Beneath the Surface | Jay Watkins

A SHORT FILM FEATURING JAY WATKINS

Reel Sportswear® presents a short "call-to-action" documentary film centered around the life and career of renowned Rockport fishing guide Jay Watkins, SR.

Beneath the Surface thoughtfully reflects on a successful career, life and an obsession with speckled trout fishing while edifying the importance of responsible conservation practices and navigating through the current state of the trout fishery.

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[rayward]

I just stumbled across these Jay Watkins (documentaries) videos and have just turned 70 years old of nothing less than a fishing acholic.
I've seen a lot cleaning tables over the years and have always had a gut feeling that something just doesn't feel right with all of the numbers of fish that were takin knowing that half of the filets were gong to end up freezer burned and thrown away.
Recently I released a 23" Spec back and got the most joyous feeling doing so. Now, unless I know that I will be preparing the fish that I catch that day to eat that day, I'm going to be releasing them to make more little fish to enjoy at a later date. Bless you Jay Watkins for confirming to me what I have been feeling for years.

[captoscar.estringel]

That right there was raw emotion from a person who we all especially me look up too be some day. Thank You Jay for being a leader in our fishing industry!!!

[mickjarvis]

I try to wade fish in corpus almost everyday I bring my son along with me after I get him from school and we fish from shore he’s almost three I use mainly lures soft plastics some days we don’t catch anything but I’m catching memories for my self and building some for him you just can’t explain it to other people that don’t fish you go out there new everyday and adapt and switch things up but trout for me are always elusive as have been most things in life

[Aqua_Holic_Fishing]

One of a kind no doubt, the stories this man has could last a million lifetimes.

JAy Watkins, Thanks for being YOU!

[yagareta]

Thank you for leaving a legacy of responsibility for our resources to the ones who follow to hopefully emulate, what a great gift❤

[henryclark]

That got me right in the heart ❤️. I believe I just found my new favorite person. I am sure glad you mentioned God, because we're gonna have a lot of trout to catch and release after we leave this place.

[javsku]

I have the same mindset reference the spirituality of it, taking care of nature, releasing fish, take some good pics and let them swim off, you have a memory for life and preserved what you love.

[CaptCalebTV]

Great video. Well done. Excellent message.

[moonyakkerluna]

I am proud to say that I’ve fished with this man for near 30 years. To say that his teachings were a game-changer for me, would be the greatest understatement ever made! I’ve practiced CPR long before it was the thing to do, because of his teachings, mentoring, and most of all friendship! #Getup!

[rubenaguirre]

Jay! Truly an inspiration to the trout community, I remember in 2010 we started just keep five in POC! By far the best video I’ve watched in a long time. It’s a life we admire and want our grandkids to enjoy!

[austinmatthews]

Everything has been said in the comments praising him and it cant be emphasized enough. His reaction to the trout is so pure and admirable and beautiful. I hope they are teaching these values to the guides coming out today. Nothing but love! Reel sportswear, yall are killing it!

[ddgym]

Thank you reel sportswear for putting a short film together of a true legend Jay Watkins.

[flatsclasscharters]

From one professional to another Jay… I have even more respect for you now and appreciate your message to our fraternity 🥃

[bobkathrynalbin]

Jay is a true educator. His dad would be very proud!

[kalobnichols]

I grew up with Jay's son jayray. From what I have seen he raised a good man. Jayray has always been a good kind hearted person.

[SeabassOchoa]

Better than average fisherman. I’m shocked; you’re an example. We salute you ❤

[upspecks]

Thank you Jay for the impact you have had on the sport and lessons you have taught on being an angler and father. A living legend.

[rolandknoblauch]

You Sir are a good man with a true understanding and great base belief to be proud of. God bless men like you. You get it.

[tommyturner]

This man is a living legend. Much respect to him

[PamlicoPoint]

Jay you are the man. You put the passion and the lifestyle into words better than I ever could. Thanks for inspiring us to be better and to continue to push our limits.