Brian Johnson from Winnie had been raving about the outdoor experiences available on the Upper Texas Coast in September. To showcase the diversity of opportunities, he planned a “cast and blast” day for us, combining teal hunting, alligator hunting, and fly fishing into a single adventure. Despite the challenging conditions, I was eager to see what the day would bring.
Teal Hunting at Dawn:
Our day began early, with a pre-dawn trip a freshwater pond on the area where the coastal prairie meets the coastal marsh. The morning air was crisp, and the sky was just beginning to lighten as we made our way to a beautiful but mosquito-infested spot. However, this September had been dry, and the water was far lower than usual due to a persistent drought. The lack of water had affected the teal population, making them scarce and more challenging to hunt.
Despite the conditions, we managed to bag a couple of birds. It wasn’t the bounty we had hoped for, but the experience was still exhilarating. Brian and I enjoyed every moment—the quiet anticipation, the occasional flutter of wings, and the camaraderie shared in the early morning light. Even with fewer birds, the hunt was a success to me.
Running Gator Lines
After our teal hunt, we moved to the next part of our adventure: running an alligator line. Brian had set the lines the previous night in a nearby swampy area-a small area gators had dug out over the years that was holding water.
On the line was a small but feisty alligator. He was about four feet long. and was not happy. The rope was taut, and as Brian began to pull, the water erupted with movement. With a well-placed shot after it finally calmed, we brought in the beautiful reptile. And yes, I think smaller gators are beautiful as their ornate pattterns show more than the big ones.
It may have been small, but the thrill of having been teal hunting and now harvesting a gator was great. Plus, it promised a great dinner later, and the thought of fresh alligator meat had my mouth watering.
Fly Fishing in the Afternoon
With our alligator secured, we headed to a nearby reservoir for an afternoon of fly fishing. The sun was shining brightly, and the water was clear and it was low. Brian assured me the reservoir was teeming with fish, and I was eager to see if I could top the excitement of the morning with a big catch.
I immediately started catching large sunfish and crappie and on my five weight rod they fought like crazy.
Then as we came across the north shoreline of the reservoir, I felt a tug as I let my little black/red fly drift along a shoreline The fight was on, and soon enough, I landed a beautiful six-pound bass—the biggest I’d ever caught on a fly rod. We continued fishing, catching several large sunfish and crappie, each one adding to the fun of the day.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges brought by the drought and the limited number of teal, the day had been a big success in my book. We had hunted teal, bagged an alligator, and caught some impressive fish—all in one day. Brian had truly delivered a memorable “cast and blast” experience, showing me the varied and exciting outdoor opportunities of the Upper Texas Coast. It was a day of learning, excitement, and great company—one that left me eager for the next adventure.
If you would like to book an alligator hunt with Brian Johnson you can reach him at the following:
Brian@duckdogtrainer.com or 409-460-2314.