RAVES

“I fished with Joel for two days in ’07 while killing time in Dallas between a convention and weekend wedding.  I have to say that I was a little skeptical at first about carp fishing but the guys at the local fly shop just raved about it.

I was amazed – and had a BALL (so much that I went back the next day)!  It was just like sneaking around in the Everglades for redfish.  Big, spooky fish that were smart and wanted a precise cast.  With appropriate tackle they provided great sport and the occasional bass or drum added to the fun.

Joel is a world-class guide.  I’ve fished with guides all over Florida and the Bahamas for 15 years and NONE of them have eyes better than Joel.  This guy is just one with these fish.  Combined with his personality (he’s a natural teacher), he would be a high-demanded flats guide if he lived in the Keys.”

Dr. J. Harris, FL

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North Texas Fly Fishing Adventures with Joel Hays

Imagine wading through ten inches of clear water,trying to be as quiet as possible. Fifty feet ahead is a pod of large fish "tailing" on the flat. You strip out fly line, make the cast, and pull your fly in front of the lead fish. After agonizing seconds the fish spots the fly, rushes forward for a quick grab, and feels the hook. The silence is broken as the fish accelerates across the flat, quickly exposing backing on your screaming reel. Sounds like a great day on the coast, or even an exotic bonefish flat, right? Actually it's a great description of the usual day my clients have fishing for Carp on the flats of Lake Ray Roberts where many clients are blown away by the water clarity and the actual ability to sight cast along miles of flats. Big spooky fish in shallow water. They fight and tail like Redfish and can sometimes rival Bonefish in nervousness. This is an EXCELLENT WAY to hone your flats fishing skills and test your "eyes" where it's more about stalking the fish than simply stumbling upon them. You will be a better flats angler!