2013 Redfish Lodge in Texas - Wall of Fame

My guide Jim and the 31-inch redfish from 9/21/2013 in less than ideal conditions 

My name is going onto this fish board and then up on the Wall Of Fame!

Fate took over on my fourth visit to fish with the Redfish Lodge in Texas. Despite a mighty wind blowing and an overcast sky that seemed destined to pour rain, I made my first cast of the day towards a grassy island as my guide had directed. The cut shrimp rigged under a popping cork must have bonked the 31-inch redfish on the tail when it landed in three-feet of water, because it only took an instant for the redfish to turn around and inhale my offering. The redfish with shoulders pulled mightily and the rod was bent like a reed in the wind, offering me the challenge to play the fish in order to land it. Twice it tried to go under the boat motor and three times it made for the anchor line, so I used a bend but don't break approach to handle these tests and to make him circle back when absolutely necessary. My guide was ready with a large net when I was finally able to surf the healthy redfish towards the boat under control. A quick layout on the measuring stick showed the redfish to be 31-inches with a pinched tail, qualifying my name to be added to the Wall of Fame at The Redfish Lodge on Copano Bay. There is a special room in the main lodge where angler names and the corresponding fish specs are added to pieces of wood shaped like fish, and then tacked to the wall for others to admire. There are only three ways to get on the Wall of Fame, by releasing a redfish 28-inches or greater, by releasing a trout 27-inches or greater, or by weighing in a black drum 30-pounds or heavier. By far most of these accolades have been awarded for the release of an oversize redfish, but it is not so common that everyone is in the club. Friends and family that are already on the Wall of Fame have bragging rights over their fishing buddies who will continue to fish towards gaining a similar status and even things up. A little competition adds flavor to the promise of good fishing in Rockport and Aransas Bay, and it's a bit of destiny to see who the fishing gods will favor with a fish experience worthy of remembering.

To view my blog entry about visiting The Redfish Lodge click on Bass Pro Shops 1Source.

To view past blog entries about the Redfish Lodge click CCA or Cast and Blast.