Accepting the Cold, Hard Fact It’s Winter

SABINE LAKE & PASS

Reported by CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

Email Eddie Hernandez at ContactUs@fishgame.com

 

HERE WE ARE, right in the thick of the coldest months of the year. Many of us are catching ourselves daydreaming about the warmer temperatures that will begin to prevail in the not too distant future.

I’m definitely guilty, even though we fish in just about anything Mother Nature throws our way. If it were up to me, I’d rather be out there in more tolerable conditions.

I’d venture to bet that the majority of coastal anglers feel the same way. The cold, hard fact, however, is that it’s winter. We’ve got to make the most of the conditions we’re dealt if we want to catch fish.

Some days will be sprinkled in with mild conditions and winds not approaching gale force. These are the kind of days you need to take advantage of.

The number of fish caught on Sabine during the winter months, given the right conditions, would probably actually surprise a lot of people. Your chances of scoring depend greatly on knowing where to be. Don’t waste time fishing areas that will not hold fish in chilly water.

One thing for sure is you’ll definitely want to fish the warmest water possible. The difference between casting and catching can be decided by less than a couple of degrees of water temperature. So, fishing deeper water will definitely work to your advantage.

Drop offs, guts and deep holes are what you should key on if you want to put fish on the stringer. The extreme south end of Sabine Lake, between the south revetment and the causeway bridge, can be prime real estate for wintertime fishing, if you know what to look for. Keep an eye on your sonar as you cruise through. You’ll notice the bottom contour and depth are constantly changing.

As you make your way over the giant oyster reef that blankets the entire south end of the lake, key on deep troughs and valleys. Late winter trout and baitfish will use them to their advantage as they seek protection and warmer water.

The big winner is, of course, you. Baits such as live shrimp, mullet and fresh dead shrimp work well as do long, dark-colored soft plastics. Eight- to ten-inch plastic worms in Tomato, black and Fire Tiger are excellent choices when rigged on 1/4 ounce lead heads.

Fish them slow. Be patient enough to work the area over really well, and you should have good results. Trout and reds will readily accept these offerings, but don’t be surprised if you also box a few black drum, whiting and croakers.

•  •  •

GALVESTON

Reported by CAPT. DEREK YORK

Email Derek York at spotstalkerfishing@yahoo.com

 

Big Trout & ‘Big Uglies’

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! I hope you all had a great Holiday season.

This time of year is always a great time to target those trophy trout on those warmer days, along with catching redfish. We’re also starting to catch those “Big Uglies” or black drum during their spawning season.

Water temperature is always an important factor when fishing this time of year. Trying to balance tides, wind and water temperatures is kind of like going to the casino.

Most days we have a better bite in the mid-morning to afternoon timeframe owing to warming waters from the sun being overhead. I spend a lot of my time fishing up on the north end of the bay including Clear Lake, Tabbs, Scott’s and Burnett bays as they provide shelter from the wind and an abundance of species to go after.

Large speckled trout are often targeted by wade fishermen during this time by throwing Corkys and Mirrolures over mud bottom. These lures can provide some great action when the conditions are right and often lead to catching a personal best trout.

Drifting these same areas and areas with scattered shell can also have great results. I primarily throw soft plastics on a lighter jig head to slow the presentation down as much as possible, Or I fish with the reliable live shrimp under a popping cork.

Redfish are also found in these areas and can be targeted with the same techniques. They’re also feeding heavily up in the marshes looking for food flushed out by the cold fronts that pass so frequently this time of year.

If you are looking to get out and just have a great time catching lots of big fish that pull hard, February is usually the start of the black drum migration. You’ll find them around the passes where they stack up in deeper water around structure and are simple to catch.

I usually target them in 15 to 30 feet of water near the Galveston jetties or the gas wells and use fresh cracked blue crab on a bottom rig. Typically, I am using a three-way swivel with 40-pound test monofilament to a single swivel and a large circle hook.

I attach my weight, usually a bank sinker (two to six ounces, depending on current), with a lighter line so it will break off if snagged. Once you locate these fish, it’s not uncommon to catch multiple fish in one spot.

Last year I had several trips where we had more than 25 fish in the 15- to 50-pound range. This is a great way to get kids and adults into a great day on the water.

Although you are allowed to keep one black drum over 52 inches per day, this is almost always a catch and release situation. Allowing these fish to go back and spawn will help us ensure the black drum populations continue to remain at good numbers and provide opportunities for the next generation to enjoy these amazing fish!

•  •  •

MATAGORDA

Reported by CAPT. MARK TALASEK

Email Mark Talasek at MarkTalasek@sbcglobal.com

 

Chasing Fat Winter Specks

MOST FISHERMAN take these winter months to repair our gear. With the summer months taking a toll on equipment it’s time to work on things.

Cold weather and water temperatures make the fish and fishermen sluggish. No better time to get things back in working condition.

Hopefully everyone got their Christmas wishes left under the tree. After repairing everything, I get bored. It’s time to chase a Big Girl.

I like to get out between the cool fronts mid-day. The wind is calm and mud flats warm up with the sun.

Bigger trout don’t feed as frequently. They will eat a larger bait. I’ll tie on my favorite corky and pull it across a mud bottom, patiently waiting for a big one to eat. Might not get many bites, but when you do it’s a good one. I have caught some of my personal best trout this time of year.

For those who don’t have the patience, red fish are always plentiful in the back lakes off the canal. Mullet on the bottom will always stretch the line out. Drifting deep shell in the boat with plastics is productive.

Use a heavier lead head to reach the lower water column. The Colorado River is always an option when weather conditions sour in the bay.

Speckled trout migrate to the deeper confines of the river for warmth. Working deeper drop offs will pay off.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

Let’s go fishing!

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HotSPOTLight:

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LOCATION: Freeport
HOTSPOT: Swan Lake
GPS: N 28 58.098, W 95 16.446
(28.9683, -95.2741)

SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Corkies or Catch 2000
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: In January the water gets a lot clearer and lower. You can do a lot of sight fishing with the majority for redfish.

LOCATION: Galveston Bay
HOTSPOT: Tabbs Bay
GPS: N 29 41.634, W 94 56.544
(29.6939, -94.9424)

SPECIES: Speckled trout
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Deep water close by if the fish are not shallow.

LOCATION: Galveston East Bay
HOTSPOT: Smith Point Flats
GPS: N 29 31.258, W 94 45.095
(29.5210 -94.7516)

SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Soft plastics, spoons
SOURCE: Capt. Paul Marcaccio
281-788-4041
www.gofishgalveston.com
TIPS: Pumpkinseed soft plastics, gold spoon; watch boils

LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay
HOTSPOT: Camp House
GPS: N 29 46.171, W 94 45.232
(29.7695 -94.7539)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Suspending twitch baits
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Wade shallow early, drift late

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: Confederate Reef
GPS: N 29 15.755, W 94 55.177
(29.2626 -94.9196)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Texas Tackle Factory soft plastics with either 1/8 or 1/4 oz jig heads
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Fishing from the boat you will catch a lot of the smaller fish around Confederate Reef in West Bay, right in front of the Causeway, just drifting.

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: Offats Bayou
GPS: N 29 16.819, W 94 51.507
(29.2803 -94.8585)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics with a 1/4 oz. jig head
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: In January catches of numbers of fish probably will not happen but concentrate on catching bigger fish.

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: Starvation Cove
GPS: N 29 14.221, W 94 56.409
(29.2370 -94.9402)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Corkys or MirrOdine
SOURCE: Capt. Paul Marcaccio
281-788-4041
www.gofishgalveston.com
TIPS: Wade fishing: You will have eight or ten days in the month that are favorable for catching quality trout in excess of 25 inches…three days preceding the new moon and three days preceding the full moon.

LOCATION: Matagorda
HOTSPOT: Colorado River
GPS: N 28 40.542, W 95 58.08
(28.6757 -95.9680)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics with a 1/4 oz. jig head
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Rivers, creeks and bayous will produce the most fish.

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay
HOTSPOT: Brown Cedar Flats
GPS: N 28 44.406, W 95 42.09
(28.7401 -95.7015)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Norton Sand Shad or Corkies
SOURCE: Capt. Tommy Countz
281-450-4037
www.matagordafishing.com
TIPS: Look for bait activity, maybe a couple of loons working. They will tell you where bait is.

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay
HOTSPOT: Eidelbach Flat
GPS: N 28 41.499, W 95 47.614
(28.6917, -95.7936)

SPECIES: Speckled trout
BEST BAITS: Corkys in Day Glow
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Fishing for trophy trout on muddy grass flats with scattered shell. The fish like to bury up in the mud because of the chilly water temperatures.

LOCATION: Sabine Lake
HOTSPOT: South Causeway Reef
GPS: N 29 47.221, W 93 57.029
(29.7870 -93.9505)

SPECIES: Black Drum
BEST BAITS: Live Shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Drift with current using a drift sock; dawn-midday

LOCATION: Surfside
HOTSPOT: Brazos River
GPS: N 28 56.469, W 95 22.888
(28.941155, -95.381466)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics with a 1/4 oz. jig head
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: The Brazos River in Freeport, around the Chemical Plant is a “well-kept secret”. A lot of trout come from out the river in the colder months.

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•  •  •

Returning for the One That Got Away

ROCKPORT AREA

Reported by CAPT. MAC GABLE

Email Mac Gable at captmac@macattackguideservice.com

Or Visit Online: macattackguideservice.com

 

IS IT THE “Thrill of The Kill,” the “Excitement of The Catch?” Or is it the memory of cherished moments in our rich outdoors that leave a mark on our souls?

I had heard he was in the hospital, and the prognosis was not good. He was a client of many years who had grown into a friend.

My aversion to hospitals is deep seeded. I don’t like their smells, their noises, or the organized chaos that permeates their walls.

The courage it takes to work at these medical institutions borders on heroism, I thought as I walked through the door. After asking directions to his room, I quickly navigated the maze of halls.

I did my best to keep track of north, south, east, and west in case dead reckoning was required for a speedy exit. The fact this man was my first real client as a new guide meant a lot to me, so I pressed on through two double doors.

I was greeted at the nurse’s station, manned by none other than a look alike of Nurse Ratchet from the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. We’re all gonna die, and she will be the last face we see, was the newly-formed nightmare in my mind!

Luckily, I found his room, and upon knocking, was greeted by his wife. She grabbed me and immediately the tears were flowing from both of us.

“Can you talk to him about fishing?” she asked.

“I can do that,” I promised. “Ed, let’s go fishing!” I said in a loud voice.

His smile let me know he was glad I was there. “Captain Mac!” he beamed. “Did you bring a rod?”

“Yeah, but I forgot the bait, AGAIN!”

He had a laugh which consumed his whole body, making even total strangers like him immediately.

“Do you remember our first trip when you forgot to get bait?” he said.

“Yeah, that was the day that big red yanked the rod out of your hand, and you caught it with your feet.”

“It’s a good thing I did, because I learned later you didn’t have but three rods to your name!”

“Well, with big tippers like you, I knew I would be able to afford some more gear before mine wore out. Besides, I planned to marry well.”

“Those rods were already worn out,” he howled with laughter. “Besides, a decent woman would push you out of the way just to get to a man like me!” he chuckled.

“Looks like that’s true,” I said, as I looked to his wife.

“Isn’t she a peach?” he said as the mood got more somber.

“What type of cancer is it?” I asked.

“The kind that kills you,” he said. “That’s all you need to know.”

Nurse Ratchet came bursting in due to all the noise we were making. She pushed me aside and quickly took the command post next to the bed. Her demeanor now changed as she cared for her patient.

“Captain Mac, meet Nancy. If you are ever in this shape, I pray you have her at your bedside.”

I could tell he was in good hands. She then finished, turned, and said, “You two keep it to a dull roar, please.”

“Do you remember that big trout?” he said.

“I do. It was October, on the beginning edge of a cold front. We had a good box of fish that day.”

“You put two mud minnows on a hook and handed me the rod,” he said. “It was like my rod tip was hit by a framing hammer and the fight was on. You thought it was a red, then it came out of the water, biggest yellow mouth I have ever seen!

“Rod tip up! you kept saying, and when it gets to the boat put your rod tip down into the water. I fought that trout like a pro,” he beamed. “And just as you grabbed the net, with the trout right beside the boat, I yanked the rod up and tried to hoist it out of the water. It shook loose in midair and landed in the water beside the boat.

“It seemed to sit there as you went to scoop it out of the water with the landing net, a last-ditch effort to catch it for me. Then I asked you NOT to catch him that way, and we just looked down at that beautiful monster of a trout and watched it slowly swim off. He would have been a state record don’t you think?”

“For sure!” I said.

We both sat silently in his hospital room for a while.

“Sad as it sounds, they say I won’t be leaving here, Captain Mac, but they’re wrong. I will be leaving just before my time is up, to a time and a place of the one that got away.”

•  •  •

Fish the black mud/shell areas as they hold the heat. Trout and reds leave the protection of deeper water to feed in these areas which can be three to four degrees warmer than the rest of the bay.

Copano Bay: The mouth of Mission Bay is the spot for black drum. Freelined, peeled shrimp is the ticket. Wades near Italian Bend is a good tactic for trout using New Penny jerk shad or Morning Glory sand eels on a rising tide.

St Charles Bay: The mouth of Salt Creek is a good spot for reds using cut mullet or menhaden on a light Carolina rig. There are still some keeper trout at the mouth of Cavasso Creek. A silent cork and live shrimp work well here.

Aransas Bay: Some good sheepshead may be found near the spoil area at the mouth a Dunham Bay. Freeline is best using cut squid or frozen shrimp. This area is also a good black drum spot, using peeled shrimp under a silent cork. Wades down Blackjack Point is a good plan for reds and trout using a bubble cork and imitation shrimp like the Vudu shrimp.

Carlos Bay: This time of year, the go-to spot is Carlo Trench. Use live shrimp fished in the deeper water for reds and trout. A heavy Carolina rig works well.

Mesquite Bay: Drifts across Brays Cove are good for flounders using white grubs on a light jig head. Live shrimp jigged across the bottom work, as well. The mouth of Cedar Bayou is still a good spot for trout and reds using live shrimp or crushed sea lice on a light Carolina rig.

Ayers Bay: East shoreline is a good wade for trout using live shrimp or jerk shad in Morning Glory and Nuclear Chicken colors. The north end of Ayers Reef is a good spot for black drum using a silent cork and peeled shrimp. Live mullet fished here can produce keeper reds but be patient.

Bank Bite: The south end of the LBJ causeway is a good spot to wade for big trout. Wade out and then cast into the shell reefs using gold/red spoons and top water lures in bone/red colors. This area is best fished in a light north wind.

•  •  •

CORPUS CHRISTI AREA

Reported by CAPT. JOEY FARRAH

Email Joey Farah at jfarah@gmail.com

 

Be Ready for Any Weather

WEATHER ALONG THE Texas Gulf Coast is never the same for very long. So, fishing in January and February will host a variety of strategies and techniques.

Anglers willing to bundle up to fish before and after the cold fronts can score on some of the best fishing of the New Year.

Gamefish have settled into areas with the foundations of the food sources. This means that soft mud is where mud worms, eels, crabs, shrimp, and tiny sea creatures you have never seen, bury up for the winter. Baitfish and larger predators, both, hold close to these winter food sources. When temperatures dive toward the bottom of the thermometer, everything runs to the mud.

However, as the fronts pass, look for the signs of life to quickly move toward the shallow water, or the nearest drop off to get some sun. With seasonal low tides, the extreme shallows along the sides of the ICW Canal will heat up in the mid-day sun.

Tidal changes and wind will push this warm water into the channel where anglers can pick along with soft plastics catching trout redfish and drum. The channel between Rockport and Con Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass, from the JFK Bridge to the mouth of Corpus Christi Bay, and the Land Cut will be the best areas in South Texas.

The largest trout and redfish will be able to regulate and hold their temperatures better than small fish because of their body size and experience. They will anticipate bait movements up and into the flats and move into position. Finding a good mix of shallow mud, grassy flats with sand pockets, all close to some deep-water retreating zones will be the perfect area for trophy trout wade-fishing.

Deep water presentation is best with soft plastic lures. Using a jig head in the 1/4- to ½-ounce size, tap the bottom keeping the lure in the trout’s face, especially during the colder parts of the day.

As the lunar bite increases and temperatures climb, vary your rod strokes to produce soft rises and falls of the bait as well as swim and pause presentations. Finding what action matches their activity level is ever-changing.

Change things up every five to ten casts as you work the edge of the deep water. Drift over deeper flats in three to six feet. A DOA three-inch Cal Shad, and the four-inch shrimp body with a ½-ounce jig head are the perfect winter baits for deep water.

My favorite winter colors are Key Lime and Rainbow Trout. For shrimp, Near Clear and Red. Deep fishing can be fast action and lots of fun, especially on the first day after a front has passed that the winds lay flat.

Shallow water hunting for big trout is my passion. Stalking the flats, casting for giants keeps me boiled up in excitement inside waterproof waders and jackets. This kind of fishing is not easy. Hard work and hours on the water produce the greatest catches of the year—and many long days with few strikes.

Large gamefish do not feed every few hours this time of year. Their metabolisms slow way down. Big trout and redfish might only feed every four to five days, during favorable conditions and lunar periods.

Putting these pieces of the puzzle together and staying out, casting all day is what works best. Locate areas of good bait numbers, small bait and large.

Scouting during the warmest parts of the day are the best way to find these zones. Then still-hunt, moving very slowly. Sometimes just stand in place for long periods, using inch-by-inch lure movements to present your slow-moving baits the same speed as cold-stunned baitfish.

My go-to lure selections for this extreme shallow water fishing are essential in producing constant success. The DOA Shallow Water Bait Buster in natural color patterns is a slow-sinking, suspension bait that’s easier to use than those with large treble hooks.

This bait is fool-proof and has a perfect live mullet action. When you think you are moving it too slow, slow it down even more. For conventional soft plastics try Down South Lures Super Model. This bait hovers over extremely shallow water at low speeds, when rigged with a light, 1/16-ounce jig head.

Color selection should vary between brights, darks, and naturals, and DSL Baits have some truly hot colors available. Make each cast to a precise spot, swim the bait as if it were a cold-stunned and confused baitfish.

A fast retrieve with your lure will leave your stringer empty. Allow the largest and smartest high-end predators the opportunity to size up and strike your bait with precision. The north shoreline of Baffin Bay has miles of perfect wade fishing waiting for you to come hunt the trophy of a lifetime.

Catch and release them. Fiberglass reproductions have more detail and color than do dead trophies, and they last forever.

•  •  •

HotSPOTLight:

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LOCATION: Aransas Bay
HOTSPOT: Halfmoon Reef
GPS: N 28 4.5259, W 96 59.062
(28.0754 -96.9844)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Trout should be in 4-6 feet of water. You may find some shallower, but they won’t stay there long.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay
HOTSPOT: Nueces Bay
GPS: N 27 51.894, W 97 21.132
(27.8649 -97.3522)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Gulp New Penny and any other soft plastic in purple are effective colors.

LOCATION: Mesquite Bay
HOTSPOT: Cedar Bayou
GPS: N 28 6.708, W 96 49.812
(28.1118 -96.8302)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Fish like the round body of Down South soft plastics, and the willow tail of Kelley Wigglers.

LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Mud Island
GPS: N 27 56.635, W 97 1.266
(27.9439, -97.0211)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic Paddle Tails or live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: January and February are almost identical as far as spots and baits. There is no reason to be on the water at the crack of dawn. The fish are cold too.

LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Quarantine Shoreline
GPS: N 27 54.468, W 97 3.5159
(27.9078, -97.0586)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic Paddle Tails or live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: The fish will be real lethargic, especially on the flats until the sun gets up and warms everything up.

LOCATION: Redfish Bay
HOTSPOT: Dagger Island
GPS: N 27 50.1019, W 97 10.2659
(27.8350, -97.1711)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish
BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic Paddle Tails or live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Cut bait on the potholes…it will all be good when the water warms up.

LOCATION: Rockport-Fulton
HOTSPOT: Long Reef
GPS: N 28 3.618, W 96 57.679
(28.0603, -96.9613)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Down South & Kelley Wiggler soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Whatever soft plastic you choose, make sure to fish slow across the bottom.

LOCATION: San Antonio Bay
HOTSPOT: Guadalupe Bay East Shore
GPS: N 28 24.803, W 96 45.342
(28.4134, -96.7557)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Redfish
BEST BAITS: Live Shrimp under a popping Cork
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: When wading, concentrate around Panther, south of Panther and Cedar Bayou

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: Nine Mile Hole
GPS: N 27 5.159, W 97 24.621
(27.0860, -97.4104)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Slow Sinking Artificial Baits
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: If you use a real light color in the morning. The fish are looking up and the light color is sticking out.

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•  •  •

Tricks for Fishing Tricky Winter Weather

BAFFIN BAY

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

Email Gerad Merritt at GeradMerritt@gmail.com

Visit Online: ParadiseGuideServices.com

 

LET’S TALK JANUARY and February fishing.

With this time of year comes tricky weather. Finding a good window can be tough, but it is always an adventure. Winter is in full swing, and fish react differently with the slightest change in weather. This leads to a more challenging hunt.

Wind is always a factor on Baffin Bay, but the geographic location allows anglers to fish the waters with any wind direction. I personally prefer the third day after a cold front and try and schedule trips accordingly.

The better-quality fish are starting to move and are looking for bait action to keep their weight on. During these months, I am on the lookout for warmer water. I throw to the shallow side as water temperature will be higher as the day progresses. Fish can get selective in their food sources during this season, so I try to throw a wide variety of artificials, along with live shrimp, until I find one that is successful.

Throwing lures or live bait against a grass line or structure is key, as this is where your bait fish will be hiding. Although I do not use one particular brand of lures, I always carry a variety of dark and light colors with me.

I also enjoy having several different tail options and a lure that has a lot of movement. The fish in Baffin Bay are normally aggressive and tend to be heavier during winter, so changing bait sizes or lure lengths may be necessary depending on the type of fish you are targeting.

Live bait and popping corks are a routine choice for my guided trips this time of year. Throwing a live shrimp under a popping cork, while working it every 30 to 40 seconds has proved to be extremely successful.

An advantage to this method is the ease of use for anglers of all ages and experience levels. As many anglers know, there are times when there is no rhyme or reason as to where the fish are located, and I take this into consideration in colder months.

There are many days when I find myself reassessing the original game plan. So, I begin moving spots to find the fish pattern for that particular day. In addition, the weather plays a huge role in where or how to fish and should be the main factor that determines where to be on the hunt.

South Texas winter fishing may have its challenges, but it can be one of the most fulfilling trips for anglers looking for their trophy fish. So, bundle up, grab your fishing pole, and see what the cooler waters of Baffin Bay have to offer.

•  •  •

HotSPOTLight:

•  •  •

LOCATION: Baffin Bay
HOTSPOT: Badlands
GPS: N 27 18.447, W 97 26.293
(27.3075, -97.4382)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: MirrOlure soft plastics with either a 1/8- or 1/16-ounce jig head
SOURCE: Capt. Tommy Countz
281-450-4037
www.matagordafishing.com
TIPS: If there is any sunshine and there are rocks around, the rocks heat up quick. They’re kind like fish magnets.

LOCATION: Baffin Bay
HOTSPOT: Kennedy Rocks
GPS: N 27 16.255, W 97 26.7329
(27.2709, -97.4456)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: MirrOlure soft plastics with either a 1/8- or 1/16-ounce jig head
SOURCE: Capt. Tommy Countz
281-450-4037
www.matagordafishing.com
TIPS: When the water is clear, throw the Morning Glory color. Use the MirrOlure soft plastics because they are already scented. That enhances your chances of attracting fish.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: Brownsville Ship Channel
GPS: N 26 0.405, W 97 16.465
(26.0068, -97.2744)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout, Snook, & Redfish
BEST BAITS: Live shrimp, mullet, or Berkley Gulp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Work the edges for trout, snook, and redfish.

LOCATION: Middle Ground
HOTSPOT: Big Oak Mott
GPS: N 26 41.965, W 97 27.791
(26.6994, -97.4632)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Topwaters, plastics w Mansfield Mauler, wade up to 200 yds; dawn thru midday
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Topwaters, plastics w Mansfield Mauler, wade up to 200 yds; dawn thru midday

LOCATION: Middle Ground
HOTSPOT: East Side of Spoil Islands
GPS: N 26 47.049, W 97 27.561
(26.7842, -97.4594)

SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Live shrimp, mullet, or Berkley Gulp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Fish hug the east shoreline at high tide night & early morning; all day.

LOCATION: Middle Ground
HOTSPOT: Land Cut Spoils
GPS: N 26 49.564, W 97 28.129
(26.8261, -97.4688)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Topwaters, soft plastics, spoons.
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: If fishing plastics or spoons, go with red/white soft plastics, gold, or chrome spoons.

LOCATION: Port Mansfield
HOTSPOT: Butchers Island
GPS: N 26 38.1019, W 97 23.149
(26.6350, -97.3858)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Corkys
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Beginning in February it’s time again to be looking for that trophy trout.

LOCATION: Port Mansfield
HOTSPOT: Dubbs Island
GPS: N 26 43.2409, W 97 25.6
(26.7207, -97.4267)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Corkys
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
fishgame.com/fishgamegear
TIPS: Wading is the only way to go if you are trying for that bite of a lifetime.

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