I've got a trip that's been in the works for about 2 months now to go to PINS for a few days of fishing. 10-12 guys in total so we'll definitely need some space to spread out.

With the government shutdown and temporary closure of PINS, that doesn't seem to be an option.

So where else can we go? We've got 4x4 trucks and jeeps and we're looking for other options that we can use our yaks, big surf rods, trout rods, etc.

Matagorda

Matagoda may be better anyway. Less pressure probably. Good suggestion.

Yes, thank you. We're planning for Matagorda for plan B if PINS doesn't open. We'll see, they have 1 week from today to get their stuff figured out. Doubt they will so Matagorda it will most likely be.

Personally, I don't care. I just want to fish, drink some beer, turn the phones off, and just relax and enjoy life.

The other bonus of trips like this, is it's an excuse to get more lures, spoons, upgrade equipment, etc. Can't complain about that part.

We're headed to Matagorda this Saturday thur Tuesday. Good luck fishing and hope to see ya there.

Good Luck !!!

Thank you and good luck to all those going down there.

Weather should be interesting with rain and "cold front." I'm hoping the fresh water from the CenTex area will push some of the bait fish out causing the predator fish to go crazy and hang around for a while.

The trip was an adventure and a half. Friday nothing but cold 20mph wind, rain, and horrible fishing. We were huddled right next to my truck as a wind break and everyone was soaked to the bones. Soon as the rain stopped, we gathered firewood and started up a fire to warm up.



You can see the cloud cover here and the storm hit shortly thereafter. Then the wind changed directions, as expected, and around 1am or so, it started pouring again. I decided not to set up my tent but slept in my truck. Glad I did as it was a rough night.

Woke up the next morning to a beautiful sunrise and fairly calm surf conditions. After breakfast and warming up we started fishing. Throughout the day we caught 6 reds with the largest, mine, being at 42" and 22 pounds. Only 1 slot red.

The crazy thing about this trip was all the damn gafftop in the surf. We were catching 9#ers and I even threw out a baby crab for bait and caught a baby gafftop (5-6" long.)

We also caught 2 sand trout, 1 whiting, and 1 baby blacktip.

The [censored] part of the trip for me was the fact that I lost 2 shark set ups. My custom 10 foot, one piece, rods and 2 newell 550's. Still hurting on losing them. I'll probably not let anyone else use my rods again when they get replaced.

more pics!



the calm and dirty seas



my red:


the sunrise through my costas as a polarized lens filter:



baby black tip:

We also had one guy almost get stuck in his baby jeep (liberty) and had one guy blow out his ACL while trying to wade on some slick rocks.

Overall an incredible trip and no kids, no wives, and just being able to enjoy life amongst the guys. Can't wait for the next one. I think I'll be using more light tackle. lol