It’s been reported that Jay Ray started actively casting a fishing rod and tying knots with monofilament at the age of five and that his first days on the water were in Aransas Bay with his dad Jay Watkins, Sr. and his brother Ryan. As he got older, his father started taking the boys along to the Texas Trout Masters Tournaments. In the early years there was a youth division, so it only made sense Jay Jr. would start competing. In fact, Jay has always been a competitor. In high school he was renowned for his passion as an athlete on the football field. As he grew up and started guiding, the same obsession and focus was directed completely toward saltwater fishing.

Jay Sr.’s motto has always been ‘fish smart’ and Jay Jr. ascribes to the same mantra — a thought-out strategy on the water has unlocked the highest level of guiding as well as tournament fishing for Jay. He partnered with his dad in 2005 for all the Redfish Cup events, the Trout Masters events, IFA Redfish Tour Events and the Q-Series Events. After this exposure to the sport as a pro, there was no turning back. He completed his Coast Guard Captain’s license and fully dedicated himself to what has now been over two full decades of professional guiding and tournament fishing. Jay Jr.’s tournament wins are too numerous to list, but there are dozens and dozens. His wins are legendary. He’s known as one of the most successful saltwater anglers and guides in the Texas Gulf Coast and is committed to first-class outings with his clients and unmatched professionalism with the brands he represents.