Who here has lots of experience fishing SPI?

[skunker]

Hello folks,
First time poster here. I was wondering if there was anyone here who has LOTS of experience fishing the waters around SPI. I'd like to ask a few questions about where are the best places to go, where to get the bait, etc. Typical newbie stuff.

Anyone?

[Jack Keller]

your best source is probably the shop in port isabel. i do a lot of wade fishing with my buddies around port isabel and on the westside. we do best with clousers , crystal shrimp and simple patterns with lots of flash. every so often poppers work well. when the reds are tailing accurate casting is necessary but we all catch a lot of fish blind casting to holes and the edges of san bars and weed beds. there is a learning curve but i wouldn't let that stop me. check with me or bob at the coffee shop in port isabel. lighthouse deli is the new name we are generallly arouind most mornings between 9:30 and 11. the wind has kind of beat up the bay the past few days but you learn to live with that. yesterday,at least, the surf at the island was rather sandy and spotting fish difficult but there were some skipjacks and jack cfrevalle around.

[bones]

This is a great forum.

Sounds like Jack Keller may be of help. Also, a fellow who goes by the name The Game in this forum lives down there and may lend a hand. Send him a note.

Hang out at the fly shop in Port I......very nice folks.

Click this www.lagunamadreflyfishers.com

Ya oughta consider tying yourt own............2-3 minutes per fly, a bottle or two of beer, and a coupla hours of practice and you are in business. Lefty Kreh has a video that is a must-see for beginners.........takes you through the basics and illustrating tips and pitfals and how to avoid them. Check out the fly tyers forum here at Reel-Time.

Good luck!

[TimOBrien]

Skunker,
I have been fishing the lower laguna madre waters all my life. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. I can point you in directions for snook and tarpon as well. I can also point you to the best lodging on the water 3 min. from prime flats. If you find a map of the area look for a landmark called the Dunkin House. It is the largest bay house on the bay. My uncle guides out it and has great rates. The SPI area is some of the best fishing you will find in the world. We have tons of records including the recent world all tackle trout at just under 17 lbs. caught on the fly.

Tim

[TimOBrien]

SPI has had calm conditions for the last couple of weeks. The surf has been a little choppy because of the hurricanes around Florida. The wind usually picks up in the afternoons but as of recently Jack is wrong with his observations. It has been some of the best fly fishing weather we have had in a while. I landed 2 fifty pound tarpon last weekend and am pending the Texas state record snook on the fly. Look out Larry Haines!