Heroes On Water - Kayak fishing trip to Aransas Pass

Recently, I had the honor to fish and participate in the Heroes On the Water (HOW) event held in Aransas Pass, Texas. The 3 day kayak fishing event was held in late May and sponsored by HOW and Slow Ride Guide Services. Capt Dean Thomas personally assisted each veteran and supplied all the Kayaks. The veterans just had to show up and enjoy three days of fun, food and fishing. Upon arrival at the Drifter's Resort; I teamed up with SFC Michael Ortiz, Airborne Combat Medic to fish that first evening. The wind and conditions were not great unless 25-35 knot winds are your thing. We braved the elements for approximately 4 hours until Slowride picked up the kayaks and returned us to our cabins. SFC Ortiz is a superb fisherman and highly skilled at surfing his kayak in 2-3 foot ground swells. He must have been a sailor in his past life!! My approach to the beach was uneventful; however, I am totally used to a wet ride and huge ground swells. My problems mostly occur when my feet are on the ground as some of you know. I fell on my behind at least 3 times after I beached Torque which is known for being a submarine in high winds and swells. We each had a few blowups but nothing to show for our efforts. Capt Dean Thomas had us meet up the next day at 0600 hours where about 8 heroes and volunteers launched our kayaks. It was on?! Slowride and SFC Ortiz gave us rookies a few lessons on how to properly catch fish. What can you expect from a couple fish magnets - they caught fish. As usual I gleaned as much knowledge as I could from the group - that's right, I got skunked. However, it is not only about the catching but more importantly it is most enjoyable to kayak fish with people who share information and successful techniques. No secrets - just a great outdoor fishing experience. Meeting other combat veterans and friends of the military was the highlight of the 3 days spent with HOW. All of this fun was accompanied by some of the best brisket and sides that I have ever experienced. Unbelievable eats! The cabins at Drifters Resort were nothing short of outstanding and super super clean. I will positively stay there again when fishing that area. Those of you who have not fished with Slowride are missing out on a great opportunity to learn and fish with one of the best of the best. It was my third time to fish with Slowride. My intentions are to return to Aransas Pass to fish with Capt Dean Thomas in the near future. Thanks to HOW and a very special thanks to Mrs. Thomas and the boys.

Hopefully, I can get a couple PACK members to fish the 2011 Casting for a Cause Fishing Tournament Benefiting HOW (www.HeroesOnTheWater.org) & The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalMSsociety.org) with me in CC, TX. If interested please see the attached PDF and check out the link...

http://www.texaskayakfish...f=1&t=159300&start=0


For further details or information on how you can help please contact me.

~seacow
calrennels@gmail.com