Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (NIV)
Saltwater anglers fishing Texas coastal waters all agree that wade fishing is a great way to catch fish. Slip into the water from your boat along a shoreline or drive up to the beachfront and wade in.
At first glance for someone who hasn't waded much, it looks like a pretty simple way to sneak up on a bunch speckled trout, redfish or flounder. However the neophyte to this type of fishing doesn't realize what a workout this type of fishing can be. Normally the wade fishing angler doesn't stand in one place unless he is along an ambush where moving tidal water is pushing or pulling fish by.
It's done mostly by shuffling along, while keeping your eyes tuned to birds diving for shrimp, slicks, mud boils or tell-tale signs of fish activity. Experienced waders might shuffle half a mile or more, casting, looking for fish activity.
The bottom varies from compacted or shifting sand, shell or just plain mud. I have come to the point in my life where if the bottom is mud, I'm not going there. I don't care if there are redfish boiling all along the shoreline, they can stay there. Pulling one foot out of ankle sucking mud after the next foot isn't worth it.
(Tom B)
Action Point
Experienced wade fishing anglers know you have to be in good physical shape to do this type of fishing. After wading along and casting a beachfront or shallow water flat for about an hour or more over varied assortment of bottoms, the "hike" back to the boat or parked vehicle sure can look like a long trek prompting the statement, "Gee, I wish I hadn't gone that far!"
At times our everyday life can get to be a struggle if you haven't done some preconditioning, reading God's Word and praying, before the muddy bottoms pop up.
Spend time alone with God every day, having a spiritual workout. Just 10 minutes a day will help you handle the events of the day.
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ," Romans 10:7 (NIV).
Ask yourself, how does what you read apply to your life? What does it say about mankind?
Then pray. Confess your sins to God. Thank Him for what He has shown you. Pray for yourself and others.
Make preconditioning a daily workout. It will strengthen every area of your life.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
When driving along a beach looking for a good place to start your wade fishing day, be aware of the tidal flow for that day. Not only for matching up your fishing efforts to fish movement, but also to where you park your vehicle. You might come back and find it surrounded by water.
