Jim Tenbrook reels ’em in on the bay.
Scott Baker
Rockport sits right in the middle of the best red and black drum habitat on the Texas Gulf Coast. The RR Fishing Club made its annual trek to these intercoastal waterways in late October, breaking the trip into two separate weeks due to its popularity and high demand. Over the course of each trip, 28 anglers traversed the Laguna Madre in search of this smart, athletic, and fierce sportfish. Not just a great challenge, the mild, sweet-flavored drum is also good eating.
Anglers travel to South Texas to fish these famed waters year round where schools of hungry redfish abound, as well as their cousin, the black drum. The possibility of a mixed bag with mud cats and sheepshead keeps things interesting, but more than likely, the shallow water redfish will be making the memories that most will cherish.
Staying at Back Lakes Lodge offered comfortable lodging with easy access to the fishing grounds. Our daily routine had us up early for a 6 a.m. breakfast before getting on the water. We were transported to the Goose Island State Park boat dock, then we jumped into our boats to try our luck among the marshy islands and oyster reefs of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. After a day of fishing, it was back to the lodge mid-day to relax and get cleaned up before dinner was served that evening.
The Intracoastal Waterway offered a multitude of places to cast a line, and we relied upon our guides who have been fishing these waters for decades. We hopped onto airboats to maneuver into those hard-to-reach places that hold plenty of redfish. Inshore waters appeared relatively calm, but they offered plenty of action and consistent dunking of the cork. Plus, there was plenty of entertainment. After fighting and landing a prize redfish, it was held up to be photographed when it was accidentally released from the fish gripper, plopping back into the water. Only fish tales left to tell here.
The waters and marshes are also teeming with wading birds of every shape and size, plus migratory waterfowl and whooping cranes. With its mild year-round climate and relaxed atmosphere, Rockport was an ideal place to unwind and connect with the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty. Throw in the abundant fish inhabiting these shallow waters waiting to get hooked, and every day on the water held something special.
Never ones to turn down an opportunity to cast a line, plans are always in the works for the next fishing destination. Interested in dropping a line? The RR Fishing Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Wildhorse Grill Boardroom at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, comments, or suggestions, contact RobsonFishing@gmail.com or Scott Baker at 214-334-7664.