Texas Redfish

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One thing I really liked about fishing for redfish in Texas is how easy it is to get there. From anywhere in the US, an angler can hop a plane to Houston and either drive to the Gulf or fly a little closer via Corpus Christi. Not many time zones are crossed and the flats in the Rockport, Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi area are as enjoyable and challenging as any in the Bahamas, Belize, etc.

Guide Billy Trimble and his wife Stacy have carved out a niche in the heart of redfish country. They are quite a package. Billy knows the backcountry like the back of his hand and accesses remote redfish waters via kayak, canoe and flats skiff. Stacy works at a local tackle shop and teaches fly casting. That is only half the story. Billy and Stacy are a blast to hang out with. Sure, the guiding expertise is fantastic, the fly designs are great and the equipment options are state of the art. But, it is just as much fun getting guided to the best bar-b-que, seafood to die for, world class onion rings and cold beer. Billy and Stacy are ambassadors.

We waded large, complicated flats systems that go for miles. We also fished good flats right off a major highway. We paddled kayaks into "lakes" that had slightly deeper water than other flats and found the tough fighting redfish in good numbers.

The fish we caught were in calf deep water, grubbing around for crabs and shrimp. They are catchable with the right fly and a well placed cast but they will spook from noisy wading and bad casts.

I'm hooked on redfish. Everything a seasoned bonefisherman does in the tropics is done on a redfish flat. Spotting fish is paramount. If the wind kicks up, they are more difficult to see. Nervous water and tails are the name of the game, also. And, redfish get big.

When you fish with Billy, bring your A Game and an apetite. Billy can be reached at billytrimble@cableone.net and 361-205-1266.