Debbie's Port Aransas Redfish
My wife, Debbie and I picked up my
nephew, Will at the airport in Corpus last week for a 5 day stay in Aransas
Pass. Debbie had been reluctant to get out in the water with Will(11) and I
the first 4 days. It was either too hot, windy, or she was feeling bad. Our
last day there, we insisted she came along. Debbie let us know it was a big
effort and took all her strength to participate. The following is how she
describes her adventure. We had good fishing despite the wind all five days. Most of our
fish were caught wading between Aransas and Port Aransas. She is a completely changed person, full of
life and energy.
A few steps into the water, seeing tiny crabs, oyster shells and rocks, my caution mantra came to mind, ‘All Senses Alert’. There is a big rock where upon entering the water, I stop to prop my pole while I put a bait on. ‘All Senses Alert’, hmmm, hmmmm, a surge, a thrill of reconnecting with nature washed over me and all my other senses opened up, excitement taking over. Wonder struck with a richly satisfying frame of mind that felt like, that felt like joy. So big, so full, pushing out and away not only the recent SOB saga, but all anxieties, distress and anything else.
We were using piggies, caught by Will, which are apt to do funky things flying in the air, once cast, but perfect casts right into the wind were made. I felt all the marvels of this place bustling through these slender moments and thought, there just has to be fish in here. Excitement level skyrocketing, all of this, such is the feeling of being alive. Wonder, awe as I notice how much sheer life this little mini world contains…I saw the sky, I felt the wind and I could feel the water surrounding my body, the firm bottom beneath me.
How many hours had I observed patiently and affectionately this very place? Fully attuned, now, set in mind and body, I was ready for the quest at hand, I was pumped!
Beginning to search out a pattern, trying different things, I realized that I was overworking it all. Be still said I, take it easy, take it slow. Will needs to also, be an example for Will. Conscious of everything, yet of nothing, a huge invisible giant reached down from the heavens and yanked my fishing line with such fervor, I almost went with it. What in the world? But my drag, oh my my….my drag was too loose, and how can I know I will not tighten it up too much, this is not a
Redfish or a Trout, this is a Jack Crevalle, or Shark or something unknown…..line keeps peeling away and I am shaking like crazy trying to adjust that drag. Once the drag set to satisfaction, the giant, heading straight for the deep of the intercoastal,
that was not an invisible one from heaven, but one in the water, finally
stopped running and just sat there. Just sat there. And so did I. I was
thinking, is this a regular Redfish like we usually catch, I don’t remember
what it feels like? This fish is pulling mightily and if I haven’t realized in
the past what a great glorious gift this tugging at my line is, I will now.
Who could ever not be invigorated with marvel at the strength of this fish?
It’s beauty? At the whole scenario!
The second run was west toward Port Aransas. Thinking
about my hook tying earlier, oh my, will it hold? The fish again, sat there,
just sat. Again, so did I. Just holding on. The third run, east with
shuddering, shuddering yanks, the pole in my hands my connection and indicator
of what’s occurring below, feeling exactly like strong thrusts one side and
again the other as the fish tried to shake off what had it. Was really
panicking now, I could see my spool, knowing I was close to running out of
line. The fourth run was back toward me but to the left where the rocks were.
Pole tip up, tiptoeing I was, with pole tip up. After that the fish headed
west, but was pretty spent, so I slowly reeled him in between final tugs. From
the onset of the fish striking, Will was so engrossed, and watching, was not
fishing, so I was hollering at him the whole time, like a fishwife, get your
bait in the water! Scott, getting bait sensed or heard something and joined us
for the last run. What a fish, my, my what a gift! What a glorious, glorious
gift! To think of all the circumstances that were perfectly aligned so this
could happen, a miracle. A flat out miracle….any fish caught is so. I will
never ever take it for granted again, nor be blasé.
What a full life I have and what a blessed day this is.
Scott speculated the fish was at least 34 inches long and weighed approx 17
pounds. Once pictures were taken the Redfish was easily unhooked and quickly
recovered from his long haul, tail swishing goodbye as he went.
