find some 63 degree water in Conn Brown.

Flounder!!

Went offshore today and could not get a bite . Their were snapper present but not hungry.The water was also muddy .Brad had a trip and went north and limited out in 45 min. He tried several rigs and got no response until the last two rigs.
We came back in and caught sheep's head until we ran out of shrimp.Started throwing Berkley gulp and caught 12 flounder .four were keepers including one about 3 lbs.

Midcoast Corks

Here is the logo

Red Snapper everywhere

We have been running STATE WATER SNAPPER TRIPS.I can run these trips all year long until they change the rules again.The big head boat companies can not do this with their federally permitted boats.Because of stricter limits on head boats and commercial fishing ,the RED SNAPPER POPULATION HAS EXPLODED.We can now easily limit out on snapper really fast and get some big ones too!
I have not caught a small snapper in a while .The state regulations will let you keep 4 snapper per person. I can carry up to 6 customers on my boat.If you split that between 6 then the cost of a head boat trip is the same ,especially if they have a FUEL FEE.
I have also been catching some really nice trout in Baffin Bay on Berkley Gulps .The biggest trout I have seen in a while was a 32" 10 lb.trout.If you are after Reds they are here and catching lots of them and Black drum in sailboat channel.
Be careful if you are running a boat in the NO-PROP SCARRING ZONES .The game wardens are setting and watching really close and will give you a ticket.

STATE SNAPPER

We have been getting easy limits of SNAPPER in STATE WATERS.State snapper regulations let you keep 4 RED SNAPPER a day all year long.The Federal regulations only let you keep 2 fish in a 30 day season .The biggest trick is finding legal sized snapper in state waters.Head boats like Dolphin Docks and Deep Sea headquarters can NOT do this because they are a federally lic boat.I can LEGALLY DO WHAT THEY CAN NOT.
If you want a nice mess of snapper I will take you if the weather permits.WE had a snapper weigh 20 pounds + last week.

BAFFIN BAY

The BIG Trout are biting in Baffin a recent tournament was won by a 9.20 Gator mouthed monster.I have seen 12 ponders pulled from there this time of year.The best fishing and easiest is stay in the channel around the King Ranch shoreline.Live perch are getting the biggest trout.

Lots of REDS

Reds are in Sailboat channel ,Hog Island ,and around Brown and Root flats.They are hitting shrimp if you can find it.Bull Reds are showing up back at the jetties.Sheep's head are biting peeled shrimp on the rocks too.

MIDCOAST PRODUCTS A NEW SPONSER

I am pleased to announce a new sponsor .MIDCOAST PRODUCTS I have been using the OUTCAST for several months now.This cork will outcast any other cork for distance .It only has a tie on the top .It is designed to not tangle when throwing.I like to tie a big loop about 4 feet long .Then cut it into two equal lengths .Tie one end to the cork then the other end tie a hook or a jig. Make them hand at the same lenght.You can then launch this cork a loong way with a free lined shrimp.
If any body wants to try them or any of the other neat corks call me or email me .We sell them at our store now.
If you are going to the Houston fishing Tackle Show March 4-8 i will be there showing off these great corks.Come by and say hello.

BAFFIN TROUT

Trout are biting at BAFFIN BAY . The last couple of weeks I have been running to Baffin Bay,and catching lots of nice trout on Berkley gulp .Some have been caught on Redfish magic. The water temp is 55 in the mornings to 65 on the flats in the afternoon.The biggest today was 22" on a Berkley gulp under a MIDCOAST ENTICER CORK.THESE CORKS ARE AWESOME!!