Angling for some fun fishing?
Me too! And, instead of heading down to the Galveston area, I found the fishing and fun down in Rockport a few weeks ago. I made a fishing trip there to hang out with some friends and meet some new ones, too. And, I had a blast.
It had been several years since I’d been to the Rockport area. I’m a sucker for a charity fishing tournament. And when the folks at the Cystic Fibrosis Association asked me to emcee their first “Casting for the Cure” fishing tournament, I was honored and accepted the duty for a couple of years. The first year I even won the celebrity division for the largest/longest redfish.
In some ways returning to Rockport was one of the most relaxing times I’ve experienced in a while. There is definitely something to be said about being on or near the water, and being able to see it, and hear it, too. There are roads that hug the shore as you move from one part of town to the other. It’s not a long drive. And if you miss being around water like me, it will recharge your batteries. Day or night!
But we were here to do some fishing. Those of us participating met some of the fishing guides at a cocktail reception at the Rockport Country Club. It was sponsored by several companies representing fishing related technologies. New underwater lights, lubricants for your fishing gear, new lures, organic insect repellant, sunscreens, a new type fishing canoe (if you can call it that) called a flatstalker, and a device to keep you from getting sabbed or poked by a hook were all on display. Links to the products are included below. Check them out!
As for the fishing itself... Unfortunately, a storm rolled in the day before I arrived. And it seemed as though the fish had either gone to deeper water, or they were hiding. So, the fishing was fun. It wasn’t great. But it was fun. I lucked out and was buddied up with some great guys. We all had a great time and shared some gut busting laughter.
Since I work for “Your Gulf Coast Weather Authority” I also wanted to remind the guides that our FOXRAD Stormeseeker Radar provides information online and alerts directly to your cell phone on the weather in your area. Go to www.myfoxhouston.com and go to the weather tab and sign up.
Now, most of the fishes we caught were small. So we threw them all back in, especially the hardheads (saltwater catfish). We hooked a few reds, and a few trout, too. But everything was small. And, when we caught a keeper, none of us wanted to go back to our hotel with it. So, they too went back in the water.
I want to commend, compliment, and thank Captains Rany Filla, of Fill A Bite Guide Service, and George Rose, of No Fish? No Pay! I was impressed by both of them. They were informative about the area and they tried their darndest to find the big fishes for us. But on those two days it was not to be. However, I have to say there have been times I’ve been here and as soon as a baited hook hit the water… you were ready to reel in a catch. So, being the eternal optimist I say there’s always another weekend.
The City of Rockport has some quaint and comfortable restaurants. And you really don’t have to dress up.
There’s the Boiling Pot, sort of a rustic type seafood restaurant where your feast is served on the table… without a plate.
It may sound strange to some of you. But it is a great way to enjoy all of the fixins in an outdoor setting with a whole bunch of friends. Just so you know, they serve the rest of the menu on plates or bowls.
The chefs at the Rockport Country Club get raves reviews for the spread they set up for the , sponsors, the captains and their fishermen.
Another restaurant overlooking some boat docks is Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare The food and service were good. And there’s a new boutique across the street. I can’t remember the name, but it’s a popular spot for ladies looking for something special… whether it’s a bathing suit or a new pair of sandals.
Just up the road, you can walk the docks where commercial fishermen tie-up their boats. It’s right outside of a state park that is shaped like a small peninsula surrounded by wetlands, bird sanctuaries, beaches, with a covered pavilion that is used for special events. You can bird watch from the shore or you can take an official bird watching tour… that might include an alligator sighting or two.
And just up the road from the park is a small 10 block area of curio and specialty shops. Just park the car and take a stroll. You’re bound to find something you’ll want to take home with you.
In addition to the nautical related activities, a number of festivals and art shows are held there annually.
More photos at: http://community.myfoxhouston.com/photos/ViewAlbum.asp
x?aid=33469&un=JoseGrinan
Here are the links to sponsors’ products.
www.luresafetywrap.com , www.flatstalker.com , www.fishinglights.com , www.smartshield.com , www.foreverlast.com , www.fillabite.com , www.corrosionx.com , www.texascoastfishing.com , www.mcsaltwatertackle.com
Here are the links to the City of Rockport and the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce.
http://www.cityofrockport.com/
http://www.rockport-fulton.org/
Safe Boating and Big Catches!
And, tell me if you've ever been to the Rockport area?
Helping Children while Having Fun
Melissa Wilson teamed up with Children at Risk close to 10 years ago... and it has been a budding relationship that has benefitted thousands, if not millions of children in the Houston area. And, the annual Melissa Wilson golf tournament is now somewhat of an institution in the non-profit charitable community.
This year's tournament did not disappoint anyone. It was the largest ever. More teams, more golfers, more auction items, and more volunteers than in the past. And, Wow! What a great day (except for an occassional gust of wind) to have a golf tournament.
Close to 110 golfers... duffers and duffettes... were able to tee off in mild upper 70 degree weather. For some it was a new experience. For others, its an annual event they put on their calendars a year in advance.
I want to give a "shout out" to all of you who participated. And now, a special shout out goes to the many volunteers who make the event the success it is, and will continue to be. And, Thank You Melissa. Its always a fun time to visit with the golfers and the folks from Children at Risk.
More pictures are posted in my photo albums... take a look... and tell me what you think.
9th Annual ConocoPhillips Sporting Clays benefitting Special Olympic Texas
Close to 700 shooters grabbed shotguns and fired off some rounds to benefit Special Olympics of Texas and the 26 thousand plus intellectually disadvantaged youths who take part in the program every year. It only happens at the annual ConocoPhillips Sporting Clays Tournament. And, if you're wondering what is/are sporting clays? Well, its been described to me as playing golf with shotguns instead of clubs. And, that's a good description, too.
For the 9th year running... ConocoPhillips has sponsored the event at the American Shooting Center, which said the number of shooters was a record for a one-day shooting event at the facility. And it could not have been done without the help of hundreds of volunteers and numerous co-sponsors like FOX 26/MY20 and many others.
The event is always a great way to enjoy an outing and raise money for a great cause. In fact, since this event started, an estimated 1-million dollars has been raised for Special Olympics of Texas.
Thanks for your support in helping Special Olympics of Texas.
ps... check out the rest of the fun pictures I've posted below and in my photo albums.
It was great to see a big-time NBA player -not- use his position and status to get over on the system and attempt to get out of jury duty in Harris county. Even with a big game just a few hours away, he made time in his day to meet his civic duty as a potential juror. He could have been picked to serve on a jury... which would have endangered the continuation of the current Rockets' winning streak, but he was not.
And, without coming up with an excuse like... I'm a Rocket and I have a big game tonight. Or, I'm part native American and can be excused, legally (I don't know for sure if that's the case, but it sounds plausible) if I ask to be released from the jury pool... he showed up.
That, in and of itself, sets an amazing example for others, especially the young who are learning about the democratic process during this election year.
Don't know you Shane... but you got my respect and the respect of others by the example you set on Monday.
