Houston Fly Fishers Hit the PINS Corpus Christi Going SOUTH

| September 27, 2013

NOTE – I can’t possibly post all the trips that all fly fishing clubs in Texas are taking, but this one should be a humdinger. Clubs are a fantastic way to make new fly friends, share expenses and learn volumes of knowledge. Houston, due to its size and geography has one of the largest, most active, fly fishing communities in Texas.

Texas FlyFishers of Houston
Event: PINS trip

When: Lock the date…. 27-29th of September. We have avoided “Shark-o-Thon”
Where:
Start Time:
End Time:
Trip Leader: Puck
Phone:
e-mail: PM here

Trip Description: We will take four-wheel drive vehicles down Padre Island National Seashore during the anchovy migration, and target blitzing schools of ladyfish, jacks, redfish, and tarpon.
Based on last year’s experience: Let’s change this up a little from last year. Let’s start early Saturday monring and run down to about MM 40+ and fish the next day, Sunday, on the way back. More to follow.

How to sign up: Sign Up Here, on the sign up sheet distributed at the monthly meeting or e-mail the trip leader.
How to get waiver forms: Download PDF form here. Required Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information.

Cost: National Seashore Entrance Fee $10 per vehicle

Directions: About 250 miles (4-5 hours) from central Houston
Search Houston to Malaquite Beach (20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, Texas (Padre Island National Seashore)) in an online mapping program

About the area:

At 60-70 miles long, Padre Island is the longest, undeveloped, barrier island in the world. Anglers with four-wheel drive vehicles can access almost all of it.

Fall brings bait migrations and large schools of predators. The water is typically clear (much more so than Galveston).

• When the club did this trip in September, 2006, 14 anglers hooked 8 tarpon. Countless large ladyfish were brought to hand, as well as some big jack crevalle.
• Last year, 2012, there were 10 anglers. Ladyfish were the most caught species, with reds, spanish macks, bluefish, and trout also brought to hand.

The typical fishing method involves cruising the beach while looking for signs of fish. When a school is sighted, anglers bail out and start casting. The Port Mansfield jetties (at the very end) offer deep water access.

Driving on the beach can be difficult. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required. Realize that a tow for a stuck vehicle here could cost you thousands (yes, thousands). Cell phones do not work on the island, except at the extreme ends.

The Malaquite Pavilion offers public showers to get off the sand and salt before the drive home.

Important items:
• Member dues are current!
• Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information
• Current Texas Fishing License with Saltwater Stamp
• Have proper safety equipment INCLUDING a proper fitting PFD
• Extra change of dry clothes
• Wind and/or water proof jacket
• Wading Shoes and Sting Ray Guards
• Lunch, plenty of water, snacks and power bars
• Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
• Wide brimmed hat AND polarized glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand held VHF or FRS radio with extra batteries
• Vehicle rod holders
• Tow rope
• Jack and base plate
• Fix-a-flat
• Shovel
• Spare Tire
• 5 Gallon bucket

Recommended Equipment:
• 8 – 10 wt rods
• Full intermediate lines with at least 200-yds of backing
• Short 4-5 foot long, straight leaders of 30-lb monofilament or fluorocarbon
• Bite tippets of 50-80 lbs if targeting tarpon
• Back-up rods, spinning/casting in case it gets too rough in the surf, or the wind picks up to gale conditions

Recommended Flies:
Surf candy
Clouser minnows
Lefty’s Deceivers
Beck’s Bombers

Recommended guidelines for participants:
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up.
• If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times. Shouldn’t apply on this trip, but still good advice.
• Sign in and sign out at the meet up point. Inform the trip leader if you will be fishing in a different place.
« Last Edit: August 28, 2013, 01:31:38 PM by Puck »

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Category: Adventure, Events, Texas Fly Fishing Club

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https://www.shannondrawe.com is where to find my other day job. I write and photograph fish stories professionally, and for free here! Journalist by training. This site is for telling true fishing news stories, unless otherwise noted.

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