GALVESTON

Reported by CAPT. DEREK YORK

 

Wild Times Ahead

 

WINTERTIME ON THE TEXAS COAST can be a wild one with all of the cold fronts we get blowing through each month here on Galveston Bay, which can make for some sporty and sometimes dangerous conditions out on the water.  But on the days when the weather calms down you can definitely get on some fantastic catches.  Redfish, spotted seatrout and sheepshead are my go-to targets in the bay this time of year.  The jetties can also be good for reds and black drum.  

Typically, on my charter trips while looking for trout we throw popping corks with live shrimp or artificials drifting water anywhere from 3-7 feet deep.  I am also always looking for birds working in the area.  You will catch some redfish doing this as well.  If you are looking for that trophy trout, we will be concentrating on mud bottoms as the water warms throwing Corky’s and MirrOlures.  

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For sheepshead this time of year, I really enjoy working shoreline structure for them.  I look for good bulkheads and transition areas where two different types of structure meet.  For example, look for areas where there are metal bulkheads meeting a wooden bulkhead or even concrete walls.  Many times, you will catch multiple fish off one spot and don’t be surprised to catch a personal best this time of year.  We have put multiple double-digit sheepsheads in my boat in the winter.  Clear Lake and all the bays along the upper Houston ship channel provide plenty of habitat to target.  I am always throwing live shrimp under a popping cork for these fish.  Usually about an 18-24” fluorocarbon leader to a 1/0 circle hook or a #6 treble with a split shot above the hook.  

One of the great things about wintertime fishing on the coast that often gets overlooked is fishing for Red Snapper in state waters.  In recent years, there have been a lot of improvements in our area just several miles from the Galveston jetties.  Big Man Reef has been producing some quality snapper and provides a large area of artificial reef habitat that can easily be drifted or fished using a trolling motor with GPS holding capabilities.  This area is located offshore of the west end of the island about 8 miles out.  Just remember to follow state regulations and don’t travel out into federal waters with fish onboard if the federal season is closed.  State regulations set by TPWD allow for 4 fish per person with a 15” minimum year-round.

With all the options this time of year, try to get out and get on some fish when the weather allows.  Be sure to take some extra precautions with potential weather issues.  I keep extra towels and a change of clothes on board along with doing a float plan of some type to let people know where I will be and when I expect to be back home.  Give me a call if you’d like to book a trip!