BAFFIN BAY

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

Capt. Gerrad Merritt

Email Gerad Merritt at GeradMerritt@gmail.com

Visit Online: ParadiseGuideServices.com

The Three Baffins

LISTEN: (2 Min, 27 Sec)

I FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT to discuss the different areas that make up the waters of Baffin Bay and how to successfully fish them. Many people do not realize that Baffin Bay is comprised of three different “areas” of water, Alazan Bay, Cayo del Grullo, and the Laguna Salada. These sections all encompass Baffin Bay and can be fished differently.

I would like to start with the Cayo del Grullo, which is where the main public boat ramp is located. While you can still fish the rocks, this portion of the bay is shallower and has less substantial rock structures. These rock structures can produce good fish on the right day and allow anglers to make quick stops to check when moving locations. The grass lines, drop offs and high bluffs in this area also hold fish and make for successful wading and drifting. Moving sandbars and back lakes are present as well.

The Laguna Salada has a mixture of sand and mud on the East shoreline. The mud shows itself as you get into deeper water and move closer to the creek known properly as Los Omos Creek and Site 55 to locals. The other shoreline is mostly private piers and only has a few spots to fish when you consider boater safety, private property, and of course angler etiquette. The Salada does have deeper rock piles that can hold good fish, but keep in mind when navigating as tides change. These rocks can be a danger even for the experienced angler when not paying attention.

Live bait selections in these areas tend to stay the same this time of year. What I mean by this is when using live bait in the back of the Baffin Bay complex, we choose our bait based on the time of year. For spring, late fall and winter, we use live shrimp. In addition, we may also use croaker in late spring and fall based on the trout bite and if it is available. Lure selection resorts back to confidence and water clarity.

Remember there are several parts to Baffin Bay and this unique bay system. Areas of this amazing bay are also deemed a Texas Parks and Wildlife estuary. In the next issue, I will talk with our readers about the way Alazan Bay loops into this fishery and how Baffin Bay comes together from all sides.