Meet Professional Fishing Guide JAY WATKINS

In 1980 JAY WATKINS took his first client fishing. Little did he know that from that day forward the morning spent on Copano Bay, just north of Rockport, Texas would change his direction in line forever. It's true that Jay had a love for fishing that was instilled in him by his Father and Grandfather, but to actually make a career from fishing; it never entered his mind. In the early 80's the GCCA (Gulf Coast Conservation Association) was just getting started. With their focus on protecting Game Fish species Jay's timing could not have been orchestrated any better. Jay makes his home in the small but fast growing coastal town of Rockport, Texas. Have you ever spoken with anyone familiar with Texas fishing and waterfowl hunting that was not familiar with Rockport. Jay has lived in Rockport his entire life. Jay enjoys his two boys Jay Ray and Ryan both of which are accomplished anglers in their own rights. "It's just breath taking to be out there watching them enjoy and love the things I do," Jay has been quoted as saying. If you have ever seen them on the Texas Trout Masters or Red Fish Cup Events you would know that they are 3 peas in a pod.

Jay has enjoyed many successes in his career. He is a leader in the sport fishing industry. Jay is a student of the game; his FISH SMART FISHING SEMINARS are some of the best saltwater seminars on the market today and have been for the past 14 years. Jay has toured every major city in Texas promoting fishing through his seminars and as a guest speaker for an endless list of conservation associations, tackle dealers and private corporations. Jay has even been hired on numerous occasions as an inspirational speaker at local High Schools and businesses. Jay is revered as on of the BEST teachers in the industry today.

Jay is also the owner of jaywatkins.com, a WEB SITE that offers weekly Game Plans for anglers wishing to visit the Rockport area. A Game Plan is seven days of Jay's fishing, with detailed advice on WHERE, WHY, WHEN and HOW to find and catch fish in and around Rockport. Jay just might be the ONLY guide on the entire Gulf Coast willing to tell everyone exactly where he is fishing each and every day. Jay is also the owner of the JAY WATKINS FISHING CLUB. This exclusive FISHING CLUB is available to members only at a cost of 895.00 per year, sounds expensive, Jay sold his limited club memberships out in less than 36 hours the first year and has had sell outs every year since it's beginning. This is a testimony to Jay's reputation as a guide and a person.

On the tournament scene Jay's accomplishments run deep. To list a few, Jay has won three Trout Master events, the only Texas Pro to win back-to-back victories in a single season. He has also won the prestigious Trout Masters Classic Event. This is the Top 100 anglers of the season event. Jay has won two CCA Mid-Coast Guide Cup Championships, two Saltwater Angler Guide Cups, again back-to back victories. Two Baffin Bay Big Trout Bash victories, again back-to-back. In Jay's FIRST Baffin Bay Bash he set an all time record for the heaviest stringer weighed in ALIVE. In two days he weighed in trout weighing, 9 lbs. 10 oz., 9lbs. 2 oz., 8lbs 14 oz and 7lbs 14 oz. All of these fish are still alive today in a research hatchery in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jay and his son and partner in tournaments recently won the 2004 AMERICAN ROD SMITHS TROTU MASTER and the Port Aransas I.F.A. RED FISH TOUR EVENT. Jay finished 2nd over-all in the I.F.A. TEXAS DRAW EVENTS in 2004, which qualified them for the I.F.A. CLASSIC. Jay along with partner Jim Franklin finished 32nd over-all in the ESPN RED FISH CUP SERIES in 2004. A blown engine in the final event of the year cost them a birth in the CLASSIC. Jay has won many other local tournaments throughout his career.

This season the WATKINS FISHING TEAM embarks on a lifetime dream as Jay and his son and Guide Jay Ray Watkins Jr. hit the tournament trail again. Look for some exciting things from this Father and son duo in 2005.

Jay's sponsors include, MAVERICK-PATHFINDER BOATS,RONNIE'S MARINE in Aransas Pass, Texas, WATERLOO FISHING RODS, BASS ASSASSIN LURE MANUFACTORS, L&S BAIT COMPANY, MUSTAD HOOKS, MAINSTREAM MARKETING, SOUTHWST TACKLE SALES,FOREVER LAST HUNTING AND FISHING PRODUCTS, JOHN NEMIRE LURES, SMAART SHEILD SUN SCREEN PRODUCTS, SIMMS OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, MAUI JIM'S SUNGLASSES, ROCKPORT TACKLE TOWN, MINN KOTA TROLLING MOTORS, LOWRANCE DEPTH FINDER and GPS, McClain TRAILERS , TSUNAMI CORK-E LURES and BIMINI BAY CLOTHING.

Jay's list of accomplishments is long and includes many 1st place wins as well as top 5 finishes. Jay has finished in the TOP 10 on 17 other occasions in his career.