Pirates of the Bay

2012-01-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

This is my new boat from GULF COAST MARINE before it gets customized . Pictured is Billy Holmes owner of Gulf Coast Marine ,me Doug Stanford ,and Michel Watt cameraman for TexasFishingTips.com .This is the before picture . The boat will feature an enclosed head {potty } for the ladies , crows nest T Top .This will allow me or you to stand on the helm to spot fish . The canvas will be zippered so I can poke my head through the top . Cannan Marine Lights be installed to see what is below at night or just to look really cool. There will be a camera mounted so on all those fishing trips where anything happens it will be caught. Like when the whale shark bumped my boat or when you catch a monster fish . It might just end up on Utube ,Facebook ,Pirates of the Bays blog ,or worse yet TexasFishingTips.com .

Texas Fishing Tips Fishing Report Jan 19 2012

2012-01-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

Texas Fishing Tips Fishing Report Jan 12 2012

2012-01-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

Texas Fishing Tips at the 2012 Houston Boat Show Part 2

2012-01-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

Texas Fishing Tips at the 2012 Houston Boat Show Part 1

2012-01-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

Texas fishing Tips Fishing Report Dec 29 2011

2011-12-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

Texas Fishing Tips Fishing Report Dec 15 2011

2011-12-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Paul and Paul's reds

2011-11-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of fishing with Paul Burnett and his son Paul Burnett for the last two days. The first day we started out at the jetty and caught 1 slot and 1 over sized red . Then went on to St Joe island where we got several small reds on cut bait. Ran to Paul's Mott only to find several boats fishing my favorite spots. Caught small trout in Big Bayou , and Corpus Christie Bayou on shrimp . Finally landed a 30 inch red at Lydia Ann Channel.

Next day we started at the ferry and limited out quickly ,using cut bait. Moved to the Fena Docks and caught and released a couple of limits of reds with a few over sized reds .

The water was beautiful clear and NO SIGN of red tide .

28" reds

2011-10-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today we launched from the Lighthouse Inn in Rockport . Winds were gusty from the Southeast. Strong Incoming tide all day. Not the best fishing conditions but we still came in with 3 28" reds and 2 30" reds . This is the Bill Miley party . They won this trip from the Lupus foundation in Houston .

26" Trout and 50 reds

2011-10-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Pictured is Whitney , her dad Mike and Cory holding a 26" trout . We caught 50 reds at the south jetty on live bait . No short reds all were 20" or better the biggest red was 33" .

Bewly's Fishin Trips 2

2011-09-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

The first day we boated 8 reds with 3 being over sized on the north side of the north jetty .

The second day we had 7 reds from the south jetty .

Bewley's Fishin Trips

2011-09-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Whale Shark

2011-09-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Started out this morning first cast caught a 25" trout ,then 18". Moved to the jetties and caught several big spanish makerel . Tried to catch tarpon as they were rolling on top a lot. No luck even throwing live bait at them . Found several Kingfish splashing around so I started throwing topwaters at them . Hooked 4 but they would always bite through the line .They would become airborne when they bit the lure ,coming 10' to 15' out of the water !

The best was when I was fishing 1/2 mile from the jetty in 40' water . Something big bumped the motor .I walked back to the stern when it bumped agian ,and agian. Then suddenly a 20' WHALE SHARK stuck it's tail out of the water next to me. That tail was 4' and not all of it was out of the water. I do not need a bigger boat just bigger hooks!

Bull Reds

2011-06-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

We have been catching Bull Reds lately at the jetties . Had a 45", 44" and a 38". The 45" caught on 15 lb test Trilene line . Broke the reel seat and still got it .

How to Hook a Croaker Bait and Croaker Rig Videos

2011-06-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

Here's this week's video for Texas Fishing Tips. Enjoy!

San Antonio Express News

2011-06-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/racksnreels/2011/06/16/friends-beat-the-heat-and-build-a-better-fishing-light/ I was mentioned in todays San Antonio Express News . I had the pleasure of taking these fisherman during the Rockport Spring Fling .Here is the link

Texasfishingtips.com

2011-06-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is my debut on fishing videos Please Pretty Please click like for me . Only real fisherman will click like . http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=OlYVZBavwFE

Follow this link to http://texasfishingtips.com

May25, 2011

2011-05-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Wind, Wind, Wind!! Even though we have more wind than we like, there are still places to get out of the wind and catch plenty of fish. Today, I took out three couples and we had a great time fishing, (especially the girls who outfished the guys) Ha Ha!. They had a great time and I hope to see them again soon.

"Dang We Had Fun!!!!!"

2011-05-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Lots of Redfish being caught even on windy days. These fish were caught on a recent trip with a great group of people.

New Boat comming soon!

2011-01-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Anybody want to buy my 22' Pathfinder with 2010 150 Yamaha .I will sell it below book value .Making way for a new rig .Have not decided what brand or make of boat yet ,so if anybody has any ideas let me know.
Also SHAMELESSLY SEEKING SPONSORS to advertise on my website and side of my new boat. This new boat will be kept where the traffic count is over 1 million annually with 2.9 people per vehicle. Call me at 361 523 9452

11 year old girl with 2 bull reds

2010-11-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

Went out with really nice family yesterday . We caught several flounder from 6 lbs to 4 lbs. Lots of Spanish mackerel and trout . But the best was when the 11 year old girl caught a 36" red fish . Then if that was not enough she did it again with a 39" red fish . She hooked both fish by herself and played them herself . She did require some help to keep from being pulled in by these monsters.

Coustomer appreciatetion DISCOUNT

2010-11-11T02:35:00.000-08:00

We really appreciate your business ,and want to extend a big ole THANK YOU . For every trip booked in advance thru December 31. I will take off 50.00 each trip until December 31 ,2010 .You must send check of 200.00 per trip ,per day to receive discount . If bad weather , you or , if god doesn't want us to go that day .I will refund your money . Please give me enough time to rebook that day of cancellation ,so that I do not lose a trip that day. These trips are good for ever .Say you pay and can not go that day let me know and we will keep rescheduling it until you get to go fishing with me. For example book 3 days {you will save 150.00!}this is good for summer ,fall or next year or the year after that ! It will be locked it in case of prices going up ,hurricanes or you just broke a fingernail! The reason I have to have a deposit is I get the boat and tackle ready the day before usually this takes 2 hours. Then get LIVE bait 50.00 to 100.00 live bait is not returnable and then wait at the boat ramp till customers arrive .I may have turned down others wanting that day for weeks . Then I will not have a trip that day because someone did not call and cancel the trip. In that case I will keep your deposit.
This trip can be a bay trip or OFFSHORE STATE SNAPPER TRIP depending on the weather and customer chumming.
STATE SNAPPER TRIPS YOU ARE ALLOWED 4 SNAPPER PER PERSON 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR ! If for some reason you want to not fish the BIG WATER half way trough the trip {because you or some one else puked} we can still fish in the bay without you being uncomfortable . That way you will not lose your precious fishing time chumming for others . This offer can not be combined with other offers .

Flounder on nuttin but BUGGS

2010-11-09T01:22:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of taking out Heath Hipple owner of BUGGS Fishing . We were targeting flounder today on his fishing lures . Started out from The LIGHTHOUSE INN in ROCKPORT / FULTON .
The day started out on a full stomach from the FANTASTIC breakfast bar at the Lighthouse Inn. Weather was gorgeous with blue skies very little wind and a strong outgoing tide .
Ran to Alleyn's bite straight across to the east from the Lighthouse inn . Where I had been getting some really nice reds lately . Several boats were already in my favorite spots so we got a few bites but no keepers. Traveled on to the Lydia Ann Channel and Immediately found the fish. On the first cast we were getting bit immediately . After losing no telling how many good fish and catching a few .I tried fishing with " NUTTIN BUTT A BUGG " No trailer as it turned out the fish seemed to like the worm trailer way too much and not getting the hook in their mouths. After fishing the jig with no trailer and putting a little BUGG Juice on It was constant action . We landed 15 flounder ,4 grouper ,1 speckled trout ,1 toad-fish , and countless huge croaker .
Needless to say I will always have a bunch of BUGGS on my Boat !!!
I will post some pics later .
We will be selling Buggs in our store from now on .

The Lighthouse Inn

2010-09-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

We are glad to announce if you book with us you can get a special half price rate on a really nice room .This includes a pool ,fishing pier ,and breakfast. Also within walking distance to several restaurants and nightclubs . Please call me @ 361 523 9452 for details or call our store @ 361 790 8888 .

Lots of big reds

2010-09-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Lots of Bull reds at the jetties lately 40" to 45" . We have been getting lots of black drum too. Some mangrove snapper are starting to gather where we can really get at them , also lots of sand trout on shrimp. Slot reds are way back in the weeds feeding on small crabs . The water level is also very high.

Lots of Red Snapper

2010-07-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Catching lots of Red snapper right now . Here is a happy group with their catch . WE HAVE NO OIL ON OUR BEACHES !! Do not belive all the media hype . The tar balls in Galveston came from ships passing through the oil and transporting them there . They did not drift there.

No Hurricane here, come on down!!!!!

2010-06-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Hurricane is south of us, we are getting rain off and on Wed-Fri, should be moved out by Saturday. Lots to do in Rockport, Port Aransas, and Ingleside. Tall ships will be at Ingleside Naval Base this weekend with fireworks. Rockport Art Festival this weekend, Charlie Robison and fishing tournament, boat parade, and fireworks on Rockport Beach. Lots of fun, so come on down!!!!!!

Beautiful water and fishing!!!!!

2010-06-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Beautiful green water on our beaches. Blue water 5 miles out. Dorado are on weed lines 10 miles out. Lots of big red snapper being caught. Amberjacks out on the Rocks. Reds and trout at Estes Flats. Lots of Trout at King Ranch shoreline also. Big gafftop at Ingleside base .

No Oil Here!!!!!! Water and Weather are Great!!!

2010-06-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday there were lots of 4 to 6 ft. black tip sharks at marker 92 in the Lydia Ann Channel. We are catching trout on topwaters right now. We are also catching redfish on cut Pin Perch.

Cobia

2010-05-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

We have been catching cobia or Ling lately 4 in one day. Some have been really close to the jetties. There was a 37 lb cobia caught in shallow water at Mud Island while fishing for trout. We caught a 50 lb King at the jetties this week with a few pompano mixed in. There has been a lot of gafftop being brought in from the piers in Port Aransas .Trout are finally showing up and reds are bitting near Allen's bight .

Estes Flats reds

2010-03-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Went out today about noon just to find fish. Caught some nice reds in Estes flats on cut mullet .Look for the muddy water where the mullet and reds are stirring it up. Just park and cast to the potholes . Sheep's head are biting at the jetties and Fina Docks .Most are small but go to the wells in Corpus Christie Bay and drop live shrimp really close to the structure.

Few reds some trout and a dead whale

2010-02-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

We have been catching a few reds and trout at California Hole on 1/8 oz spoons and Berkley gulp ,pink, white, and new penny.Look for muddy water in clear bays a sure sign that fish are present.
Sheep's head are biting on shrimp and sea lice. Black drum are biting at Ingleside Navy Base. Trout are in deeper holes and canals or harbors.
Monday we had a huge 54 ft. whale wash ashore at marker 30 .It was dead for 2 weeks prior to washing up here.Probable cause of death was old age.

San Antonio Boat Show

2010-01-26T18:21:00.000-08:00

I will be at the San Antonio Boat Show this weekend.Please come by my booth and say hello.My wife Sherrel and daughter Kacie will be with me selling T shirts that they created and fishing tackle ,from their store.
At the show I will be running a special from now till March 1 I will take 50.00 off each trip booked and paid for .We do accept credit cards for trips .You can take the trip anytime in 2010. If you book a 3 day trip that comes to 150.00 off.
If any potential sponsor's want to promote your products or services please contact me .There is a really great deal for you coming up in April .I can also help you in your advertising and promotion not just by sponsoring me in tournaments ,but also in some of the 501c3 nonprofit organisations that I belong to will help you as well.

Slow fishing

2010-01-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Right now it is hard to catch fish the water temp is returning to 55 deg. yesterday.Tried to run about 15 miles from Port A to some state water rigs and the red snapper were there but not biting.I was not on a paid trip just trying out some places to see if fish were present.The water is starting to clear from the recent heavy rains ,so this should start to pickup in a few weeks. I have not seen or heard of anything biting since Christmas except a few sheep's head. I fished in the bays a little with dead shrimp and Berkly gulp ,only caught a few spotted trout undersized witting ,perch sand trout and a few hard heads.
There is no live shrimp anywhere that Brad or I have found.Perch and if you are really lucky you might get some mud minnows for live bait right now.
The water clarity is getting better since the rain ,and the black drum should be showing up in big numbers soon.

Huge Trout

2009-12-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T18:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

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

8 ft. hammerhead

2009-05-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-02-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

Booking a Trip

2009-02-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-02-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

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!!

2009-02-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-12T06:43:00.001-08:00

Here is the logo

Red Snapper everywhere

2009-02-05T19:20:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-29T07:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

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!!

NEW STORE

2008-12-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

I have been really busy lately getting our new store going .It is called ROWDY MAUI and it is located next to our old store MY FAIR MERMAID. The building used to be FOR THE BIRDS.The street address is 92 S. Austin St.Rockport Texas 78368.
We have a lot more space ,so now we are selling FISHING TACKLE.
If you are visiting Rockport come and see what we have .Kacie and Sherrel have lots of artwork ,signs,clothing and a whole lot of lady crap in there.
I on the other hand I have fine fishing tackle.If I use it it is in there ,if I will not use it I will not waste space for it.I have some leaders that I make for sale for kingfish to sharks.
Right now it it has a couple of thousand dollars worth at wholesale prices and it does not look like much.I do have some Berkley Gulp,gold spoons that I use ,Flounder Pounders and Two Jack Lures.I will have more later as we go along.I will be selling some used ready to fish poles if anybody needs one .

2008-12-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

Went out this afternoon just fishing .Brad and I started at Estes Flats throwing berkley gulp jerkshad in Rootbeer. Caught 1 nice trout and several reds including a 28".The fish was bighting really soft .The fish seem to be in a winter pattern ,over mud flats. It really pays to use a good sensitive rod like a woodee rod. Also use 10 lb. line for extra sensitivity.

30 lb.Black Drum on 10 lb. line

2008-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

Went out today with a father and son from Lubbock.We started at the jetty and had no luck.Found a few good trout on some wells.got hooked up on a black drum trying to catch trout using berkley gulp. Fought it about 3 hours on 10 lb. test line and a light Woodee rod.Pretty good for a 15 year old to stay with a fish that long .

2008-11-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Day light wind barley a ripple.Almost too nice ,The wind did switch in afternoon from the north. Brad ,Ed (Doctor's Orders ),and I went out just playing today no charter just fishing for fun .Caught several nice trout in Aransas Bay wells.Some sheepshead on shrimp near the pilings.
Went to the jetties caught and released 15 reds that were 33" to 43" mostly over 40".They hit mullet ,perch and shrimp near the bottom. 30' of water.Got a lot of pics from it I will post them later .Had several on at the same time including a triple hookup .I do not know why everybody driving a boat had to come help us catch fish.We were doing just fine except when we were hooked up ,other boats would come and crowd us.Funny thing is if you ain't doing it right you ain't gonna git bit.
Water temp was 63 in the bays and 65 at the jetty.

2008-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Fishing has been pretty good when the weather permits.Before the fronts is the best .after it is hard to get a bite .The bigger reds are holding in the channels from 15 -35 ft.The smaller schoolies are on the flats.
the big 40" and bigger REDS are in 35' of water being caught on menhaden ,mullet ,and live perch. Trout are gathered up on structure in 8-12' ,mainly channels.Drift the channel with the wind and you will find the fish .When you do find them stay there the action will be fast .They are hitting live shrimp and Berkley Gulp,in root beer ,nuclear chicken,new penny and just about any color.
Flounder have really been coming in the surf ,on mullet.I have personally seen several in the 6 lb range.
The jetties are producing lots of Sheepshead right now,especially the north jetty.Anchor just off the point in line with the jetty. Live shrimp will catch them ,along with reds,and Spanish mackerel.Pl EASE use caution when fishing the jetties. DO NOT ANCHOR FROM THE STERN. This will sink a boat no matter how nice the weather. Also when fishing the jetties be courteous we are all there to catch fish and have a good time.

Sunday Nov 9

2008-11-11T18:23:00.000-08:00

Had a great group from Ft.Worth celebrating Loretta 's birthday.Loretta was the woman of the day ,she boated several reds and the largest of the day 33".The wind was getting a little rough so we stayed at the jetty an fished .Good choice since later we had to quit the jetty as the wind got to 35 mph.We cught 8 reds ,2 spanish mackerel 1 grouper,1 triggerfish and a nice King fish.
Had several monster fish try and pull the women overboard but I kept a tight grip on them.Except one lady who scremed profanities as the fish pulled her from one end of the boat to the other.
Had a BLAST with this bunch of NUTS and looking forward to the next trip with them.
When we came into the boat ramp a fishery survey was going on. We were told that we had the best bunch of fish they had seen all day .Not only that The Birthday Girl had the biggest fish of the day at the Cove Harbour Ramp .

2008-11-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Nov 7 Friday
The wind was howling at 40 mph waves were 6 ' at the jettys.I had a really nice family from Hobbs N.M. Colten was the youngest with us he is 8 years old. The places to catch fish in that condition was very limited ,but we wanted to catch fish no matter what. Mangrove Snapper is what I targeted for them to let Colten catch a lot of fish. Tried several places and had a few good fish ,but not enough to really make a good trip .I did find some rocks on the Corpus Christie ship channel that held a tremendous amount of nice 2 lb. snappers. We kept 50 mangrove snapper and turned back 30 or so RED SNAPPER .We were fishing in 10 to 15 ft water with live and freash dead shrimp.Grouper and Gafftop catfish also were biting there as well.

10/30/08 TUNA TRIP

2008-11-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

I went out with Dolphin Docks Thurs. morning for a 60 hour offshore tuna trip. We caught over 30 yellow fin tuna and over 200 black fin tuna. We also caught several grouper, several ling, and a 326 lb. Mako Shark. They were caught on yummies, topwaters, and a few on sardines. The black fin was caught on diamond jigs, knife jigs, and sardines. I caught two 60-70 lb. yellow fin tuna myself.

Boat For Sale

2008-10-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

Any body interested in buying my 20' flatbottom ,cc, Guide boat? it would make a great Flounder boat or Duck boat .It has enough room in it you can dance in it. 140 hp Suzuki 4-stroke ,hydrolic jack plate,new hydrolic steering.This rig will scoot over damp oysters .Easy on fuel too. I once ran from Conn Brown to Baffin ,fished a tournament { almost won} and made it all the way back on 20 gallons of fuel. That is 50 miles one way!Total trip was probably 110 miles. If interested it will be at My Fair Mermaid ,96 Austin st. in Rockport.You can also call me at 361-523-9452 to see it.

fish for church fish fry

2008-10-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Went out today at 2;30 pm for Ed .He was needing 100 lbs. of fish for a church fish fry.We went in my boat to Port Aransas jetties .The reds were not biting,but the Spanish Macerel was.Caught 16 on gold spoons at the north jetty.Tried several versions of spoons but all they wanted was GOLD .It did not seem to matter if it was a Kastmaster or Johnson's spoon as long as it was GOLD.Ed did get broke off on a king probably as the fish made a really fast long run.
Went by the ferries and got 4 big gafftop no reds .Then went to Martin Midsteam got 4 nice trout on Berkly Gulp and 1 Mangrove Snapper.
Lots of Flounder boats out ,funny thing is you can clean up giging Flounder any time of the year as long as the water is clear.

Just Another day fishing

2008-10-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

Had a trip today with some nice people from Lubbock Tex. Caught 4 reds at the jetty 40",40",28",and 26". Ran offshore a little ways and had 8 spanish mackerel, two kings. A ling over 40"broke off on 60 lb. line and bent several hooks. All in all, we had a great time. We had a 100 qt cooler full of fish and still could not get a 40" red in it on the way back.

Finally fishing again

2008-10-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Finally got back to fishing .Found a bunch of small reds and trout on a reef no keepers .Went to a place on the ICW and got into small trout ,some reds ,whiting and ,sand trout .Finally wound up with 10 reds a dozen sand trout and some whiting .Still had a great day fishing .

Lost Flipper

2008-10-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday,what a day.We returned to the jetty this morning about 11:00am. Fished for a little while lost several nice fish and watched a group of boats try to save a sinking boat. on the other jetty.The Coast guard was there and Towboat U.S.getting the boat saved .
I talked to my son Brad who was captain on the Flipper bay boat,they had 15 reds ,several spanish mackeral ,and big Mangrove snapper.They were heading in and went out of my site back into the channel.I heard on the radio something about the Flipper to the Coast Guard and I thought he was helping relay information about the other boat in distress.
When I realized he needed help, I pulled up anchor and got over there as soon as I could get there.When I finally arrived, the boat was on it's side and sinking,the coast guard was watching it sink .Everybody on board was on the C.G. boat and not even wet.Brad did a great job of trying to save the boat and a great job of getting the coast guard there quickly We tried to tie onto the boat and had it coming into the current ,the boat rose about half way out of the water as I was towing it. Then some stupid people in a large boat ran past us causing a big wake which broke the tow rope .
I scrambled to retie it agian ,but the boat was lower in the water this time and sinking fast .Got it retied and tried to pull it agian but the current was just too much.I was running with the current trying toget it pull forward ,and the rope broke again .Swung around and doubled the rope lost sight of it as I was tying knots .Only to not find it again.

2008-10-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Friday I had a great charter with some really great pepole from Ft Worth .We found some big bull reds at the jetty .Relesed several oversized fish after keeping a pair of 43",38",and ,37" .Had a great time .

October 15, 2008 Two Trips/One Day

2008-10-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

My first trip today was for Dolphin Docks in Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The water was too rough to fish the jetties for the big bull reds so we fished several places and finally wound up at the Fina Docks. We caught 10 Mangrove Snapper, a big Spanish Mackerel, Spade Fish, and a 31 inch Red Drum.

The second trip was a private charter on my boat in the afternoon at Goose Island State Park. We found fish at Carlos Bay freelining shrimp on a reef. We caught lots of small trout and reds, several nice Sheepshead, one Black Drum, two keeper Reds, a 23 in. Trout, and a 40 lb. Stingray. The weather today was windy, rain all around, water temperature 75 degrees. Air temperature 85 degrees.

A cold front comes Wed. night lowering the temp about 10 degrees. The fishing will slow down after this front a few days, but then will stabilize and then will turn into our great fall fishing here. Trips are booking about a week in advance. If you want to get in on this great fishing time here around Port Aransas and Rockport, give me a call and we will set up up for a great time and a lot of fish. A credit card deposit of $100 will hold your trip.