How To Guide When You’re Not a Guide

At gatherings and parties, whenever I'm asked the proverbial – “So, what do you like to do?” – my answer is usually about doing jiu-jitsu, hunting, or fishing. Surprisingly, fishing generates the most significant reaction, considering that I fish almost exclusively from a kayak. The expected questions are focused on sharks, alligators, or getting lost at sea. Of course, if you have spent any time on the water, you know most of these concerns are a bit outlandish.

After the initial barrage of concerns, most people either express interest or share their own fishing stories. Those who express interest, especially those who have never fished before, are my favorite. People who have never fished on the Texas coast, or any coast for that matter, seem to find it mystical. Even the simplest things seem fascinating, particularly the fan favorite – the popping cork.

Of those interested, about half commit to the date and the early time. Even then, I still have those who cancel on the day of because 3:00 a.m. is a lot harder on your days off. However, the people who show up end up being some of the most dedicated and ambitious fishermen and women you will ever meet. I always credit my two brothers-in-law for paddling nearly the entire Texas coast with me. I have taken them on some real "journeys." The joke in our families spawns from a mapping miscalculation that caused us to overshoot our creek by about a mile. They always say, "Oh, we missed it another mile."

In my lifetime, I have taken friends, siblings, coworkers, some kid who wanted to fish, neighbors, girlfriends, and my wife. Each of them has had a vastly different trip. On some trips, we were skunked, while on others we left with several good fish before 10:00 a.m.

Typically, I give the rundown when taking someone new: "Hey, this might be terrible, but

maybe it won't be."

Fortunately, I stumbled into four very nice Hobie Revolutions with pedal drives, but I never take more than two people who haven't fished before. I also have a strict, “stay where you can hear me,” rule. And while not actually a rule, I typically prefer to be ahead of them to look for signs of fish.

When taking newbies, I substantially change my loadouts. I bring extra rods in my kayak; I only place one in theirs. This limits tangles and snags. I also never place any other type of fishing tackle in their kayaks; I have seen too many flips. I give a brief rundown on the drive, explaining how the Mirage system works and how they can better utilize their rudder. For those who have never seen a Mirage drive, picture an Orca whale and their front flippers.

Then, while we unload, I show them the specifics. A common point of confusion is how to remove their drive system. Therefore, we practice before we get started.

While sharks and getting lost at sea are not a common threat where I fish, there are some inherent risks. Heat, capsizing, powerboats, sometimes alligators, high winds, and stingrays (if we wade) are all real concerns. However, all of these are easily avoidable.

Heat:

The summer heat in Texas is no joke. Therefore, I strongly believe in hitting the water early and getting off by 2:00 p.m. Normally, that window of 4:00 p.m. and later, and on is unbearable during our endless summers. Also, consider who you're taking; their age, exposure to heat, and physical fitness level, as these factors all contribute to how long you should be on the water. Bring and consume plenty of water.

Capsizing:

Luckily, I am yet to sink a kayak. However, I have flipped and taken on water multiple times. I always encourage adults to wear a PFD. I show them where their whistle is and how to use the emergency beacon on my Garmin watch. Furthermore, I teach them to use the nose of their kayak to take on oncoming waves.

Powerboats:

Powerboats can be tricky and are often very dangerous. I tell my partners to stay together and be sure that the captain of the boat sees you. I also listen for boats when I am fishing around blind corners. Finally, I specifically target areas where I expect to see fewer boats.

Wind:

Taking first-timers can be a real challenge when combating the wind, as both their kayaks and their casting ability are severely affected. I will often get them to take a few casts on the shore to better judge their skill before hitting the water. The most common issue is the lofty, high-arching cast. With the wind, they end up casting way too far, and against the wind, they leave a ton of slack in the line and create a bird's nest. Oh, slack, I could write an entire book on how many times slack has created some real problems.

I explain and demonstrate what a tight line should look like, even though I'm certain my wife still doesn't know what I'm saying (ha-ha). I prefer a low and direct cast; they are more accurate, make less disturbance in the water, and reduce the chance of slack.

I have canceled trips due to high winds. Whenever the gusts exceed 16 MPH, I let them know that our trip is at risk.

I genuinely enjoy introducing newcomers to the Texas coast and all it has to offer. I'll never forget taking my good friend Ethan on a rush trip before he deployed in 2024. We caught multiple great redfish and black drum. We were headed home by 10:30 a.m. About halfway home, Ethan said, "Man, I would do that all the time." I laughed and agreed; this was one of the rare trips of not fishing but catching.

Gear, winds, and fish all cooperated into three and a half hours of the best time that money can buy. My 11-year-old nephew still reminds me regularly how his first cast ever landed a slot red. Carson explained it best: "It is pretty easy; you just cast and wait."