We cannot see what we are doing; it is as dark as pitch as we begin to unload the kayaks. We rig up, making sure to put our lights up and our PFD’s on as we set off into the early morning darkness in search of the elusive redfish…

We leave an hour before sun up so as to reach our fishing spot at gray light, that golden time here on the Texas coast when the redfish are tailing and the winds are at their calmest. As we paddle towards the opening of the back lakes you can hear the speckled trout hitting bait as they feed. If you watch closely, you might even see a shrimp dancing on the surface trying his best not to be breakfast.

Reaching our destination we ease silently back thru the delta fed streams, slowly and quietly moving from bend to bend thru the salt grasses, ever aware of the possibility of disturbing an alligator along the way. The area ahead of us is becoming more visible now as the sun peaks its head over the horizon. Just ahead, in its entire splendor, lies the opening into a back bay bathed in the early morning light.

The sight is surreal. The whole opening is full of tailing and feeding redfish. They glide over each other, busting bait as it comes by. Captain Steve positions us facing the melee of feeding fish thrashing about in the shallows. We can see their backs now and realize that the majority of them are oversized - 30 inches or bigger.

As we ponder on their size, Captain Steve says, “Both of you cast on three. Ready? One, two three!”  We make perfect casts, one right and one left of the opening, and an explosion occurs as the fish fight over the lures presented.  We sing out “Fish on!!” as the reels start to sing, drags running wildly and rods bowed over. What a sight! Two people laughing as if they were kids again, cutting up and bragging as to which has the bigger fish. Finally, the battle is won and both fish are landed, measured and photographed with their captors holding them high. After appropriate amounts of adoration over our catch, we release them somberly. We watch as our fish get their strength back and, with a slap of their tails, they swim away. Silence fills the moment as the redfish disappear into the shadows of the water.

The moment passes, and Captain Steve has us on the move again. “Look!” he says. “There is another school over there! Let’s go!” 

This is just one example of the many different trips taken with Captain Steven Utley of Blue Heron Adventures. Captain Steve and his wife Sue own and operate Blue Heron Adventures Guide Service out of beautiful Corpus Christi Texas. They offer a variety of trip options - all molded to give you the best trip available.  Their trips include fly-fishing, conventional fishing, and scenic trips by kayak or by boat in some of the most beautiful and secluded areas in the Coastal Bend.

Whether you are a first time or experienced kayak angler, they can help you plan your next adventure. If it is your first time kayaking they will teach you all they can on how to enjoy kayaking and how to be safe on the water while doing it.

You can even choose to be shuttled by boat to a destination and campout over night. The sights are amazing and the birding is second to none with herons, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and oyster catchers just to name a few. Even the dolphins show up to share in the fun at times.  The fishing is on some of the most productive skinny water flats and channels available in South Texas. Whether sight casting for redfish, or fishing the drop offs for speckled trout and flounder, a great time can be had by all as they help you to experience the wonders of the coastal backwaters of South Texas.

Captain Steven Utley is a licensed captain through the U.S.Coast Guard and holds a valid guides license through Texas Parks and Wildlife. He is a member of the American Canoe Association and a certified Boating Instructor with the local U.S. Power Squadron. He is a member of the Coastal Bend Guides Association and is a Heritage Endorsed Fishing Guide.

On your trip you will be provided you with the best of kayaking and fishing equipment. You can choose from the 14.5’ Ultimate – Captain Steve’s personal favorite because of it’s reliability and stability - or a 14’ Redfish – a sit-on that is very stable and easy to paddle. They also have a 16’ tandem Ultimate for those who might need a little help paddling. All kayaks are outfitted with Accent Paddles, Stake Out Stix, rod holders, drift socks, anchors, and anything else that you would need to fish with. Clients are provided well as Extra Sport PFD’s, and a small ice chest with water and a snack. The main provider of kayaking equipment for Blue Heron Adventures is Southwest Paddlesports located in Spring Texas.

Castaway Rods, Abu-Garcia Revo reels or Shimano spinning equipment are the weapons of choice for their conventional fishing needs. All comes from Roy’s Bait and Tackle who Captain Steve thinks are second to none here in the Coastal Bend for sales and service. They can provide all your fishing supplies from offshore to fly-fishing trips. Whether you are looking for that special color Brown Lure or that hard to find Spook Jr. stop by and check out all they have to offer and make sure to say hi to Rocky or Mike and the crew.

If you are looking to find an on-the-water adventure in South Texas, contact Blue Heron Adventures at 361-334-2336, or go to their website, www.blueheronadventures.com, and check out all the different trips they have to offer. They will also provide corporate trips and custom trips to fit your personal needs. Give them a call and let them help you plan your next adventure.

Please remember take more trash than you bring and be courteous whether on or off the water.

God Bless and Happy Fishing…