HRI Seminar Series - Chuck Naiser

"Land, Water, and Mud: The Difficulties in Solving Coastal Issues and Why They Are Never Clear"

Chuck Naiser
Fishing Guide
Founder/CEO FlatsWorthy, Inc., www.flatsworthy.com
Rockport, Texas

The FlatsWorthy movement, spearheaded by a noble group of anglers, began as an ambitious response to the contentious behavior which was building between user groups on the water. The goal was to create a dialogue between the guides, paddlers, airboaters, fly-fishermen, wade anglers, and others who enjoy fishing the flats to create awareness of how onerous the behavior had gotten and its effect upon the fishery. By this dialogue, we hope to create accountability for our own actions in the pursuit of the outdoors and to create a sense of responsibility. In the old adage, we have met the enemy and he is us. The difficulty is exacerbated by the fact no one wants to admit they are the problem. FlatsWorthy’s challenge, and success, was initiating a productive conversation that led to cooperation and conservation.

We will discuss the influence Hurricane Harvey had on the movement’s focus and why that fostered partnerships with various institutions and agencies, and how the founders cultivated a working relationship between anglers and scientists to mutually accomplish solutions to contemporary problems. Additionally, FlatsWorthy has fostered direct involvement with youth groups to promote future stewards of the resource.

Chuck Naiser is regarded as one of the most accomplished and revered fly-fishing guides in Texas. He started fishing Rockport in 1967, became a full-time guide in 1993, and hasn’t worked a lick since. He was fully involved in the effort to remove redfish and trout from commercial take. This allowed him to meet, in the early 1980’s, Perry R. Bass, Bob Kemp, Chester Burdette, and fabled Game Wardens such as Johnny Karstedt, Frank Dickerson, and Ernie Lerma, amongst many others. He was a former vice-president of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association (now CCA). He was involved in the Redfish Bay Scientific Research Area establishment, as well as other projects supported by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Chuck was inducted in the Perry R. Bass Memorial Sports Fishing Wall of Fame in 2011. From 2010-2015, the popularity of fishing on the coast grew rapidly, and the problems were magnified to a point Chuck realized something needed to be done. Having witnessed the difficult nature of legislating change, and realizing the myriad problems on the coast, he decided dialogue was the answer. In response to the chaos, he founded FlatsWorthy, Inc. in 2015.

Raised in East Bernard, Texas; a degree in Biology from Sam Houston State University, and a lifetime of fun and love for the coast. Chuck has committed to promoting respect for the resource for future generations.

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