MATAGORDA

Reported by CAPT. MARK TALASEK

Raining Shrimp

 

 

MATAGORDA HAS BEEN BLESSED with an abundance of rain this summer. An influx of fresh water usually means a good fall shrimp crop. That in return will make some great fall fishing. When the first cool front rolls through South Texas in September shrimp start their migration to the gulf waters. Red fish and trout feed on the shrimp pushing them to the surface. Seagulls work on the shrimp from the top. It makes finding fish much easier this time of the year. Cast a plastic lure close to some diving seagulls and get ready for a bent rod. Fall fishing can make every fisherman a professional. Locate the birds and you’ll find the fish. All indicators are pointing to a spectacular fall, my favorite time of the year. Some of my favorite colors are roach with a chartreuse tail in dirty water and chicken on a chain in clear water. I usually throw a heavier lead head to get deeper. Bigger fish are on the bottom. 

A typical night gigging haul on Matagorda.

(Photo: MARK TALASEK)

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Limits of trout have been caught in both bays lately. Deep shell has been holding good numbers of slot specs. Live bait has been working well. Regulations on the limit are really helping our trout population. 

Flounder gigging has been on fire. This has been one of the better years since I started running gigging trips in the 90s. All of my Flounder have come from west bay. Water clarity just hasn’t been consistent in east Matagorda. Give me a call to book your next trip.