In the spirit of Free Go Fishing Day (coming to many states on June 7), here’s a story about a less-than-perfect but wildly fun day on the water written by Johanna’s Dad 💜. It’s a reminder that fishing isn’t just about the size of the catch, but the memories we create, the people we meet, and the unexpected adventures along the way.
Now, on to the short story ...
When Patty and I first moved to Port O’Connor, I had it in my mind that I wanted to become a saltwater fly fisherman. At the time, I was having my big scooter built out and needed a boat. I found an 18’ Hells Bay Waterman and purchased it.
One day, I had it parked in front of my house, across the street from Kingfisher Park. That was the day I met a guy I had seen on TV—Kevin Townsend, of KT’s Diaries, a fantastic fly fishing show.
KT walked up and said, “I know everyone who owns a skiff like that except you. Who are you?”
Long story short, he and I hit it off. I think it’s because we’re both hicks from deep East Texas and still squirrel hunt. I told him I wanted to catch a tarpon on a fly rod, and he said he’d call me when the wind was right—famous last words on the coast.
The Wind Whispered Lies and We Believed Them
Sometime in October, when I was fully distracted by bowhunting, he texted me a screenshot of a wind app. It showed that the wind was supposed to be low in a couple of days, so we made a plan.
That morning, fairly early, we jumped in KT’s panga and took off. The events that followed would show just how wrong things can go, even when you try to carry out what seemed to be a good plan. First of all, the very thing that was supposed to be short—the waves—ended up being tall. As soon as we rounded the bend in Pass Cavallo, we knew we were in for a beating. Yet we couldn’t be deterred.
Now, I think the fact that I owned what is considered one of the best saltwater fly boats ever made—and told him I wanted to catch a tarpon—led him to assume I was an actual fly fisherman. It wasn’t long before he realized just how wrong he was.
Sharks Everywhere, Tarpon Nowhere, and Lunch Not Included
The first bait ball we came to, I cast right in the middle … and of course spooked every fish.Eventually, we got to the Darlington—a sunken cement ship I had visited and flown over many times in a helicopter. Since my little brain tends to wander, I briefly wondered why the U.S. Navy thought a cement ship would float… but I promised you a short story, so we’ll save that for another day.
When I saw the ship, I asked KT if we planned on having lunch in Rockport. He just smiled, said “no,” and turned around.
Accidentally Laid Down the Perfect Cast
When we took off that morning, he saw my 12 wt. rig and talked me into using his very expensive one—a decision he would soon regret. The only thing I had managed to hook that day was his hat, which we had to circle back and retrieve out of the water. Next was the steering wheel, which almost caused us to run aground. (Never a good thing, especially in the surf.)
Then, right in front of the Matagorda Island lighthouse, KT pointed to the left and yelled, “TARPON! CAST!”
I did—and to both of our surprise, the fly landed directly in front of the fish. He sucked it in, and the fight was on.
The most exciting part of hooking a tarpon is those initial jumps, which I completely missed. The fish went straight under the boat and started jumping on the other side. I was focused on not breaking KT’s 12 wt. rod, and I’m sure KT was thinking the same.
Once the fish stopped jumping and took off like a bat out of hell, I was able to work the line around to the side of the boat he was actually on. I’ve caught some big fish before and thought I knew how to hold a rod, but while this one was headed to Tampa, KT shouted, “Use the shoulder of the rod!” I made a mental note to ask him later where the other body parts of a rod are, but then I forgot.
Being a novice tarpon fisherman, I thought it was normal for them to jump 15 or 20 times, straight up, 12 feet in the air. KT later informed me that this was, in fact, a little unusual.
Next, the fish came alongside the boat. KT reached down and grabbed him by the lips, but this little tough guy did not like that. He tried to yank KT’s right arm off, so KT let go.
Then the tarpon started jumping again, as if the whole fight had just begun.
A short time later, he finally gave up, and we landed him.
One Tiny Tarpon and a Lifetime of Bragging Rights
In all the excitement, we took no pictures. I didn’t harvest a scale. (Remember, I’m fishing with a man who’s used to having a film crew and GoPros everywhere. Not this day.)
Sometimes the best way to store a memory is between the ears. This was one of those times. Besides, if there are no pictures, you can always lie about how big he was.
I can’t do that this time, though, because I already admitted: he was short.
Fishing is about fun, no matter where you go or what you catch, and we had plenty of that that day.
KT and I are friends to this day, and we never miss a chance to reminisce about that little short tarpon.
Free Go Fishing Day 2025
Mark your calendars—June 7, 2025, is Free Go Fishing Day in many states! Whether you're a seasoned angler or have never held a rod in your life, this is your chance to cast a line without a fishing license, anywhere public fishing is allowed across the state.
Texans can fish for free from the Gulf Coast to inland lakes and rivers. Take a friend, teach your kids, or go solo and see what bites. Free Go Fishing Day is the perfect excuse to get outside and make a memory. No license, no pressure—just you, a rod, and maybe a few laughs along the way.
CLICK HERE to check whether this applies in your neck of the woods.
Happy Fishing, Y’all!
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