A Blue Heron Adventure
By
S.N. Bryan
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We cannot see what we are doing; it is as dark as
pitch as we begin to unload the kayaks. We rig up, making sure to put our
lights up and our PFD’s on as we set off into the early morning darkness
in search of the elusive redfish…
We leave an hour before sun up so as to reach our
fishing spot at gray light, that golden time here on the Texas coast when
the redfish are tailing and the winds are at their calmest. As we paddle
towards the opening of the back lakes you can hear the speckled trout
hitting bait as they feed. If you watch closely, you might even see a
shrimp dancing on the surface trying his best not to be breakfast.
Reaching our destination we ease silently back thru
the delta fed streams, slowly and quietly moving from bend to bend thru
the salt grasses, ever aware of the possibility of disturbing an alligator
along the way. The area ahead of us is becoming more visible now as the
sun peaks its head over the horizon. Just ahead, in its entire splendor,
lies the opening into a back bay bathed in the early morning light.
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The sight is surreal. The whole opening is full of
tailing and feeding redfish. They glide over each other, busting bait as
it comes by. Captain Steve positions us facing the melee of feeding fish
thrashing about in the shallows. We can see their backs now and realize
that the majority of them are oversized - 30 inches or bigger.
As we ponder on their size, Captain Steve says,
“Both of you cast on three. Ready? One, two three!” We make perfect casts, one right and one left of the opening, and
an explosion occurs as the fish fight over the lures presented. We sing out “Fish on!!” as the reels start to sing, drags
running wildly and rods bowed over. What a sight! Two people laughing as
if they were kids again, cutting up and bragging as to which has the
bigger fish. Finally, the battle is won and both fish are landed, measured
and photographed with their captors holding them high. After appropriate
amounts of adoration over our catch, we release them somberly. We watch as
our fish get their strength back and, with a slap of their tails, they
swim away. Silence fills the moment as the redfish disappear into the
shadows of the water.
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The moment passes, and Captain Steve has us on the
move
again. “Look!” he says. “There is another school over there! Let’s
go!”
This is just one example of the many different trips
taken with Captain Steven Utley of Blue Heron Adventures. Captain Steve
and his wife Sue own and operate Blue Heron Adventures Guide Service out
of beautiful Corpus Christi Texas. They offer a variety of trip options -
all molded to give you the best trip available. Their trips include fly-fishing, conventional fishing, and scenic
trips by kayak or by boat in some of the most beautiful and secluded areas
in the Coastal Bend.
Whether you are a first time or experienced kayak
angler, they can help you plan your next adventure. If it is your first
time kayaking they will teach you all they can on how to enjoy kayaking
and how to be safe on the water while doing it.
You can even choose to be shuttled by boat to a
destination and campout over night. The sights are amazing and the birding
is second to none with herons, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and oyster
catchers just to name a few. Even the dolphins show up to share in the fun
at times. The fishing is on
some of the most productive skinny water flats and channels available in
South Texas. Whether sight casting for redfish, or fishing the drop offs
for speckled trout and flounder, a great time can be had by all as they
help you to experience the wonders of the coastal backwaters of South
Texas. |
Captain Steven Utley is a licensed captain through
the U.S.Coast Guard and holds a valid guides license through Texas Parks
and Wildlife. He is a member of the American Canoe Association and a
certified Boating Instructor with the local U.S. Power Squadron. He is a
member of the Coastal Bend Guides Association and is a Heritage Endorsed
Fishing Guide.
On your trip you will be provided you with the best
of kayaking and fishing equipment. You can choose from the 14.5’
Ultimate – Captain Steve’s personal favorite because of it’s
reliability and stability - or a 14’ Redfish – a sit-on that is very
stable and easy to paddle. They also have a 16’ tandem Ultimate for
those who might need a little help paddling. All kayaks are outfitted with
Accent Paddles, Stake Out Stix, rod holders, drift socks, anchors, and
anything else that you would need to fish with. Clients are provided well
as Extra Sport PFD’s, and a small ice chest with water and a snack. The
main provider of kayaking equipment for Blue Heron Adventures is Southwest
Paddlesports located in Spring Texas.
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Castaway Rods, Abu-Garcia Revo reels or Shimano spinning equipment are the
weapons of choice for their conventional fishing needs. All comes from
Roy’s Bait and Tackle who Captain Steve thinks are second to none here
in the Coastal Bend for sales and service. They can provide all your
fishing supplies from offshore to fly-fishing trips. Whether you are
looking for that special color Brown Lure or that hard to find Spook Jr.
stop by and check out all they have to offer and make sure to say hi to
Rocky or Mike and the crew. |
If you are looking to find an on-the-water adventure in South Texas,
contact Blue Heron Adventures at 361-334-2336, or go to their website, www.blueheronadventures.com,
and check out all the different trips they have to offer. They will also
provide corporate trips and custom trips to fit your personal needs. Give
them a call and let them help you plan your next adventure.
Please remember take more trash than you bring and be
courteous whether on or off the water.
God Bless and Happy Fishing…
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