THE GUIDE REPORT
SUNDAY – June 17th
Capt. Billy Freudensprung – We haven’t been able to get out on the water much at all this week due to all the rain we’ve had, so Father’s Day was the last time I wet a line! I had a nice morning trip with the guys from the Wayne V. party that were visiting the lodge all weekend. Sunday morning turned out being a bit of a grind, but my guys stuck it out to the end and were able to scratch out their trout limits.
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TUESDAY – June 19th
Capt. Todd Jones – Like Christmas morning! Came home to this “goody package” from the fine folks over at ForEverlast! I’ve learned real fast that when you’re on the water close to 200 days per year, quality equipment is important. These guys have it dialed in. If you need any quality wading gear, and lots more, give Billy and his crew a call. Thanks to the guys at Foreverlast for making my job a little easier! (361) 798-1530 http://www.foreverlastonline.com
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HOT CHOICES
Now that summertime is here, the word “hot” tends to mean a variety of things to different folks. For those who live along the Texas coast, it could mean losing prime fishing time out on the water due to several days of showers and thunderstorms produced by tropical moisture out of the Gulf of Mexico (just like we’ve experienced these past few days). However, for artificial lure enthusiasts it simply means that catching fish with lures may often become more of a challenge. Ever-rising water temperatures will place trout in the lower water column where water temperatures are coolest. When fishing plastic lures over deep structure, like shell, a slow retrieve will work best in order to keep your lure riding just above the bay bottom. Some of the more productive colors will be glow/chartreuse, plum/chartreuse, strawberry/white, gold/chartreuse, and morning glory.
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If plastic tails don’t do it for you, test your skill by throwing some of the more popular slow-sinking baits during the upcoming warmer months. One favorite is the suspending Corky Devil in some of the more bright colors, like that of a chartreuse/silver glitter body and a bright orange tail. As you work these Devils, use a slow and steady pump, while occasionally stopping long enough to allow the lure to fall for 2 to 3 seconds before beginning the slow pumps again. The strike will generally occur while the bait is undergoing its slow-fall process, but violent hook-ups may come throughout any and all of the motions of the retrieve, especially during the course of an aggressive bite. So stay alert, and have fun!
Although not as prevalent as during the colder months, it is not unheard of for summertime to present us with a brief north wind every now and then. These hotter northern influences don’t carry with them the force and strength that we’re used to seeing in February or March, but they often remain significant enough to limit your fishing activities to the protection of northern locales. Along our portion of the Texas coast, areas from Espiritu Santo Bay all the way down to Mesquite Bay provide an ample amount of choices when seeking immunity from a north wind that only a north shore is capable of supplying, and the northern shores of these bay systems have produced countless numbers of large trout and redfish.
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In fishing these areas, concentrate your efforts between open passes or sandy guts where plenty of grass is located. Locating nervous mullet or exploding baitfish will help you locate both trout and redfish in these areas. Fish tight to the grass shoreline between area sand bars and guts while throwing any of an assortment of bright-colored plastic tails, and never discount the use of the “old school” gold or silver spoon. If you prefer throwing top water lures, starting your day very early each morning will be important. Make sure you’re in your spot about an hour before sunrise, and then switch to plastics after the sun starts warming the shallows. Keep in mind, also, that shell is typically a steady trout producer throughout the warmer months, so focus on points of reefs or deep drop offs where noticeable structure is present. Tight lines to everyone!
Latest posts by Capt. Chris Martin (see all)
- Late April Trout at Bay Flats Lodge Resort & Marina – April 25, 2019
- Baiting the February Bite at Bay Flats Lodge Resort & Marina – January 27, 2019
- The Hunt for December Trophy Trout Continues at Bay Flats Lodge Resort & Marina! – December 4, 2018
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