I will be the first to admit I had no idea what I was getting myself into when my hindquarters touched polyethylene for the first time. Little did I know that day would be the planting of a seed. A seed that has been obsessively nurtured into what it has grown to today.
It all began with one simple post by my good friend Sam (Leviathan). Leading up to this point we had been on a mission to find areas where we could throw artificial lures and catch fish. We searched near and far, public and private, looking for likely localities. We yearned to become better anglers and catch fish on artificial lures, something we had only read about online and in print. He asked a basic question looking for an area where we could wade and hopefully catch a fish or two in the process.
The first post… http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49275
Sam’s plea for assistance was immediately noticed and met with overwhelming acts of kindness. Within minutes (7 minutes to be exact) after he made the seemingly innocent request for information, he already received a reply with an offer to loan him a kayak and an open invite to hit the water. Sam being the tactful friend that he is, refused to leave me stranded on the bank while he paddled off into the sunrise, reluctantly decline. Shortly thereafter (within an hour and a half), he received an additional act of benevolence in the form of another kayak, this time for me, his stranded companion.
Now all Sam needed to do was convince me to come along for the ride, not an easy task. Sam gave me a call and asked if I would partake in the festivities. After a little hesitation, I hastefully agreed to tag along.
Two days later I shoved myself and kayak off a shoreline that consisted of trampled shell and silt. I had never paddled a craft of any kind and never met a single person from this forum. I wouldn’t be portraying an accurate description of the events of that day if I failed to admit I was a little nervous and intimidated when we arrived at the launch spot that damp morning. As my paddle blade ruptured the water’s surface for the first time in my existence, excitement trumped all other emotions. Not only did these complete strangers not bite, but they were eager to share their expertise and tackle.
Our first kayak trip… http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49361
The fishing results of that day were irrelevant; everyone had fun in the presence of others that shared a common interest, a love for fishing and the outdoors. I grew up fishing the saline waters around the Galveston Bay Complex, but kayak fishing uncovered a completely new realm. A plastic paddle craft would allow me to fish anywhere and everywhere, the possibilities were endless. I wanted a kayak desperately and immediately.
After that first trip the thought of kayaking the Texas Coast consumed my mind. I perused countless reports of kayak fishing success stories daydreaming about the day I would be able to do the same. I read reviews about kayaks trying to single out the one that would suit my needs and fishing style. I even attended a few demos trying to narrow down my selection, not knowing when, if at all, I would be able to purchase a kayak of my own.
Five months later, after transferring to Texas State and moving to San Marcos and working long hours all semester to save up enough money, I purchased my first kayak ever, a WS Tarpon 160i. I still remember the fervor I felt strolling out of my local kayak shop after purchasing my new kayak. A feeling akin to a teenager after being handed the keys to their first vehicle, I was bubbling with zeal and anticipation.
But any lingering ardor swiftly vanished. It would be months before I could give my novelty its proper baptism. And, if that wasn’t enough, the commencement was rough. In the beginning, I had more than enough encounters with the solid black and white-striped, furry animal to make anyone in their right mind reevaluate whether they picked the appropriate pastime.
Since that humid, drizzly summer day nearly four years ago, I’ve logged a few thousand hours kayaking. I’ve been all over the state of Texas and up and down our entire coastline from Port Isabel to Sabine. I’ve landed innumerable quantities of fish, and had many indelible experiences. I’ve been in places rarely seen by civilization and never seen by power boaters. I’ve met countless first-class individuals. I’ve encountered nature in its purest form, raw and undeveloped. And I’ve had a fantastic time in the process. Every year seems improve on its predecessor. New adventures and new acquaintances are frequent headlines, each one exceeding all imaginable expectations. Without this board none of this would have been possible, and I am frightened of the thought of my life sans kayak.
But, my motivation for this post is not one of narcissistic enrichment or to put myself in the limelight. I wrote this to give thanks to those of you on this board that helped foster my seed (addiction) to what it has grown to today, especially Robert (UofHYaker) and Jeremy (jhjspecks). Not sure if either one of them still lurk this board, but if so, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for inviting me and Sam on our first trip. Thanks for the kind gesture in loaning kayaks and openly sharing information with the two of us. I would also like to show my appreciation to everyone else (Mythman, scuppersancho aka Fin-Addict, GulfCoastRods, DelSol, MEDICMAN1838, whymel) that made our first trip possible. Thanks for showing us “newbies” the hospitality that TKF is notorious for.
A majority of the people I fish with these days I have met somehow directly or indirectly through this site. A few people I would also like to thank directly are Vincent and Crank-B8, among others, who always posted well-written and informative reports and motivated me to do the same. Thanks to Slowride, Blesker, and others for posting so many beautiful and scenic pictures that inspired me to not only write about my adventures but also chronicle them through photography.
I would also like to thank Windknot Flies for a piece he posted nearly a year and a half ago about his experience one morning on the beautiful waters of the Upper Laguna Madre. The story he articulate with words is what inspired me to write to begin with. The day I read his story I figured I would try my hand at grammatical puzzle-making, and wound up writing the very first piece of literary work I had ever written. After that piece I began to write about anything and everything, trying to enhance my syntax and vocabulary.
Inspiration… http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=104321
My first piece… http://castingtales.blogspot.com/2010/04/fishermans-addiction.html
I was also like to thank the whole Ocean Kayak crew: Clint (bogdog), Vincent (vincent), Sam (Sam), etc. for showing me the ropes around Galveston and letting me tag along on various fishing trips, especially Clint for being so benign with his knowledge and possessions. I can only dream to acquire the wealth of knowledge these “old salts” possess from their years of experience here on the Texas coast.
I vividly remember the courtesy and compassion that has been directed my way over the last four years. I try to remember to return the favor. Sure, sometimes I get caught up in my egocentric pursuits, but I try not to forget that in the end it’s all about having fun and sharing experiences with others.
With that said I am going to make a concerted effort to take more novice kayak anglers out on the water this year and share the hospitality that I have been exposed to personally. I have introduced my fair share of people to the sport, but I think I could definitely do a better job. I just moved back to the Houston area and will be job hunting, so anybody who wants to make a trip around the Galveston Bay Complex give me a shout. I will also be advertising solo trips more frequently with an open invitation to anyone. This invite goes out to all: young and old, novice and veteran alike.
Our First Kayak Fishing Excursion July 3, 2006 (Sam on the left and me on the right)
Photo Courtesy of DelSol
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