659 | Texas Redfish Adventures with Rick Hartman - Lower Laguna Madre, Speckled Trout, Tarpon

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/659

Presented By: TroutRoutes, Waters West, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Togens Fly Shop

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

In this episode, we explore the thrilling world of Texas redfish fishing with expert guide Rick Hartman. Rick shares invaluable tips on casting in windy conditions, identifying nervous waters, and practicing techniques that will improve your chances of catching redfish, trout, tarpon, and other saltwater species.

Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful fishing, including how to mark your line for more accurate casts and the surprising truth about whether a redfish will take a bare hook. Rick also provides a step-by-step guide on planning your next fishing trip to South Texas, ensuring you know what to do and what to avoid.

Episode Chapters with Rick Hartman on Texas Redfish Adventures

1:38 - Rick recounts his introduction to fly fishing, which began accidentally through older family members during childhood trips to farm ponds and the mountains. He explains that he didn't realize fly fishing could be done in saltwater until he was in junior high.

5:35 - He describes the Lower Laguna Madre area in South Texas. It's a remote area with few access points, mainly through Port Isabel and Port Mansfield, and airports in Harlingen and Brownsville. Rick mentions that while most fishing is within the bay system, there are opportunities to fish in the Gulf of Mexico for various species, though the rough and windy conditions often limit these outings.

9:55 - We talk about the best times to target redfish in his area. Rick mentions that fall, especially September to October, is an excellent time to fish due to consistent weather. Although August can be very hot and humid, it still offers good fishing. Overall, he advises avoiding winter if traveling from afar to ensure a better fishing experience.

14:13 - We ask him about the stingray tailing. Rick explains that they act like vacuum cleaners on the flats, picking up crabs and shrimp from the bottom. Fish like trout and redfish follow behind stingrays to catch the leftovers the stingrays miss. This behavior makes the fish so focused that they don't notice nearby boats.

17:59 - To find a fish, Rick emphasizes that the first and most crucial factor is the water level, which can change daily due to wind. He explains that he assesses various spots based on whether the water levels are suitable for his boat to float. He also considers wind direction and looks for sheltered shorelines where the water might be clearer.

Rick contrasts this with trout fishing, noting that unlike trout, which behave predictably, redfish can be much more challenging. The conditions and fish locations can change so rapidly that even after having a fishing spot "wired" for a week or two, a short break can make it feel like starting over.

20:34 - We dig into his involvement in casting competitions. Rick mentions he participated in these competitions for about 12 years, drawn by the excitement and substantial prize money which attracted participants globally. One these events was by the International Sportsmen's Expo (ISE).

24:01 - Rick recounts his success in various casting events, describing the process where top casters get to choose their fishing spots. He shares that his interest in casting began because he found it enjoyable and started working at a fly shop where he taught casting and fly tying classes. He was introduced to casting tournaments by a Sage representative, which led him to participate and eventually excel in these competitions through extensive practice.

29:45 - We ask him for some casting techniques, particularly in challenging conditions like windy environments or saltwater fishing. Rick emphasizes the importance of practicing with targets, suggesting anglers use a single target to practice hitting from various distances and directions. He stresses the significance of making effective second casts if the first cast is off-target, rather than wasting time stripping the line back in and starting over.

35:17 - Rick emphasizes that the casting stroke should not change in the wind; instead, the elevation of the forward cast should be adjusted. He advises aiming the forward cast lower to the water to prevent the wind from pushing the fly back. He warns against using too much force, which can create larger loops and reduce aerodynamics, suggesting a more controlled and precise technique for better results.

43:26 - He describes his process for preparing and helping his guests catch fish on his boat. He usually stops the boat 200-300 yards from the fishing spot to approach quietly. He observes the water to identify patterns and waits for the right time to fish. Rick provides tips for his guests, such as stripping off line and false casting to prepare. Depending on the wind conditions, he maneuvers the boat to give his guests the best possible shot at casting.

45:59 - Rick explains that "nervous water" looks different from the regular water pattern and can be a sign of fish activity. He elaborates that while water generally has a consistent pattern, a small area with a different pattern could indicate fish.

50:29 - We get into fly tying. Rick shares that he ties his own flies because store-bought ones often don't meet his standards. He mentions purchasing supplies from various places, including shows and local fly shops like Bob Marriott's and Fishing Tackle Unlimited.

When asked about his go-to fly patterns, Rick highlights a small, tan, cream-bodied, weedless crab pattern in different weights, and a white clouser with a weed guard, both effective for redfish and speckled trout. He notes that while these patterns work in most situations, adjustments are sometimes necessary.

53:39 - We ask him about the brands he have worked with. He mentions reels from Abel and Ross, highlighting their high-quality reels. He also praises Rise Fishing Co. for their excellent rods. For lines, he uses those from Airflo.

54:43 - When planning for a fishing trip in South Texas, Rick emphasizes the importance of preparation. He advises not to assume you're ready just because you've fished before. Given the significant investment in the trip, he suggests practicing casting regularly, perhaps in your yard, to improve accuracy and distance. He also recommends seeking help from a local fly shop instructor if necessary.

56:18 - We get into movies, podcasts, and music. Rick reveals his love for Guy Ritchie films, particularly "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," citing their great characters and one-liners.

Our conversation shifts to media consumption during road trips. Rick shares that he listens to both music on Spotify and fly fishing podcasts, mentioning how his daughter introduced him to Spotify.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/659