Report: 2024-09 Padre Island National Seashore outing

9 anglers in 5 vehicles arrived at the parking lot. Getting ready took very little time and we were quickly on the road, hunting for working birds.

Travelling down the beach was easy. Our plan was to head towards the turtle house, where we camped. Driving conditions were perfect. We were able to stay in 2WD most of the day.

Multiple species were caught on a variety of flies:

  • Redfish
  • Flounder
  • Jack crevalle
  • Whiting
  • Speckled trout
  • Blue runners
  • Ladyfish

Sea turtles were spotted in the surf, along with a stingray.

The waves weren’t too bad on Friday and Saturday. By Sunday the wind had picked up, causing the wave action to increase. Another outcome of the higher wind, and parking too close to the dunes, is that everything we brought was coated with a layer of sand..

We drove all the way to the jetties. The pocket that we like to fish was filled with boaters, taking it out of the options. The jetties had no action. So we didn’t stay long. No birds were working.

Meal planning was done well.  There was plenty of food, and a great variety.

Some lessons were learned.  Wind, sand, bugs, casting, gear, boots, etc. Whatever common conditions were for last year and this, we need to figure out what they were, and avoid them for next year. The catch rate was very low.

We are already trying to get a November event planned.

Pop-up fishing trip: Damon 7 Lakes, 2024-06-29

I plan to be at Damon 7 Lakes at 1500 on Saturday, 2024-06-29 (at about 3pm.) My plan is to use my kickboat and get into that warm, weedy, water. The weather is supposed to sunny, according to the weather guessers, and extremely warm. 

Bring a camp chair, snacks, and plenty of water.

Ready to wet a line? Register below:

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$35 guest fee for any that feel the need to at least throw a fly

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Tom holds a nice LMB

SALTWATER OUTING: Pointe Aux Chenes, Louisiana – November 8-11, 2024

Event: This is a multi-day kayak trip to Pointe Aux Chenes, Louisiana. This trip will be a pay-to-play trip, although you won’t have to pay at registration. My estimate of cost/person is approximately $200-250/person. Subject to change. Kayak WILL NOT be provided by the guide service, although they have some really nice fishing kayaks for rent. If you do not want to rent from the guide, you will need to bring your own.

Trip Description:  Are you ready for an adventure that blends epic sci-fi thrills with the serene beauty of the coastal marsh? Look no further than our upcoming kayak fishing event guided by the legendary Capt. Eddie Mullen. This is an experience like no other!

As the sun rises over the otherworldly landscape of Pointe Aux Chenes, you’ll embark on a journey through bioluminescent grasses and shimmering waterways. Your kayak, equipped with state-of-the-art anti-gravity paddles, will glide effortlessly above the glowing water, immersing you in an environment teeming with fantastical creatures. Capt. Eddie, known for his cybernetic eye and captivating stories, will lead you into the heart of the marsh in his custom hover-kayak.

Feel the thrill as you and your fellow adventurers, a lively mix of weekend warriors and fly fishing jedis, paddle deeper into the mystical expanse. As you navigate the glowing green waters, you’ll be on the lookout for fabled giant redfish, said to be as large as a small spacecraft and twice as cunning. The excitement reaches its peak when you spy the colossal ripple that heralds the redfish’s arrival. Suddenly, the monstrous redfish charges, aiming to reverse the role of hunter-hunted! With lightning reflexes, you throw your fly into its gaping maw just in time. The ensuing battle is a Cajun slayride like no other, with the redfish pulling you through the ethereal marshland in a wild chase, creating memories and laughter that will last a lifetime.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to fish in a place where reality bends and legends are born. Sign up now for an adventure that promises to be out of this world!

When: November 8-11 (Friday-Monday). The rough schedule is:

November 8 – Drive to Pointe Aux Chenes around noon, or whenever you can get off work. Have dinner at the AirBnB at night

November 9 – Wake up early and board the mothership where Capt. Eddie will take us deep into the LA marsh. Don’t get lost…it’s a real thing. Fish all day and then dinner at the AirBnB

November 10 – Repeat of the day before

November 11 – Wake up early and fish close to the marina if desired. Others can sleep in. Checkout will be at 11a. Drive back to Houston around lunch.

Where: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R8mnAeqmnPjqvWk16

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SW Outing: Costa Rica Tarpon Fishing Trip 10-14 October, 2024, updated 2024-06-06

Invite your friends. Even folks that don’t fly fish can join in for this trip. We are using MembershipWorks to track participants, and coordinate. See the registration link below.

It’s time again Fly Fishers, we are looking for up to 16 more anglers to go to Silverking Lodge for 5  nights lodging and 4 days of fishing at their Barra Del Colorado Lodge. SKL has offered special pricing to the club to help promote the lodge . 4 full days of fishing, all meals, bar with local beer, wine and liquor included. All of this for $3,685 ( over a $4,500 value) double occupancy. SLK has 10 rooms set aside for 11-14 October with afternoon arrival on the 10th.

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Information about the lodge:

Silver King Lodge is the finest giant tarpon fishing lodge in the world. The area has year-round resident tarpon and is one of the best tarpon fisheries in the world. The Lodge is located on the Caribbean coast at the mouth of the Rio Colorado. You will fish from 23-foot boats custom made on site.  SKL provides equipment for bait, plug and fly fishermen.  Fishing the nearby lagoons for a day or half day is also an option, giving your arms a respite from the 100lb + tarpon, and getting a chance to see more of the Costa Rican wildlife. Your stay will include all meals, beer, wine, and liquor (except call brands).  Meals are served buffet style with cooked to order dishes for breakfast. Guestrooms are spacious and air conditioned.  The lodge has a pool and Jacuzzi free for use.   If you are so sore from catching these large fish, a massage can be arranged, putting you back into fighting form for the next day.

The cost of the trip is $3,685 for 4 full days fishing and 5 nights lodging. The normal rate is much higher (double occupancy)   This trip is open to all members and friends of members who are willing to update their membership with the Texas FlyFishers:  Membership.

Payment Schedule, coordinate with the trip leaders to make sure it gets taken care of in a timely manner.

First, July 2, 2023      – $ 2,000 (deposit)

Final, September 15, 2023     – $ 1,685 (remainder)

Trip Leader – “Puck” Don C. Puckett – doncpuckett(at)gmail(dot)com, 28I(dash)865(minus)3(two)I6

Club Members, that have been to the lodge more than once, if you have questions about fishing, gear, flies, or the lodge are Jerry Brown, Raymond Lindeen, “Puck”, or Tim Stokley.

TRIP INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION

Included:

    • Ground transportation between terminals in San Jose

    • Lodging for 5 nights at SKL in spacious, air-conditioned rooms (double occupancy)

    • Professional Guide Service

    • All meals 

    • Open bar with all standard liquor, beer, and wine / Premium spirits are $5

    • Daily laundry service (only need 2 -3 days fishing clothes and 1 day of travel clothes)

    • Four days of guided fishing (two anglers per boat)

    • Free Wi/Fi

  • All local taxes

Excluded:

    • Flight from USA to San Jose Costa Rica

    • Cost of overnight stay hotel in San Jose if needed (not currently planned).

    • Personal extras, including Massages (available at SKL upon request), souvenirs, etc.

    • Tips for guides and lodge staff = Recommended $325 per angler ($200 per angler for guide and $125 for staff split according to services) if we have an odd number the trip leader will pick up the extra tip for the guide.

    • The purchase of travel insurance for this trip is encouraged.

Lodge website:

https://silverkinglodge.com/

Sunset at the Lodge

Tim Stokley with a nice Tarpon

Just a quick snap shot before release

Scale from 160Lb Tarpon and fly that caught it.

 

Tentative Itinerary

2023-10-10 – Morning direct flight IAH – SJO (San Jose Cr) arriving in the morning..

2023-10-10 – Transfer to airport, Charter flight to Barra del Colorado airport.

2023-10-10 – Fishing by that afternoon

2023-10-10 through 2023-10-13 –  4 full days of fishing

2023-10-14 – AM Charter flight to San Jose – Return to the USA that afternoon

 

Meeting: May 2024 guest Speaker, Steve Soule’

Join us to learn from our friend Steve Soule’ during the May 2024 Meeting. Meeting starts at 6:00pm but some of us get there 30+ minutes early to swap fishing stories. Trini Mendenhall Comm Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston, TX 77055

Or you could join us for some casting practice: Pre-Meeting Casting Practice, Instruction and Social Gathering; April, May, June and September 2024

“Let’s call it understand and catching fish” SS

About Steve:

FW Outing: Sabine River, Generation Canal, 13-16th June 2024 (Thursday -Sunday)

Texas FlyFishers of Houston
Event: Fishing the Sabine River below the generation canal
When:        June 13-16th, 2024

Trip Description:  Fishing the Sabine River below the generation canal.  We plan to fish the generation canal, but if the generators start up we will quickly shift our efforts to the lake.  Launch and take-out will be the new boat launch on the generation canal. Species targeted are , LMG, KLMB, yellow sunfish, white bass, gar (3 species), catfish (2 species) and, if extremely lucky, striped bass.

We have access to a larger (1200sf) cabin, and camping facilities. One bed is already claimed, but there is another bed and multiple spots in the main room still open. We will also be able to put multiple tents up in the immediate area. If the generation canal is unfishable, due to high flow, we still have “coldwater” and the lake.

Where:    Fishing the Sabine River below the generation canal. Camping at TBARS

Start Time:  1600 on Friday
End Time:    1100 on Sunday
Trip Leader: Puck

How to sign up:

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Outing: JSSFS 2024

https://texasflyfishers.org/2024/02/14/outing-john-scarborough-sunfish-spectacular-2024-04-13-0700-updated/#!event-register/2024/4/13/outing-john-scarborough-sunfish-spectacular

Members are encouraged to bring guests. These guests are how we spread the word, and it is always good to have friends on the water.

We have some casting instruction set up. Jim has already coordinated with folks to be able to get your casting better, with the objective of catching fish.

Lunch is looking pretty good. Standard hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on charcoal.

If a person new to the sport needs a little guidance, we have a few volunteers willing to be “fishing buddies” for a few hours.

I’ve been fishing at Damon 7 Lakes the last few weeks, and have been very successful.

We still need a few volunteers to help out with cooking and cleanup. Please contact David with your availability.

Please register ahead of time. This helps with making sure we have enough food and drinks for participants.