Capt. Paul Johnson spent enough time working the daily grind before he decided to start splitting his time down at Port Mansfield.
He began guiding for the Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge nearly seven years ago, after retiring from the Phillips 66 refinery in Houston, where he still lives.
“I started fishing down here probably about 25 years ago,” he said, while emptying a day’s limit of speckled trout onto the fillet board. “I’ve probably fished down here more than anywhere else; I love it down here.”
He had enough experience from his recreational time on the water that he decided to get his captain’s license, and now he spends his time on the coast doing what he loves — and getting paid for it.
He primarily takes trips for the lodge, which was recently purchased and renovated by Mike Sutton (see the June 13 issue of Lone Star Outdoor News). He spoke to Lone Star Outdoor News after a successful day of wade fishing in the Laguna Madre.
“I think trout is probably my favorite catch down here,” he said. “That’s what you come down here for — it’s better than anywhere else I’ve been.”
Most of his business comes from word-of-mouth, but Johnson said he is looking to commit further to his post-career venture, with some business cards and a website to drum up some business. But for now, he’s just taking it easy and enjoying a change of pace from the daily grind.
“I just guide when they need me,” he said.
For more information on guided trips in Port Mansfield and to set up a trip with Capt. Johnson, call the Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge at (956) 944-4000, or email Capt. Johnson at captainpaul1814@yahoo.com
