If It Swims

Bret hit the shores of Lake Grapevine on a crisp morning, rods ready and spirits high. The goal? Some solid runs from channel catfish and maybe a hefty carp or two. While the big fish stayed elusive, the smaller ones kept the lines busy all morning.

First up were the carp. Small, scrappy, and plentiful, they tugged at the line just enough to keep Bret on his toes. Each one shimmered golden in the sunlight, their scales flashing hints of copper and orange, but none carried the heft he was hoping for.

The channel catfish were next. Though they came in modest sizes, these sleek silver fighters still had enough kick to make the catches worthwhile.

Bluegills and a longear sunfish also joined the party. The bluegill sparkled with their signature hues, while one longear stretched just a bit longer than its companions—another highlight in a morning of variety.

But the real wildcard of the day wasn’t a fish at all. Midway through the outing, Bret spotted a skunk ambling along the shoreline. With its unmistakable black-and-white markings, the little creature casually explored the underbrush, adding a touch of nature’s unpredictability to the fishing trip. Luckily, the skunk seemed more interested in foraging than causing a stink, and it eventually wandered off without incident.

Though there were no trophy catches to boast about, it was one of those mornings where the experience itself made it all worthwhile. Between the constant action, the array of species, and the wildlife encounter, Lake Grapevine once again proved why it’s such a beloved spot for anglers.

As the saying goes, “If it swims, it’s fair game”—and this trip certainly delivered on that promise, even if the biggest fighters were taking the day off.

The Texas coastline set the stage for a picture-perfect morning of fly fishing, with Dave armed and ready to sight fish for redfish. As the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, the water transformed into a mirror reflecting fiery oranges and golds. Towering clouds stretched across the sky, their dramatic shapes casting shifting shadows on the shallow flats. For any angler, it was the kind of moment that reminds you why you love the sport.

Dave’s approach was all about precision. With a fly rod in hand, he scouted the flats under the morning’s soft light, searching for the subtle movements that signal a cruising redfish. The sight fishing game demanded focus, patience, and just the right amount of finesse. The payoff came quickly—Dave spotted the telltale ripple of a redfish tail breaking the surface, its silhouette barely visible beneath the glassy water.

A smooth cast, a few quick strips, and the first red took the fly. It wasn’t a monster, but its scales shimmered golden in the rising sun, like a treasure pulled straight from the sea. The fight was spirited, the fish darting through the shallows before Dave brought it in for a quick release.

As the morning progressed, the action heated up. Dave locked onto several more reds, their shadows gliding just beneath the surface. Each encounter was a delicate dance, matching the fly’s presentation to the fish’s movement. One standout catch was a textbook-perfect redfish, bold and sturdy with a striking black tail spot. It hammered the fly with a sudden burst of energy, testing both rod and angler before finally coming aboard. With the lush coastal marshlands behind him, Dave held up the fish for a quick photo, the kind of trophy moment every fly angler lives for.

This wasn’t just fishing—it was an artful pursuit, combining the thrill of the chase with the serenity of a coastal sunrise. Between the breathtaking clouds, the challenge of sight fishing, and the undeniable beauty of the redfish, the Texas coast once again delivered a morning to remember.