As the sun rose over the Gulf on the morning of August 5, 2023, Fifteen Texas Fly Fishers fly anglers gathered to fish the Gulf Coast surf near Surfside, Texas. With a little wind and surf swells at a foot or so, conditions were challenging but nevertheless inviting.

Scott Fossum was first into the water and soon landed two nice speckled trout on his personally tied Platinum Pilchard Fly with florescent eyes which Scott makes himself. If you have not seen this pattern, ask Scott go give you look at not only the fly but also the eyes he uses on the fly; this pattern is a good one-especially for the surf.

Jeff Schneider also found a few, adding a Pompano to the list, as other anglers searched the water for bait and birds.

As the morning progressed, the participants continued to move down the beach in search of a preferred location and eventually settled, as a group, just past access road five, as everyone discussed where might be the best location to re-enter the surf.

The group continued to work the water, changing flies and techniques. However, as the morning hours began to wind down, the chairs eventually came out and the stories began.

The stories continued with tales of past trips, flies and food and eventually Scott Fossum delivered a fine chilled water melon. Not only did he deliver it, he sliced it up and served it to the group as each participant dug into to the sweet, moist melon.

The watermelon made, what had already been a good day on the water and a fine day of fellowship, even better!

Special thanks to Scott and Elvia Fossum for bringing and serving the watermelon and to Ron Mayfield for his fine action photography.

Finally, thanks to all of you who joined in on the trip. Your presence and enthusiasm gave the trip energy and made it more enjoyable for everyone.