Aransas so different since Rickard’s last trip

In 2021, Elite Series pro Chris Zaldain and IFA Redfish Tour angler Ryan Rickard took home the victory.

Capt. Ryan Rickard, teaming with Elite Series pro Chris Zaldain, said the places he fished around Port Aransas just six weeks ago are not in play for him this week.

Fisheries can change day to day for any anglers, but especially saltwater anglers.

“Everything is different,” Rickard said. “Me being here just a little more than month ago, you wouldn’t think it would change that much. But they’re so many things changing. The water temperature is way different. It’s 12 degrees cooler. Water clarity is different, the location of the bait that’s holding is different. We have a boundary now. It’s been a little challenging. Yesterday we got a pattern figured out.”

The team certainly did, upgrading late in the day with Zaldain’s 8-pounder that put them in second place, just 4 ounces out of the lead on the unofficial estimates on RedTrakk.

And expect more changes for Day 2. Winds around 30 mph are forecast for Saturday, which will alter plans for most of the 10 teams.