Aransas Bay-Upper Laguna Madre

Reported by CAPT. RICHARD THOMPSON

A Laguna Canvas

LISTEN: (3 Min, 20 Sec)

IT’S 6:00 AM, IT’S SO QUIET you can almost hear your own heartbeat, the sun begins to crest over the horizon, the water is glass, and it is so beautiful you can’t tell the water from the sky. We call this the Laguna Madre Canvas, better known as the beginning of summertime fishing in the Coastal Bend. 

Now that the spring erratic weather has shifted and we get more of a consistent southeast wind and summertime tides, it allows us to focus on our typical summer strategies. Our methods can be several different techniques of fishing depending on what we are targeting and on how our clients want to fish, drift or wade. One of the ways we target redfish is by drifting shallow flats and casting to sand potholes and pulling our bait through to anticipate the awesome redfish ambush. Our second option, which is absolutely one of our favorites, is sight fishing in the clearer water for reds. It is a huge adrenaline rush to watch the gills flare up as they engulf your lure, then the fight is on. Our last option, which is our most popular method our clients prefer is wade fishing the shallow flats early, throwing top waters and soft plastics and then moving to the drop off edges as the temperature rises throughout the day because the targeted fish will drop off to the cooler water. 

We have miles and miles of shorelines with these shallow flats to drop offs that go from Mustang Island, Bird Island and all the way down to the Lower Laguna Madre. You would be hard pressed not to find bait anywhere between these landmarks. 

Another area that is a big hot spot for us this time of year is Shamrock Cove and Mustang Island back bays. Why? Because, the back bay estuaries are the mecca for hatchlings of crab, shrimp, and all kinds of unique bait that reds and trout can’t resist.  

After a very long day of grinding and fishing, I was sharing an adult beverage at the harbor with an old salt. We were chatting about where I fished that day. He insisted on telling me about an old wives tale that an old salt told him about the creation of Shamrock Island. I’d thought I would share this interesting story with you all, how true it is, is another question. 

Many years ago, a hermit lived on Shamrock Island. It is said he was a botanist and he introduced many new species of plants to the Island, including those for which it is named. When he died in 1917, they discovered he was a member of the Russian Nobility. Rumors spread he had buried royal treasures on the Island, but nothing was ever found. Today the area around Shamrock Island and Shamrock Cove is a favorite among local fishermen.

If you are looking for an adventure that surpasses any you have ever had, we promise that our local bay system in the Coastal Bend sets the standard for beauty, rich ecosystems and that every single cast can potentially produce your personal best record. These waters put the Corpus area on the map as the premiere saltwater fishing destination in the Lone Star State. 

 

Email Richard Thompson at RandKCoastalOutfitters@gmail.com

Online: RandKCoastalOutfitters.com

 

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