Kayak Outing to Fence Lake - June 16th 2007

Outing Leader: Lloyd Mathews
Transport from Fulton Harbor on the Skimmer

LIMIT 12 ANGLERS!!!

Unloading the SkimmerFor the second time this year, Alamo Fly Fishers has arranged with Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures to transport our members with kayaks for a day of fishing to the Fence Lake area on the back side of San Jose Island. Cost for transport is $40 per person. One person will get a free trip - we will draw the name from a hat as we leave in the morning.

We will meet at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, June 16th, at Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures (www.rockportadventures.com), 216 North Fulton Beach Road. We will load our kayaks and fishing gear aboard their transport boat, the Skimmer, and try to leave by 6:00 a.m. Capt. Tommy Moore will be taking us to the edge of the Fence Lake area on the backside of San Jose Island for a day of fishing and kayaking. This is a premier flats fishing area where tailing redfish are commonly found. But don’t overlook the drop-off along the shoreline, potholes, and passes for Speckled Trout. The Skimmer will return to pick us up later that afternoon, approximately 3:30 p.m. A definite time and location for the return trip will be determined that morning.

We are going to a remote area, and we will be on the water all day. Some things you should consider bringing are:

Hat with brim
Sunscreen
Polarized sunglasses
Wading boots
Insect repellent
Flashlight or headlamp
Drinking water
Lunch or snacks
Ice
Fishing license with Saltwater stamp
Photo ID
Rain suit
First-aid kit
Compass or GPS unit

Most of the water is very shallow, with a mixture of sand, mud, and grass bottoms. Six to eight weight rods work very well. Make sure you have some flies you can work shallow. Lightweight Clousers or Crazy Charlies, Sea-Ducers, Bendbacks, shrimp patterns, little poppers, Dahlberg Divers, or even small Kwan flies will work. Spoon flies also work very well. In addition to the flats, there are some cuts and drop-offs that will be productive to blind casting in the early morning, and on an outgoing tide. The fish are big, and they are not leader shy! Use a heavy leader to avoid getting broken off. I recommend 14 to 20 lb tippet. I also recommend bending your barbs down. It will make unhooking much easier, fish or human.

For your kayaks, bring your usual gear:
Paddle with leash
Seat
Anchor and rope
Tether rope
Coast Guard approved PFD
Rod holder(s)
Whistle
Two-way radios
Soft sided cooler

If your kayak has hatches, you may try to store these items inside the hatch area. Don’t leave anything on the outside of the kayak. Stacking of kayaks on the Skimmer will be necessary for the transport. Loading and unloading will be easier and quicker if the kayaks are bare. Everyone will rig their kayaks and fishing gear once we reach our destination. Cost for transport is $40 per person, if we have ten or more people. Space is limited to 12 people. Kayak rentals are also available. Let Lloyd know to sign up and if you need a kayak.