The Fishing Club reels ’em in on the bay. (Photo by Scott Baker)
Fishing’s the name of our game. (Photo by Scott Baker)
Scott Baker
What happens when you combine southern hospitality, scrumptious gourmet meals, a lodge nestled on three acres of oak woods, a top-notch team of experienced guides, and a world-class fishing habitat? You get the all-inclusive Back Lakes Lodge located in Rockport, Texas. The RR Fishing Club just returned to this premier lodge on the Gulf Coast for another unforgettable anglers’ experience.
Making the six-hour road trip, we pulled up to the lodge and were met by our chef for the week. After orienting us to the property and showing us the fully stocked refrigerator and bar (both of which were included in the cost), we settled in and rested up for the days to come.
The daily routine awakens us up early to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. A hot breakfast fit for a king was laid out before us—bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and orange juice. Devouring it all, we’re ready for a full day on the water. Immediately after breakfast, we headed to the boats loaded up with mid-day snacks of fruit, granola bars, trail mix, and candy bars.
With the barrier islands stretching over 50 miles along the coast, there are thousands of acres of back lakes and wetlands available in search of our quarry—redfish and black drum. Four fishermen and one guide were assigned to each boat. Rods, reels, and live bait were all provided, along with coolers loaded with beer, soft drinks, and water.
By airboat, we’re whisked across the bay’s expanse. Within minutes, we glided to a stop, with rods ready to begin the fight. And the fight came quickly, with a consistent jerking of the line. Later, returning to the lodge tired and smiling from ear to ear, our guides cleaned and packed our catch for travel home.
Once back, we washed up and joined in the great room where the chef-prepared feast began. Following appetizers came the three-course dinner of local seafood or delicious bites hot off the grill. One evening our chef happily prepared our freshly caught redfish on the half-shell. We definitely never went hungry.
Following dinner, complete with alcohol of our choice, we headed to the game room furnished with big-screen TVs, pool table, shuffleboard, cornhole, and poker table. Or outside we gathered around the fire pit. With enough fish stories told for one night, we retired to our rooms, a peaceful retreat after a full day outdoors.
Some spots were made for taking it slow. Back Lakes Lodge is just that place to relax and unwind. But it’s more than just a place to stay. It’s a place to experience the thrill of the outdoors. It’s an extraordinary fishing experience unlike anything else on the Texas Gulf Coast and a place the Fishing Club will undoubtedly return to in 2024.
Interested in dropping a line? The RR Fishing Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Wildhorse Grill Boardroom at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, contact [email protected] or Scott Baker at 214-334-7664.