Capt. Sally Ann Black is a lifelong outdoorswoman, professional fishing guide, author, and pioneer in the Texas coastal fishing industry. Raised on Lake Erie, she learned boating and fishing from her father aboard the family’s Chris Craft, developing an early passion for the water that became her career. 

After moving to Rockport, Texas, in 1985, Sally outfitted her first boat and began exploring the bays. In 1998, she earned her 25-ton near-coastal U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain’s license and became the first female full-time professional fishing guide on the Texas Coast. She later became the first—and only—female fly-fishing guide on the Texas Coast and a pioneer in kayak fishing, earning recognition as one of Kayak Angler Magazine’s seven “Paddling Pioneers.” Today, she spends more than 220 days a year on the water guiding on Baffin Bay, wade fishing for trophy trout exclusively. 

In 2010, Sally married longtime Baffin Bay fishing and hunting guide Capt. Aubrey Black, combining their lives and businesses to create Baffin Bay Rod & Gun. After their home and original lodge were destroyed by fire in 2014, they rebuilt and opened the new lodge in 2016. Capt. Black passed away in 2019, and Sally sold the lodge in 2021, but she has continued guiding her loyal clients throughout. 

Sally is also an accomplished author. Her 2007 book, Kayak Fishing the Texas Way: A Beginner’s Handbook, sold more than 4,000 copies, and she contributed the Texas mid-coast chapter to Saltwater Fly Fishing from Maine to Texas. Her writing has appeared in Texas Fish & Game, Texas Outback, CCA Currents, and other publications, reflecting decades of experience on the water.