I am considering joining the lease for the Guadaulupe River Trout Unlimited. Any current of past lease members have any thoughts on this. Is it worth joining?

Mick?

As a former GRTU president, I am a bit biased on this topic, but I think it is a fine investment in the fishery and is especially good for those within a couple hours drive of the river. A little over $100 buys you year round access to about 8-9 spots on the river and seasonal (winter) access to another 8-9 more. GRTU uses all the money received to pay for leases and to buy large (16-26") trout. A side benefit is that several of the leases can also act as launch and shuttle points for anyone wishing to float the river. The leases run from November 1st to October 31st, so purchase in October for a full year's enjoyment. Guest passes for fishing buddies are also available, and spouses can join at half price, with kids 10-17 (accompanied by a lease member) free.

See details on the GRTU website (www.grtu.org) under "Join."

I would highly recommend it. Its one of the greatest deals in town if you plan on really putting your time in on the river. If you only will occasionally hit the river, remember... Once you are in the water, the trespassing ends, and you are free to wade in either direction. However, you may also find yourself wading through other fishermen (not good etiquitte) or in cases of higher water, possibly taking a dangerous dunking.

Also, when becomming a lease member, there are great secrets and tips you will learn on the member's forum. So its your call, but the money goes to a great cause, and its nice to be able to hit a dozen spots in one day.

So if you join, you have to pay extra for your spouse to be able to join you...but your buddy can get a free pass?

I'm thinking pretty hard about this myself, but just want to find out some more info. I emailed someone that had to do with the lease from GRTU's website, but never heard anything back. If anyone else has some more info that they would like to share on the lease in general, I sure would appreciate it.

The spouse membership is a regular annual lease permit. Guest passes are 1-time daily use only and must be accompanied by a member.

I've been a member for almost 15 years and it's a good deal if you fish the Guad at all regularly. Years like this one are especially good because the trout fishing extends beyond just the coolest months.

i will be joining when the online classes start

and for most of my fish ive caught they have been pretty close to the leases
and wading from rio raft to the weir and past to the bend isnt fun

Good point. Several of the charter members of GRTU (formed in 1968) still fish the leases. They join the lease program in part because of safety -- wading in from a nearby access point is much safer for them than having to try to wade up or down the river to good fishing spots.

To clarify, guest passes are one time only passes that cost $15. You can purchase up to six per year. Spouse passes can be used throughout the season and cost $45. So if your spouse plans to accompany you three or more times, it makes sense.