Ep 1. South Texas Redfish & Flounder

MeatEater is an adventure-filled television series that follows renowned chef and outdoorsman, Steven Rinella, as he embarks on thrilling hunting and fishing expeditions across the US. In the Season 9 premiere episode, titled South Texas Redfish & Flounder, Rinella travels to the southern Gulf Coast of Texas to pursue two of the region's most popular game fish.

The episode begins with Rinella sharing his excitement about the upcoming trip and the diverse and bountiful fisheries that the region has to offer. The two species he is targeting are the redfish, also known as the red drum, and the flounder, both of which spend much of their time in the shallow back bays and tidal creeks that run through the coastal marshes.

To kick off the adventure, Rinella teams up with local guide, Capt. Jeff Johnson, who will take him out on his skiff and show him the lay of the land--or rather, the lay of the water--in search of the illusive redfish and flounder hiding amongst the vast maze of marshes. The first stop of the day is a shallow flat where the two anglers spot several redfish in the crystal-clear water.

Once within casting range, Rinella makes his move and skillfully hooks a healthy redfish. With the fish now on his line, Rinella goes to work and engages in a fierce battle to bring it to the boat, showcasing his angling expertise in the process. After a hard-fought battle, Rinella lands the redfish and takes a moment to revel in its beauty and the moment.

The team continues their adventure, and the next challenge is to target the elusive flounder. Rinella and Johnson head to an area where the two species often intermingle and begin their search. After some scouting, they finally spot a flounder lurking near the sandy bottom of the creek, hoping to ambush prey. Rinella slowly approaches the fish and casts his line, hoping to entice the flatfish into taking the bait.

The flounder proves to be a challenging adversary, and Rinella must use all his skill and patience to lure it in. But Rinella's persistence pays off, and he finally hooks the flounder and engages in another intense fight to bring it to the boat.

Throughout the episode, Rinella shares stories about the region's culture and history, as well as his love for fishing and the outdoors. Despite some challenges, the team manages to catch some impressive specimens of both species. Once the fishing part of the adventure is over, Rinella takes the fish back to his camp and shares a heartwarming meal with some of the locals.

Overall, the episode showcases the beauty of the southern Gulf Coast of Texas, the diversity of its fisheries, and the joys of connecting with nature through fishing. It highlights Rinella's passion for fishing and conservation, as well as his respect for the region and the people who call it home. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves the outdoors, fishing, and the thrill of the chase.