Monday, July 28, 2008

Kayak Fishing in Matagorda

Saturday was my first time to fish from a kayak. John suggested we get an early start. "That's when the fish bite," he said. I wondered if this would prove to be true. I had my doubts. After all, he was also the one who said, "The big trout move in after midnight," which we proved false last Monday when we fished until 2:00 a.m. off the 1st Street Pier in Palacios (crazy, I know) and didn't catch one fish we could keep.

Would this fishing trip be worth setting the alarm for 5:00 a.m. on a Saturday? Would it be worth skipping my morning cup of coffee because there are no bathrooms in the marsh?

I should have never doubted him. Shortly after launching the kayaks, I was reeling in my first keeper redfish ever. It was 20" long--just big enough.


John began reeling them in too. Our combined take-home catch for the morning was impressive.

Two 20" Redfish, 18" Trout, 26" Redfish

John hooked the other 20" redfish and the trout...and I caught the 26-incher! This fish was strong. He pulled my kayak all over the place as he fought against the line. I'm told this is referred to as a Texas sleigh ride. I probably couldn't have landed this whopper without some expert coaching from my guide.

I don't know if we'll ever have another trip as successful as this one, but next time John suggests getting up early for kayak fishing, you can bet I'll be the one making sure the alarm clock is set.

Now, on to knitting.

Here's a quick and easy project that really turned out nice. If you know how to knit I-cord, you can make these.


Pattern: Covered Pony Tail Holders by Joan Beebe
Yarn: Cotton Chenille
Needles: US 5 DPNs
Embellishments: Shells I found while beachcombing in Matagorda. They were perfect for this project since they already had holes in them.


Note: The yarn I used for these covers is very inelastic. To help prevent the cover from restricting the elasticity of the band inside, I knit it slightly longer than the band.

22 comments:

  1. Excellent haul on those fish and I love your new hair decorations!

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  2. Congrad's on you fish haul! I would be waking up early too if I were you!
    The pony tail holders are fantastic! I love the shell. Great project!

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  3. Wow!!! Congrats on the great catch! It is so fun to fish when they are biting!

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  4. Nice catch. Will you be sharing some recipes on how you fix them?

    I just started reading the book Crawfish Mountain, and the author mentions red fish a lot. I didn't know what they looked like, but I do now.

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  5. Oh my! DH would be so jealous of your fish haul!

    And I love your PT covers! Yes, they are for big girls, too!

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  6. The ponytail holders are adorable, and the shells add a perfect touch. :-)

    I am amazed at the size of those fish!

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  7. I guess the early bird really does get the worm. (well, fish)
    The pony tail holders are a great idea and so cute!

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  8. Fishing is just a sideline a pleasant deversion from really impotant like a new knitting project! Glad you had such a great trip.

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  9. Great use for your seashells. :)

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  10. Congrats on a great catch!
    I've often wondered what to do with all the shells we pick up on our Maine beaches.....the pony tail holders are perfect....thanks for sharing the pattern. They will make great stocking stuffers.

    I really enjoy your blog :)

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  11. The ponytail holders are awesome. So cute and practical, too. Great job on the fishing!

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  12. Those are some fish!

    Love the ponytail holders, very cute.

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  13. What a great catch and those ponytail holders are great! Wonder if there's a crochet version. We have lots of shells I could use.

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  14. What a cute idea and perfect for you since you love collecting the shells. Nice fish! I am impressed. Myabe hold knitting needles helped in holding a fishing pole, you know for the right angle and tension. lol!

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  15. John should have known you'd be a quick study! Good work.

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  16. Congrats on the catch! Great team work ;o) Looks like you had fun. I've never been fishing...and not in a kayak either. Your sporty life is inspiring. Oh, and LOVE the shell pony tail holders. I must make one for my sister, who has the long hair in the family. Happy Days to you all ((HUGS))

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  17. Hummmmm my girls would love the hair bands. Great catch I guess the early bird does catch the worm or fish :)

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  18. Congrats on the fish! And I'm so jealous of the kayaks as I've been wanting to try that out for quite some time now.

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  19. GREAT FISH PICTURES. I LOVE THE PONYTAIL HOLDERS, TO BAD I JUST CUT MY HAIR OFF.

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  20. Obviously a natural. What a great catch. Love the pony tail holder idea

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  21. Man, you aren't kidding when you catch fish! We are a catch and throw back family as Joy #1 can't stomach fish and I don't clean them. Poor Joy #2 has to throw his fish back. I don't think he knows much else. he has been fishing since before he could walk and his dad is a throw back fisherman. Crazy people up here in KS I know.

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  22. That's a nice catch there! Do you freeze them and have fish year round? Those hair bands are adorable!

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Thank you for commenting!
~Tracy

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