Washington Irving, the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, said, “There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind.” I agree with Irving. There is indeed something therapeutic about being outdoors — especially casting a line into a body of water and the accompanying anticipation of catching a fish. Being outdoors is good medicine and even more therapeutic when you share your outdoors adventures with good friends.

I recently read The River of Doubt by Candice Millard, the account of Theodore Roosevelt’s epic journey to map an uncharted tributary of the Amazon River in Brazil. “Throughout his adult life,” Millard wrote, “Roosevelt would relish physical exertion, and he would use it not just to keep his body fit and his mind sharp but as his most effective weapon against depression and despair.” Dr. Christian Scirica, a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital would agree. He believes that “exposure to natural environments … improves physical and emotional health.”
I have had the privilege of having some fun fishing adventures on Matagorda Bay thanks to my friend Holloway Sinclair. Everyone in the large Sinclair family loves the outdoors and often share adventures together. More than that, they enjoy inviting others to join them. I’m grateful for their kindness in inviting me to join family and friends to fish with them at one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the Lone Star State.

Having a knowledgeable fishing guide is important. Although there are some really great guides at Matagorda Bay, it’s been my privilege of fish with Captain Keith Phillips of Red Fish Matagorda. He is an expert fishing guide with a great sense of humor. If you fish with Keith, then count on laughter being a big part of the experience. Keith knows the coastal waters, where to find the fish, and how to make the experience enjoyable.
For an occasional angler like myself, I am amazed at Keith’s attention to detail. He looks at the water, the currents, the wind, the marshes, and everything about the environment to determine where to find the fish. He knows exactly where to cast each line. And, with a single glance at the slightest movement of your fishing rod, he will know before you do that a fish is about to take the bait.

Fishing is enjoyable. However, sharing the adventure with friends makes the experience far more meaningful and fun. And, like Irving said, spending the day fishing will produce “a serenity of the mind.” Breathing the fresh gulf air, getting soaked by a sudden rain, catching our respective limits, and enjoying laughter and conversation with friends — these are the things that can refresh and revive even the most stressed soul.
I encourage you to find time to get outdoors with family or friends. Enjoy the serenity that comes from taking in beautiful vistas, breathing fresh air, waiting for fish to bite, or whatever you enjoy doing in the great outdoors. You’ll be glad you did. And, if you want to enjoy a really fun fishing adventure, then give my friend Captain Keith a call. You’ll definitely enjoy your time with him and you will definitely catch fish!