FAQ's
Q: In what areas do you typically fish? Do you fish more with bait or artificial lures? What do you consider your specialty?
A: The map to the right will give you an indication of the bay systems that I typically will target. Those include San Antonio Bay to the north; Aires, Mesquite, Carlos, St. Charles and Copano Bays around Rockport; and Aransas Bay to the south. I also spend a lot of time in the back lakes on Matagorda and San Jose Islands and in the Aransas Wildlife Refuge. Where I fish each day will depend on the time of year, weather conditions such as wind direction and speed, where the fish are concentrated, and also the type of fishing the customer requests. If the customer doesn't have a specific request, I will ask the customer some basic questions, and based upon a number of factors, will customize each trip to maximize fish catching opportunities based upon the skill level of the group.
I fish both bait and artificial lures anytime during the year. If you have a preference, just let me know. Depending on skill level and how our previous day's trips have been, we can decide on our fishing options a few days before our trip. Overall, inexperienced fishermen tend to do better with bait, but sometimes want to experience and learn how to use artificial lures. Either choice works.
Catching fish is a priority, however, I consider my specialty to be customer service. Everyone has an expectation in their mind when they step on the boat for a day with a fishing guide. My goal is for you to step off the boat at the end of the day and tell me that the trip "exceeded" your expectations. I believe satisfied customers are the best form of advertisement and ultimately result in repeat bookings.
Q: How is the best way to choose a Fishing Guide
A: First and foremost, safety should be a major concern. Choose a guide who is a current US Coast Guard Licensed Captain and is licensed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Also, make sure that the guide carries the appropriate liability insurance required in the State of Texas. This is very important as many guides along the Texas coast may not carry all the necessary paperwork.
Choose a full time guide who spends most days on the water, as that is the best way to ensure that you have the best chance of catching fish. Look for someone who has boats and equipment that are in great working condition. Nothing ruins a day more than down time due to problems with equipment.
Compare websites and get references if you feel that is necessary. Look for someone who fits the personality of your group. Choose a guide who always presents himself as professional and welcomes all types of groups; corporate clients, serious fishermen, families, and especially kids. Do your research and ask lots of questions......
As they say, the cream always rises to the top. Well established fishing guides develop satisfied repeat customers who keep them busy throughout the year. Plan ahead and book early, as calendars tend to fill up.
Q: I have never fished before. Is this a problem?
A: Absolutely not. Many times, the person who has never fished before catches the most fish. I love to teach people, especially kids, how to fish. New fishermen and women haven't developed bad fishing habits and always listen carefully to directions, making them really quick learners. In a typical day, most learn the basics of fishing. If you can't cast a line or bait a hook or touch a fish, no problem, as I will do that for you. You will love the tug on your line and the experience of reeling in a fish. You're on the boat to have fun no matter what your experience level is, so grab the wife and kids and come see how beautiful the Rockport Bay system really is. The bag of fillets you take home will be a bonus.
Q: Will I get SEASICK?
A: The answer is most likely no. I have never had anyone get seasick on a trip. We are fishing from a bay boat or airboat in shallow back lakes or bays. You will see land at all times and will be in water depths between one foot and 5 feet. In most cases, you will not be in water deeper than waist deep.
Q: Where do you leave from? How long do we fish?
A: We will usually leave from either the Sea Gun Bait Stand (Tx Highway 35 at Park Rd. 12) or the Goose Island State Park Boat Ramp.
Both are on the north side of the Rockport Causeway Bridge on the Lamar Peninsula. We will usually leave the dock about 30 minutes before sunrise and return to the dock by 2 pm. However, the day is yours, so we can return before 2 pm should you request.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: See the list under the "Rates" tab. If not wadefishing, you really only need to bring your personal belongings including drinks and food for the day. I will provide all tackle, bait and safety equipment. All children 13 years of age and younger must wear a life jacket at all times on the boat, which I will provide. I will clean all fish and provide you with your bag of fillets at the end of the day. You may want to bring a cooler to put your fillets in for the trip home.
Q: What type of fish will we catch?
A: Typically we are targeting Speckled Trout, Redfish, Black Drum and Flounder. However, we may catch any number of saltwater species during a trip. If we are bayfishing in my 22' Pathfinder TE, we will most likely start early by catching Speckled Trout and then look for Redfish. If we are fishing shallow water in my Panther Airboat, then we will target Redfish, but will likely catch some Black Drum and Speckled Trout. We also periodically catch Flounder, Jack Crevalle, Shark, Sheephead, and Ladyfish. Chech the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. website for daily bag limits for the various species of game fish.
Q: What if we want to do more than just fishing? Can we customize a trip?
A: Yes, we can customize a trip to fit your needs. Depending on my schedule and previous bookings, I also schedule Airboat rides, bird watching trips and combination fishing/sightseeing trips. I can also adjust departure and return times to fit your schedule. Depending on various conditions, I can sometimes offer afternoon and evening trips. If you have a request or an idea in mind, give me a call or e-mail me at the contact info provided on the following page and we can discuss options and pricing. I am on the water most days and try to answer all calls immediately, however, if I am out of cell phone range or am tending to a customer, please leave a message on my voice mail. I return most calls in the late afternoon or early evening when I get off the water.
