The 2008 San Marcos float trip with Kevin 'Fishhead' Hutchison will take place on Saturday the 9th of August. We will meet at the Shady Grove Campground on FM1979. We will start at 7.30. You need to bring your own lunch and snacks. The club will provide drinks. The fee is $30.00 plus a nominal parking fee.

If you are a TFF member Sign up here. If you would like to be a guest, and guests are always welcome, contact me at Your Outing Coordinator. Don't forget to print out, complete and bring the required paperwork.

Date, Time, and Place

Spencers Shady Grove Campground, Saturday the 9th of August, 2007 from 7:30 until late.

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Directions
  • Take I10 West from Houston to Luling.
  • Take the HWY183/Luling exit (at the Love's Gas Station) and go right on 183N into Luling.
  • Turn right at first light.
  • Go two blocks and turn left at the next light onto Highway 80N toward San Marcos.
  • Travel 17 miles on 80N to FM1979 in Martindale.
  • Turn left onto FM1979. Proceed for about a mile, cross the river, and Shady Grove CAmpground is immediately on the left.
  • Fill out the Shady Grove parking permit and drop your parking fee in the box (or slot, can't remember).

    Mapquest Directions

    Plug this address into Mapquest: 9515 FM 1979 Martindale, TX 78655

    or

    Google 'Spencer Canoes and Shady Grove Campground'.


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    Cost

    $30.00 plus a nominal parking fee gets you a full day of fishing with Kevin Hutchinson and possibly one of those famous 30-20-12 leaders. Bringing exact change will really help.

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    Safety

    Your safety is paramount, so make sure that you ask questions before the outing if you are undertaking an activity for the first time. It is your responsiblity to ensure that you have the right gear and are physically prepared to safely participate in the outing.

    Kevin offered the following specifics for this trip: 'we will all need to take some responsibility for our own safety. This means knowing how to handle the craft you choose to float the river with. In the past I have made my feelings about kayaks well known and they have not changed. The San Marcos River can be challenging to kayak/fish if you do not have experience paddling in moving water. Remember, kayaking the flats and kayaking a river moving at 500 cubic feet per second are two very different things. If you have any second thoughts about your ability to navigate (with lots of expensive equipment) moving water in a kayak them make arrangements to use a kick boat or “buddy-up” with someone in a canoe.'

    'At this point a word about equipment might be prudent; you can never go wrong if you follow two simple rules. 1. Don’t bring anything that can't get wet. Cell phones, pagers, wallets and expensive cameras should either be left in your car (parked safely at Shady Grove Campgrounds) or put into waterproof bags (NOT ordinary Zip-Lock bags). 2. If you have equipment you don’t want to loose make sure it is tied down in some manner. Accidents happen and it can be frustrating and expensive if you loose a rod, reel or other treasure.'

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    What to Bring

    Rods 3 to 6 weights with floating lines.

    Kick boats and canoes will work. Kevin has offered his thoughts on kayaks. If you need a canoe please call Kevin as soon as possible (his details are further down this page).

    A wide brimmed hat.

    Polarised sunglasses and sunscreen.

    A valid Texas fishing license.

    Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

    A PFD as required by Texas PFD requirements from TPWD.

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    Flies

    Miss Prissy is my standby.

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    Required Paperwork

    Print out the waiver that follows, read and sign both pages, and bring it to the outing to save time. You need Texas Flyfishers Hold Harmless Form.

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    More Questions

    If you would like additional information about Shady Grove Campground check out their web site at Shady Grove Campground . If you have questions about the river conditions check out this web site for “real-time” flow information Stream Flow . If you have San Marcos weather questions visit Weather and if you need lodging in San Marcos visit this site Hotels . If you need any additional information please feel free to call me. I will be out on the River Thursday and Saturday but I will return your call ASAP. Kevin Hutchison, Owner, Hill Country Flyfishers, (512) 589-3474 www.hillcountryflyfishers.com .

    Or you can send an e-mail to Your Outing Coordinator .

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