Well down here in Port O'Connor people ARE catching reds and trout out close to town sporadically, but moreso out at the jetties of Matagorda Ship Channel - that's too far a paddle for most in one day - BUT there is a stream of current that runs from the old Pass Cavallo where I saw dozens of these babies jumping around!


This here is a Spanish Mackerel and it looks like he's been in a scrap with his buddies! He certainly was frisky though.


Got this particular one trolling in the Adventure Island in 2 feet of water on a gold spoon. Showed my 85 year old grampa the photo (he claims to be a poor sports fisherman but he's been a commercial fisherman all his life) and he proceeded to tell me how they used to catch hundreds of pounds a day of these things and exactly how they did it. Not saying im going to duplicate that but...

Screw the finicky reds and trout (for now) - right now this active predator with a mean set of teeth is a lot of fun to catch so that's what I'm targeting!

By the way, I'm learning quickly that the Adventure Island on the coast has the effective range of most fishing power boats due to sail power, yet it is still quiet enough to see what's going on. Can't wait to get some more of these baby's tomorrow and come up with a delicious mackerel recipe! :P

good deal man

Sounds like fun and that you are getting settled in. Can't wait to get down there this summer so we can do some paddling/peddling or sailing and chase some fish. Need lots of help figuring out the salty thing! (Yeah, I know I need help on the freshwater side too!)

thats a good one! thanks for sharing

Cool looking fish man. I can't wait to take some camping trips down to the gulf this summer.

I need salt bad!!!!... Mid April is my target for a couple of days

Smacks are awesome light tackle fish. They have a generous limit too.

That is a great action photo...nice spanish!

FYI...2013 Corpus Christi Bluewater Kayak Classic is set for Saturday, August 3.

Great way to learn BTB techniques, safety and rigging. New anglers are grouped with experienced folk. Very relaxed atmosphere, much more about a good time for all than a competitive tournament.

Cool picture and catch. Those things fight plenty good on light tackle. I've lost plenty of spoons and plugs to them fishing the boca Chica jetties and surf. I was surprised to read that you caught him in 2 ft of water. I never knew they would venture into the shallows like that. Guess they will follow the bait anywhere. Spanish mackerel have saved many a fishing trip for me with their willingness to bite. I like mackerel croquets. Yummy!

Prefered fish for ceviche in Baja.

Yeah - still figuring out the best way to catch them. Grampa says they used to troll with an old skiff 3-5mph - 2 silver spoons on the outsides to get their attention, and 2 bucktails on the inside that they would hit.