Protecting the Flats: Redfish, Oyster Reefs, and the Fight for Texas Coastal Conservation

Dusty Timmons sits down with longtime Texas fly fishing guide and conservation advocate Chuck Naiser to talk about the decades-long work of protecting the Texas Gulf Coast. From the early fight to stop commercial gill netting of redfish and trout to Chuck’s current work with FlatsWorthy and oyster reef preservation, this conversation explores what it takes to defend a natural resource before it reaches the tipping point. Chuck shares the history, hard lessons, and persistence behind coastal conservation efforts, including the creation of oyster reef sanctuary areas, the importance of healthy bay ecosystems, and why responsible stewardship matters for anglers, communities, and future generations.