A slate of expert fishermen will reveal their fishing methods and locations at a free Fishing Seminar at 7-9 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Harlingen Community Center at 201 E. Madison Avenue in Harlingen.

Port Isabel guide Capt. George Strader will describe proven fishing methods using natural baits in the bay. Capt. Wayne Davis of Port Mansfield will discuss the use of artificial baits and wade fishing techniques. Writer and artist Capt. Danno Wise of Port Isabel will share his secrets for successful surf fishing. Capt. Mark Machado will relate where and how to catch big fish by fly fishing. Well-known Valley game warden Captain James Dunks will reveal his February favorite, fishing from the heart. The Lower Laguna Madre and the beaches of South Padre Island are Texas’ hottest destinations for our major species. Come learn when, where, how and what you can catch!

Our mother lagoon is carpeted with seagrass providing habitat for a variety of saltwater game species. Hot spots can be reached with special shallow draft vessels or easily accessed wading or kayaking the bay from the west side of South Padre. Our beaches offer miles of fishing success and solitude.  Wherever you choose to fish, you can enjoy a world-class fishing experience. Our experts will help you learn techniques using live, dead and artificial baits, and what places offer the best chance of success.

The latest skinny water fishing boats will be on display by The Sportsman of San Benito and Dargel Boats in Donna, and there will be door prizes and raffles for a custom-made fly fishing rod and spinning rod. Seafood recipes and information on fishing rules and regulations will also be available.

The seminar is sponsored by the Harlingen Parks and Recreation Department, Valley Sportsmen Club, Laguna Madre Fly Fishing Association, Dargel Boats, The Sportsman, Cameron County, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Sea Grant College Program at Texas A&M University.

For more information, contact Tony Reisinger, Texas Sea Grant’s Cameron County Coastal and Marine Resources Agent, at Tony.Reisinger@ag.tamu.edu or 956-361-8236.

 

By Tony Reisinger