“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: David Holt
Dates:
Primary check-in will begin on Friday, June 23rd from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the lodge. If you will not be able to check in by 3:00 pm on Friday, please let us know ahead of time. The event will officially end at noon on Sunday, June 26th. Everyone must check out by noon on Sunday. Volunteer Boat Owners must check in and be on site by 2:00 pm on Friday.
Lodging:
We will stay at the Matagorda Sunrise Lodge, which is located at 190 St. Mary’s Slough Dr, Matagorda TX 77457. Website: www.matagordasunriselodge.com
Directions: Click for map: http://matagordasunriselodge.com/#map
Registration:
First registered first reserved! If you have been to a Blast & Cast event in the past, please make every effort to bring someone new to the event.
Fishing:
This will be an exciting weekend of fishing and fellowship! We’ll spend our days fishing for Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder in assigned boats. After our evening meals, we will hear words of encouragement and challenge from our speaker, David Holt.
We will have volunteers present along with their boats. Our volunteer boat owners are paying their way and are not professionals – nor are they licensed guides. No tips are allowed, but gas in the tank and your share of other expenses is expected. Please bring cash to assist with boat gas, ice, and bait. Each volunteer boat owner will be assigned a fishing party each 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.
Volunteer boat owners will be introduced to their parties in our meetings. Please see your volunteer boat owner for assistance and/or special needs with regard to fishing. Adults should be prepared to wade if physically able. Bring wading shoes and any other gear that you have. If you have extra gear that others could borrow, please throw it in.
Meals:
Dinner will be provided for both Friday and Saturday night meals. On Saturday and Sunday mornings we will serve breakfast. A limited supply of drinks and snacks will be available to take on the fishing trips but plan to bring your favorite soft drinks. Leftovers will be available for lunches, but most parties will eat out based on their fishing location and schedule.
Freebies: We will give out door prizes on Saturday night. If you’d like to donate door prizes or fishing tackle, please let me know.
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.
- Please help keep the environment kid-friendly.
- Have a good time.
What to bring:
- Everyone should bring their own fishing gear and tackle as 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. The suggested tackle list is below.
- Cash for boat gas, ice, or any live bait you would like to use.
- If you plan to wade (we highly recommend that you be prepared) – Bring long pants, stringer, and pliers if you plan to wade (recommended). Wade boots or old shoes are a must. A bait bucket is needed if fishing with live bait.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Texas saltwater fishing license
- Filet knife and Ziploc bags – plan to clean your own fish, please.
- 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. This is NOT a guided trip.
Suggested tackle:
- Plan to fish for trout, redfish, and flounder. (Some boats, particularly those with kids, may target 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 that 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 shrimp tails fished under a popping cork can also be effective and kid-friendly.
There is a store in Matagorda with tackle. It’s more expensive than Academy, but basic tackle is available.
Contact info:
Event Chairman: Taylor Henckel
E-Mail: [email protected] | Mobile: 409-656-5241
If you need information prior to the event please contact us via e-mail. If you need assistance on the road or during the event, please contact us via phone. We recommend that volunteer boat owners and their parties exchange cell phone numbers at the event to stay in contact.
* Please note that our volunteer boat owners receive no compensation for their services and are paying for their spots at the event. They are not professionals and are simply volunteering their boats, gear, and know-how so that you can have a good time. Because of this, please take the utmost care of their gear.
Schedule of Events
Friday:
1:00-2:00 PM Primary check-in at the lodge
8:00 PM Dinner served
8:20 PM Welcome Ceremony
8:30 PM Guest Speaker
Saturday:
5:30 AM Breakfast and morning devotional
6:00 AM Depart for morning fishing trip
7:30 PM Return to the lodge
8:00 PM Dinner served
8:20 PM Guest Speaker and door prizes
Sunday:
5:30 AM Cold Breakfast and morning devotional
6:00 AM Depart for morning fishing trip
11:30 AM Return to the lodge
12:00 PM Check out and departure