2009 Saltwater Outings Plan
The 2009 Saltwater Outings Plan has been completed and is listed below for your use. About a month before any planned outing additional details or changes will be posted to the website.
Always remember to check for last minute updates and changes.
January
No outing planned
February
The Winter Sheepshead Search
When: Saturday, February 28, 2009
Where: East Matagorda Bay - Sargent, Texas
Start Time: 8:00 am – Boat Ramp on the ICW, Sargent, TX
End Time: 5:00 pm
Trip Leader: Alan Kulcak
Phone:
e-mail: alankulcak@yahoo.com
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader.
To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Trip Details:
We will meet up at the ICW Boat Ramp in Sargent and fish the south shoreline of East Matagorda Bay. Depending on how cold the water is and the tides, we’ll probably kick the boats off around 8:00 -8:30 am. The time will be confirmed prior to the outing date.
The sheepshead cruise down the sandbar ledges in groups and you can literally stand there casting non-stop as they cruise by. Since sheepshead like your fly at rest on the bottom, retrieved with very slow strips, the preferred method of fishing is to wade rather than of pole the boat. While we will be wading (mostly) it will be on hard sand bars and you shouldn’t have to wade far.
Small weighted flies on a size 6 or 8 hook are recommended, and be sure to good sharp hooks for their tough mouths. A small black fly, about an inch long, with a little bit of chartreuse on the tail is usually the go to fly. Crab flies also work well also. The key is making a small fly that lands quietly, but still get down to the sand. The water depth is usually only about a foot deep. Not much weight is need just enough to make sure it’s on the bottom. If you want to tie some up here are some of Alan’s best producers…
Directions:
To get there, take HWY. 59 South, exit HWY 36 in Rosenberg. Head south on HWY 36 and go south for about 45 min. (through Needville, Damon, West Columbia, and Brazoria) Drive through Brazoria and take a right on FM 2611 (the red light just past the prison) Follow FM 2611, over the San Benard River, until it “T”s into HWY 456 (blinking yellow light). Turn left onto HWY 457 and follow until you reach the Intercoastal Waterway Bridge. Go over the swing bridge and take a right along the beach. Drive down the beach road about a mile until it dead ends to the boat ramp!
Important items:
• To participate be sure your member dues are current!
• Have your Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
Recommended guidelines for participants:
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up.
• If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.
March
Seabrook Flats and Dollar Flats on Saturday 14 March 2009
“The Wind Blew and The Fly Flew”
When: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Where: West Galveston Bay, or someplace else
Start Time: 7:00 am
End Time: 4:00 pm
Trip Leader:
Phone:
e-mail:
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader.
To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Trip Details:
To be determined. As we learned last year (and years before) the late Winter / early Spring weather on the upper Texas Coast can be unpredictable. If conditions are favorable, we’ll hit Galveston Bay and, if not, we’ll find someplace that looks a little less effected.
Directions:
Depends on the load out.
Important items:
• To participate be sure your member dues are current!
• Have your Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
Recommended guidelines for participants:
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up.
• If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.
April
Returning to the scene…but this time for spots, not stripes
When: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Where: East Matagorda Bay - Sargent, Texas
Start Time: 7:00 am – Boat Ramp on the ICW, Sargent, TX
End Time: 5:00 pm
Trip Leader:
Phone:
e-mail:
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader.
To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Directions:
To get there, take HWY. 59 South, exit HWY 36 in Rosenberg. Head south on HWY 36 and go south for about 45 min. (through Needville, Damon, West Columbia, and Brazoria) Drive through Brazoria and take a right on FM 2611 (the red light just past the prison) Follow FM 2611, over the San Bernard River, until it “T”s into HWY 456 (blinking yellow light). Turn left onto HWY 457 and follow until you reach the Intercoastal Waterway Bridge. Go over the swing bridge and take a right along the beach. Drive down the beach road about a mile until it dead ends to the boat ramp!
Trip Details:
We will meet up at the ICW Boat Ramp in Sargent and fish the south shoreline of East Matagorda Bay for, hopefully, some jumbo sized specks. We had one of our best turn outs for this outing last Spring and I hope we repeat this year. If you have a boat and plan on bringing it, please, do so. If you don’t have a boat or kayak, let us know and we’ll do our best to get you matched up with someone who has a empty seat. Last year, a lot of the fishing was done on foot along the shallow shore line.
Your fly box should include top water, spoonflies, suspending or slow sinking and weighted flies in sizes up to 2/0. 6-8 wt outfits will be the norm, but with Spring winds, a 9 wt. wouldn’t be considered overkill.
Important items:
• To participate be sure your member dues are current!
• Have your Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
May
Overnight POC Jetty trip on 16 May
June
St Joe Island and Fence Lake on 21 June
“Row, row, row you kayak”
When: Saturday, June 20-21, 2009
Where: Rockport - Fence Lake / St. Joe's Island aboard the Skimmer, Kayak and Wade AND, Aransas Pass - Redfish Bay, Kayak
Start Time: 5:30 am – Saturday, 6:00 am - Sunday
End Time: 5:00 pm – Saturday, Noon - Sunday
Trip Leader:
Phone:
e-mail:
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader.
To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Trip Details:
Saturday morning, at first light, we'll load out on M/V Skimmer and enjoy the trip over to St. Joes Island and the mouth of Fence Lake. Then, we'll load out the kayaks and spend the day stalking shallow water redfish. At the end of the day (as late as 4:30 pm), we'll be retrieved by the Skimmer and returned to Rockport.
Then, on Sunday, we'll head over to Aransas Pass and hit some of the shallow water flats in Redfish Bay, Brown and Root Flats or the Lighthouse Lakes for another morning of chasing redfish, specks and ladyfish.
Cost:
Saturday, June 20th: Transportation aboard the Skimmer – Cost TBD per person. If you need to rent a kayak, they are available at Cost TBD per kayak / Per day. Box lunches (sandwich (turkey, ham or chicken salad), chips and cookie) are available for Cost TBD each. You will need to provide your own drinks. Tipping is optional and greatly appreciated. For more information about the Skimmer, check out the following link.
Sunday, June 21th: TBD
http://www.rockportadventures.com/rpa/
Directions:
Go to Rockport. Load Out at the Skimmer Dock at the Fulton Marina
Important items:
• To participate be sure your member dues are current!
• Have your Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
Recommended guidelines for participants:
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up.
• If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.
July
The Annual Port O’Connor One Fly on 18 July
When: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Where: Port O’Connor, Texas
Start Time: 6:30 am
End Time: 5:00 pm – Turn in Score Cards and flies
Trip Leader: Chris Sumers
Phone: (713) 702-6712
e-mail: Christopher.sumers@halliburton.com
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader.
To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Guidelines:
• Any conventional fly pattern may be used. No tipping or attractant may be applied to the fly.
• Every attempt must be made to declare and submit your pattern to the outing leader prior to the start of fishing. A digital photo of your fly is not required, but will be appreciated.
• Repair of flies may only be done with the use of glue or any adhesive. Any re-tying of the fly with thread or the application of fly tying materials is prohibited. Broken hooks may be honed or filed to a usable sharpness via any sharpening tool. Duct tape is not an approved adhesive.
• All species of recognized saltwater game fish are eligible. Hard Head Catfish are not considered game fish.
• If you plan on fishing offshore, please declare your intention at the time of your registration. You will be required to submit a separate score card for all fish caught offshore. “Fishing the surf” for trout, redfish, etc. will not be considered fishing offshore.
• Fishing begins at sunrise. Fishing night fishing lights is not allowed
Scoring
• Scoring will be based on total length of each fish caught. All catches must be entered on the “official” score card and the score card must be completed and turned in to the judges, with the contest fly (if available), at the end of the days fishing.
• Scoring ends for any contestant when his official fly becomes irretrievably lost.
• A fouled hooked fish is not eligible for scoring. A foul hooked fish is any fish that is not hooked in the mouth.
• Measuring, to the nearest ? inch, will be on the honor system.
• No guessing on measurements. Each fish must be measured, using a rigid measuring stick or board, with ? inch graduations, before it can be officially counted. In the event of a tie, the tournament judge my ask to inspect each of the measuring devices for accuracy. Photos of the catch with the measuring board will be helpful and appreciated.
• When measuring a fish, make every effort to minimize handling. Once the fish has been measured, return it the fish to the water, revive it and release it as soon as possible.
• Official procedure for measuring: Pinch the tail and close the mouth. Swing the tail if necessary to achieve the longest length.
• First tie breaker will go to the angler with the earliest caught fish. If additional tie breakers are necessary, they will be announced at an appropriate time.
All applicable fish and games laws will be observed. Proper etiquette is a must and, please be safe.
These guidelines are subject to change and modification as directed by the One Fly Board of Directors and Rules Committee.
August
Well, Let’s try this again
When: August 21, 2009
Where: Port Mansfield – Getaway Adventures Lodge, Capt. Bruce Shuler
Start Time:
End Time:
Trip Leader: Rod Henderson
Phone:
e-mail:
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader.
To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Trip Details:
Two full days of guided fishing, lodging, and meals with Getaway Adventures Lodge. Fishing options will be inshore, offshore, jetty....pretty much wherever they're biting. For those of you who aren't familiar with the process, a typical itinerary looks like this:
1. Arrive Friday
2. Guided fishing Saturday and Sunday
3. All meals (excluding Friday evening) are provided
4. Lodging is provided Friday through Sunday evening
5. Depart Monday or Sunday night if you choose.
Cost:
$500 per person with a $250.00 deposit
Directions:
Important items:
• To participate be sure your member dues are current!
• Have your Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
Recommended guidelines for participants:
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up.
• If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.
September
San Luis Pass and West Galveston Bay on 19 September
Let’s hope Ike left us some place to fish
When: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Where: San Luis Pass / West Galveston Bay - Freeport, Texas
Start Time: 7:00 am – Boat Ramp at the Brazoria County Park,
End Time: 3:00 pm
Trip Leader:
Phone:
e-mail:
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader. To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Directions:
TBD
Trip Details:
Depending on what condition things are in at San Luis Pass, the plan is to fish the surf and pass. If conditions don’t cooperate, we’ll move the load out point.
Important items:
• To participate be sure your member dues are current!
• Have your Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
Recommended guidelines for participants:
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up.
• If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.
October
The 24th Annual Redfish Rodeo - A Fly Fishing Event
Date: October 18th, 2008
Place: Rockport / Aransas Pass, Texas
Time: First Light - 4:00 pm - Weigh
Tournament Headquarters:
Entry Fee: $40.00 Per Person by Mail, $50.00 at the Door
The Legend of The Redfish Rodeo
The Inaugural Redfish Rodeo was the brain child of twelve local fly fishers. It was held in 1986 in Port O'Connor, Texas. The prize was only for the longest redfish, but it is understood that there might have been a side bet or two. Being catch and release, there had to be some honesty check and that’s what brought about the two person team concept. The partners were not true partners. Each fished to win the prize and could not help the other. The next year it was held in Rockport.
In 1988, the Gulf Coast Conservation Association started a fly fishing tournament in Port O'Connor. Since all twelve founders of the Redfish Rodeo were GCCA members, they opted to drop their tournament and support the GCCA. All the GCCA tournaments were held in Port O'Connor, which continued until 1995. In 1995, the Texas Flyfishers ran the tournament for GCCA, using their name. The next year GCCA informed TFF they could not use the GCCA name, but could use it as a benefactor.
So in beginning in 1996, the Texas Fly Fishers renamed the tournament after the original Redfish Rodeo. The event is moved back and forth between Port O'Connor and Rockport. Our format is simple. Charge enough to cover the meals, rent, and door prizes, and hold a raffle to generate a donation for a local conservation / education directed organization BUT, our primary purpose is to educate the public about catch and release and have a good time while doing it.
November
Bolivar on the 7th of November
“Around, around, around it goes, where we’ll fish, nobody knows ”
When: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Where: TBD
Start Time: 7:00 am
End Time: 3:00 pm
Trip Leader:
Phone:
e-mail:
How to sign up: Sign up on line, call or e-mail the trip leader. To sign up on line, use the following link:
http://www.texasflyfishers.org/swoutings.html
Directions:
TBD
Trip Details:
TBD
Important items:
• To participate be sure your member dues are current!
• Have your Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
Recommended guidelines for participants:
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up.
• If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.
December
No outing - see you at the party.
