Inshore Angler’s Blueprint for Success

I've recently released a new book/DVD combo which attempts to create a model, or blueprint, for coastal anglers to follow in their quest for improvement. Inshore Anglers Blueprint for Success is a 50,000 word text/88 minute DVD set absolutely loaded with details related to the purchase and use of all kinds of equipment and accessories. The documents also include discussion and description of preferred rods, reels, lines and lures.

Perhaps more significantly, they also reveal many of the basic strategies and complex philosophies by which I make decisions on where and how to fish on a daily basis, partly through the inclusion of several relevant articles previously published in this magazine. Both the book and movie are produced thoughtfully and artfully, but I've made a conscious attempt to stay focused on direction and instruction without making unnecessary forays into the realm of the aesthetic.

The preface of the book is quoted below:

Most saltwater anglers experience an evolution in their fishing lives. When first introduced to coastal fishing, natural curiosity allows them to enjoy catching fish of all kinds. Over time, they begin to covet and target fewer species.

In Texas, the spotted seatrout is the fish most often sought by inshore saltwater anglers, with the red drum a close second on the list. In reality, most Texans target trout and redfish. Smaller numbers of people fish for flounder and/or black drum exclusively.

Once they've identified the fish they want to catch, many anglers start moving along a second evolutionary path. In the beginning, they simply want to catch the target fish; after landing one a few times, the bar rises, and they want more. Eventually, catching limits becomes a priority.

For some, the process of change does not end with an obsession for catching multiple limits. Trophy enthusiasts, having satisfied their urge to catch numbers, develop a passion for pursuing the largest members of their target species.

The development of an interest in one or a few species often occurs in conjunction with an evolutionary progression in terms of preferred method. Coastal anglers almost invariably start off using bait, dead or live or both, since bait attracts the greatest variety of fish.

Large numbers of fledgling coastal fisherman can be sighted behind trucks and cars parked close to famous fishing holes. Armed with long, thick, fiberglass rods coupled with reels capable of holding several hundred yards of twenty pound test line, they either buy some bait on the way or cast a net to catch their own once they arrive at the water.

They then skewer the baits on pairs of treble or Kahle hooks hanging from ready-made, beaded leaders and fling them as far from shore as they can. The baits are pinned close to the bottom with large lead weights, some adorned with prongs made for digging into the sand. The rods are placed in holders or held in the hands with the line pulled tight. If and when something swims by and bites, the event is easily detected and the hook set.

The legions of beginners catch fish this way, and I'm sure they have fun doing so. Many, though, come to believe this is not the best way to enjoy the sport. In fact, it's a stretch to describe fishing with bait as a sport, whether the bait is dead or alive, or the fishing is done from the bank or a boat. I'm not suggesting that using bait is wrong or claiming people who prefer to use bait are inferior to those who choose to use lures exclusively. I'm merely saying soaking bait is more of a leisure activity than a sport.

Some saltwater anglers stop evolving once they discover a method of using bait which consistently achieves the results they desire when they head to the coast. And that's fine for them, I know.

This manual is not intended specifically for those folks. It's offered primarily to others who have developed a genuine interest in lure fishing, particularly those who wish to accelerate the learning curve while they work to master the sport. Mastering the sport of inshore saltwater lure fishing is in one way exactly the same as becoming highly proficient at any other activity or avocation.

Motivational speaker Tony Robbins said it most eloquently. In order to have what you want, you must first clearly identify what you want. Once you truly know what you want, the next step is to find someone who has it, determine how they got it, then imitate their method or process as closely as you can.

The models for coastal anglers are out there. Tournaments and the guiding industry have identified them. Much like famous BASS pros, master inshore anglers make catching fish look easy, operating with a smooth, enviable efficiency. Their productivity is built upon a foundation of supreme confidence and maintained through reliance on proven equipment, methods and systems.

A curious beginner can easily learn to recognize the names of the lure-chunking pros and can even watch them bring fish to the scales at prominent tournaments. Figuring out what separates them from lesser anglers is more difficult. The aim of this manual is to help the average angler more quickly determine how to emulate the top pros in the sport.

Consistently catching trout and redfish with artificial lures isn't easy; the difficulty is part of what draws people to the sport. Neither a single, profound pearl of wisdom, the recommendation of a specific rod and reel, nor the mention of a secret lure with the perfect hue can instantly transform a beginner into an accomplished pro. The magic bullet is a myth. Making the transition from beginner (or novice) to expert requires astute analysis, careful choices, purposeful practice and the proper application of sound principles.

Proficiency in this sport is certainly attainable, and requires neither the wisdom of a shaman nor the skill of a surgeon. Still, learning how to fish like a pro can take years of trial and error, if the task is undertaken without a clear picture of a legitimate model in mind. What follows is a sincere attempt to shorten the motivated readers maturation process, through the provision of a detailed and thorough analysis of one pros equipment arsenal, procedures, and thought processes.

Creating a precise picture of a working model dictates the discussion of abundant details. I hope the minutia included herein don't become tedious and trivial; ideally, they illuminate a clear and direct pathway to excellence.

A trailer of the DVD may be viewed on the homepage of my website at fishbaffinbay.com. The set may be purchased there with a credit card through use of a Paypal button at the bottom of the page, or with a check by calling 361 688 3714. Additionally, the book may be purchased separately in the same ways.