A dozen intrepid anglers met this weekend to pursue Sciaenops ocellatus (aka redfish, aka that darned fish that wouldn’t take my fly!) I was supposed to meet Golden & Scott F. for a tour of potential fishing sites on Friday, but my console electrical system was acting up. Thanks to Chris’s Marine in Aransas Pass for getting me fixed up in a jiffy! By the time my boat was fixed, it was pouring rain and about time to stop by Swan Point to pick up many of the prizes. That evening, many of us, including two special attendees, Mark M & Jack K from Valley Fly Fishers met up for a fine meal at Paradise Key Grille and to discuss strategy.

The next morning, we set out in our pursuit. Some of us hit Corpus Christi Bayou, while others spread out across the bay complex. Unfortunately, Scott F. found that he had fuel system issues and was unable to continue. Scott B., who was with him was able to find a ride and continued fishing. The winds were a little tough, but the water clarity was decent. Unfortunately, the redfish were on Weight Watchers that day and had a case of the lockjaw.
The reports began trickling in afterward. Among the fish of note, Jack K jumped a tarpon (!), Mark M caught a lizardfish, several skipjacks were hooked, Mingo caught a Spanish mackerel and Bob S caught a croaker. As far as redfish go, Denis A., who went out with a guide for the tournament, caught 68” with 3 fish and Eduardo D., who fished with me, caught 4 fish at 65” total. Denis won a Sage Salt 8wt, contributed by Marcos and FTU. The rest won some very nice door prizes contributed by Swan Point Landing.

Thanks to all those who helped me with this tournament and those who fished it. Hopefully we can make it better next year!

MFQ