UPPER LAGUNA MADRE

Reported by CAPT. RICHARD THOMPSON

Baffin Bay Memories

 

 

WHAT DOES BAFFIN BAY mean to you? What about those incredible memories made there? Why is it so important to us here at R&K? Before we answer, do you actually know the history of Baffin? 

Baffin Bay, located at 27.2670N, 97.5821W on the Texas Gulf Coast, is known for its rich marine life and unique limestone formations. Baffin Bay is an inlet of the larger Laguna Madre, comprised of three branches – Alazan Bay, Cayo del Grullo, and Laguna Salada. Baffin is the only bay in Texas with unique rock formations formed by ancient Serpulid Rock Worms. These reefs attract anglers seeking trophy speckled trout and redfish. Today, it is becoming a very popular spot for fishing, birding, and enjoying South Texas’s untouched and still wild ecosystems. 

TPWD trout regulations appear to be working, as more midcoast anglers are catching specks of a lifetime.

(Photo: Richard Thompson)

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Baffin Bay’s popularity has surged, especially for winter and early Spring “Trophy Trout.” My social media is flooded with impressive catches this Winter and Spring. Wade fishing is the preferred method here as it forces anglers to slow down and fish each area thoroughly, resulting in more hookups. I have spoken to all the guides down here and we are all seeing and reaping the reward of catching these giant Trout as the TPWD regulation is paying off in dividends. The bait fish are becoming thick, and May/June is kicking off for the predator prey game we all love to be apart of during this time of year. 

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Here comes the good part. How are we and everyone else catching these beautiful specimens? We recommend a few lures we have used and have been extremely successful at landing these monsters. We typically throw a topwater first thing in the morning if the conditions are favorable. Heddon One Knocker Spook, pink and chrome, is my ultimate favorite hands down. Transitioning to Coastal Brew Bait, dart bait 6”, are our preferred and we use all the colors depending on the water clarity and we combine that with a 1/8oz or 1/16oz Salty Head lead head if we are fishing more shallow. Another dart bait that has a lot different action is the Down South Big Smooth which the trout can’t resist either. Last but not least, MirrOlure in XL and the original multi colors as well. These months really kick off croaker season so that is a great method too if you know what you are doing.

Back to the beginning when I said Baffin Bay means so much to us. We just created an apparel line called Baffin Bay Clothing Co., made here in America and carefully designed to keep anglers physical health a priority, as the material keeps them cool in the unforgiving South Texas elements. Also, we would love to share our new Laguna Shores Lodge, where our mission is to provide unforgettable coastal experiences through exceptional service, personalized hospitality, and a deep connection to the natural beauty of Laguna Madre. Whether hosting anglers, adventurers, families, or business professionals, we strive to create a welcoming retreat where memories are made, traditions are celebrated, and guests feel truly at home. We can’t wait to meet you—we will hook you up!