ONE WITH NATURE

Partial to Trout

I’m a native Texan and live in Bay City, which is the ideal spot for a nature lover like me. There are birding trails, nature centers, parks and fishing opportunities galore. You can shallow water wadefish on the bay side and surf fish on the gulf side.

Predominant species include redfish, sea trout, pompano, Spanish mackerel and tarpon. However, I’m partial to trout, and absolutely love to watch them eat topwaters.

My most memorable fishing trip was in 1999 on Sabine Lake––a 90,000-acre saltwater estuary on the Texas-Louisiana border. I caught and released nine trout over 28 inches on Top Dogs with Capt. Chuck Uzzle.

My Own Boss

Our property, Matagorda Sunrise Lodge, is situated on the Colorado River in Matagorda, Texas. (Matagorda is the place to catch the trout of a lifetime.) We offer fishing night and day from our private pier, fishing and waterfowl guiding, and something we call “cast and blast,” where guests hunt the morning and fish the afternoon.

Being my own boss gets me outside as much as I want. I’ve been a waterfowl guide since 1989 and a fishing guide since 1998. When I’m not fishing, I’m duck hunting. When I’m not duck hunting, I’m managing my real estate office, Sunrise Properties, or writing.

Yep, I even found time to write two books: Saltwater Strategies: Where, When and How to Wadefish Texas; and Sunrise, Sunset: Devotionals for the Sportsman & Outdoor Enthusiast.

From a Personal Perspective

My wife, Shelly, and I have been married since 1995, and have one daughter, Mallory.

I am a member of CCA, and active in Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit organization that conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl.

I was honored when Rick asked me to cover the Middle Coast region for Texas Insider Fishing Report. I admire his enthusiasm and am proud to be affiliated with such a quality show.