Fishing Rockport:
With our complex ecosystem of marshes, creeks, bays, islands, sloughs, etc. and abundance of bait options comes endless opportunities for epic fishing opportunities. Rockport, Texas is home to some of the most extraordinary sight saltwater flyfishing imaginable. Our natural habitat is quite simply a sportsman’s dream, offering a little something for everyone. The central Texas coast is one of our last truly spectacular inshore redfish fisheries in the world, right up there in the ranks with the Louisiana marsh, the Florida Keys, Everglades national park, the and the flood tide habitat of the Carolinas. We encourage conservation and protection of our resource. At the Blue Lagoon Rockport, we predominately target redfish. Other fish we commonly encounter are speckled sea trout, sheepshead, black drum, and flounder which are all excellent game species to pursue on fly and light tackle. If you are at the top of your fly game, let’s go target sheepshead, the Texas Permit, exclusively. They are the most technical inshore species we have to catch on the fly, and “sheepies” commonly frustrate and humble the most advanced anglers. In the winter months, hundreds you-name-it-species of ducks and other migratory birds pass through this area, which add to your experience while out on the water. You might see a wild hog or two, roaming the shoreline of the marshy habitat we fish. Because of the abundance of wildlife and a chance at an unusual sighting during any moment on the water, we encourage guests to bring your camera. Depending on the situation, we might also decide to get out and walk up to fish that are stuck in back ponds in a few inches of water. When we see these giveaways (backs exposed, loud crashes in a tiny, isolated, shallow pond…the redfish got stuck on a low tide and we have the advantage. If you’re lucky you can even catch one with your bare hands.
Outings:
We plan for approx. 6-8 hrs on the water each day. The time of year will factor into when we start the day due to sunlight, feeding patters, heat, etc. We provide water, Gatorade, gear, and safety equipment. You’re welcome to bring any supplies.
You will have opportunities to catch redfish and a variety of other target species on fly. Remember, this is not bait fishing nor are we are not out to have a meat haul. We practice catch and release although we will keep an occasional fish upon request. We will be sight fishing for redfish predominately and it’s common to also get shots at black drum, trout, and sheepshead (most challenging). It’s our goal to get you on as many opportunities to catch fish as possible. It’s your job to make the presentation and invoke the eat. We will provide as much guidance as you’re willing to accept, and this is a team sport so we will work together to maximize our chances…our job is to navigate, maneuver the boat, spot the fish, call stalk them quietly, out a shot, and give you the best opportunity possible for a hookup. Avid fly anglers and newcomers alike, we welcome all skill levels and can provide fly casting instruction as needed.
Weather:
We will do our best to get you in the best environment possible considering the weather at hand. When you book airfare, please choose refundable airfare in case we have to make a weather-related cancellation leading up to your trip. We leave this to the discretion of the guides, and we will issue a full refund for a weather-related cancellation. We are used to fishing in rain or shine, wind or calm, and some of the best outings we’ve had are on days when the weather was less than ideal. The fish still need to eat.
Gear:
Fly tackle (and a conventional rod or two in case it gets super windy) are provided. We typically fish 7-9weight fly rods depending on the conditions and size of fish we’re seeing. Depending on the time of year, we might also bring a 5wt/6wt to target Sheepshead and puppy black drum.
What to bring:
Sunscreen, polarized glasses (ideally amber, copper, or brown lens), buff/tech clothing/stripping gloves, boat shoes and/or wading shoes, and your camera. If you have any questions, we are happy to discuss in advance of your trip.