BAFFIN BAY

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

Ready for Anything

 

BAFFIN BAY IN MARCH AND APRIL can be an exciting time, but it can also be a blowout as far as weather goes. In South Texas, Mother Nature can be unpredictable. An unanticipated cold front can roll in and turn plans upside down in no time.

Whether it’s wind, rain, colder-than-normal temperatures, or a combination of all three, this is planning season down here. We are still chasing trout, black drum, and redfish. We primarily use live shrimp this time of year, as croaker are usually scarce or too small. However, unforeseen events can happen in the live bait world.

I have my favorite spots, as most fishermen do, but I try to have some hidden gems scattered all over the bay. Regardless of where I’m fishing, I do my best to find a handful of rocks to check that are close together in order to maximize fishing time. However, if I have trouble locating fish, I will bounce around to other spots that may not be in close proximity to each other. Since rock piles are where I typically fish during this season, I make a point to adjust my water depth based on the height and size of the rock piles.

It is extremely important to pay attention to the tide in Baffin Bay as your fishing date approaches. Since we still receive fronts in March and April, the tide can be unpredictable and heavily influenced by a north wind. We’ve seen boat ramps become unusable due to a combination of normal tidal changes and a cold front. For your safety on the water, it’s key to stay aware of the weather forecast and plan your fishing trip accordingly. With that said, you should take into account that although the launches may be usable, the rock structures we fish may not be as accessible by boat. This means there is a higher risk of hitting the rocks with your boat, and you will need to adjust your plan. These are trying times for an inexperienced boater or angler to navigate Baffin Bay, as even seasoned guides may occasionally bump into a rock.

Drifting the grass lines and flats also works during this time of year, especially if you are throwing plastics or live bait. However, I still prefer the rocks, as they tend to produce a greater variety of fish. If a fisherman wants to stay off the rocks, the south shoreline and Alazan Bay both tend to hold quality fish. When fishing a shelf or the flats in this area, you may need to adjust your depth based on water temperature. Monitoring water conditions such as depth, temperature, clarity, and the type of structure you’re fishing when you locate a group of fish is imperative. This is key to understanding where the fish are comfortable and can lead to a productive trip.

Baffin Bay may throw some curveballs our way as far as weather goes, but not much compares to fishing this unique bay system. In general, being an angler can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but the memories made with friends and family make it all worthwhile.

 

 

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