Storming into Fall

Reported by CAPT. RICHARD THOMPSON

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THE SUN HAD BARELY crested the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow over the shoreline. There, amidst the symphony of morning birds, was the sound of trout gulping on their top water delights of shad and shrimp. This scene sets the stage and what becomes the reality for us wade fishermen’s happiness and tranquility. It’s all about the entirety of the experience for fishing in our South Texas coastal heaven. 

In the month of September, we still are not out of the woods for tropical weather and disturbances in our Gulf system. Depending on the size and where the systems come in, it can have either a positive or negative effect for your bay system. 

For instance, there was a storm that landed below Brownsville, and we are about 100+ miles North here in the Upper Laguna. The storm surge had pushed water into areas and flooded flats that we weren’t used to fishing. We were able to target the roaming reds cruising these areas because of the lower barometer and the bite was phenomenal as these reds were in a feeding frenzy devouring our baits. 

On the other hand, it can flush the bay system with new clean water from the Gulf, which also assists with the cleaning of our floating grass we must deal with after the dog days of Summer have beaten down our ecosystems. 

A typical pre-Fall morning starts at 6:00 a.m. as we too want to send out the breakfast bell to our targeted species of trout and redfish. The strategy we focus on during this time of year hasn’t changed much as our Summertime patterns are still in play. 

Our mornings start off by wading shallow shorelines with sand pockets and will have a drop off close by as these fish troll looking for easy bait. We want to ensure we can grab their attention with a smaller top water lure. For example, Mansfield Knockers is one of my favorite go to. When I change over to soft plastic, I personally like to go to one of my confidence set up’s which consists of a Salty Head pink lead and a MirrOlure Lil John Purple Demon if I’m wanting a smaller profile soft plastic. If I’m wanting a larger profile I go to a variety of Coastal Brew Bait colors. 

There’s a lot to be said proving the hook up ratio is greater when one uses what they are comfortable and confident using.

We now transition and position ourselves at drop offs as the afternoons remain warm in the mid 80’s to mid 90’s. The water temperature reflects the same and the fish begin to ascend to the cooler deeper waters. These drop offs do not have to be tremendously deep, a foot or two is where the fish have moved to. We will change our lead head to an 1/8 or ¼ oz to get our bait down to where the fish are suspended.

This time of the year can provide some unforgettable memories and moments on the water, so reach out to us here at R&K Coastal Outfitters. We will hook you up!

 

Email Richard Thompson at RandKCoastalOutfitters@gmail.com

Online: RandKCoastalOutfitters.com