Outings Outlook – October 2009
by Todd Fleming, AFF Outings Director 2009
It’s here! It’s here! It’s here! October, the best fishing month of the year, is finally here! Heaven forbid, if you could only fish one month in Texas, October is your month. There are more opportunities for successful fishing trips all over the state this month than at any other time of the year. Saltwater or freshwater, flat water or moving, you will not make a bad choice. The worst thing that could happen is to do nothing and let this month pass without wetting a line.
If you prefer saltwater, the conditions are never better than right now to use the fly rod on some big bruising fish. Your biggest decision will be where to fish – flats fishing or surf. Both are excellent this time of year. The winds at the coast are light, the water is clear, and the fish are big and feeding in large groups. Want to catch a bull red, or a tarpon, or even a trophy speckled trout? Try fishing the jetty passes and surf. Follow the huge bait migration down the beach. You will be amazed at the quantity and size of fish that will venture very near to shore to feed on an endless stream of bait. Recent rains have even improved the beach driving at Padre Island to access premier water on the coastal bend. But, don’t overlook opportunities for casting to schooling and podding fish on the flats. Spotting redfish on the flats has never been easier or more fun than right now. They are feeding in groups in shallow water, and eating anything that moves! The cooler weather and shorter days have triggered an instinct to eat. Their cooperative and competitive spirit to graze the flats in groups makes them easy to spot and easy to catch in shallow water. The sight of fish feeding in the surf or on the flats is something not to be missed. It is an image that stays with you, and one you can never get enough of.
If you prefer freshwater fishing, Fall in Texas is destination quality. Our hill country lakes, rivers, streams, and even stock tanks provide quality fishing opportunities. Fall fishing for bass and brim is easy and will produce hours of entertainment for the whole family. Recent rains are helping our area river flows and lake levels rise. The fish are energized by cooler temps, and camping in our state parks is second to none. Friendly fly fishing water is only a short drive from town. Go for a few hours, a day, or the whole weekend. Enjoy being outdoors in Texas!
Last month we made an exploratory day trip to Nine Mile Hole with fly gear and kayaks aboard Tom Callahan’s 24’ Carolina skiff. We had a very successful day catching many redfish and black drum. My largest redfish was 27” and biggest black drum was 24”. Nine Mile Hole is remote and difficult to access, but well worth the effort to get there with a kayak. This expanse of shallow water is ideal for kayak fishing, and the fish are plentiful and cooperative. If you are interested in taking kayaks to the “Hole” for fishing, contact Capt. Tom Callahan (210-213-1111) for arrangements. You will not be disappointed in this trip.
If you prefer freshwater fishing, Fall in Texas is destination quality. Our hill country lakes, rivers, streams, and even stock tanks provide quality fishing opportunities. Fall fishing for bass and brim is easy and will produce hours of entertainment for the whole family. Recent rains are helping our area river flows and lake levels rise. The fish are energized by cooler temps, and camping in our state parks is second to none. Friendly fly fishing water is only a short drive from town. Go for a few hours, a day, or the whole weekend. Enjoy being outdoors in Texas!
Last month we made an exploratory day trip to Nine Mile Hole with fly gear and kayaks aboard Tom Callahan’s 24’ Carolina skiff. We had a very successful day catching many redfish and black drum. My largest redfish was 27” and biggest black drum was 24”. Nine Mile Hole is remote and difficult to access, but well worth the effort to get there with a kayak. This expanse of shallow water is ideal for kayak fishing, and the fish are plentiful and cooperative. If you are interested in taking kayaks to the “Hole” for fishing, contact Capt. Tom Callahan (210-213-1111) for arrangements. You will not be disappointed in this trip.
We have just returned from an overnight outing to Fence Lake. We knew the weather forecast would not be ideal, but I am always the optimist. High water, sustained winds, and cloudy skies are tough conditions for the fly fisherman. Nevertheless we still made the trip with eleven, and seven came with gear to stay all weekend. We made camp on a shell reef, and high ground for tents was a precious commodity. We all survived and even managed to catch a few fish. I’m not complaining about the weather because we desperately need the rain, but with lighter winds and more sun, I’m certain we would have been able to spot more fish. We’ll be back soon to try it again.
Redfish DavidSaturday October 10th is the 23rd annual Redfish Rodeo in Rockport. This fly fishing tournament for two-person teams is sponsored by the Texas Fly Fishers. A new twist this year will include a club competition to see which club has the best fly fishermen. The more participation we have from Alamo Fly Fishers will help us win the club trophy and bragging rights for a whole year. More information and entry forms are available at www.texasflyfishers.org. Registration is also available in Rockport Friday evening at the new Orvis shop – 1723 Cherry Street. Dave Hayward, Orvis proprietor and general manager, will also be on hand to referee any debate on which fly club has the best fisherman – a debate that will surely be settled on Saturday.
Saturday October 17th plan to be in Junction for Oktoberfisch sponsored by the Fredericksburg Fly Fishers. This event actually starts on Friday and features a whole weekend of events including transports upstream to float and fish the Llano River. It all takes place at Morgan Shady Park on the river in Junction. This is another well organized event at a premier, clear water, fly fishing destination. Go to www.fredericksburgflyfishers.org to register and get more information.
Save Saturday October 24th to see Brian O’Keefe at the GRTU meeting in Sattler. Brian is a renowned outdoor writer, photographer, and fly fisherman. He is the GRTU featured speaker, and well worth giving up a morning of fishing. Brian O’Keefe co-produces a free electronic fly fishing magazine with Todd Moen called “Catch Magazine” which is unlike any magazine you have ever seen. Check out www.catchmagazine.net to see the latest issue with award winning photography. Visit the GRTU website www.grtu.org for more meeting details.
If you are looking for another saltwater fly fishing tournament, you may consider the Laguna Madre Fly Fishing Association Invitational Fly Fishing Tournament on Saturday October 24th from South Padre Island. Log on to www.lagunamadreflyfishers.com for more details and registration.
I’m considering an exploratory outing to the Devil’s River State Natural Area on November 14th/15th or 21st/22nd. Another outing to the Devil’s River area could be planned for next April. Let me know if you are interested in either or both.
Try to invite a friend or family member to join you on your next outing, and remember to make it fun for the younger generation – your future depends on it. It’s not always just about the fish! Be safe. I hope to see you on the water!