Hooked up with Rowsey David Rowsey

DAVID ROWSEY Well, looks like we have settled into summer here in South Texas. It’s hot, humid, and the winds are backing off your trout. Hell, you’re the one paying for a FULL day…not being back at the dock by 9:30 simply because you got a limit. Fish for the sport, the joy of being outdoors in such a beautiful place, and quality time spent with HOOKED UP WITH Rowsey from the high, gusty stuff of May and friends. We are no longer in a position to be able to kill at will and think early-June. Already noting some tropical there will be no consequences for greedy actions. activity in the gulf, who knows what to Although our trout bite is still predictably tough, I am finding my Upper expect from Mother Nature? Between best patterns on windswept points of spoil islands and sandbars. All

Laguna/ Covid in 2020 and the Freeze of 2021, I’m species seem to be located on them as of now. Windward shorelines Baffin just rolling with the punches. I fought being on social media until are my next best bet, as long as the tides remain higher than average. Once the tides recede, hopefully soon, I will concentrate more and the bitter end, but have now been a more on deep but wadeable rock piles throughout Baffin. There is no part of it almost three years. It has some real science to it; find the rocks with good bait activity and work the unique benefits, although more negative edges of the formations. Casting amid and over them will only add up David Rowsey has over 25 years aspects, in my opinion. I once heard a to a bunch of snags and broken lines. in Baffin and Upper Laguna quote that went something like, “If you Bass Assassins with a lot of white and flash will be my go-to lures for Madre; trophy trout with artificial lures is his specialty. ever want to learn a man’s true character, grinding out the trout bite. The MirrOlure She Dog is my top choice for David has a great passion for spend a day on a boat fishing with him.” early morning wades, and also a great all-around fish finder. Midday conservation and encourages Being that I get to do just that on a daily sight-casting on the flats will see the Double D by Texas Custom Lures in catch and release of trophy fish. basis, I find it to be danged accurate. In the most natural colors I can find. Think shallow, clear water. my case, I would say 98% of my clientele Remember the buffalo! -Capt. David Rowsey Telephone 361-960-0340 Website are top notch folks, the other 2% are noted and will not be welcomed back. www.DavidRowsey.com The percentages vary, but social Email media gives you a front row seat into david.rowsey@yahoo.com the minds and traits of many fishermen @captdavidrowsey (mostly guides), what they stand for, and more importantly, what they do not. Since croaker season has started, social media is blowing up with kill photos of trout and quotable quotes such as, “Kill ‘em all” and “String them through the eyeballs.” It turns my stomach and that of many true sportsmen, having to share the Laguna’s bounty with such selfish dumbasses.

Speaking with a couple of longtime fishing guides the other day, we agreed that the word guide has almost become an embarrassment.

There are some stand-up and admirable captains on the Texas coast, but that population has become very watered down by the “Me first” crowd who have no vision for the fishery. Their primary objective is instant gratification and “likes” on social media. But what should we Calvin Joy enjoying some have expected, when you are guaranteed a captain’s license as long as solid redfish action. CPR! you have a credit card.

As hard as most seem to be working to insure a bright future for our fishery, many that are doing their part now, which I admire greatly, are saying they will keep more trout in 2022. Well, let’s talk about that.

The same trout we are releasing in the Upper Laguna and Baffin

Bay this year, are the same trout that will be there next year. The only difference being that they have been given a chance to spawn. The 2022 population will be these same fish, plus the 2021-year class of fingerlings.

There will not be a miraculous uptick in keeper-size fish next year. In fact, it’s probably going to take three years before these fingerlings reach solid keeper size. And, that with no further shenanigans from Mother Nature View The Video Open Camera and hover over QR Code. When link in the interim. So, that being said, if we want a solid trout fishery in the appears at top of screen tap to open in YouTube. future, we have to continue doing our part now and for a few more years.

We have to educate our clients, our kids, and the many guides who, Upper Laguna/Baffin Post-Freeze unfortunately, don’t seem to give a crap. Tell them you want to release Mullet Abundance – A Great Sign!