A ‘good day’ fishing defined many ways

Published July 20, 2008 Idling into Matagorda Harbor after a scorching July drifting charter, one of the five teenagers in my boat asked, “So, was that a good day?” I paused and pondered. One thing I have learned in the guiding business, everyone has a different definition of a good day. And, it is evident that catching a pile of fish no longer is the variable that prompts a smile or frown. Indeed, times have changed — attitudes — for the better. Most captains say they get the same tip or “thank you” whether the day produces three or 30 fish. Don’t get me wrong. I love the days you take a few steps from the boat and begin catching fish until you decide to go home. However, within a year, we all know those days can be counted on two hands. But what about the slow days? Days when a stiff west winds holds up an incoming tide... [read full story]