Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Castro. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Chris Castro currently lives in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was globally recognized by the kayak fishing community after his BASS, GANGSTER, & NAZI article picked up by Kayak Anger Magazine. He became the first kayak angler granted permission from the Gulf Cartel to fish the legendary lake during the height of the Mexican Cartel wars.
Constructed in the 1940s by German engineers working under the direction of Adolph Hitler, Sugar Lake closely resembles Texas’ Lake Fork in both shape and size. That moment defined his name to unique storytelling leading him to film, write, and receive awards in ways the kayak fishing industry had never seen.
Trophy Hunter
Trophy fishing became a quick signature of Chris Castro. His big debut would go live via social media in front of 15,000+ viewers to fight and boat a Texas kayak fishing sailfish record. Trophy king mackerel fishing would later be on his scope. His first trophy measured 57.5-inches and would eventually publish nationally. In 2020, Chris Castro would ignite the offshore scene again in his home waters by landing a 57.5-inch cobia that would echo around the world. His trophy fishing continues even inshore and is one of the most consistent bull redfish and gator trout hunters on the Texas coast.
Historical Tournament Fishing
Competitive fishing begins in late 2017 when Chris Castro challenges million-dollar offshore boats to his Trident-15 Ocean Kayak for his first tournament. This 3-man team included Chris Castro, Chris Marek, and James Shurko. They would shock the local scene and eventually the world when news broke that a group of offshore kayak anglers beat out million-dollar power boats. The story would publish nationally and globally in Kayak Angler Magazine, Saltwater Angler Magazine, and other publications around the world. In 2018 Chris Castro would announce that he would enter the tournament scene for the next 3 years to prove that his efforts were by design, and to win yet another big tournament against boaters, but this time inshore. In 2018 he would go on to win 4 tournaments and podium 10 both inshore and offshore. In 2019 he would win 6 tournaments and podium another dozen. 2020 would be another record in wins and podium appearances with over 14.
Chris Castro would pump the volume in 2021 and enter the Professional Redfish League with partner Poco Cedillo; a 4 leg series against the best redfish anglers between Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. They would podium 3 of the 4 becoming the most consistent anglers despite one error which had them listed to challenge second place. That year Chris Castro would also accomplish his goal of challenging boaters once again but this time inshore. This 4-man team consisted of Chris Castro, Dustin Nichols, Poco Cedillo, and Ram Garcia. They would place in the Artificial Showdown against the best-speckled trout guides/anglers. Thanks to their help, Chris Castro becomes the first and only known kayak angler to achieve wins and podiums against boaters both inshore and offshore. Castro would end his 2021 podium march by taking 1st Place at Rey Del Mar (King of The Sea). He has yet to announce if he will continue tournament fishing past his 3-year goal. Time will tell if he plans to compete in 2022.
Kayak Fishing Show.
Filming and recording are at the center of what Chris Castro enjoys the most. His fishing show Next Level Fishing TV is his description of what kayak fishing is; next-level. In 2015 the show was piloted nationally on the pursuit channel and did very well. In 2016 the show would go on to win awards and travel the globe for the Paddle Film Festival visiting 249 major cities. The show pulled away from the national television spotlight, and back to the digital platform via YouTube. With hopes of redesigning his show, he has currently been on the hunt to build the proper team.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenges came from competitive tournament fishing and doing things that everyone said couldn’t be done. Challenging million-dollar boats offshore, challenging the best guides inshore, and becoming one of the most consistent winners on a professional stage is no easy task. It hasn’t been easy, but here I am.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional kayak fishing angler who specializes in competing, writing, storytelling, and helping the sport grow. I am most proud of what I had to do in order to make the world learn from me. Because of my path, I have become one of view around the world who has broke records, won against the best, and done the once thought impossible.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can visit any of my pages across all major social media platforms. @nextlevelfishingtv or email me at nextlevelfishingtv.com.
You can also visit my website www.nextlevelfishingtv.com and contact us from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nextlevelfishingtv.com
- Instagram: @nextlevelfishingtv
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nextlevelfishingtv
- Twitter: @NLFishingTV
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/nextlevelfishingtv
Image Credits
nextlevelfishingtv.com
