MATAGORDA

Reported by CAPT. MARK TALASEK

Email Mark Talasek at MarkTalasek@sbcglobal.com

Summer’s Here

LISTEN: (2 Min, 3 Sec)

SUMMERTIME PATTERNS have arrived here in Matagorda.  Water temperatures in excess of 70° replenish the base systems with much needed bait.  Trout, redfish, and flounder depend on this influx of bait to put on some weight after a long winter.  Glass minnows, shad, and a new crop of shrimp hide in the marshes. Once the bait matures, they migrate out into the gulf, but not before many falling prey to scores of gamefish.

I like fishing the grass beds along the shoreline.  Getting out of the boat and wade fishing is one of the most productive means to take a trophy trout.  Shrimp imitations rigged on a light jig head work well.  Top waters provide some excitement for those fisherman who appreciate quality bites.  Gold spoons have hooked more fish than probably any other artificial lure.   Nothing works better than live baits for those willing to hassle with the extra equipment.  Find different contours on the bottom or grass. Fan casting into different directions covers more area to find the fish. Once you locate them have fun. 

For those who want to stay in the boat, drifting is an alternative method to catch fish. Find some structure on the bottom in deeper waters of the bay.  Turn off your motor and turn the motor to one side. This will set your boat sideways for easier casting. Set out a drift sock if the wind blows too fast. Live shrimp under a popping cork works best during the summer months. Artificial lures work great during the cooler months.  When you find some fish, drift until the bite quits then loop back around upwind and repeat. Be sure not to spook the fish by swinging wide. 

The start of summer signals the end of cold fronts and light winds. Whenever the wind subsides be sure to check out the surf.  It can be some of the best catching ever. 

 

 

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