This year’s event will be quite different from previous years. Due to Covid-19 concerns, we are re-inventing the Matagorda fishing event. Nonetheless, we are hosting an event and I can’t wait!
God bless,
Rob Purdy
Blast & Cast 2020 – Matagorda One Day Event
3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat… John 21:3
Purpose:
To build meaningful relationships with other outdoorsmen for the purpose of leading them to, or back to, Jesus Christ.
Keynote speaker:
Rob Purdy
Dates:
Primary check in will be on Saturday the 27th at 6am at the Matagorda Harbor. After a brief welcome and devotional, you will be assigned your boat for the day’s fishing. There will be no late check in – participants must be on time at the harbor on Saturday morning. The event will officially end Saturday evening. Volunteer Boat Owners must check in at the Sunrise Lodge by 5pm on Friday the 26th of June.
Lodging:
Lodging is not being provided for participants at this event (with the exception of the volunteer boat owners who will be lodging at the Sunrise Lodge). Participants are welcome to arrange their own lodging in Matagorda for Friday and/or Saturday night and join volunteers for the Friday evening training.
Directions:
The harbor is located at Texas Highway 60 South & County Road 213, Matagorda, TX 77457. Sunrise Lodget can be located here: http://matagordasunriselodge.com/#map
Cost:
Saturday participants (all ages) $25. (Only those eating dinner with us and/or fishing with one of our volunteer boat owners need to register. Anyone is welcome to sit in on the devotion Saturday morning at the harbor, the message Saturday evening at Sunrise Lodge, or the baptisms on the beach.)
Registration:
First registered first reserved!
Fishing:
While all participants should feel free to bring their own boats, volunteers with boats will be ready to take all participants fishing for the day. Our volunteer boat owners are paying their way and are not professionals – nor are they licensed guides. No compensation can be accepted, however please pay your share of gas/ice/bait just as you would if fishing with friends. Each volunteer boat owner will be assigned a fishing party for the day. While we keep fathers and sons together, usually you will be fishing with people you don’t know. This is done purposefully so please don’t be surprised. Additionally, we will try to pair volunteer boat owners with parties suitable to their preferred method of fishing, but please remember to be flexible as this won’t always be possible.
Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring your own boat. Participants will be introduced to their parties on Saturday morning at the harbor.
Adults should be prepared to wade if physically able.
Meals:
Dinner will be provided on Saturday the 27th.
Freebies:
Door prizes will be given out Saturday evening. Please let us know if you’d like to donate door prizes or fishing tackle.
Rules:
- Perfect people are not allowed. Come as you are, no pretending.
- No drunkenness. Alcohol in moderation is allowed, but not on the boats please.
- No profanity. We want to keep the environment kid friendly.
- Have a good time.
What to bring:
- Everyone should bring their own fishing gear and tackle. It is not expected of the volunteer boat owners to lend out their gear or tackle. If they choose to do so, please replace it. Suggested tackle list is below.
- Cash for boat gas, ice, and/or any live bait you would like to use
- If you plan to wade (highly recommend that you be prepared) – long pants, stringer, and pliers are recommended. Wade boots or old shoes are a must. A bait bucket is needed if fishing with live bait.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Saltwater fishing license
- Filet knife and Ziploc bags – plan to clean your own fish.
- A cooler to bring fish home
- A willing attitude that’s eager to help make it work and have a good time – remember, everyone there is a volunteer, so set your expectations as though you are going on a weekend trip with friends.
Suggested tackle:
Plan to fish for trout, redfish, and flounder. (Some boats, particularly those with kids, may pursue other species.) Each fisherman must bring their own rod and reel. Appropriate rods are medium-light to medium action, 6-7ft long, either spinning or bait-casting. Monofilament line is typically 12lb test, braided line is typically 20-30lb test. We recommend you put fresh line on reels if you haven’t done so recently.
Live bait – Live bait fishermen should have a supply of egg sinkers, swivels, 20-30lb test leader material, 3/0 circle or kahle style hooks for croaker, number 6 treble hooks for shrimp, and popping corks.
Artificial bait – Paddle tail style baits are the easiest to fish. 3-4’’ models in glow/chartreuse, limetreuse, red/white, and pumpkinseed are the basics. Topwater baits like Super Spook Jr’s or Skitterwalks (white, chrome, or black) can be exciting. Gulp shrimptails fished under a popping cork are effective and kid friendly.
Contact info:
Event chairman: Rob Purdy
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mobile: 281-797-49984
Please contact us via e-mail if you need information prior to the event.
Please contact us via phone if you need assistance on the road or during the event.
Schedule of Events
Friday:
5pm Volunteer Boat Owner Check-in deadline
7pm Training/Message for Volunteer Boat owners at Lodge
Saturday:
6am Check-in at Matagorda Harbor
4pm BBQ at the Sunrise Lodge (190 St., Mary Slough Dr., Matagorda TX 77457)
5pm Message and door prizes
6pm Baptisms at the Matagorda Welcome Center (6420 FM 2031, Matagorda TX 77457)
6:30pm Event ends
Sunday:
Noon Volunteer Boat Owners must be checked-out