What a Year

SABINE LAKE & PASS

Reported by CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

Email Eddie Hernandez at ContactUs@fishgame.com

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE that another great fishing year is already in the books.

2022 was a special year in many ways here on Sabine. I think t was the first in recent history that we didn’t have to contend with an ultra-fresh bay system due to local flooding because of rainfall from the north.

We were never really threatened by any tropical activity in the Gulf. As far as I know, no one even had to evacuate. Salinity levels on Sabine were the highest we’ve seen in a while. The state-wide drought in the summer months took its toll on many people in many ways, but it actually helped the overall condition of Sabine Lake.

A lot of our goals were met in 2022. Here’s to hoping that 2023 brings more of the same. We are in the two coldest months of the year, and it’s time to start reaching for our new goals.

We will start by seeking out big, cold water trout on the flats of Sabine Lake. There are a few things to remember if you are going to bring solid winter sows to the net.

First of all, these big girls prefer to feed on bigger fish rather than smaller shrimp. Because of their size and the fact that their metabolism slows in the cool water, they tend to be slower than normal. They are also wary and less aggressive. They want a big easy meal with the least amount of effort possible.

Therefore, bigger baits worked slower than normal will equal better results. Speckled trout will eat larger shrimp in the winter months, but they prefer finfish such as mullet and, even, smaller trout. For this reason, slow sinking plugs like Mir O Lure Catch V, and Catch 2000 as well as Corky Fat Boys and Devils are excellent choices.

These trout will occasionally go for long periods between meals, sometimes even a few days, so it is very important to work your lure slowly and cover the water thoroughly. Wading is always a good option because it allows you to do this with more stealth and precision. There is no doubt you can cover the water more thoroughly wading than you can drifting. The wade fisherman has a better chance of getting the big bite because there is more opportunity for the lure to get close enough to the fat, lazy trout and entice a strike.

Although wading is the preferred method for a lot of anglers seeking wintertime trophy trout, drifting the shallow flats is not a bad second choice. Drifting can at times, be just as effective, if not better, for scoring the big bite and big numbers.

I actually do more drift fishing than wade fishing with clients in the winter. A lot of people aren’t willing to spend hours wading and plugging repeatedly, waiting for that one big bite. By drifting. we cover a lot more water much quicker. When we get a bite, we stop the drift and work that area over real well.

Even on the coldest days, we will at times encounter schools of very solid trout. By drifting and covering more water quickly, the chances of that happening are much better. If slow-sinking mullet imitations, and topwaters are not getting the job done, don’t be afraid to throw long. soft plastics such as Assassins, or Zoom Super Flukes on 1/4 ounce or 1/8 ounce lead heads.

Set your goals high this year, and come see us here on Sabine Lake.

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GALVESTON

Reported by CAPT. DEREK YORK

Email Derek York at spotstalkerfishing@yahoo.com

 

MANY PEOPLE have put up their fishing gear and boats for the winter. If you fish along the Texas coast and especially here on Galveston Bay, you are missing out.

In between the cold fronts pushing through you can find some fantastic fishing opportunities all over our bay system. Trout and redfish are usually found in good numbers, especially when targeting them on flats near deeper water.

I really enjoy fishing in the upper portions of the bay from Trinity Bay to Clear Lake and up into the upper reaches of the Houston ship channel. Corkies and soft plastics are the go-to baits for this time of year. Slower retrieves are usually the ticket as the water temperatures are colder and I’ve always got some live shrimp to throw underneath a popping cork.

The flounder run is pretty much wrapped up by now, but there are still a few fish being caught down near Galveston, making them worthwhile to fish for. But the main thing I’m excited about is the big black drum run starting up usually in February.

These giant fish are always a blast to catch, and the rigs to catch them are easy to make. The key to catching them is using larger pieces of cracked fresh blue crab on the bottom.

Deeper waters around the jetties, gas wells and near the Galveston channel are the main areas people target these fish. One trick I’ve started using the past couple of seasons, is adding a piece of scented artificial bait such as the Fish Bites to my hook. This really helps to keep scent on our line especially when fishing in heavy current.

The current tends to really shorten the time your piece of crab stays together. Once the meat is flushed out the chances of getting a bite are much lower. So make sure to check your baits often. Try to find something that works for you to increase your chances at hooking into one of these monster fish. 

Although the sheepshead do not start stacking up at the jetties until March, this time of year you can still catch them around structure, using live shrimp. They are really starting to put on the weight to get prepared to spawn.

Some of my biggest sheepies have come in February with several fish weighing more than 10 pounds. My favorite places to target them are along bulkheads made of wood and corrugated metal. Often overlooked, sheepsheads are one of my favorite fish to go after and make great table fare!

As always, make sure you are prepared for the weather this time of year whether fishing from the bank or on a boat. Things can change fast on the water. Dress in layers and make sure someone knows your plans for the day.

Don’t forget to fill your thermos with some coffee or hot chocolate, and always try to take a kid fishing.

•  •  •

MATAGORDA

Reported by CAPT. MARK TALASEK

Email Mark Talasek at MarkTalasek@sbcglobal.com

I HOPE EVERYONE had a merry Christmas and that you are having a wonderful new year. Hopefully Santa blessed you with all your favorite fishing gear.

I can’t complain. Waterloo keeps me supplied with all of the latest and greatest on the market. If there was a lump of coal in your stocking stop by the store in Victoria and treat yourself.

We have had a great fall in Matagorda. It’s been an abundance of red fish and flounders, but the trout numbers are on the rebound since the freeze a couple years ago.

I’m going to talk about winter trophy trout tactics. Everyone wants the big one to put up on the wall. It’s not an easy feat to accomplish. It takes hours on the water studying patterns along with some good old-fashioned luck.

Most people in the fishing industry consider anything 25-inches-plus a trophy. With current regulations you can only snap a couple photos of one that size.

Hopefully, with numbers increasing size limits will return to normal, giving people a chance to get that wall hanger. While most people want a skin mount you can get a replica with a few measurements. This way you can release the fish back into the water for another fight.

To target one of these trophies I like to use a Corkie or subsurface lure. Between cool fronts when the wind lays, I will usually fish midday. I will find a shoreline with some mud. The mud will warm up faster than the sand which reflects the heat back.

Tide movement and bait in the area is a plus. The bigger fish don’t eat as often in cold weather. A bigger meal is what they search for. So a bigger bait will attract bigger fish. Patience is key. I have waded all day for only a couple bites. But the bite you receive is the one that you want.

To book your next fishing or flounder trip to Matagorda give me a call Captain Mark Talasek 979 479 1397.

 

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HotSPOTLight:

•  •  •

LOCATION: Campbell’s Bayou
HOTSPOT: Mud Flats
GPS: N 29 20.099, W 94 53.612
(29.334978, -94.893535)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft Plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: Basic lure color choice: Clear water-light colors; dark or off color water, use darker colors.

LOCATION: Christmas Bay
HOTSPOT: Mouth of Churchill Bayou
GPS: N 29 3.3499, W 95 9.7219
(29.0558, -95.1620)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Corkys, MirrOlures and Bass Assassins
SOURCE: Capt. Ralph Frazier
281-337-0321
www.fraziersguideservice.com
TIPS: Bait colors: Frazier likes to throw the darker colors when the water is clear. If you have a blue-bird sky, we always throw a silver/blue back or a chrome/blue back topwater for trout.

LOCATION: Chocolate Bay
HOTSPOT: Chocolate Bayou
GPS: N 29 11.622, W 95 9.948
(29.1937, -95.1658)

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 fish are going to go deep. Best days are bright sunny days when the sun has had a chance to warm the bottoms. Fish gravitate to a combination muddy/shell bottoms.

LOCATION: Freeport/Surfside
HOTSPOT: Dow Plant
GPS: N 28 56.438, W 95 19.825
(28.9406, -95.3304)

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

LOCATION: Galveston East Bay
HOTSPOT: North Shoreline
GPS: N 29 33.1439, W 94 37.785
(29.5524, -94.6298)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Live shrimp and finger mullet
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
979-479-1460
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: As water flows out of the marshes, look for schooling reds feeding on shrimp and finger mullet.

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: Confederate Reef
GPS: N 29 15.7549, W 94 55.177
(29.2626, -94.9196)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Live shrimp under a popping cork
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
979-479-1460
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: If the weather is warm, live shrimp fished under a popping cork will still work, especially if the fish are in deeper water.

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: North Deer Island
GPS: N 29 16.9639, W 94 56.223
(29.2827, -94.9371)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Paddle Tails or TTF Trout Killer
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
979-479-1460
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: As the temperature drops, trout should relocate to muddy bottoms, as the mud will hold heat better.

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: Offatts 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
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: In January catches of numbers of fish probably will not happen, so concentrate on catching bigger fish.

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: Redfish Cove
GPS: N 29 6.101, W 95 6.569
(29.1016, -95.1094)

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 the fish will exit the flats to find the deeper, warmer water. But that’s not to say you can’t catch a big trout in January on the flats.

LOCATION: Matagorda
HOTSPOT: Colorado River at Selkirk Island
GPS: N 28 45.333, W 95 59.849
(28.7413, -95.7015)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: Fish deep holes in the river with soft plastics

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay
HOTSPOT: Brown Cedar Flats
GPS: N 28 44.478, W 95 42.090
(28.7413, -95.7015)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft Plastics or Corkys
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: After a front, you have to think about where those fish are going to go when the tide falls real hard. It will stack the fish up in some deeper areas.

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay
HOTSPOT: Drulls Lump
GPS: N 28 42.285, W 95 50.0659
(28.7048, -95.8344)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Topwaters
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: Try topwaters if the weather has been warm.

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay
HOTSPOT: Chinquapin Reef
GPS: N 28 43.9939, W 95 47.9539
(28.7332, -95.7992)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: If Capt. Ging is fishing deep reefs, he will be fishing with a popping cork and live shrimp

LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay
HOTSPOT: Peninsula Shoreline
GPS: N 28 28.801, W 96 15.753
(28.4800, -96.2626)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: On outgoing tides, fish the drains coming into the bay.

LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay
HOTSPOT: Phillips Bayou
GPS: N 28 32.464, W 96 9.2839
(28.5411, -96.1547)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Popping cork with live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: If live shrimp are not available, try Berkley Gulp in a pearl color.

LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay
HOTSPOT: Maverick Bayou
GPS: N 28 34.663, W 96 3.705
(28.5777, -96.0618)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: This time of year, West Bay out-performs East Bay for redfish.

LOCATION: Sabine Lake
HOTSPOT: Black Bayou
GPS: N 29 59.866, W 93 45.1819
(29.9978, -93.7530)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: MirrOlure soft plastics
SOURCE: Capt. Bill Watkins
409-673-9211
www.fishsabinelake.com
TIPS: For big trout, throw a five -inch MirrOlure Provoker along with 1/4-ounce jighead. If the water gets cold, switch to a 1/2 ounce gum ball jig head.

LOCATION: Sabine Lake
HOTSPOT: Coffee Ground Cove
GPS: N 29 58.1, W 93 46.09
(29.9683, -93.7682)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft Plastics with a 1/4 oz. jig head
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
FishGame.com/FishGameGear
TIPS: If you are looking to catch a lot of fish, switch to soft plastic bait,” said Capt. Jaynes. His favorite colors are Texas Roach or Glow/Chartreuse. Color choice depends on water quality.

•  •  •

Adios

ROCKPORT AREA

Reported by CAPT. MAC GABLE

Email Mac Gable at captmac@macattackguideservice.com

Or Visit Online: macattackguideservice.com

 

WISE MEN SAY a rich person is someone who makes a living at what they love to do. If so, I have been a rich person for sure.

My guide business was a true passion, as I have loved the outdoors from the time I could walk. In grade school I would read outdoor magazines and marvel at the wonderment of this great nation and its abundant hunting and fishing resources.

About twenty years ago I picked up my first Texas Fish and Game magazine, and from that day forward it has been a staple at my bedside.

I would read the late great Don Zaidel ( I miss him), Chester Moore, a champion for all outdoor men and women and the guy who first asked me to write for TF&G (I often have wondered what he saw in me many years ago), Larry Bozka, who put saltwater fishing on many anglers’ maps. And who doesn’t enjoy the Nuge (Ted Nugent) and his Mystical Flight of The Arrow.

The owners of the magazine, Roy and Ardia, are salt-of-the-earth good people whom I have loved to be associated with. Thank you both for your support over the years, and for always being there when I needed you.

When my son and daughters ask my wife Lisa (THANK YOU LISA for your love and support over the years as I followed my passion) questions about their Dad, she simply would say “If you really want to know your father, read his articles”. That pretty well sums it up.

In each article I have tried to give a piece of myself. I hope you have found them to be a good read and of value. The many emails I have gotten over the years from you are deeply cherished. The critical ones have made me a better writer, and I thank you.

You have asked me many questions, and now I would like to ask you for something: Please protect our bays and estuaries, they are truly a miracle of creation. Please be as good to them as they have been to us.

As I say my last goodbye, I want to thank Doug Rives for his friendship and for always being there over the past 20 years as well as Danny Goyen for being the best neighbor a person could ask for.

Here’s Wishing You Tight Lines, Bent Poles and Plenty of Bait. Until we meet again, may God hold You In the Palm of His Hand.

Copano Bay: The mouth of Mission Bay is the spot to set up for black drum. I like bottom rigs such as the Carolina rig with peeled shrimp. Midday some keeper trout can be caught around Lap Reef using live shrimp under a popping cork. Slow everything down when fishing the colder waters and react to the slightest bite.

St. Charles Bay: Some sheepshead may be found around the old exchange rigs, just across from the boat ramp. Light terminal tackle is the best bet using small pieces of mullet/squid/shrimp. Free line with a small bit of split shot works best. You want a very slow sinking presentation; at the slightest tap set the hook.

Aransas Bay: There are still some slot reds on Long Reef. Finger mullet on a light Carolina rig is best and a whole boat load of patience. The mouth of Dunham Bay is the spot for black drum and reds. If you can get live shrimp, set up just off the spoil area and slowly work the shell reefs using a silent cork.

Carlos Bay: The best game in town is Carlos Trench, especially midday. Soft plastics in new penny and morning glory are just the ticket to ply the deep water of this unique structure. Free-lined live shrimp are also a favorite of mine on a very light Carolina rig.

Mesquite Bay: My go to again and again is the mouth of Cedar Bayou. This area holds nice trout seeking refuge from the cold north winds while offering a feeding area close to oyster reefs and salt grass. A cold day wade has rewarded me with nice gator trout and line breaking reds. Drifts across Brays Cove are a good tactic using chartreuse jigs tipped with small pieces of squid or shrimp for flounder.

Ayers Bay: Ayers Reef is a safe bet especially with a north wind. This reef is a great spot for black drum, trout and reds during high tide. Stay with corks and imitation Berkley shrimp or live shrimp. For reds, cut menhaden or cut mullet work best with a light Carolina rig. East Pocket is the spot on warmer days for trout, larger black drum and sheepshead. Free-lined live shrimp or imitation shrimp jigged across the bottom work well.

Bank Bite: The airport shoreline on Copano Bay is a great winter wade for large trout using gold/red spoons or rattle traps in blue and silver colors. This area is best accessed through Howard Murph park. It’s a great spot late evening and the sunsets are spectacular.

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HotSPOTLight:

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LOCATION: Aransas Bay
HOTSPOT: Last Chance
GPS: N 27 58.452, W 97 4.7939
(27.9742, -97.0799)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Popping cork with live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: A drifting popping cork with live shrimp will catch trout and some redfish too, especially right after a front, even when we still have a north wind.

LOCATION: Aransas Bay
HOTSPOT: Super Flats
GPS: N 27 54.669, W 97 2.196
(27.9112, -97.0366)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Down South soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Try using a lighter jig head—a 1/8-oz. instead of 1/4-oz., unless you’re fishing the jetties.

LOCATION: Aransas Bay
HOTSPOT: South Bay
GPS: N 27 53.4589, W 97 5.7889
(27.8910, -97.0965)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Popping cork with live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: If you can’t find live shrimp, change to a paddle tail soft plastic used with a 1/8 ounce jig head.

LOCATION: Aransas Bay
HOTSPOT: Upper Estes Flats
GPS: N 27 57.058, W 97 5.3309
(27.9510, -97.0889)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Down South soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Paddle Tail soft plastics cast almost like a spoon.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay
HOTSPOT: Demit Island
GPS: N 27 41.5335, W 97 14.8159
(27.6922, -97.2469)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish
Best Baits: Soft Plastic Paddle Tails or live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Flounder action should be picking back up.

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/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Gulp New Penney and any other soft plastic in purple are productiv colors.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay
HOTSPOT: Nueces Bay
GPS: N 27 51.42, W 97 21.357
(27.8570, -97.3560)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Most of the areas that you fish don’t have real bad tide movement down here, so you don’t need the heavy weight to control the lure.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay
HOTSPOT: Shamrock Cove
GPS: N 27 45.369, W 97 9.733
(27.7562, -97.1622)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish
Best Baits: Soft Plastic Paddle Tails or live shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: If it’s blowing, fish the flats behind an island. Redfish should be there.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay
HOTSPOT: Wells
GPS: N 27 44.764, W 97 11.1409
(27.7461, -97.1857)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Live Piggy Perch or Live Shrimp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: If perch are not available, try free lining live shrimp or pumpkin seed colored plastics. Work around the rigs.

LOCATION: Espiritu Santo Bay
HOTSPOT: Contee Lake
GPS: N 28 17.779, W 96 33.157
(28.2963, -96.5526)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Cut crab
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Carolina rig cut crab.

LOCATION: Espiritu Santo Bay
HOTSPOT: Long Lake
GPS: N 28 16.772, W 96 36.698
(28.2795, -96.6116)

SPECIES: Redfish & Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Cut crab, Carolina Rigged
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: If weather permits, fish the same back lakes over mud and shell along the south shoreline of Espiritu Santo Bay.

LOCATION: Espiritu Santo Bay
HOTSPOT: Pats Bay
GPS: N 28 15.787, W 96 37.382
(28.2631, -96.6230)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Cut crab, Carolina Rigged
TIPS: In January, fish the back lakes for redfish over mud and shell.

LOCATION: Espiritu Santo Bay
HOTSPOT: Pringle Lake
GPS: N 28 18.984, W 96 30.865
(28.3164, -96.5144)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Soft plastic baits
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: In soft plastics, fish purple/chartreuse. Best bet is a bait that sinks slowly.

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

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Down South & Kelley Wiggler soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Fish here seem to like round bodied soft plastics, and the willow tail of Kelley Wigglers dipped in Garlic

LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Channel
GPS: N 27 51.1099, W 97 3.28
(27.8518, -97.0547)

SPECIES: Bull Redfish
Best Baits: Live finger mullet
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Go with a live mullet using a 3/8 oz. weight, Caroline rigged.

LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: South Lake
GPS: N 27 53.4589, W 97 5.7889
(27.8910, -97.0965)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Live mullet and mud minnows
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: South Bay is a good place because all of the lakes that drain into it. Use a pretty small bait with a 3/0 or 4/0 Kahle hook.

LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Dagger Island
GPS: N 27 50.217, W 97 9.967
(27.8370, -97.1661)

SPECIES: Drum
Best Baits: Live Finger Mullet or dead shirmp
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: For drum, fish edges and channels, sand holes up against wind blown shorelines.

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/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Whatever soft plastic you choose, make sure to fish slow across the bottom.

LOCATION: San Antonio Bay
HOTSPOT: Cedar Point
GPS: N 28 14.184, W 96 39.659
(28.2364, -96.6610)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Redfish
Best Baits: Live Shrimp under a popping Cork
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Live shrimp under a popping cork is an effective way of fishing back lakes.

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/fishandgamegear
TIPS: If you’re wading, concentrate your efforts around Panther, south of Panther and Cedar Bayou

LOCATION: Redfish Bay
HOTSPOT: Brown and Root Flats
GPS: N 27 51.1639, W 97 5.812
(27.8527, -97.0969)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Down South soft plastics
vTIPS: If weather is cool or cold, look for a soft mud bottom to fish. The mud will hold the heat better.

LOCATION: Redfish Bay
HOTSPOT: East Flats
GPS: N 27 56.541, W 97 5.944
(27.9424, -97.0991)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Down South soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: After a front, the fish move to mud bottoms; when it warms up they will move back on to the sand pockets, hard bottoms…good for wading for big trout.

LOCATION: Redfish Bay
HOTSPOT: Terminal Flats
GPS: N 27 54.606, W 97 7.009
(27.9101, -97.1168)

SPECIES: Redfish
Best Baits: Down South soft plastics
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: The reds won’t be moving around as much early, until mid morning. Try jumping from pot hole to pot hole until you see some bait moving.

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: King Ranch Shoreline
GPS: N 27 29.134, W 97 21.108
(27.4856, -97.3518)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Slow Sinking Artificial Baits
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: The color of your lure depends on whether it’s sunny or cloudy. Early in the morning, use a brighter color. Pink is a favorite color.

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Cool Water Means Big Specks

BAFFIN BAY

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

Email Gerad Merritt at GeradMerritt@gmail.com

Visit Online: ParadiseGuideServices.com

 

AS THE WATER temperature starts to drop, it means bigger fish in Baffin Bay.

All summer long we have caught really nice, strong, and healthy fish. This got us excited for what should come this winter. Even our smaller, old slot fish in the 15- to 16½-inch range have been good, solid and stronger fish.

Since the water is cooling down, fish should be in the warmer flats and shallows on nice warmer days. You will then see them a little deeper on the chilled overcast days. We continue to fish the grass lines, pot-holes, drop offs, and rocks, all while looking for bait fish.

Water clarity is the determining factor I use for choosing my lure colors. I will continue to mix in my old school spoons from time to time as well. We have also been using plastics under a cork when fishing deep structures from the boat, with a heavier vibration plastic being my choice on the cloudy and dirty water days.

This time of year when using live bait we choose to use live shrimp under a popping cork, adjusting the leader length to the water table the fish seem to be feeding in. I choose to work my cork and shrimp as if it is a top water with three or four quick jerks then letting it sit for six or seven seconds. Repeating this over and over imitates fish feeding and tends to attract fish quicker and more aggressively.

For me when wade fishing, I try not to skimp on gear because of price as cold water temperatures and wet wading is not an option. In other words, the more comfortable you are, the better off you will be all around.

Try different water depths, adjusting with the wind. When you get a few bites, stay the same depth. Drift fishing is also another technique that works really well this time of year. When drifting, remember to try to make long slow drifts, stopping the boat when you find a good school of fish, then start back up when they move along.

The whole point of drifting is to cover as much ground as you can, doing your best to stay productive. Do not be scared to make the same drift line when you feel the fish you are targeting have moved behind you.

Remember the new Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations for speckled trout state that the larger trout cannot be kept in our part of the coast. Try handling these big fish as little as possible and attempt to get a good quick release. We hope everyone starts their new year off with some fantastic fishing.

•  •  •

A Fresh Start to a New Year

LOWER LAGUNA MADRE

Reported by CAPT. BRIAN BARRERA

Email Brian Barrera at CaptBrianFishing@gmail.com

Visit Online:  InshoreFishingSouthPadre.com

 

THE NEW YEAR is upon us, and it’s time for a fresh start, but old habits die hard. So when January/February come around you can rest assured that I’ll be searching for fish during the warmest time of the day. Wether it’s trophy trout and schools of redfish on the sand and color transitions, or big snook settled in around the thermocline. 

January is still prime snook season because fish are bunched up into bigger schools than normal. This causes competitiveness amongst the fish creating a more willingness to chow down on soft plastics and other sub-surface baits. I like to start off around riprap and other hard bottom drop-offs for active fish, if that’s not working I start to scan the deeper water with my gps(humminbird solix) and look for the schools of fish in the thermocline. The thermocline is a part of the water column in which the temperature tends to stay more consistent, during cooler months or the hottest months the fish will “rest” in that area. One you find the schools it’s time toss baits and set hooks! 

Late January and all of February you can find me chasing trophy trout and redfish on the flats of the Lower Laguna Madre. My clients and myself spend quite a lot of time tossing topwaters and light jigs along grass lines and shallow sand flats, as they tend to heat up quicker during these months. The water is usually shallower and clearer in these areas so casting distance can be crucial, try to upsize your rod length(I use a 7’6” teramarxx), and downsize your line test(I use 10lb Power pro braid) to get that extra 15-20 yards and watch your fish count rise. And I’ll tell you like Mark Nichols owner of DOA lures told me, “they miss sometimes, so keep on working that lure until you feel the fish!” 

It’s a great time of the year to experience both the snook, and redfish/trout fisheries that we have to offer down here. Lines are always open and the bite is waiting on you! Give me a call and let’s go get em together!

•  •  •

HotSPOTLight:

•  •  •

LOCATION: Baffin Bay
HOTSPOT: Cat Head, North Shore
GPS: N 27 18.382, W 97 26.263
(27.3064, -97.4377)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout
Best Baits: Slow Sinking Artificial Baits
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Favorite slow sinkers: Fat Boys and Corkys

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: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: When the water is clear, throw the Morning Glory color. A scented bait improves the chances of attracting fish.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: Convention Center Flats
GPS: N 26 08.486, W 97 10.788
(26.141437, -97.179792)

SPECIES: Speckled trout and Redfish
Best bait: Doa Lures 4” Jerkbait, Shimano Current Sniper topwater
SOURCE: Capt. Brian Berrera
www.inshorefishingsouthpadre.com
TIPS: Wind and waves are better than calm tourist days.

LOCATION: Port Isabel
HOTSPOT: Brownsville Ship Channel
GPS: N 26 0.405, W 97 16.465
(26.0068, -97.2744)

SPECIES: Snook, black drum and speckled trout
Best Baits: Shrimp, if available, or cut bait
SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas
Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Flip live shrimp under the dock. .

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/fishandgamegear
TIPS: Wading is the only way to go if you are trying for that bite of a lifetime.

•  •  •

 

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