Purpose:
To build meaningful relationships with other outdoorsmen for the purpose of leading them to, or back to, Jesus Christ.
Registration:
First registered first reserved!
Fishing:
We will have volunteers present along with their boats. Our volunteer boat owners are paying their way and are not professionals – nor are they licensed guides. No tips allowed, but gas in the tank and your share of other expenses is expected. Please bring cash to assist with boat gas, ice, and bait. Each volunteer boat owner will be assigned a fishing party each day. While we keep fathers and sons together, usually you will be fishing with people you don’t know. This is done purposefully so please don’t be surprised. Additionally, we will try to pair volunteer boat owners with parties suitable to their preferred method of fishing, but please remember to be flexible as this won’t always be possible.
Volunteer boat owners will be introduced to their parties in our meetings. Please see your volunteer boat owner for assistance and/or special needs with regard to fishing.
Adults should be prepared to wade if physically able. Bring wading shoes and any other gear that you have. If you have extra gear that others could borrow, please throw it in.
Meals:
Dinner will be provided for both Friday and Saturday nights’ meals. Breakfast will be served Saturday and Sunday morning. A limited supply of drinks and snacks will be available to take on the fishing trips but plan to bring your favorite soft drinks. Leftovers will be available for lunches, but most parties will eat out based on their fishing location and schedule.
Freebies:
Door prizes will be given out Saturday night. If you’d like to donate door prizes or fishing tackle, please let me know.
Rules:
- Perfect people are not allowed. Come as you are, no pretending.
- No drunkenness. Alcohol in moderation is allowed, but not on the boats, please.
- No profanity. We want to keep the environment kid-friendly.
- Have a good time.
What to bring:
- Everyone should bring their own fishing gear and tackle as it is not expected of the volunteer boat owners to lend out their gear or tackle. If they choose to do so, please replace it. Suggested tackle list is below.
- Cash for boat gas, ice, or any live bait you would like to use
- If you plan to wade (highly recommend that you be prepared) – long pants, stringer, and pliers are recommended. Wade boots or old shoes are a must. A bait bucket is needed if fishing with live bait.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Saltwater fishing license
- Filet knife and Ziploc bags – plan to clean your own fish, please.
- A cooler to bring fish home
- A willing attitude that’s eager to help make it work and have a good time – remember, everyone there is a volunteer, so set your expectations as though you are going on a weekend trip with friends.
Suggested tackle:
Plan to fish for trout, redfish, and flounder. (Some boats, particularly those with kids, may pursue sharks and bull redfish so if you have gear for that please bring it.) Each fisherman should bring their own rod. Appropriate rods are medium-light to medium action, 6-7ft long, either spinning or bait-casting. Monofilament line is typically 12lb test, braided line is typically 20-30lb test. It’s recommended to put fresh line on reels if you haven’t done so in the last few months.
Live bait – Live bait fishermen should have a supply of egg sinkers, swivels, 20-30lb test leader material, 3/0 circle or kahle style hooks for croaker, number 6 treble hooks for shrimp, and popping corks.
Artificial bait – Paddle tail style baits are the easiest to fish. 3-4’’ models in glow/chartreuse, limetreuse, red/white, and pumpkinseed are the basics. Topwater baits like Super Spook Jr’s or Skitterwalks (white, chrome, or black) can be exciting. Gulp shrimptails fished under a popping cork can also be effective and kid-friendly.
There is a store in Matagorda with tackle. It’s more expensive than Academy, but basic tackle is available.
Schedule of Events
Friday: [06/23/2017]
Saturday: [06/24/2017]
Sunday: [06/25/2017]
