Winnie’s Brian Johnson had been raving about the outside activities on the Upper Texas Coast in September. To demonstrate the diversity of opportunities, he planned a” solid and fire” day for us, combining purple looking, alligator hunting, and fly fishing into a single adventure. Despite the challenging problems, I was anxious to see what the day may bring.
Teal Hunting at Dawn:
Our time got off to a good start with a trip to a water pond on the border between the coastal prairie and the southern marsh. As we made our way to a stunning but mosquito-infested location, the night air was cool and the horizon was starting to soften. However, this September had been clean, and the liquid was significantly lower than usual due to a prolonged drought. The lack of liquid had impacted the green population, making them less plentiful and more difficult to kill.
Despite the circumstances, we managed to bag a couple of animals. It was n’t the bounty we had hoped for, but the experience was still exhilarating. Brian and I enjoyed every moment—the silent expectation, the unusual flutter of wings, and the camaraderie shared in the early morning light. I had fewer animals on the hunt, so it was a victory.
Running Gator Lines
After our turquoise kill, we moved to the next portion of our trip: running an alligator line. The previous night, Brian had set the lines in a local muddy place, which gators had dug out over the years to hold the water.
On the line was a little but feisty alligator. He measured about four feet longer. and was not content. The rope was taut, and as Brian began to pull, the water erupted with action. With a well-placed killed after it suddenly calmed, we brought in the beautiful snake. And yes, I believe smaller gators are wonderful because their elaborate patterns are more visible than the larger people.
Although it may have been little, the excitement of pursuing a gator and hunting teal was incredible. Plus, it promised a great breakfast afterwards, and the thought of new alligator flesh had my lips washing.
Fly Fish in the Evening
After securing our eel, we headed for a local tank to fly fish for the afternoon. The sun was shining brightly, and the water was clear and it was minimal. I was assured that the reservoir was full of fish, and I was excited to see if I could top the morning’s excitement with a great catch.
On my five-weight pole, they fought like mad and I soon started to catch large sunfish and crappie.
Finally, as we crossed the reservoir’s northern shore, I sensed a tug as I let my tiny, black/red travel drift along the shoreline. Quickly sufficiently, I landed the largest bass I’ve ever caught on a fly rod. We continued fish, catching some big bream and crappie, each one adding to the fun of the day.
Conclusion
Despite the difficulties caused by the rainfall and the limited supply of purple, the day had been a huge success in my opinion. We had hunted purple, bagged an eel, and caught some remarkable fish—all in one time. I was really shown the diverse and exhilarating outdoor opportunities of the Upper Texas Coast by Brian, who had really provided a spectacular” solid and blast” experience. It was a time of learning, enjoyment, and great business —one that left me keen for the next venture.
Brian Johnson can be reached at the following if you want to arrange an eel hunt with him:
Brian@duckdogtrainer.com or 409-460-2314.
