June Sets the Tune for Upper Coastal Fishing

SABINE LAKE & PASS

Reported by CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

Email Eddie Hernandez at ContactUs@fishgame.com

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN. It’s time to flip another page on the calendar.

Things are heating up quite nicely along the Texas Coast as June has rolled into town and brought smiles to a lot of people’s faces. The people walking around with the biggest smiles of them all are probably the coastal anglers.

They are well-aware of what is about to happen. Flipping that page on the calendar was a lot like flipping a switch on the coastal fishing scene. For the Big Three, as well as a vast assortment of other species along the upper coast of Texas and within its fertile bay systems, it’s as if a giant window of opportunity begins to open this month right before our eyes.

As air and water temperatures continue pushing the mercury higher, the fish continue to get more active and aggressive. Hordes of baitfish and shrimp are calling these rich ecosystems home for the summer, and warm, green, tidal-induced waters have the hungry predators on the prowl.

From early mornings to late evenings, rods will be doubled over and reels will be singing. Anglers up and down the vast Texas coastline will take advantage of milder, warmer conditions.

Bait preferences from topwater to cut mullet will all produce. The conditions are ripe, and the bait is present. So it’s time to get after it.

Here on the upper coast we are blessed with many choices on any given day. From Galveston to Sabine, schooling trout and redfish will push shrimp to the surface from one end of the bay to the other. Meanwhile, founders, trout and reds will be making life miserable for baitfish on the shorelines.

Ribbonfish, needlefish and shrimp will also be getting their attention on the numerous oyster reefs and clam beds. Bayous, cuts, drains and rivers will be holding their own as well.

While all of this is going on, the action in the surf, at the jetties and the nearshore gulf waters will be paradise for summertime saltwater specialists seeking anything from trout and reds to sharks and stingrays.

It is very hard for me not to stop at the jetties on nice June mornings, so more often than not, that is the heading I will take. The zig and zag of walking topwaters such as She Dogs and Skitterwalks tight against the rocks at first light can really drive the trout nuts.

Meanwhile, soft plastics such as Zoom Super Flukes and Down South Lures as well as MirrOLure 51MR and rattletraps will also produce serious strikes. Choose whichever heading is best for you and check out that window of opportunity that June brings to the upper coast.

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GALVESTON

Reported by CAPT. MIKE HOLMES

Email Mike Holmes at ContactUs@fishgame.com

JUNE IS ACTUALLY the first month of summer for us on the upper Texas coast, which means it’s also good-bye to spring.

Although the weather will not reach the upper temperature extremes seen in July, Some very hot days are sure to be scattered in among these more moderate and comfortable times. This means warm weather fish species will become our main targets—which is a very good thing for coastal anglers.

Tidal streams such as bayous and creeks will see both feeding and spawning activities of popular species. This includes speckled trout, croakers, and flounders, although these fish seldom exhibit excessive “runs,” instead doing that in protected bay waters. Still, they will go through stronger than normal feeding periods that prod anglers into periods of activity.

Strong feeding activity, coupled with calm weather and mild temperatures result in some of the best and most comfortable fishing times in most years. Bay waters surrounding reef areas within easy reach of Gulf passes are prime areas for productive fishing.

In peak times, artificial lures such as plastic jigs and metal spoons can be very effective. However, live baits such as shrimp and small forage fish including shad and mullet are easy to find and catch.

Although days are usually not so warm as to restrict fishing activity, night fishing can still be productive. The bay sides of Gulf passes can be very good spots for finding and catching fish this month, The Gulf sides of these passes can be excellent, and are usually very fishable.

Most decent bay boats are good for hitting the nearshore Gulf, and the passes provide good access points. Of course, when fishing around passes, a stronger weather eye might be necessary than in more protected bay waters. Avoid really strong currents when boating.

The surf is VERY good this month, and those choosing to wade here are rewarded in several ways. Good catches in favorable water conditions are at the top of the list. Of course, the surf can be fished effectively from beachfront piers and channel jetties as well.

Fishing from jetties also allows the choice of deep channel waters or shallower shoreline territory—while fishing basically from the same spot. River mouths duplicate these conditions, except without the rock jetties to fish off of—and against.

Gulf areas just past the surf line are the beginnings of an offshore territory. Nearly unlimited potential and variety of target species exists here, from pan fish to inshore game fish, to glamorous offshore gamesters including king mackerel, ling, and big sharks. Of course, tarpon can be found in these same waters, as well as less flashy options like big black drums and massive stingrays that can test any anglers tackle and skill.

 

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MATAGORDA

Reported by MIKE PRICE

Email Mike Price at ContactUs@fishgame.com

IN ADDITION TO the usually targeted species of trout, redfish, and flounder, in June you will encounter many other swimming critters, and you can expect the weather to change quickly.

I was in a bayou on the southeast side of West Matagorda Bay when I spotted a major Vee plowing through the water. The fish displayed its dorsal fin and intermittently showed its yellow tail fin.

I tossed my pumpkinseed/chartreuse Bass Assassin soft plastic lure in front and to the side of the fish and pumped the rod tip a couple of times. It altered course and hammered my lure.

I fish with a lightweight, medium-fast-action spinning rod, which performs well with up to 30-inch redfish, but this was not a redfish. The crevalle jack tore line off my reel while heading for the center of West Matagorda Bay.

I raised my rod and recaptured line. The jack powered through the water again, and I repeated the process. It took 20 minutes to land that 18-pound crevalle jack.

I released the fish because the one time I tried to eat crevalle jack, I did not like the taste. However, in the 2019 book, Texas Seafood Cookbook by PJ and Benchalak Stoops they say, “Crevalle jacks are great, grilled with a piece of bacon wrapped around the red meat and a bright sauce.” (But almost anything tastes good wrapped in bacon!)

On that same day Mark Van Ness hooked a large sting ray that went for his soft plastic lure. Mark cut the line. The Texas Seafood Cookbook says, “Small stingrays make for quite nice eating, the wings may be cut off, then skinned, cut into chunks, and cooked like ribs.” However, this was a large stingray, and Mark did the right thing by cutting the line and avoiding an encounter with the poisonous barb.

We also caught redfish, trout, and flounders on that June morning. But at 10:30 a.m. the wind blew hard from the northeast. Coming at us from the Gulf of Mexico was a massive, black storm system. We hurried back to the boat and managed to make it to the dock before the storm hit.

The Surf

There are days in June when the surf beckons. A faint, first morning light appeared in the east as I drove down the beach to a spot I call Surf 2.

I marked it with my hand-held GPS because at that location a gut runs perpendicular to the beach. I waded into the first gut. I casted into the gut running parallel to the beach and-the opening in the sand bars that funneled wind and tide driven water into and away from the beach, but got no hits.

I fished the second gut, but I didn’t get any hits there either. So, I went to the second sand bar, stood in waist- to chest-deep water and casted seaward. Something bit the tail off of my five-inch Egret Baits Wedge Tail Minnow, probably a pesky ladyfish.

I put a new lure on and on the next cast a very large trout took the soft plastic minnow and ran with it. The trout then leaped out of the water and spat out the lure.

Next, I placed my lure near the corner where the gut running perpendicular to the beach met the gut running parallel to the beach. It was hit on the drop, and I netted a 19-inch trout. I had found the sweet spot. On the next cast, my lure was hit again and on subsequent casts, I got a hit or catch on every cast—such fun!

Offshore

June 1, the first day of red snapper fishing, I went offshore with Brain Tulloch. Our first stop was rig 538, 28 nautical miles offshore from the Matagorda jetties, but we did not find red snapper there.

Then we moved to a wreck, six miles away, and couldn’t find the bite there either. So, we went to another rig six more miles away, where I went scuba diving while Brian and Lain Gay fished.

The surface water was green from recent rain and only had 20 feet of visibility and was dominated by barracuda and mangrove snappers. At 40 feet, the water temperature dropped about six degrees and visibility cleared to 50 feet.

I saw Atlantic angel fish and thousands of lane snappers. At 55 feet several amberjacks came to see me. Queen angel fish and bar jacks swam around me, and below me were large red snappers. While I was diving, the boat fishermen had limited on red snappers and caught and had released an amberjack. Sometimes you have to make several stops to find red snappers, and they like cooler water.

Red snapper season starts on June 1. For the closing date see www.tpwd.texas.gov. Amberjack season is closed from June 1 to July 31. Cobra and king mackerel can be taken year around. For federal regulations go to www.gulfcouncil.org/fishing-regulations/federal

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Location: East Galveston Bay
Hotspot: Deep Reef
GPS: N 29 31.863, W 94 39.093
(29.5311, -94.6516)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Live Croaker
Contact: Capt. Ronnie Scheck
713-906-2137
specksunlimited@gmail.com
crystalbeachfishing.com
Tips: A lot of the time we will just drag the croaker behind the boat in a controlled drift, bumping the croaker off the bottom.

Location: East Galveston Bay
Hotspot: Siever’s Cut
GPS: N 29 26.074, W 94 42.6919
(29.4346, -94.7115)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Live Croaker or soft plastics
Contact: Capt. Ronnie Scheck
713-906-2137
specksunlimited@gmail.com
crystalbeachfishing.com
Tips: At times Scheck fishes the shoreline up toward the channel, past Siever’s Cut. We cast the croaker and throw it up against the rock. It’s about 7 feet deep here. Lof of redfish and trout usually in there.

Location: East Matagorda Bay
Hotspot: Bird Island
GPS: N 28 43.86, W 95 45.617
(28.7310, -95.7603)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastic shrimp tails with 1/8 – 1/16 oz jig head
Contact: Capt. Tommy Countz
281-450-4037
tcountz@sbcglobal.net
www.matagordafishing.com
Tips: Capt. Countz’s favorite colors in the MirrOlure soft plastics are glow/chartreuse tail, Purple Demon.

Location: Galveston Trinity Bay
Hotspot: Exxon C Lease Wells
GPS: N 29 40.446, W 94 45.579
(29.6741, -94.7597)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastic shrimp tails
Contact: Capt. Paul Marcaccio
281-788-4041
captpaul@gofishgalveston.com
gofishgalveston.com
Tips: Know your shorelines. As you approach, look for drains and bayous, ambush points on incoming and outgoing tides. Outgoing is probably the most effective.

Location: Matagorda Surf
Hotspot: Surf
GPS: N 28 35.569, W 95 59.268
(28.5928, -95.9878)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastic shrimp tails
Contact: Capt. Tommy Countz
281-450-4037
tcountz@sbcglobal.net
www.matagordafishing.com
Tips: Anytime you get a light northwest wind that slicks off the surf, you are missing a good time to wade the beach, catching trout. Same thing … look for bait activity, birds diving, slicks. Action can be fast and furious.

Location: Sabine Lake
Hotspot: Hickory Cove
GPS: N 29 58.643, W 93 49.490
(29.9774, -93.8248)

Species: Redfish
Best Baits: Mullet, shrimp
Contact: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, Golden Hook Guide Service
409-721-5467
ghgs.eddie@gmail.com
goldenhookguide.com
Tips: Fish live shrimp or mullet under popping cork. Be on the lookout for boils.

Location: Sabine Lake
Hotspot: Seawall Corner
GPS: N 29 52.748, W 93 54.557
(29.8791, -93.9093)

Species: Black Drum
Best Baits: Shrimp, crab
Contact: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, Golden Hook Guide Service
409-721-5467
ghgs.eddie@gmail.com
goldenhookguide.com
Tips: Anchor, cast bait, place rod in holder, wait

Location: West Matagorda Bay
Hotspot: Cotton’s Bayou
GPS: N 28 31.094, W 96 12.617
(28.5182, -96.2103)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastic shrimp tails later in the morning
Contact: Capt. Tommy Countz
281-450-4037
tcountz@sbcglobal.net
www.matagordafishing.com
Tips: Capt. Countz likes a small soft plastic such as the MirrOlure Lil John, rigged on a 1/16 oz. jjg head. If you’re wading in two or three deet of water a light jig head keeps the bait from sinking real quick.

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Chasing Mid-Summer, Mid-Coast Specks

SAN ANTONIO BAY AREA

Reported by CAPT. CHRIS MARTIN

Email Chris Martin at bayflats@gmail.com

Visit Online: BayFlatsLogde.com

FOR GULF COAST anglers who fish the Texas coastal region for the highly desirable speckled trout, the month of June is certainly a great time to be looking for them out on area Texas bays.

June means that summer is well underway, and the water temperature is warm (but it’s not as hot as it’ll get in August). All sorts of bait will flood bayside shorelines this month. Bait such as mullet, shrimp, crabs, mud minnows, and croakers will all be thriving in and around sand and grass flats throughout our bay systems.

Because of this month’s abundant food source, local speckled trout will be gorging themselves whenever possible. This means June will be a prime catching time for speckled trout here along the Texas coast. Get ready and come along as we enjoy one of the greatest times of the year for catching Texas speckled trout.

Anglers who have spent any time fishing our Texas saltwater bays know they should always keep an eye open for birds working over bait in open water. The birds (gulls and pelicans) are natural-born anglers, and they know how to survive on catching baitfish.

If there’s a group of hungry deep-water trout pushing bait to the surface, you can bet that the birds will see it happening and will come running (or flying). You’ll probably catch some type of fish beneath the pelicans and terns, but fishing beneath the big seagulls tends to almost always produce better trout results. If you have a trolling motor when you happen upon this situation, use it to ease in on the action, as running up to the birds with your outboard will seldom produce the results you’re looking for.

Another great time for finding some bigger trout this month is when you’re able to get out on the water three days before and after a full moon. The big gals roam open structure like reefs and such, and a lot of big fish have been taken during this time. June’s full moon takes place on Friday, June 5th this year, so plan accordingly.

A lot of these fish will be eating croakers in June, and a lot of Texas anglers will be using croaker for bait. If you get into some nice trout, croakers will certainly catch them for you.

Of course, live bait enthusiasts can also always rely on live shrimp. You can fish either of these baits beneath a popping cork, free-lined, or on the bottom. Whenever the June weather and wind allows, a lot of anglers enjoy fishing with live croakers in the surf. It’s a great time of the year to do it, but you have to have calm conditions to make it safe and enjoyable. Give it a shot if you get the chance.

A lot of us like to wade when fishing the coast, and you can fish live bait when you wade, but many of us prefer to toss lures at big June trout while wading.

What are some of the favorite trout lures? Well, that will depend on whom you ask, because you’re probably going to get a different answer from everyone. From a sheer excitement standpoint, topwater lure action can seldom be beat. You’ll agree the first time you witness a big trout swirl beneath your topwater and then inhale it in what appears to be similar to a flushing toilet. At that point, you’ll be hooked for life. The MirrOlure She Dog, the Heddon Super Spook, and the Rapala Skitter Walk in bone, chrome, chartreuse, and black backs are all good candidates this time of the year.

Another high-producing bait for June is any of a wide variety of plastic tails available on the market. Plastics allow anglers versatility because they can be worked across the bay floor, or hung in tandem, while fished under a popping cork. They can even be rigged to follow behind a topwater bait. The condition of the water, the wind, or even the time of day may determine what color might work best on the trout, but some favorites include, white/chartreuse, root beer, tequila gold, plum/black, and avocado.

Some good places to locate trout along our mid portion of the Texas coast this month will include the many, many open-water shell reefs of San Antonio Bay on days with good weather.

When the wind blows you off the reefs, many of the outside shorelines of the back-lake areas such as Long Lake, Contee Lake, Pats Bay, and Panther Lake will hold roaming pods of bait, and the trout won’t be far behind. Fish shallow early in the morning, then follow the bait out to deeper water as the sun begins heating the water.

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ROCKPORT AREA

Reported by CAPT. MAC GABLE

Email Mac Gable at captmac@macattackguideservice.com

Or Visit Online: macattackguideservice.com

AS I SIT behind my sanitized laptop computer this day, a microscopic bug has tipped our whole planet on its ear.

What does this have to do with fishing or hunting? Nothing I guess, and yet everything. How can I NOT write about the impact of this apparent biblical level pestilence and its impact?

A young couple was dutifully fishing into what was a 30-mph wind. They sat on a bench with their Zebco reels, every other cast blown back into their face. When they saw me, they quickly asked, “Do you know who owns this property?”

“It’s public access,” I told them. “You catching any fish?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“We’ve caught a bunch,” the male said to my amazement, then reached down and pulled up a stringer loaded with hard heads.

“Do you know what those are?” I asked. “Yes sir, saltwater catfish. We drove down from Dallas and are trying get an ice chest full due to the hard times we are in. We have some neighbors who could really use them. Do you know the limit on them?”

I have to say I’ve never been asked that question and truth be told I wasn’t real sure. “I don’t think there is a limit, but call the game warden to make sure,” I said.

A young man sat in a lawn chair, rod in hand, next to his jacked-up, tricked-out truck, he was every bit of maybe 17 years old. On the ground next to him was a black drum with an old foldout ruler lying on top. I was on a run/walk.

He hollered at me and said, “Do you know the limit on this sheepshead?” I stopped, breathing hard, “It’s not a sheepshead, it’s a black drum and the minimum length is 14 inches, maximum 30 and one more than 52 inches.”

He wanted to talk, so I asked what he caught him on. “Bologna,” he said. “It’s all I could find. My buddy from Austin was supposed to be here with me, but he’s sick. They think it’s the virus, so he stayed at home, and I’m fishing by myself. Been here three hours, and this is all I’ve caught.”

I smiled. “Well, I’m not sure bologna is in high demand down here.”

“I don’t think I should party on the beach,” he said. “So I’m trying to catch some fish for my mom.”

“That’s a wise choice,” I told him. “See that stuff in the road about a block down?”

“Yes sir,” he said. “That’s about two quarts of fresh-dead shrimp some boater just tossed out on the road. If you beat the gulls to them, you’ll catch more fish.”

“THANKS!!” he said and took off at a run just ahead of the gulls.

You could hear the boat coming from a mile away—stereo cranked up—and feel the vibration of the bass as it echoed through our little community. Slamming hard into the dock, the designated “trailer backer” stumbled to his truck, three sheets to the wind.

“Think you can walk a straight line?” I asked as I stood talking to anther angler. “Hell no,” he said. “What difference does it make. We’re all gonna die anyway?”

“One beer left!” came the call from the crunched boat. “We’ll pass it around,” another said as they all took a swig—a disaster waiting to happen on multiple levels.

“I think we should talk them out of their keys and get them to a hotel” I said to my friend. Luckily, we were successful.

Having been snow-bound in Alaska for two months, I was just back home in March and desperate for some fresh fish. I had just texted my guide buddies “will work for fillets” when came a knock on our door.

The most precious little girl was standing way off our porch. “Captain Mac,” she said, “would you like some fresh trout? We cleaned them really well, and they don’t have no virus on them!”

Her dad, Les, a good neighbor of ours and a friend, had wade-fished that day and had done well. Through what must have been divine guidance, somehow they knew I was desperate for trout. Did I say she was precious? She was angelic! Thanks Kaitlyn!

I left a world that was “normal,” if there is such a thing. I returned to a world I did not recognize. The plane I traveled home on was empty. The airport I traveled through smelled like the inside of a bottle of antiseptic, and again seemed eerily empty.

Those I did see had masks on and/or heads covered with hoodies. People who would normally go to the bathroom on a seven-hour flight sat tight in their wiped-down seats holding their urges till the plane landed, ever fearful the dreaded monster had taken residence in the plane;s lavatories.

Like a scene from The Walking Dead, no one spoke. The shuffle of feet was all that was heard. My head was filled with horror stories of long lines for food, shortages of items that didn’t make sense. Gas was in abundance, toilet paper a past luxury.

The Blitz attack on the United Kingdom by Germany in 1940 and 1941 came to my mind, but this was no ill-directed army, but rather the smallest of enemies. If you have read my articles, then you know I often said it was not a mighty army that would gravely challenge our great nation, but rather a bacteria or super bug virus.

However, even I was surprised at the global impact of COVID-19. My travels and interfaces of late allowed me to hear the voices and opinions of many. Some are doomsayers, others espouse the idea that it’s nothing more than the common cold.

The truth lies somewhere close to the middle between these two extremes. It seems to be the norm these days, driven by an overzealous media and our easily panicked masses.

How do I feel about it all?

I am FEARFUL in that we don’t yet fully understand our adversary. I am ANGRY many will lose so much, and it didn’t have to be that way. I am ASHAMED as I saw panic and hoarding slap the face of decency and altruism.

Yet, I am HOPEFUL and ENCOUR-AGED by the act of a selfless little girl to bring one old man and his wife a gift of  fillets—or a young man whose concern was getting fish for his mother and staying to himself—or the angler who put himself in peril to get some compromised fishermen to a safe place so as not to be a threat to themselves and others.

We need kindness and caring and yes, this can be accomplished from a safe distance. With a “pay it forward” message, just get creative. The slightest glimmer of happiness and the smallest ray of hope is ALL we really need.

•  •  •

This might be the best time for artificials, given the current state of our planet. It requires less interaction, and it’s something an angler can count on. As of this writing there is plenty of live bait, but who knows going forward?

Copano Bay: The reefs in front of Newcome Point is a good place for reds. If you can get finger mullet, that’s best on a light Carolina rig. Mission Bay is a good spot for reds and black drums using free-lined live shrimp or Berkley Gulp shrimp under a popping cork. I fish the mouth a lot, but the many reefs in this bay are good spots to try on high tide days.

St. Charles Bay: Indian Head Point is a good spot for reds using new penny jerk shad or morning glory colored jerk shad. This area is good for mud minnows as well on a VERY light Carolina rig.

Aransas Bay: Bartell Island is a good spot for black drums and reds with a moving tide. Finger mullet works best here free-lined. The grass shoreline of Blackjack Point is a good spot to wade for reds and trout. Morning glory-colored sand eels and nuclear chicken are good.

Carlos Bay: Cape Carlos is a good spot for trout using a free-lined croaker. This area often holds reds as well. Ballou Island shoreline is good wading using new penny-colored sand eels on a light jig head. Stay close to the shoreline and cast out into the deeper water.

Mesquite Bay: The spoil area just off Roddy Island is a good spot for sheepsheads and black drums. Live shrimp under a popping cork works well here. Berkley gulp shrimp are effective too. Drifts across Brays Cove are good for trout and flounders. Imitation shrimp jigged across the bottom work well as do live shrimp.

Ayres Bay: Wades on Second Chain Island are good for trout using a free-lined croaker or Berkley Jerk Shad in sardine color. This is a good spot for reds as well using mud minnows.

Bank Bite: The North end of LBJ causeway is a good setup for reds and black drums. The pier is no longer accessible, but the sand shell shore is good for bank fishing and easily accessible. This is best-fished early morning with a moving tide. I think a live shrimp on a fish finder rig is the best bet.

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CORPUS CHRISTI AREA

Reported by CAPT. JOEY FARRAH

Email Joey Farah at jfarah@gmail.com

JUNE IN THE Coastal Bend is as exciting as Coastal bay fishing gets. Summer is busting out of the gate and anglers have some of the best fishing of the year only a single cast away. Choices are never set in stone and the best strategy for June is to be ready for anything.

The winds of spring normally fall slack as the summer sun shines bright. When the winds lie flat, turn toward deeper water where boat noise and displacement are hidden. When the sun is high on those calm days in June, the deeper water will also be where mature gamefish seek cooler water temperatures.

The Intracoastal Waterway that runs north and south from Port Aransas, all the way through the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay to the Land Cut will be a great start. Anchor high along the shallows on the east side of the channel and throw into the deeper water. Or set anchor out away from the western edge and throw toward the shallow drop off. Look closely for side channels and bends and cuts along the edge, as well as sandy spots dropping off into the channel.

Fish will also school up in the extreme shallows during the summer months to hunt grass shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Trout will hunt the shallows during the night as the water cools off quickly. This offers these predators a chance to herd schools of mullet against shorelines.

Topwater baits along the King Ranch shoreline at sunrise can bring explosive action. Although floating grass may interrupt your efforts, the DOA PT-7 is a completely weedless topwater that walks the dog and brings monster trout and redfish up to the surface.

Redfish will also be high in the shallow flats, so sight casting to tailing redfish along the east side of the Laguna Madre can be world class. The shoreline of the National Seashore south of Bird Island has a beautiful sandy shoreline with a drop off into waist high grass.

Here you can see reds in the crystal-clear water along the beach, then later in the day, catch them blind casting gold spoons out off the deeper drop off. Mmiles and miles of shin-deep water in Nine Mile Hole is the best redfish action on earth. Schools of reds and black drum bask in the sun all day waiting for anglers to stalk them with DOA shrimp and gold spoons.

The live bait fishing at the start of summer revolves around live croaker fishing. Small live croakers should be fished in the sand pockets in the Laguna Madre as well as along the big rock piles of Baffin Bay. This is the Super Bowl of big trout fishing. Your chances of bringing a true monster trout this time of year in this bay system are the highest in the state.

These baits ignite an aggressive attack from speckled trout as they defend their spawning grounds from small baitfish. In the beginning of summer most redfish and drums will still be feeding on shrimp and crabs, so for them, live shrimp will be your ticket.

Live shrimp and popping corks over those rock piles in Baffin Bay will load you up on trout, reds, and drums. Drift the flats of the Meadows, and the Tide Gauge Bar on those windy afternoons. Don’t forget the beach!

When the Gulf goes flat, some of the best fishing around is along the miles and miles of open beaches on Padre Island. Silver spoons, topwater plugs, and DOA, 3-inch CAL SHADS fished in the first two guts at high tide and first light can bring in those thick surf trout. Come down and enjoy the best of summer saltwater fishing here. Always follow our hookups on Facebook at Joey Farah’s Backwater Fishing.

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Location: Aransas Bay
Hotspot: Outside of Traynor Island
GPS: N 27 56.688, W 97 4.4639
(27.9448, -97.0744)

Species: Redfish
Best Baits: Popping Cork with Gulp
Contact: Capt. James Sabo
361-726-5255
tailsupguideservice.com
Tips: Capt. Sabo likes fishing for redfish on the flats, free lining croaker in 3 to 5 feet of water, rigging with a swivel about 3 feet away from a 5/0 croaker hook, using a 30 lb. monofilament leader.

Location: Copano Bay
Hotspot: Northwest Shoreline
GPS: N 28 8.618, W 97 7.718
(28.1436, -97.1286)

Species: Black Drum
Best Baits: Dead Shrimp under a popping cork
Contact: Capt. Jack McPartland
361-290-6302
treblejcharters@yahoo.com
treble-j-charters.com
Tips: If you find a drum school or pod diving deep or moving away when you get ready to cast to them, you are too close. This is a good time to add the light jig heads to get extra distance on your casts.

Location: Corpus Christi Bay
Hotspot: Portland Shoreline
GPS: N 27 52.772, W 97 16.552
(27.8795, -97.2759)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Free lined live croaker
Contact: Capt. Tommy Countz
281-450-4037
tcountz@sbcglobal.net
www.matagordafishing.com
Tips: Free line a live croaker in grass bed pockets

Location: Port Aransas
Hotspot: Aransas Channel
GPS: N 27 52.401, W 97 5.366
(27.8734, -97.0894)

Species: Black Drum
Best Baits: Dead Shrimp under a popping cork
Contact: Capt. Jack McPartland
361-290-6302
treblejcharters@yahoo.com
treble-j-charters.com
Tips: Freeline weightless, or if more distance is needed, go with a 1/8 or 1/16 jig head to use with the dead shrimp.

LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Super Flats
GPS: N 27 54.669, W 97 02.196
(27.91115, -97.0366)

SPECIES: Speckled trout
BEST BAITS: Freeline live croaker
CONTACT:
Capt. Marvin Engel
361-658-6674
CaptMarvinEngel@yahoo.com
www.texasfishingguides.org/bigm
TIPS: Pop your line about every 15-20 seconds, reel 2-3 cranks to get slack out of the line.

LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Mud Island
GPS: N 27 56.380, W 97 00.763
(27.939667, -97.012717)

SPECIES: Speckled trout
BEST BAITS: Freeline live croaker
CONTACT:
Capt. Marvin Engel
361-658-6674
CaptMarvinEngel@yahoo.com
www.texasfishingguides.org/bigm
TIPS: Hook the croaker right above the anal fin so he can swim around naturally, won’t be upside down or sideways in the water.

Location: Redfish Bay
Hotspot: Flats
GPS: N 27 51.1039, W 97 9.352
(27.8517, -97.1559)

Species: Redfish
Best Baits: Live or dead bait
Contact: Capt. James Sabo
361-726-5255
tailsupguideservice.com
Tips: Sight fish for the redfish on the flats in the shallow, grassy water areas.

Location: Upper Laguna Madre
Hotspot: Pita Flats
GPS: N 27 35.066, W 97 17.658
(27.5844, -97.2943)

Species: Black Drum
Best Baits: Dead Shrimp under a popping cork
Contact: Capt. Jack McPartland
361-290-6302
treblejcharters@yahoo.com
treble-j-charters.com
Tips: The same terminal rigging will work for redfish, but probably cut mullet will work better than dead shrimp.

 

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Summer Fishing Gets Off To A Rocky Start

BAFFIN BAY

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

Email Gerad Merritt at GeradMerritt@gmail.com

Visit Online: ParadiseGuideServices.com

AS WE TURN our attention to the warmer times here in June, we have to note that the water temperature is undeniably heating up.

Even though you will still find plenty of fish roaming around grass flats and slightly shallower water, this is the time to start concentrating on the biggest feature in Baffin Bay that sets it aside from most other estuaries—ROCKS.

These rocks were formed far before you and I were even a thought. During this time of year, the rock systems will hold more fish than you will find in any other area of this wonderful paradise we call Baffin Bay.

As fish try to escape the heat, deeper rocks will hold fish tightly, because of the cooler water they offer. Drifting slowly over these rocks will allow you to find fish that are schooling and feeding on either side of the rock pile.

When scouting out a spot and time to fish, it is important to remember trout and redfish are ambush-type feeders and are looking for the prime opportunity to hunt for a meal. An approach I tend to use consists of throwing live bait or lures on top of a rock pile. The key when using this method is to work it to the edge of the structure. That is when the fun and excitement will begin!

Live croaker is my unquestionable go-to bait during the summer months. You will find it to be one of the most successful methods, as it matches closely with their behavioral feeding patterns for June. After years of using this approach, I have learned that once fish gain the desire to begin eating croakers, they will continue to do so regularly for several months to follow.

While wade fishing during this time of year, I will typically look for two major factors that will allow for success. First, I try to find a deep shelf or bar that will allow me to stand on one side and cast deep. This will stimulate the ambush behavior in the fish and bring them to the edge of the bar or shelf as I work my preferred bait back to me.

Another effective method is finding “pot holes” in a grass line. These areas typically hold desirable fish, which can make for an incredible catch or the wade fisherman.

Bait choice plays a significant role in being successful while fishing these warmer months. Aside from live croakers, the use of top waters, corkies, and the “old school go-to” gold or silver spoon proves to work well in the grass flats.

Because of the unpredictability of wading or drifting with lures, it’s key to be prepared to change tactics quickly and frequently. I always have a backup plan for my next type and color of plastic I might try to avoid missing the opportunity to catch some of the most sought-after fish in Baffin Bay.

All in all, June on Baffin Bay is a wonderful time for anglers to enjoy some sunshine, saltwater, and catch some amazing trout and redfish.

 

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Location: Baffin Bay
Hotspot: Badlands
GPS: N 27 18.447, W 97 25.993
(27.3075, -97.4332)

Species: Redfish
Best Baits: Live Croaker or shrimp
Contact: Capt. John Little
361-816-9114
captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net
Tips: Casting into grass pockets located along the grass lines can produce redfish and black drum using live or dead shrimp for bait.

Location: Baffin Bay
Hotspot: Center Reef
GPS: N 27 16.138, W 97 28.051
(27.2690, -97.4675)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Dead shrimp
Contact: Capt. John Little
361-816-9114
captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net
Tips: After the trout quit biting we will target redfish in the Badlands, mouth of Baffin Bay as well, using live or dead shrimp.

Location: Lower Laguna Madre
Hotspot: Atascosa Wildlife Refuge Shoreline
GPS: N 26 10.244, W 97 18.155
(26.1707, -97.3026)

Species: redfish
Best Baits: Live shrimp, topwaters in Bone, Gold spons
Contact: Captain Jimmy Martinez
956-551-9581
Tips: Fish the mud/sand transitions in deeper water along the shoreline. Trout will mingle in the warmer water. Redfish will be prowling shallower water.

Location: Lower Laguna Madre
Hotspot: Cullen Channel
GPS: N 26 15.6, W 97 17.415
(26.2600, -97.2903)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Kelley Wigglers soft plastics
Contact: Capt. Joseph Prado
956-357-1301
josephpradoprado@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/joseph.prado
Tips: On calm days I like to throw Kelley Wigglers on a jig head.

Location: Lower Laguna Madre
Hotspot: Fishing Shacks
GPS: N 26 26.4756, W 97 20.591
(26.4413, -97.3432)

Species: Black Drum
Best Baits: Live Shrimp, Fresh Srhimp.
Contact: LG Outfitters
956-371-0220
lgonzales@lgoutfitters.com
lgoutfitters.com
Tips: Anchor up near a set of pilings marks where a shack used to be, or where on may still be standing, and toss a live shrimp or fresh shrimp out on a fish finder or split-shot rig towards the edge of the ICW. If the current is pulling hard, you may want to go with the heavier weight of the former.

Location: Lower Laguna Madre
Hotspot: South Bay
GPS: N 26 1.771, W 97 11.0479
(26.0295, -97.1841)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Gulp under a Popping Cork
Contact: Capt. Joseph Prado
956-357-1301
josephpradoprado@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/joseph.prado
Tips: Freshwater runoff creates algae masses grow in different little back bays we have down here. All the fish will be around the algaie feeding on it.

Location: Lower Laguna Madre
Hotspot: South Bay
GPS: N 26 1.583, W 97 11.101
(26.0264, -97.1850)

Species: Snook
Best Baits: Topwaters, soft plastics in red/white, Bpne glitter, Bone/Chartreuse
Contact: Captain Jimmy Martinez
956-551-9581
Tips: Snook spread out over the flats sa the water tops 75 degrees. Topwaters and soft plastics are best. Fish with a faster cadence.

Location: South Padre Island
Hotspot: North Jetty
GPS: N 26 4.048, W 97 8.881
(26.0675, -97.1480)

Species: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Gulp under a Popping Cork
Contact: Capt. Joseph Prado
956-357-1301
josephpradoprado@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/joseph.prado

Tips: June is one of my favorite months because the weather has finally settled down. Tabletop is mid-lake and just as it sounds.— great big tabletop coming out of the deep water with everything the fish want. You can catch almost all species on it through this month. Live shad is best. Also there will be on cloudy days some top water action and as always the early bird gets the worm. Mister Twister curly tail worms work best. This is a great time of the year to fish at night also so don’t pass up any dock lights or tying up over brush and setting lights out and fishing around brush or bridge pilings or any other structure.

 

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