Bouquet of Reds for the Mrs.
…Thinking of You?
-Capt. Jeff Larson
Do you remember the old saying about owning a boat? The best day of owning a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it. I can’t really say that about Mowdy Boats of Texas. I was lost the day after I sold my boat. Felt like, I lost my Golden Retriever. The C25 went to a great guide who has been running it every day since he purchased it. Captain Derek Dick took over the 2014 helm and keeps the boat in immaculate condition. The only thing that kept me from breaking down was ordering a new C25. Robbie Gregory was like my therapist. He lifted my spirits calling me, telling me it’s almost ready, we are adding this and that, do you want a power pole, etc. He even let me park his personal boat at my house while I was in this transition. All kidding aside, The Mowdy Guide Team along with long time friend Mike Kopecinski loaned me their boats to run charters. And for all of that, I have to say thank you for getting me over the NO BOAT HUMP.
August wrap up: The action was as hot as the weather. This whole year wade fishing has been the key to catching trout. Charles, Mike, and I took a scouting trip to San Antonio Bay and hit several reefs which were not as productive as we would have liked, however, we could not stay very long because the wind kicked up so we had to run back in due to thunderstorms. Triple tail is a species that I personally do not target but talking to other local guides who do know the game, they were catching plenty when the wind would lay mid day. The pictures I saw, they were huge. Flounder were epic along with tailing reds in the flats. The Jetty Guides were boxing all the species as well, plus Black Drum and a few Sheepshead. The wells produced big numbers of trout in West Matagorda plus drifting the new artificial reef paid dividends.
September is in full swing. Name your quarry and get busy. Alligators anyone? They are everywhere and they are monstrous. They all look like the new State Record to me especially while wade fishing. The Saltwater Lodge has two guides with plenty of permits if you want to harvest one or two for a pair of custom made boots. Capt. Jake and James have their honey holes and their sights on breaking the State Record.
Teal Season is going to be crazy with birds. You will definitely find out who can shoot and who didn’t break out their gun until the night before the opener. Here’s a test for you: Hunt Teal with a .410. This will prolong your hunt long enough to see the sunrise. We have a mid-week .410 shoot just to hone our skills before big duck season. Inland hunting seems to produce more birds during this special season. However the bay can produce near limits if your group can shoot really well.
Flounder gigging is the best we have seen in awhile so don’t forget to add that to your trip. Nothing beats Stuffed Texas Flounder or Baked Flounder with lemon wedges.
This time of year it is like, “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Except Calhoun County’s version is more like Duck, Dove, Fish. You can spend as much time in the outdoors filling your freezer or you can relax and play couch quarterback. Port O’Connor, Seadrift and Port Lavaca is an outdoor Haven. It is an exciting time of the year for Family, Friends and enjoying the great State of Texas. There are plenty of Fall Festivals that can coincide with Your Saltwater Lodge hunting and fishing trips. It’s like when Bruce Buffer calls out at the UFC fights “ IT’S TIME!!!” to book your outdoor excursions at the Saltwater Lodge. We are set up for accommodating large or small groups. We are located in the hub of the magic circle. We can hunt and fish south toward Rockport or head North toward Matagorda.
Call Scott at the Lodge: 361 785 DUCK (3825)
Big Thank You to Robbie and the gang at Mowdy Boats and Marty and his crew at Coastline Trailers for getting me back on the water. I appreciate all yall’s help.
Cap. Kolten Braun with some big flatties. -Capt. Jeff Larson
