BAFFIN BAY

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

Hot, and Loving It

 

SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING in our part of the world, and although the heat can get to us, we are enjoying it. Now that July and August are here and the weather and water are both heating up, this is my favorite time of year to be out on the water.

Winds are starting to lay, and the water is turning nice and green just when we need it. As the water temperature rises, it changes a few things for us down here on Baffin Bay, even though we are still making the occasional trip into the Laguna and Land Cut. We are still throwing out our beloved croakers but also using the occasional shrimp, along with soft plastics and topwaters while wade fishing. As the sun gets higher and hotter, we move to cooler waters. The rocks in Baffin Bay are producing, but moving around is key to finding the proper water depth for holding fish.

I know some things stay the same in these reports, but that’s what we do every day—trying to figure out a pattern. Once we do, we continue to fish the same areas and methods. I believe in the motto, “It works until it doesn’t,” and when it does not, I normally try to make a significant change. This method is not guaranteed to work every time, but more often than not, it helps me get things figured out.

The flats are producing in the cooler parts of the day. Once I’ve figured out that time is running out in the morning and the shallow areas of Baffin Bay are not cooperating, the deeper rocks or moving water of the Laguna Madre and Land Cut tend to be a must-try. Trying to match the water color or finding something that will sparkle and make a little noise when fishing with lures is the go-to this time of year. Again, we start by hitting the flats early and fishing deeper water later in the day—unless I have the trout and redfish locked down already. This is how I judge where to start and what to do when we decide to throw croaker. Although croakers are the go-to bait for me and most of my clients, every now and then, a simple shrimp can change the game, along with getting out of the boat and chasing these beautiful fish on foot. Whether it be live bait or soft plastics, chasing these fish is what I love and continue to try to better myself every day.

 

 

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