Bay Flats Lodge

Sage Elite Pros Talk Redfish

Murray Martin — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:49:01 +0000

The Mid-Atlantic down, around and back up the full length of Florida, then west across to Texas’ southern terminus is the global stronghold of the legendary redfish. Once pushed to the brink by overfishing in the 70s and 80s, along with habitat battles that continue to this day, though not completely out of the woods, the species has made an incredible turnaround. Today, anglers across the southern U.S. have ample opportunity to pursue the redfish in marshes, bays, creeks and coastal tidal flats.

With such a huge geographical footprint, finding redfish can seem intimidating considering all the options before us. Fortunately, there are people who make their living roping swamp donkeys across the American coastal south and we’ve brought them here today to share some of that knowledge.

While the presence of oversized bull reds during late fall and winter capture the lion’s share of the species’ attention, the crew below will be quick to inform you that it’s always redfish season.

Captain Brian Vaughn, Sage Elite Pro | Hilton Head, SC

Owner/Operator of Off The Hook Fishing Charters

Guide Experience: 30 Years

SAGE Redfish Sticks: SIGNAL 890-4 and POWER R8 890-4

My Home Waters: So blessed to grow up, guide and have such an amazing year-round fishery for redfish here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. During the warmer months on our big flood tides it’s hard to beat stalking hungry, happy, tailing redfish in the marsh grass flats. The cooler months are equally as good for large schools of sometimes hundreds of redfish in creeks or out on mud flats during our lower tides that will put your 8wt setup to the test on redfish ranging from 2 pounds to 10 pounds or more.

Love of the Game: The game: guiding and finding the perfect spot to put a client on a redfish on the fly. I embrace the challenge of knowing when, where and why to be in a specific zone for redfish. The love: getting to be on the water every day, experiencing nature, getting to know new clients, and most of all, doing something I’m absolutely truly passionate about for a profession.

Words of Wisdom: When fishing for our flood tide tailing redfish, specifically during the warmer months using a weight-forward floating line, I personally wait to cast to the fish until they stop tailing/feeding. Once they start moving again, I’ll try to get the fly right in front of their face. I tell my clients to lead the redfish around two feet, and then slowly swing that fly (baitfish, crab pattern or gurgler) within 6 to 8 inches of the fish’s nose. It’s always best to be patient, pause the fly if needed, and let the fish get close enough to see it.

My Carolina Redfish Setups: The SAGE SIGNAL 890-4 with the 8wt RIO AMBASSADOR SERIES FLATS PASSPORT is the perfect setup for presenting smaller batfish, crab patterns for tailing or schooling redfish. When casting larger baitfish patterns, top water or weighted flies for deeper redfish, I opt for the SAGE POWER R8 890-4 with an 8wt RIO Elite Flats Pro.

The 890 SIGNAL has recently become my favorite go-to client rod. Its progressive taper provides the angler with more feedback with respect to rod loading, and it will shoot fly line with great accuracy on both long and short casts. The SIGNAL can generate high line speed to cut through the wind with minimal false casts which is ideal for targeting fish that are on the move. Its a great rod for the average to advanced angler.

Follow Brian in South Carolina here: @brianvaughn and @offthehookfishingcharters

Captain Jonathan “Stump” Hamilton, Sage Elite Pro | Homosassa, FL

Owner/Operator of Homosassa Fishing Co.

Guide Experience: 15 Years

SAGE Redfish Sticks: SALT R8 790-4 and SIGNAL 1090-4

My Home Waters: A seventh-generation Florida native, I have been guiding the shallow-water fisheries of Homosassa and the surrounding Nature Coast for 15 years. Homosassa is truly one of the few places where you can still explore and experience Old Florida.

We have a vast fishery that offers an incredible amount of opportunity—from targeting tailing low-tide redfish on large grass flats to finding migrating and schooling fish in pristine, clear water on hard bottom.

Our redfishing is good year-round, but different things are happening throughout the seasons. The winter months are completely different from the summer months, and that seasonal change is part of what makes this fishery so interesting. It’s a challenging fishery, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

Love of the Game: For me, the redfish is one of those inshore predators that, when it commits to a fly, creates a lasting memory. They know their role, and they aren’t shy about it. Whether it’s a big wake followed by an aggressive topwater eat, or a tail drop as a redfish commits to a shrimp pattern placed right in front of it, when they decide to eat, they mean it.

Words of Wisdom: Fly fishing for redfish in Homosassa is truly like hunting with a bow. We take our time, we hunt the fish, and we wait for the perfect shot. Lead the fish to a place where it doesn’t know how the fly got there—the fish needs to come to the fly on its own. Cross paths, be patient, and wait for the right opportunity. The biggest mistake you can make is blowing the fish out. If the fish finds the fly on her own, it’s game over—in the good way.

My Florida Redfish Setups: My go-to redfish and trout setup is the SAGE SALT R8 790-4. For the bay boat, I’m currently fishing the new SAGE SIGNAL 1090-4 which is a great all-around rod for redfish, smaller local tarpon, and everything in between. My SAGE SALT R8 11wts are the meat and potatoes of my tarpon fishing.

The SALT R8 790-4 gives me the combination of power and finesse I need for our redfish. It has enough backbone to turn over flies that are a little bulky, but it’s still soft enough to finesse a fly into flat water when you’re dealing with a tailing redfish that needs a quiet presentation. That balance is what makes it such a great combination for the way we fish here on the Nature Coast.

I pair the SAGE ENFORCER reels with RIO ELITE FLATS PRO lines. I’m also currently putting the new RIO AMBASSADOR SERIES FLATS PASSPORT 10wt through its paces, and I really like it so far.

Follow Stump in Florida here: @thestumpnation and @homosassafishingco

Captain Chris Martin, Sage Experiences Outfitter | Seadrift, TX

Owner/Operator of Bay Flats Lodge

Years in Operation: 25 Years

SAGE Redfish Sticks: SALT R8 890-4

My Home Waters: Bay Flats Lodge sits just minutes from the Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area, where the Guadalupe River empties into San Antonio Bay—you can practically see that country from the front deck of the lodge. A short run across the bay puts us along the pristine grass shorelines near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, while Matagorda Island offers miles of undeveloped back marsh, salt lakes, creeks, mangroves, and drains where redfish and blue crabs thrive.

What makes this fishery special is the sheer amount of untouched, shallow water; it’s not uncommon to shut the skiff down once we find the right area and never start it again until the day is over. We can pole for miles, constantly seeing new water and hunting redfish in one of the wildest stretches of the Texas coast.

Love of the Game: No two trips into the backcountry are ever alike, and that’s why fly fishing for redfish never gets old. We target redfish every day, and while they can be incredibly forgiving, I think as fly anglers we sometimes overthink the game—tie on a fly you have confidence in, make a good presentation, and let the redfish tell the story. Some days they’re goofy and just not in the mood, while other days they’ll absolutely blow your mind with how aggressively they eat a fly. That unpredictability, combined with the visual nature of sight-fishing in shallow water, is what keeps me coming back every day.

Words of Wisdom: Line control is one of the most important parts of fly fishing for redfish. On your final cast, make a short haul with your line hand so the line comes tight as the fly hits the water—then you’re immediately connected and ready to move the fly instead of searching for slack. Once the fish sees the fly, slow down your retrieve and let the redfish find it rather than trying to force the eat. Good presentation, good line control, and patience will put more redfish on the end of your line.

My Texas Redfish Setup: My go-to setup is a SAGE SALT R8 890-4 paired with a SAGE ENFORCER reel. For lines, I switch between the RIO ELITE FLATS PRO and RIO ELITE REDFISH XP, depending on the conditions and the angler.

On calmer days, when we’re presenting flies to schools of redfish, a delicate presentation can make all the difference. You don’t want to blow the school with an aggressive cast. The FLATS PRO gives me the controlled loop and presentation I’m looking for. The strategy is often to place the fly ahead of a single fish—or ahead of the entire school—and let the fish find it naturally.

When the Texas coast gets windy, I’ll load the SALT R8 with the REDFISH XP. It’s an especially effective combination for clients who may have less fly-casting experience because it helps load the rod quickly and efficiently.

On our coast, short, accurate shots are the name of the game. You don’t always need a hero cast—you need to get the fly in front of the fish quickly. In those conditions, the SALT R8 paired with the REDFISH XP gets the job done.

What I appreciate most about the SAGE SALT R8 is the combination of fast action, lightweight feel, and the way the rod flexes when making short- to mid-distance casts. That combination is especially important in the redfish game, where opportunities can happen quickly and accuracy matters more than simply making a long cast.

For our clients, the SALT R8 provides enough feel and deeper flex to help load the rod efficiently at the distances we fish most often. Whether we’re making a quick shot at a cruising redfish or presenting a fly to a school, the rod responds quickly without sacrificing feel.

Where the SALT R8 really excels is high-accuracy presentations. On the Texas coast, you often have a small window to get the fly exactly where it needs to be. The SALT R8 gives us the speed, control, and precision to make those shots count.

Follow Chris in Texas here: @texasflylodgeowner and @bayflatslodge

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How to Fly Fish for Redfish in Texas: Fishing Pods on the Texas Coast

Emily Speicher — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:01:18 +0000

There are few moments in fly fishing more exciting than watching a pod of redfish move across a shallow Texas flat. For anglers willing to slow down, stay quiet, and make the right presentation, these encounters can lead to some of the most memorable shots in saltwater fly fishing. In this guide, Bay Flats Lodge owner Captain Chris Martin shares his approach to fishing pods of redfish, from reading the fish and managing your fly line to working with your guide and making that first cast count.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAY FLATS

___________________________________________

How to Fly Fish for Redfish in Texas: Fishing Pods on the Texas Coast

Teamwork, quiet feet, good presentations, and making the next shot count

There are few things in saltwater fly fishing more exciting than seeing a pod of redfish moving across a shallow Texas flat.

One fish will get your attention. Five, ten, or twenty redfish pushing together will get your heart beating a little faster.

At first glance, a pod of redfish looks like an easy opportunity. There are more targets, more movement, and surely one of those fish is going to eat your fly.

Not necessarily.

Pods can give you some of the best redfish fly fishing shots you’ll ever have, but they also multiply your chances of making a mistake. One bad cast, a fly line landing across the fish, a heavy foot on the bow, or poor boat positioning can turn an incredible Texas fly fishing opportunity into nothing more than a disappearing mud cloud.

The key is slowing everything down.

Understand What You’re Looking At

Redfish don’t always travel across the flats the same way.

Sometimes you’ll see a loose group cruising together. Other times they’re packed tightly, pushing water and actively feeding. You might see tails, backs, wakes, or simply an area of water that doesn’t look quite right.

The more aggressively they’re feeding, the more forgiving they can be.

A pod that’s casually cruising is another story. Those fish can be surprisingly aware of everything happening around them.

Before making the cast, spend a few seconds watching the fish.

Which direction are they moving? How fast? Are they feeding? Is the pod spreading out or staying tight? Is there a fish on the outside that gives you a better opportunity?

Those few seconds can determine whether your first cast gets eaten or sends the entire group in the opposite direction.

For anglers learning how to fly fish for redfish, learning to read the fish before making a cast is one of the most important skills you can develop.

Keep Your Lower Body and Feet Quiet

This is one of the most overlooked parts of fly fishing from a skiff.

Your feet can ruin the shot before your fly ever leaves your hand.

When a pod gets close, keep your lower body quiet. Don’t shuffle your feet, step heavily, rock the bow, or make sudden movements.

Remember, you’re standing on a boat floating in very shallow water. One false move can send a pressure wave or ripple from the skiff directly toward the school.

Those redfish can feel it.

A pod that was happily feeding can suddenly become nervous, change direction, or explode off the flat without you ever making a cast.

The temptation is to start moving when you finally see the fish. You reposition your feet, grab another handful of line, or step toward the edge of the bow.

That’s exactly when you need to be the quietest.

Get organized before the fish arrive. Have your line ready. Know where your fly is. Plant your feet and let your upper body do the work.

Think of the bow as a casting platform, not a dance floor.

Don’t Cast into the Middle of the Pod

This may be the biggest mistake anglers make when fly fishing for redfish.

You finally see ten redfish within casting distance, adrenaline takes over, and you fire the fly directly into the middle of them.

Now you’ve potentially shown your fly, leader, or fly line to ten redfish instead of one.

Pick a fish.

Whenever possible, I like targeting a fish on the leading edge or outside edge of the pod. It gives that individual fish an opportunity to see and eat the fly without putting the entire group at risk.

You’re not trying to catch the pod.

You’re trying to catch one redfish without educating the other nine.

Do that successfully, and you might get another shot.

Lead the Fish

The fly needs to arrive before the redfish does.

How far you lead the fish depends on water clarity, depth, wind, fly weight, and how aggressively they’re feeding. There’s no magic distance that works every time.

In clear, shallow water with nervous fish, give yourself some room.

If they’re aggressively feeding with their heads down, you can often put the fly considerably closer.

The goal is simple:

Let the fish find the fly rather than making the fly find the fish.

Make your cast, let the fly settle into the feeding zone, and begin working it when the fish reaches the right position.

A fly that’s already sitting there looks natural.

A fly that suddenly crashes down three feet in front of a shallow-water redfish can look like trouble.

That presentation is especially important when sight fishing for redfish in the clear, shallow water of the Texas coast.

Watch the Fish, Not Just Your Fly

This is where Texas saltwater fly fishing becomes addictive.

Once the fly is in position, watch the redfish.

The fish will often tell you what’s happening before you ever feel anything through the fly line.

You may see the fish accelerate. Its body angle changes. A tail kicks harder. The fish turns.

Sometimes the redfish simply disappears behind the fly.

Those are all clues.

If the fish follows but doesn’t commit, don’t automatically start stripping faster. Sometimes slowing the fly down or giving it a short pause is exactly what triggers the eat.

Let the redfish tell you what it wants.

And when it eats, strip set.

Control Your Fly Line Before the Shot

Pods punish sloppy line management.

When your guide finally says:

“Eleven o’clock. Forty feet. Moving right.”

that shouldn’t be the moment you start looking for your fly.

Before the fish ever shows up, have enough line outside the rod tip to make your normal presentation. Keep your running line organized on the deck and know where everything is.

You don’t want line wrapped around your foot, tangled around the stripping basket, or buried underneath something on the bow when twenty redfish suddenly appear.

Preparation buys you time.

And in sight fishing, time creates opportunities.

Fly Fishing Is a Team Sport

It’s amazing what one person can see from the bow and another can see from the poling platform.

The guide has elevation and can often spot fish long before the angler. The angler, however, may catch a flash, tail, wake, or fish peeling away from the school that the guide can’t see from behind.

That’s why communication is so important.

If the guide says the pod is at ten o’clock and you don’t see it, say so.

Don’t pretend you see the fish and start casting blindly.

Once both guide and angler are looking at the same target, things become much easier.

“Thirty feet.”

“Moving left.”

“Wait.”

“Now.”

Good communication keeps everyone on the same page.

The best shots happen when the guide and angler start working as a team.

Make the First Shot Count

When a pod appears, there’s a tendency to rush because it feels like the opportunity is disappearing.

Slow down.

Get your feet planted.

Listen to your guide.

Find the fish.

Pick your target.

Then make one good cast.

I’d rather see an angler make one deliberate 40-foot cast than five rushed 60-foot casts.

You don’t get extra points for casting farther than necessary.

You get points when the redfish eats.

Fly Selection

For pods of Texas redfish, I generally want something that lands relatively softly, gets into the feeding zone quickly, and looks like something a redfish expects to eat.

Shrimp and small baitfish patterns are hard to beat.

One of my favorites is a purple shrimp pattern tied with an Arctic fox tail, squiggly legs, a weed guard, and light dumbbell eyes.

The light dumbbell eyes give the fly enough weight to get down without dropping onto a shallow flat like a brick.

That’s important.

You can have the perfect fly tied to the perfect leader, but if you scare the fish when it lands, none of that matters.

What Happens After the Eat?

The redfish turns.

It accelerates.

The fly disappears.

You strip set and everything comes tight.

Now you’ve got another problem.

There may still be twenty redfish sitting in front of you.

Whenever possible, try to move the hooked fish away from the pod. Your guide can also work the skiff to help separate that fish from the others.

Sometimes the remaining fish barely react.

That’s when things get interesting.

Land your fish efficiently, get your fly and line organized, plant your feet again, and start looking.

The next shot may already be coming.

The Next Shot

Pods of redfish are one of the reasons I never get tired of fly fishing the Texas coast.

You get to see the entire game unfold.

The guide spots the fish from the poling platform. The skiff quietly moves into position. You plant your feet on the bow. The distance closes.

You pick one fish.

The cast goes out.

The fly lands.

Then you see a redfish change direction.

For the next few seconds, everything else disappears.

That’s sight fishing.

And when a pod of redfish is coming your way, remember this:

Quiet feet. Good communication. Pick one fish. Make one good presentation. And make the next shot count.

Tails up.

The post How to Fly Fish for Redfish in Texas: Fishing Pods on the Texas Coast appeared first on Bay Flats Lodge.

Duck Season Dates Are Live – Book Before They’re Gone

Murray Martin — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:27:32 +0000

TEXAS COLD FRONTS ARE COMING

Is your blind booked?

Our 2026-27 duck season dates are now open – come hunt and fish with us on a Cast & Blast adventure along the Texas coast!

Available Duck Hunting Dates

December 2026 Availability: 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
January 2027 Availability: January 1-31 currently still have availability!
Email: info@bayflatslodge.com
Phone: (888) 677-4868
See Rates at: Duck Hunting Rates(opens in new tab) and Cast & Blast Rates(opens in new tab)

We’re excited to announce our availability for the 2026-27 duck season, running December 12, 2026, through January 31, 2027. If you’ve been thinking about booking a hunt with us, now’s the time to lock in your dates before they fill up.

Why Hunt Ducks with Bay Flats Lodge?

Our stretch of the Texas Gulf Coast – from San Antonio Bay down through the marshes and flats surrounding Seadrift and Port O’Connor – is some of the most productive waterfowl habitat in the state. The mix of coastal marsh, flooded rice fields, and open bay water draws heavy concentrations of ducks throughout the colder part of the season, giving our guides the flexibility to hunt the birds where they’re actually working, rather than sitting on a single location.

Our guides run a mix of blinds, adapting day to day based on weather, tides, and where the ducks are showing up. Whether it’s working a big push of redheads and pintails off the bay, or calling other species into other areas, our team knows these waters intimately and hunts them accordingly.

A typical morning starts well before sunrise – decoys set, blinds ready, and guides reading the wind and the birds to put you in the best possible position. Our lodge accommodations mean you’re not driving in the dark to get to your destination; you wake up close to the action, hunt hard, and come back to a hot lunch in the lodge dinning room and a warm place to clean up and relax before the next adventure or your departure.

What To Expect

Experienced, local guides who hunt this region each season.
Maintained blinds and quality decoys.
Flexibility to adapt to weather and bird movement.
Comfortable lodge accommodations and meals included.
A true Texas coastal duck hunting experience, start to finish.

Whether you’re chasing a limit of pintail, gadwall, or other species, or introducing a new hunter to what coastal duck hunting is all about, we’d love to have you out with us this season.

Ready to book, or have questions about rates or availability?

Reach out to us at (888) 677-4868, or email us at info@bayflatslodge.com, or reply directly to this email – our team is happy to help you plan the details.

We hope to see you in the blind this season.

The post Duck Season Dates Are Live – Book Before They’re Gone appeared first on Bay Flats Lodge.

Chris Martin Is Heading to Jurassic Lake – Want In?

Murray Martin — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:24:43 +0000

PATAGONIA IS CALLING

A Bay Flats Original Heads South

Chris Martin doesn’t hand off hosting duties to just anyone – and this October, he’s not handing them off at all. He’s leading the trip himself.

JURASSIC LAKE: WHERE “BIG FISH STORY” ISN’T AN EXAGGERATION

PATAGONIA ARGENTINA

Ask any angler who’s fished Lago Strobel what surprised them most, and the answer is almost always the same: it wasn’t the size of the fish. It was how many of that size there were.

The Trip, In Short

Chris Martin is hosting a small group of Bay Flats anglers on a bucket-list trip to Jurassic Lake, Argentina, this October. Bay Flats Lodge and Jurassic Lake Lodge are both part of the Sage Experiences Outfitters family, so this isn’t a stretch outside what you already know – it’s the same standard, a different hemisphere.

Trip Details:

Dates: October 22-31, 2026
Location: Jurassic Lake Lodge, Argentina
Availability: Only 4 spots remain
Email: chris@bayflatslodge.com
Phone: (888) 677-4868

So What Makes This Lake So Different?

Most trout fisheries brag about their best fish. At Jurassic Lake, the best fish is just Tuesday. Rainbows in the 10-20 pound range aren’t the exception here – they’re the standard the lake is built around. The reason comes down to biology: Lago Strobel is loaded with freshwater scuds, and that steady diet of protein turns ordinary rainbows into something closer to river monsters. Add in tightly controlled access and light fishing pressure, and you get a fishery that produces double-digit days of trophy fish almost as a matter of routine.

A Lodge Built Around the Fishing, Not the Other Way Around

Jurassic Lake Lodge isn’t trying to be everything to everyone – it’s built for anglers, full stop. That means:

Guides who’ve fished every inch of productive shoreline and know exactly where to put you
Short boat rides to the water, so your day is fishing time, not travel time
Real food and real rest waiting for you after a long day fighting fish
A group of anglers around the dinner table who get why you’re grinning ear to ear

By the end of the week, you’ll understand why longtime guides still talk about this place like it’s their first trip.

Why Now?

Trips like this don’t linger on the calendar for long, and this one won’t either. If Jurassic Lake has been sitting on your list – the “someday” trip – October is the someday.

Ready to Go? Contact Chris Martin, Trip Host

Reserve Your Spot: chris@bayflatslodge.com
Location: Jurassic Lake Lodge, Argentina
Availability: Only 4 spots remain

An Added “Thank You”

Anyone who books a new reservation for the trip can choose between:
• 1 complimentary night and day at Bay Flats Lodge (a $1,600 value)

• An R8 Salt Rod valued at $1,150

We only have the last 4 spots remaining, and I’d truly love to share this experience with some of our Bay Flats guests and friends.

If you’re interested or would like more details, just email Chris Martin at chris@bayflatslodge.com or give us a call at (888) 677-4868.

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Boat Partners Matter More Than You Think

Murray Martin — Sat, 23 May 2026 18:11:21 +0000

Written by Chris Martin . . .

The Best Anglers Cheer the Loudest

There’s a moment on every skiff when the entire day changes.

A tail pops up.

The guide calls the shot.

The angler on the bow freezes somewhere between panic and excitement.

And in that moment, the guy in the back of the boat has a choice: stay quiet and wait his turn… or become the loudest supporter on the skiff.

The best anglers always choose the second option.

You Got This

Fly fishing has a funny way of exposing selfishness. Everyone wants the bow. Everyone wants the hero shot. Everyone wants the photo. But the best days on the water happen when anglers understand one simple truth:

The faster your buddy succeeds, the faster it becomes your turn.

Encouragement matters more than most people realize. A calm voice saying, “You got this.” A quick reminder to breathe. Helping clear line. Staying positive after a missed shot instead of groaning about lost opportunities. All of it changes the energy on the boat.

Calm Boats Catch More Fish

Pressure destroys more shots than bad casting ever will.

When anglers feel rushed or judged, they tighten up. They cast harder. Trout set a redfish. Rush the fight. Everything falls apart. But when the boat stays positive, anglers settle in. They make better presentations. Fight fish correctly. And fish hit the net quicker.

That means everybody wins.

Good boat partners understand landing fish efficiently is part of being a team. Celebrate the hookup, coach through the chaos, clear the deck, grab the net, and keep things moving. Nobody enjoys standing on the platform watching someone turn a 3-minute fight into a 20-minute disaster because ego took over.

The Reality is Simple:

If your buddy catches fish, your day gets better too.

Some of the best memories in fly fishing come from watching somebody else succeed. First redfish on fly. First gurgler-eat. First truly clean shot under pressure. Those moments are contagious. A fired-up skiff catches more fish than a frustrated one every single time.

The strongest skiffs operate like a team, not a competition.

The Soul of a Great Fishing Day

At the end of the day, nobody remembers who stood on the bow the longest. They remember the laughs, the chaos, the eats, and the way the whole boat came alive when someone finally buried the hook in a fish they’ll never forget.

So next time your buddy steps on the bow, help them succeed.

Not just because it’s the right thing to do.

But because the best days in fly fishing are shared.

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May Fishing Forecast – Texas Coast

Murray Martin — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:09:45 +0000

As reported by Chris Martin . . .

Coastal anglers have plenty to look forward to in the month of May. Wind speeds have increased with the changing seasons, but don’t let a 25-27 mph forecast keep you indoors. Some of our best fishing days happen in strong wind conditions, especially when bait and water movement line up correctly.

This time of year typically brings drier skies, rising humidity, warming water temperatures, and fluctuating tides. Rainfall totals usually begin increasing this month, but salinity levels throughout our bays should remain fairly stable, which is always a positive sign for marine life along the Texas coast – especially trout, redfish, and flounder.

May also marks the transition away from the strong northerly winds that shaped much of the past several months. Prevailing southeast winds should continue pushing greener water into our bays while supporting a steady trout bite over hard sand and grass.

Longer daylight hours and increasing water temperatures mean anglers should plan to start early. Ideally, your first stop of the morning should happen well before sunrise, giving you the opportunity to wade shallow while temperatures remain cooler and fish are actively feeding.

This is often when larger trout and redfish slide up from deeper water under the cover of darkness to take advantage of bait activity in the shallows.

As we move deeper into May, topwater action should continue improving, but suspending and slow-sinking baits will still play a major role. Favorites like the Corky and FatBoy remain excellent choices for targeting quality trout and redfish this time of year.

For many anglers, there’s nothing quite like the strike of a big trout or redfish on a well-worked plug. May offers the perfect opportunity to knock the rust off your favorite baits and settle back into the rhythm of summer fishing along the Texas coast.

For anglers who prefer live bait presentations, our guides have been doing well over shell pads in and around Espiritu Santo Bay while fishing live shrimp under a popping cork. Others may prefer anchoring in the back lakes while fishing piggy perch over sand pockets for trout and redfish. Black drum are beginning to show up for anglers fishing dead shrimp on the bottom, while the occasional sheepshead and flounder continue to make appearances as well.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip, now is the time. The fish are active, water conditions are improving, and some of the best fishing of the year is right around the corner.

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An Invitation to Jurassic Lake: Patagonia’s Most Extraordinary Fishery

Murray Martin — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:23:07 +0000

The destination where trout become legends

As fellow Sage Experiences Outfitters destinations, Bay Flats Lodge and Jurassic Lake Lodge share a commitment to world-class fly fishing – making this hosted journey to Jurassic Lake not just a trip, but a seamless extension of the experience our anglers already know and trust.

CHASING GIANTS AT JURASSIC LAKE

THE ULTIMATE PATAGONIA FLY FISHING ADVENTURE

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a place where fly fishing borders on the unbelievable, Jurassic Lake – also known as Lago Strobel – belongs at the very top of your list.

Join the Adventure This October

We’re excited to announce that the owner of Bay Flats Lodge, Chris Martin, will be hosting an exclusive fly fishing adventure to Jurassic Lake this coming October.

This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s greatest fisheries alongside a group that appreciates not just the catch – but the entire experience.

Dates: October 22-31, 2026
Location: Jurassic Lake Lodge, Argentina
Availability: Only 4 spots remain
Registration Deadline: May 31, 2026

A Fishery Like No Other

Tucked away in the remote windswept steppe of southern Patagonia, Jurassic Lake has earned an almost mythical reputation among serious fly anglers. This is not your typical trout destination. Here, the rainbow trout grow to staggering sizes, with fish in the 10-20 pound class not just possible – but common. Days of landing double-digit numbers of trophy fish aren’t stories – they’re expectations.

The reason? A perfect storm of conditions. The lake is rich in scuds (freshwater shrimp), providing a protein-packed food source that fuels explosive growth. Combine that with minimal fishing pressure and strictly managed access, and you get one of the most prolific trophy trout fisheries on the planet.

The Lodge Experience

Jurassic Lake Lodge offers anglers front-row access to this extraordinary fishery. Designed specifically for fly fishermen, the lodge delivers both comfort and efficiency in a rugged, remote setting.

Expect:

Expert guides who know every productive stretch of shoreline
Short runs to prime water – meaning more time fishing, less time traveling
Hearty meals and welcoming hospitality after long, adrenaline-filled days on the water
A camaraderie among anglers that’s hard to replicate anywhere else

It’s the kind of place where lifelong fishing memories are made daily – and where even the most seasoned anglers find themselves shaking their heads in disbelief.

Why This Trip?

Trips like this don’t come around often – and when they do, they fill quickly. Whether you’re chasing your personal best rainbow trout, looking to explore one of the most remote fisheries on earth, or simply wanting to share an unforgettable experience with like-minded fly anglers, this journey checks every box.

If Jurassic Lake has ever been on your radar, this is the moment to make it happen.

Contact Chris Martin | Trip Host

This is a unique chance to fish one of the most remarkable waters on the planet with a group that values more than just the catch – they value the full experience.

Email: chris@bayflatslodge.com
Trip Location: Jurassic Lake Lodge, Argentina
Availability: Only 4 spots remain
Registration Deadline: May 31, 2026

The post An Invitation to Jurassic Lake: Patagonia’s Most Extraordinary Fishery appeared first on Bay Flats Lodge.

Fly Fishing For Texas Redfish with Levi Holder

Murray Martin — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:02:56 +0000

What does it take to become a great Texas saltwater fly fishing guide?

In Episode 2 of our Guide Series, we spotlight Capt. Levi Holder and the experience, mindset, and skill set that define a successful day on the Texas flats at Bay Flats Lodge.

With a lifelong passion for fly fishing, bait casting, and a dedication to teaching, Levi shares his journey as an angler and guide along the Texas coast. From helping clients refine their casting to improving fish-spotting awareness and adapting to changing conditions, Levi breaks down the details that make a real difference on the water.

Known for his patience, insight, and attention to detail, Capt. Levi Holder is a key part of delivering the high-quality fly fishing experience Bay Flats Lodge is known for. Whether you’re new to saltwater fly fishing or a seasoned angler, this episode offers valuable perspective into what elevates a great day on the flats.

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Fly Water Travel Review: Bay Flats Lodge Sweepstakes Winner Mike Pleiss!

Murray Martin — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:07:59 +0000

A Note Of Thanks From Bay Flats Lodge . . .
Every unforgettable trip seems to start with a trusted recommendation – and this one was no different. A sincere thank you goes out to Fly Water Travel, and especially to Max Salzburg and Mike Pleiss, for pointing the way toward an experience that far exceeded expectations. Their insight, attention to detail, and deep understanding of what makes a destination truly special set the stage for an incredible adventure on the Texas coast.

From the moment the trip was booked, it was clear this would be more than just a few days of fishing – it would be a full immersion into a unique fishery, rich with opportunity, challenge, and reward. What followed was a three-day journey defined by tight casts into mangrove pockets, explosive eats in shallow water, and the kind of camaraderie that only grows stronger with every shared moment on the bow.

What you’ll read below isn’t just a fishing report – it’s a firsthand account of discovery, progression, and pure enjoyment on the water, made possible by the right people putting everything in motion from the very beginning.

“The experience of truly hunting redfish in the mangroves, watching tails wag and backs push out of the water, was unbelievably exciting.”

Max with Fly Water Travel had recommended Captain Tyler Brown to me as his favorite guide, so we booked him in his recommended fall time frame based on occupancy availability, and my buddy and I loved fishing with Tyler! He was calm and patient with us as we got the hang of a new style of fishing and put us on fish constantly. I also thought he was a cool guy who was interesting to ask questions and share stories with all day. Day 1 had some moderately consistent “W,” but it didn’t stop us. I caught my first redfish within 10 minutes of standing on the casting platform and then my buddy and I took turns getting around 8 redfish each in the boat, and I caught my biggest of the trip that day, measuring 26″ after we pinched the tail. I also had a really sick eat from a black drum I’ll never forget, and Zach randomly caught a flounder that surprised us as we analyzed its flat-faced anatomy

Day Two
Second day we fished the beautiful labyrinth mangroves and ponds out at Matagorda Island. It was really cool scenery, with Tyler confidently poling us through the tight turns and narrow canal systems with exotic birds and marsh life around each corner as we got to take lots of shots at blue tails wagging and even saw several backs out of the water as they were feeding up against the bank. Repeatedly, after hooking redfish in the tight quarters, “all hell would break loose” in excitement. The water was rather still with a light breeze and was much easier for us to cast that day. The experience of truly hunting the redfish was tons of fun to fish that way. By the end of the day we had each put another 6–8 fish in the boat.

“The highlight of the trip was landing a Texas Slam, redfish, drum, and sheepshead, after spending the entire trip telling Tyler I wanted to catch one.”

Day Three
Third day was unreal. We each caught 12–15 fish and had truly dialed in the technique and casting and were even spotting our own fish at times and instinctively casting to them and knew what to do. We never went more than 20 minutes without catching a fish and passing the rod to one another, taking turns on the casting platform. We both found ourselves saying “THIS IS SO FUN” the entire time. We told Tyler we’d be back for sure and we aren’t lying. It was my buddy Zach’s first taste of the salt and he fell in love too. So the highlight of the trip, I got myself a Texas Slam (Redfish, Drum, Sheepshead) that last day after continuously telling Tyler I wanted to catch a Sheepshead and Tyler telling us different areas we would come across where he sometimes saw them, but reminding us they were hard to feed and to keep on the hook for various reasons.

Getting There
On the drive down to Sea Drift from the airport, Bobby at the rental car spot recommended that we check out the infamous BBQ in Lockhart, and that’s just what we did. We tried Terry Black’s on the way in and then the original Black’s on the way home and filled our bellies and souls with 10 out of 10 star rated barbecue feasts at each. I fancied Terry Black’s more compared to the old school atmosphere of Black’s personally, but they both provided excellent authentic BBQ.

“We never went more than 20 minutes without catching a fish and passing the rod to one another, taking turns on the casting platform. We both found ourselves saying ‘THIS IS SO FUN’ the entire time.”

Upon showing up at the lodge, Patsy was extremely warm and welcoming and showed us to our rooms, and we were ecstatic to find we had the guest house all to ourselves, which made the trip truly amazing in itself. Our own covered deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico couldn’t have been more picturesque for sunrise and sunsets and every hour in between. We found out Texas storms don’t mess around after it poured down rain for an hour the first night, raining sideways and harder than the snow-hail of Colorado where we came from. The nightly sunsets were gorgeous except for the night of the storm, but to our surprise it didn’t have any negative effect on the water clarity or fishing the next day, same with the full moon that was in effect the entire trip. Tyler told us this unique fishery is not impacted much by the moon phases or tide fluctuations, and we lucked out having arrived right after a cold front had ended, which evidently made conditions prime.

The staff was unbelievably nice and warm and made us feel at home, and the food was soooooo good! Ms. Little and Patsy were very warm and made us feel at home every night we sat down for happy hour on the patio and throughout dinners and couldn’t have been friendlier. There’s no feeling homesick with such a friendly house-warming vibe they go out of their way to provide. The hors d’oeuvres each night were delicious and the “people watching” was exciting to see the different groups of people from across the country relaxing after a day of fishing. The kitchen staff made it a point to get my friend and me a different meal for dinner each night and we loved them all. Steak, pork chops, shrimp, and blackened trout were D-licious as well as the morning breakfast tacos that Ms. Judy sweetly presented each morning with a smile. She kindly was ready to serve us any breakfast dish we wanted and offered several specials each morning, but we aren’t big breakfast eaters and were thrilled to take breakfast tacos on the boat multiple times too.

The morning we checked out we slowed our role and made it to breakfast a bit late to find the team hadn’t forgotten about us and still had our breakfast tacos personally prepared for us and waiting for our arrival. We had a lovely conversation with Ms. Judy that morning, who told us her grandson was going to college on the western slope of Colorado, which we coincidentally fish every summer in search of the great salmon fly hatch, and we exchanged great engagement with her. I loved enjoying my coffee each morning as I sat at a table and met other fishermen coming and going and chatted about how the “fishing had been.” I even recognized the owner of an Arizona fly shop whose carp on the fly videos I’d watched several times, and introduced myself only to meet his staff and get a personal invite for their annual carp tournament in AZ as well as an invitation to stop by the shop in the future where they could tell me where to go and what flies to use to be successful for grass carp in his backyard. Each morning TJ kept me company with friendly conversation while he was getting everyone’s trips set up while I waited for my buddy to come join me. He was very personable and easy to talk to about fishing and beyond and had a very down to earth presence that made me feel comfortable in a foreign place.

The last night I ended up bumping into Pete the Skiff Wanderer on the patio for happy hour, and Zach and I had dinner with him the last night and thought he was a really cool guy. Tyler had mentioned he fishes with him regularly and they were buddies, and we even fished one of his innovative and surprisingly flashy orange fly pattern variations for an entire day and slayed ’em! I had seen his YouTube channel and watched several episodes in preparation for my own Texas redfishing adventure, so naturally I thought it was cool to bump into a famous YouTubing Texas coast saltwater guy that’s a big content creator in the redfish world. We tipped all of our staff generously and both brought home some Bay Flats gear to remember the trip of a lifetime.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING BAY FLATS LODGE & FLY WATER TRAVEL!

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2026 July Bay Fishing Special

Murray Martin — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:06:53 +0000

Up to 20% Off for Bay Fishing in July, 2026!

Sale Dates

July 1st – July 31st, 2026

At Bay Flats Lodge, summer is when the Texas coast truly comes alive – and July is prime time to be on the water. Our 2026 July Bay Fishing Special is designed for anglers who want inshore action paired with the comfort, cuisine, and hospitality that set Bay Flats apart. Long daylight hours, warm tides, and steady coastal patterns create ideal conditions for targeting speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and black drum across our expansive bays and back lakes. Whether you prefer drifting open water grass beds, wading shorelines at first light, or sight-casting in skinny water, our experienced guides put you where the bite is. After a full day on the bay, return to the lodge for professionally-prepared meals, comfortable accommodations, and the kind of camaraderie that makes every trip memorable. July isn’t just fishing season – it’s opportunity season at Bay Flats Lodge.

2026 July Bay Fishing Rates:

20% Off Full-Day 4 per boat – Regular $615/person, on sale for $500/person (Save $115/person, or $460/boat of 4)
15% Off Full-Day 3 per boat – Regular $720/person, on sale for $600/person (Save $120/person, or $360/boat of 3)
10% Off Full-Day 2 per boat – Regular $825/person, on sale for $700/person (Save $125/person, or $250/boat of 2)

What’s Included With Your Bay Flats Lodge Stay

5-Star Accommodations; Full days of fully-guided fly fishing; Free Use of the Latest SAGE Fly Rods and Reels; All Fishing Tackle and Flies; All Fish Cleaning Services (if necessary); All Meals, to Include Daily Pre-dinner Appetizers; Non-adult drinks; Free Ice; Free Wireless Internet; Texas Hotel Tax; Local Airport Shuttle Service Available at an Additional Fee Upon Request.

What’s Not Provided

Airline Services; Airfare; Adult Beverages; Gratuities for Fly Guides and Lodge Staff; On-property Laundry Services; Texas Saltwater Fishing License.

Payment Terms

A non-refundable 50% payment is due at the time of booking. The final payment is due 60 days prior to the scheduled arrival date. In the event that bad weather conditions result in your party not being able to get out on the water to fish, a credit will be issued for the lost time of fishing and may be applied to a future fishing trip to Bay Flats Lodge. Again, any/all deposits or payments are non-refundable. The Bay Flats Lodge receipt of deposits and/or payments from any members of your reservation will indicate that you and the other members of your party have read, understand, and accept these terms.

Optional Airport Shuttle Service

Local airport shuttle service is available at an additional fee upon request:

Calhoun County Airport – Port Lavaca, TX $75 per person roundtrip

Victoria Regional Airport – Victoria, TX $125 per person round trip ($400 minimum)

Corpus Christi International Airport – Corpus Christi, TX $180 per person round trip ($600 minimum)

Disclaimer

These offerings were so popular last year that we’ve decided to begin promoting them a lot earlier this year, so get in on these spectacular fly fishing savings while dates are still available. Simply send an email to info@bayflatslodge.com, or phone us at 888.677.4868, or just fill out the inquiry form on the Contact Us page on our website. *Savings are NOT offered via online booking – you must phone, email, or fill out the inquiry form!

Trip must be taken during the month of July, 2026. If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather, the trip is allowed to be rescheduled to take place within the next 120-days (rescheduled trips must be taken by October 01, 2026). The trip includes lodging, meals, guided fly fishing, fish cleaning (if necessary), and hotel tax. The trip does not include airfare, transportation between the lodge and airports, gratuities for lodge staff and/or fishing guide(s). Required is a Texas saltwater fishing license. Alcoholic beverages (adult beverages) are B.Y.O.B.! This offer is not applicable to previously booked trips/reservations.

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