Courtesy is Important While Drift Fishing

Each year we fishermen enjoy the many benefits to drift fishing.

As we trailer our boats toward the bay with great anticipation, we take time to discuss with each other how we are going to fish this or that particular area, and what kind if bait to use.

Keep in mind; wind direction in the city and at the water’s edge is usually 180 degrees different.

Once away from the marina, head straight for the area you wish to fish.

Upon arriving, take note of the wind direction and start your drift sideways.

By doing so, more people can fish toward the structure with the wind at their backs.

If the wind is pushing your boat too fast for you to work the bait of choice (live or artificial), there are several methods to drift.

The most commonly used is a drift anchor. It is a bright yellow or blue plastic cone, with a half-inch rope attached to straps that are connected to the top of the cone. (Approx 4 feet across)

The cone fills with water and slows down your drift. The other end is just about an 8-10 inches wide. Other materials may include a five-gallon paint bucket allowed to fill with water and trailed on a half-inch line about 20 feet long.

If you don’t have either of these handy attachments, take your anchor and set it down backwards, allowing it to drag the bottom and slow down your drift.

Earlier, I mentioned keeping the wind to your back. It is almost impossible to cast into the wind or away from the direction you are drifting. Unless you are dredging the spoils of the channel. More on that another time.

You must keep up with the slack line between you and your bait. Once you have a fish on, tell your guide or friend immediately. He will then be able to set the anchor so you and the rest of the party can cast in the general direction of the first fish that was caught.

Do not over stay in the area. A good rule-of-thumb would be about 15 minutes.

If you don’t pick up any more trout or reds, pull up the anchor and continue to drift.

Sometimes I find it more productive not to use the anchor and just drift. Each structure or reef is different.

And, remember, never leave fish. If you have been successful either by anchoring or drifting, stay in the area. The fish will feed again or they may have moved nearby.

Tidal movement and presentation of your bait are very important. If you have caught fish in the area, work it deliberately for at least an hour before moving on. You may want to return to the area when the tide turns the opposite direction.

Boating courtesy is very important when drifting. You may have had another boat anchor right in front of your drift or what we refer to as being cut off from either a boat running through your drift area, or starting up the engine as soon as you approach their boat.

Keep in mind the fish are not likely to stay in the area if you continue to make lots of noise when you decide to leave. Pick up your anchor and drift out of the area then start up the engine and begin a new drift.

Use common courtesy and look for bait activity. A trolling motor comes in handy if you need to leave, but don’t want to stay.

Remember to always have fun and enjoy being outdoors.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Excellent Fishing along the Houston Channel

As the water temperature heats up in excess of 72 degrees, the Houston ship channel produces solid fishing for anglers willing to understand the adverse conditions associated with fishing there.

This is the time of year to keep the channel in mind as an excellent area for trout, as well as other species such as gafftop, red drum and an occasional jackfish.

Anglers should use live shrimp or croaker. Occasionally, soft plastic shad or shrimp tails work well when trout are actively feeding.

Spoons 3/4 ounce to 1 oz and deep water diving plugs will also be choice baits when conditions merit.

Make use of your fish finder to locate areas that have flats or shell pads and place yourself in a position to drift with the current, as well as with the wind. Hopefully, both will be in the sane direction. Keep a watchful eye for slicks and pockets of bait that appear to be nervous.

Once you have hooked-up, it is time to set your anchor. This is not the time to have a short anchor line. For every foot of water beneath your boat, you should put out about five (5) feet of anchor line. For example, ten (10) feet of fishing depth, requires about 50 feet of line.

Some people may opt to use their drift anchor instead. I’ve experienced tremendous trout fishing with the use of croaker and sometimes live shrimp (more on shrimp later). The use of croaker often tests your patience and willingness to stay in the area. Let me assure you that the results will definitely jump start your heart and fill your ice chest with solid trout to seven (7) pounds.

Methods very with each and every angler and every cast.

Use a slip weight (1/4ounce to ½ ounce) depending on the currents in the area. The stronger the current, the heavier the weight. Use a 10-barrel swivel. Attach a 30-pound test leader from the leader to the hook, (wide gap or circle, use No. 4 hook). The length of the leader should be 12 inches to 18 inches.

Sometimes these trout will hit the croaker in an attempt to kill the bait and take it. Be careful not to set the hook too quickly. Other times, they will inhale the bait and move off and set the hook themselves, leaving you holding on for dear life. There have been occasions when it was necessary to literally jig the croaker much like a shrimp tail to ensure the strike. Keep your croakers separate from other live bait, if at all possible. Make use of a circular live bait well and replace the water as often as you can.

There are some bait camp operators who hold live croaker. The one that comes to mind is Eagle Point Fishing Camp in San Leon. Johnny Valentino does a tremendous job of keeping live croakers at the fishing camp. Please call before you leave home (281-339-1131). Availability of croakers depends on the pressure of the fishermen.

As I mentioned earlier, live shrimp is a good bait used under a poppin’ cork anywhere from four (4) to eight(8) feet. The Longer the distance between the shrimp and the cork, the more difficult it is to cast.

Be sure to plan your trips and have alternate spots picked out so that if one area is too crowded or no fish can be found, you can easily venture to another area.

Spoil banks are unforgiving. Ship wakes can virtually remove three (3) to four (4) feet of water in seconds, followed by a huge wave up to eight(8) feet high. This will put a damper on your fishing trip if you are not careful. But, if you insist on fishing in shallow areas along the Houston ship channel, move to deeper water when a ship wake has receded.

Another important thing to look for is the incoming and outgoing ship traffic. Take note of which direction the ship is moving and be ready to pull up your anchor and place your bow into the wake they create, or let out enough anchor line so that the boat can withstand it.

It’s a tough call sometimes, especially when you are on every cast. But, you and your friends are more important than a few fish.

As always, have fun and try not to measure your enjoyment in pounds and inches.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Role of the Wind in Salt Water Fishing

Make no mistake about it, the wind can make or break your upcoming fishing trip or trips. Obviously, the stronger the wind, the rougher the water will have on your fishing trip. For general sport fishing, anything over 12 to 15 knots will make for an uncomfortable day.

The story of Texan saltwater fishing and the wind, however, is more than one of velocity. Direction too, plays a very important role. Then, there is the duration of the wind out of the same direction.

Start by looking at a map of the Gulf Coast. Beginning at Sabine and moving toward Corpus Christi, the coast runs northeast to southwest. However, from Corpus Christi to Mansfield and further south becomes almost due north to south.

What would you say are the best fishing winds? As a rule, the best winds are east to southeast along the coast, less than 12-15 knots. These winds blow in from the sea to bring in clearer and sometimes cooler water. That, folks are the ideal winds for our coastline. Even stronger east to southeast winds may make your fishing a bit unpleasant, but will have little effect on water clarity.

Now look what happens when the blow comes from the land to the sea? Meaning from the dreaded northwest or west. These winds are not conducive to fun fishing, because they drop tides below normal and water clarity becomes non-existent. There is an interesting note about northwest winds in the winter from mid-November to April. These “blue northers” generally cross the coast in excess of 25-40 mph. Old and seasoned fishermen call it “blowing the water out of the bay”.

Look for areas that hold land structure to give you some protection, such as Clear Lake, Moses Lake, Taylor Lake, Offats Bayou and numerous other bodies of water you can find on your Gulf Coast maps.

In addition, it is an ideal time to survey areas normally covered by normal tides. Bottom structure such as reefs or wrecks will hold bait. Remember, finding active bait; will most often result in finding game fish.

Strong and sustained winds from off shore, especially, those from the east, can be a fishing bonanza, making tides run higher than predicted. These winds flood the salt grasses and generally on a falling tide, can result in excellent catching of speckled trout and redfish along with the 3rd member and sometimes over looked flounder.

And last but not least, dead calm wind is generally slow to poor for fishing. There are no ripples on the bay to offset the noise a wader or someone drifting might make. Make no mistake, sound underwater travels 5 times that of what you hear on top, or so the experts say.

Next time you and yours plan a trip, keep this information and use it to make a wise decision for your outdoor adventure on Galveston or any area along the Gulf Coast.

Enjoy the out doors.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

galveston bay fishing reports

Planning Needed for Trophy Speckled Trout, Redfish

This is that time of year when you better plan your fishing trip for trophy trout or redfish. Luck has a lot to do with it, but don’t leave anything to chance. If you are prepared, the odds will be in your favor.

Clothing is essential. Dress in layers, so as you can peel them off as the day’s activity and sun heats up. Neoprene waders are needed to block the frigid water temperature. Usually, you can wear soft cotton sweats and thermal underwear to block out additional chill from the water.

Lure selection should be that of larger deep running plugs. Examples are the “Corky”, She Dogs by Mirrolure, Skittle Walkers by Rapalo and the Baby Spook. Top water lures can sometimes jump-start your heart with their erratic actions, causing “blow-ups” as you retrieve it. Switch to a deeper plug as mentioned earlier.

Remember, almost every large trout is going to be a female. The males don’t grow as big, nor do they live as long as the female.

Interesting enough, the odds of catching large trout or reds in the winter are reasonably good. The fish are more sluggish from the cold, but the larger ones are more active feeders.

In the winter, the larger fish are more tightly schooled. You may find larger trout running with their smaller friends.

Come spring and summer, the bigger specs tend to shy away from schools. They travel in small pods, maybe six or less. Often, the larger fish are loners.

Try fishing at night under the lights. People with bayfront property and pier owners can catch a good many big trout and reds by rigging overhead lights to beam down on the water. The lights attract a lot of bait and with the bait comes the game fish. Usually, the bigger trout will be more active around the fringe of the lights.

To use live bait, selections can include small piggy perch, croakers or mullet. Using live shrimp, place this bait under a popping cork about three or four feet deep.

In the winter, areas that may produce larger trout and red catches are around deep holes, where there is a minimum of current. Large ship basins and areas adjacent to the ship channel where there are dead ends are good places to catch fish. Offitt’s Bayou, Moses Lake and Clear Lake, to name just a few.

During the spring and early fall, work the fringes of salt grass marshes early in the morning or late in the evening on a spring flood tide. By the way, these times coincide with the trout spawn periods. The trout’s roe is dropped in the vicinity of tall grass. As soon as the eggs hatch, the young fish use the grass for food and cover.

What a lot of anglers may not know is that trout are cannibalistic. After the spawn, they return to feed on the young trout. I remember my grandfather using small trout (six-to-eight inches long) as bait for larger trout. Of course, that was before the minimum size limits were in place.

For obvious reasons, the best way to catch the above mentioned is with a licensed, professional guide. It is their business to follow the movement of the fish. They often have a few special techniques to entice the larger ones.

A point to keep in mind about the big ones. They are extremely easy to spook. The reason for their size is their awareness and caution. If you fail to keep this in mind, you will obviously never find one on the end of your rod. Most fishermen in search of large trout will wade fish, using boats simply as a means to reach the fishing grounds. This method allows them to approach these areas with a minimum of noise. Make your cast so the bait strikes the water with as little fanfare as possible.

Pay close attention to what’s happening in the water. Be aware of baitfish activity. Any activity will aid you to catch that trophy speckled trout.

Remember: Structure, bait, and water movement will result in good catches of large speckled trout and red fish.

Presentation and Patience. Sounds easy. Just try all winter and you will be rewarded. Best bet this time of year has been the soft plastic Assassins, or the Stanley Jigs. Use em’ right on the bottom in that mud area or near shell reefs.

As always, the best time to go fishing, is any time you can.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Paul and Jaime Fishing East Bay

 You don’t need a huge bay for good fishing. A small bay with great structure plus marsh embossed borders can fill the bill.

 
That’s the case of East Bay, the smallest of the major bays in the Galveston Estuary. For years it was the best redfish bay on the upper Texas Coast, but back in those years it was also the best kept secret. East Bay is still the best upper coast redfish bay, but that’s no longer a secret, and the bay now gets heavy play from boaters and waders alike.

 
Starting with Hanna’s Reef on the southwest end, East Bay is rich with structure: scores of deep oyster reefs and pipe stands, Hanna’s Reef is a favorite of anglers who like to anchor their boats to fish cuts and drop-offs along the reef. Drift anglers favor the deep reefs to the northeast of Hanna’s Reef and Intracoastal Waterway and those who like to fish the birds.

 
Recently, Jaime Ybarra and myself tested the waters in East Bay. With a stiff North wind we found protected shoreline. I knew fish were holding, especially on an outgoing tide, flushing the bait out on the flats, but to both our amazement, we had no idea what was to follow.

 
Using lime-truse Bass Assassins and pearl chartreuse sea devils, Jaime and I found a bonanza of fish. Jaime limited on reds 27 inches and I had only 1 redfish. Then Jaime caught another fish, thinking it was another red he made the statement “I’ll work on your limit”. This time when the fish surfaced, it was a huge speckled trout. Later we weighed the fish on a certified scale at Eagle Point; it was a healthy 8.7 pounds and 27-3/4 inches long. Jaime and myself scored numerous other big trout that day. Our total that afternoon was 13 trout and 5 reds weighing in a 105 pounds.

 
Awesome Day……………

 
The boarders of East Bay offer excellent wade fishing, especially the stretch along the Bolivar Peninsula side. This stretch from Goat Island, the bay’s junction with Lower Galveston Bay, back to Elm Grove, offers excellent fishing for speckled trout, redfish and flounder. When the wind is light and parallel to the length of Bolivar Peninsula, some of the bigger coves can be fished by drifting. Whether you drift or wade, a boat is needed to reach these waters because you have to cross the Intracoastal Waterway that runs the length of Bolivar Peninsula.

 
The whole of Chambers County side of East Bay can be waded, with the best action generally on the flats behind the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Access is either by the refuge or near Smith’s Point.

 
Some of the best redfish action in this bay is during the oyster season. Working oyster boats make the bay quite sandy and at times downright muddy. This isn’t conducive to decent fishing for speckled trout. The working oyster boats, however, stir up a lot of marine life upon which redfish feed. Don’t bother to fish in the immediate vacinity of the oyster boats. Instead, fish the flats and along the saltgrass marshes on the Bolivar Peninsula side of the bay.

 
East Bay is like West Bay in that it is a Galveston Estuary body of water little affected by fresh water runoff from heavy rains. This bay has two close connections with the Gulf of Mexico. Consequently the salinity level in this bay remains fairly constant, The connection with the Gulf of Mexico is Rollover Pass about 20 miles from the tip if the Bolivar Peninsula. The other connection is the Lower Galveston Bay at the mouth of the entrance to the seaway between the North and South Jetties.

 
Rollover Pass deserves special attention; it offers boatless anglers excellent flounder and golden croaker fishing every fall and spring.

 
There is no lack of fishing facilities (tackle and bait stands, boat-launching ramps, eating establishments) on Bolivar Peninsula. They are located all along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a different story on the Chambers County side of the bay. There are launching facilities on the roads leading to the bay, but all the concession stands selling bait, tackle, ice and food are located near Smith’s Point.

Live Bait's Best, but Don’t Ignore Plastic Alternative

For some saltwater anglers, the recent shortage of live shrimp in Galveston Bay has put their weekends on hold. Others do not seem to notice.

Keep in mind there are times and places in which live shrimp is a must, but springtime along the Texas coast is not one of them. Hatching of the South Texas brownies along with their migration, sometimes is slowed by Mother Nature.

Fishermen who like to fish for the fun of it, shouldn’t let the absence of the white flag alter their fishing trips.

With a little persistence and some well placed luck, the use of plastic can be every bit as productive as the real thing on speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and maybe almost as good for gafftop and sandtrout.

Live shrimp is a fisherman’s tool, just like his rod and reel or his outboard motor and boat. But sometimes, this tool can be a crutch. Often times, some fishermen are too dependent on live shrimp. Typically, diehard live bait fishermen try the plastic route once or twice. If they are not successful, back to the live well igloo.

There are no guarantees even with a live well full of bugs or hoppers. And don’t give this writer the old adage, the family will go without, unless I bring home the bacon, if that were the scenario, the $12 or more it takes to buy a quart of bait would go much further in a discount food store.

Fishing is fun and part of that fun is being able to fool’em. Time, place and water conditions still matters as much, but you can do so choosing the correct lure and making it wiggle just so.

Granted, this is not easy, but the skills needed for most salt-water applications, come with patience and presentation.

Fishing with plastics is not like open-heart surgery. Experience is the best teacher and your classroom is always open. Soft plastic shrimp and shad imitations are for the most part productive and most user friendly along the Texas Gulf coast. Give me a hand full of jigheads and tails, and this writer will surely have fun fooling a few of the Texas big three. These lures can be worked both horizontally and vertically to cover all the necessary water to attract a surprising variety of fish. Texas big three are the prime targets (trout, redfish and flounder).

The Rat-L-Trap seldom sees salt water action in Texas. If you don’t like this lure and it’s kin. Ask Texas bass fishermen for a recommendation. They are available in many colors and finished with corrosion-resistant hardware and they work on any fish that eats piggy perch or menhaden.

Spoons are a must to carry on the bays of Galveston, but this writer has noticed a real downturn in the numbers anglers throw these days. Man, they can cut through a howling southeast wind like a sharp paring knife. Use ¼ oz-3/4 oz depending on the depth and distance you are trying to cover. A wide body spoon wobbles near the surface, while a narrow body plows more deeply through the water. Many a redfish have been landed with a gold spoon as well as other types of plastic imitation shrimp and shad bodies. You can chunk and wind all day with a spoon.

Mirro-lures, Jumpim’ minnows and Corky’s are among a family of somewhat advanced lures, but there is no single, magic way to work any of them.

Start with a slow steady retrieve and have a fishin’ friend begin with a quick erratic pull. Keep it moving. Let it sit. Try anything. And when a fish hits the plug, try and remember to retrieve it the same way the next time.

The length or weight of my stringer does not measure the success of my personal fishing trips any more. More so, the uncanny ability to fool one speckled trout or redfish on a fake bait.

Remember, have fun outdoors. Good luck and god fishing.

See Y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Flounder Fishing – for Everyone

Successful flounder fishing is not for everyone. If you simply cast out the bait and wait, you may catch a flounder or two, but in general you’re in for a disappointment and frustration. Successful hook and line flounder fishing rates right at the head of the class. If you can successfully catch flounder on hook and line, you have bragging rights and should consider yourself an expert.
This writer can give a lot of tips on catching flounder, but when it comes to actually setting the hook in the mouth of a flatfish, it all boils down to two items: “Concentration and Experience”!
“It seems everyone else can catch flounder except me.” I hear that so often this time of year, when the flounder make their migratory move to the Gulf.

First off, the flounder has no swim bladder. This simply means the fish goes through life swimming or lying on or near the bottom. They are unable to suspend themselves motionless at any depth. Furthermore, it doesn’t have the fin structure nor body shape for fast swimming. It tends to move in short darts that appear to be fast, because when flounder move they raise a lot of silt off the bottom.

The fish normally feed from ambush, lying partially hidden on the bottom until food matter moves or drifts close by. The fish quickly raises off the bottom, grabs the food and sinks right back to the bottom. This is where your experience comes into play. Most fish tend to engulf the bait. The flounder instead, hold it tightly with its teeth for a few seconds before ingesting. Some marine biologist say the fish does this to kill the bait before taking it deep into its mouth.
If you try to set the hook the instant you feel a pick-up. Odds are excellent you’ll tear the hook out of the bait and give the flounder a free meal. Instead, wait approximately ten (10) seconds before striking or setting the hook.
This writer prefers to palm my reel, letting the line run lightly between my thumb and forefinger. You would be surprised at what the flounder telegraphs up the taunt line. You can feel the fish working the bait, and you can feel when the fish takes the bait deep into its mouth. That’s the moment of truth to strike and set the hook. Experience this a few times and you will never forget it………

Since flounder normally feed on matter that drifts close by, successful flounder fishermen and women are those who fish every foot of the bottom within casting range. Do this by inching the bait along the bottom. When you feel the line taunt, treat it as if a flounder has grabbed the bait and not as if the hook fouled a snag. Wait the magic ten (10) seconds before setting the hook. This tackle can be modified to be used with a float in wading depth. Rig the float to hold the bait just a few inches above the bottom. Cast up current and allow the current to carry along the float so a lot of bottom can be covered.
When a flounder takes the bait, the float will stop moving and simply lean over in the current. Wait the magical ten (10) seconds, then set the hook. If the float starts moving against the current, you can bet money that the infamous blue crab has grabbed the bait and moved off with it.
There are a number of good terminal rigs for flounder. I prefer a slip sinker attached to the line followed by a swivel, then 18 to 24 inches of leader line (20 to 30 lbs.) followed by a wide gap (circle hook) either #2 or #3. The best bait is either live mud minnows or finger mullet. When the bay temperature cools down under 70 degrees. Live shrimp will also work as well.

The most effective artificial lure is any soft plastic bait. Bass assassin, shrimp tail, or chad tails. Use either 1/8 to ¼ oz. lead head. I prefer the Norton lazer screw on hooks or the new Bass Assassin screw on as well. Work the bait right on the bottom with your yo-yo effect on lifting and dropping the rod tip. I prefer the new All-Pro titanium rod made by Fishing Tackle Unlimited in either 6-1/2’ or 7’.

Hopefully, these tips give you a leg up on your next successful flounder trip.

Good luck and good fishing.

See y’all outdoors on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Wade fishing : Classroom 101…

As we try to find other methods to capture those speckled trout, this writer would suggest that one might try and get out of a perfectly dry boat, commonly referred to as wade fishing. Many are called, few are chosen to this art of catching great fish. It seems that there is some who would believe that you could successfully catch bigger fish, while in the boat. That is further from the truth………………………

Successful wade fishing depends a lot on how you dress. Wearing apparel that can be seen under water from more than a few feet can penalize you by spooking the fish. Remember that fish are skittish when they search for food in shallow water.

Additionally, the wrong apparel can be downright dangerous, especially in waters with deep holes or along the fringes of cuts and channels or in areas where very soft mud can become dangerous bottom.

Don’t wear clothing that will reflect light. A person all decked out in white clothing can really spook fish, especially speckled trout, in shallow water. Instead wear any dark colored pants. When wet, these materials will make your legs look like posts. It’s not at all wise to wade fish bare legged. Long pants will protect your legs from hooks, fins and jellyfish. Guys that wade in shorts, spend a lot of time in the boat, recovering from the sting of those pesky critters.

Some kind of footwear is a must when wade fishing the bays. Bare feet can get you into all kinds of trouble. I prefer tennis shoes or lightweight wading shoes. Boots can get you into a lot of trouble if you happen to step into too deep a hole. So be careful when you purchase those wading boots. Make sure they are at least a size larger. That way, you can lose them should you need too. This is especially true if hip boots are worn. They can quickly fill with water and will practically anchor you to the bottom. Never wade alone. I know what you are thinking. No one else will go or you want to move more quickly to cover the water area. This writer has personally saved several from possible serious injury or worse. Wade in teams of at least 2(two) fishermen. You can really cover more water and when you find those speckled trout or redfish, you can hold them for a time.

The very worst way to wade fish is to go bare footed. I still see this often when the water along the beach front is clear and waders are out seeking speckled trout. Instead of going bare foot, wear very lightweight tennis shoes. It’s very important that these shoes can be easily kicked off if you happen to slip into water over your head and be faced with a situation of having to swim for shore. This is a thing that occurs all to frequently when waders invade the waters of San Luis Pass.

Of course, some sort of insulated wear is needed for wading in the winter. I prefer chest high neoprene waders by Simms Outdoors. Waders, however, can get you into trouble if you venture into water too deep. So always walk with a shuffle to feel the ground ahead so you can dodge holes and avoid slipping off the edge of cuts and channels.

A belt around the outside of the waders can make the apparel serve as a makeshift flotation device if you step into a deep hole or slip into a channel. The belt will help to trap air inside the waders to give you a certain amount of flotation. The thing to do if you go into a hole is to abandon your fishing gear and start paddling to shore. Buying new fishing gear is far less expensive than having your family come to visit you at the area hospital. Remember that you can become numb very quickly in cold water. Hypothermia is nothing to fool with. The water temperature today is slowly moving down toward colder conditions. Presently, it’s 64 degrees and dropping as these cold fronts continue to assault our coastline.

Be sure and layer you apparel when wading. It’s much easier to take it off, instead of not having that pair of sweats of light jacket.

The ideal way to wade fish is to wear some sort of flotation device. There are several on the market that instantly inflate when an access cartridge is popped. With a device like that you can save your life as well as your fishing gear. Otherwise, you can purchase those that are already made to wear. Be sure that they would hold your weight. Check the tags for instructions.

It’s extremely important to wear gear that will seal out moisture as well as the cold when wade fishing in the winter. Wearing several layers of clothing is better than a single heavy garment.

Another important aspect of wade fishing is to always let someone know just where you plan to fish. Your family and friends can use this to start a search for you, if you fail to arrive in a timely fashion. Carry your hand held GPS, so you can let them know where you are at with that implanted (cell phone) we all now carry. Be sure and carry an extra phone battery.

Fishing this time of the year is as good as it gets. Take care of your homework at home or office, and experience a moment of a lifetime.

As always, have a good time in the outdoors.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

CaptPaul Marcaccio,B.O.I.

Fish Slow and Deep for Winter Bay Action

When winter cloud cover prevails, fish the deep holes located on your Hot Spot maps. Should the sun come out, simply move to the flats adjacent to these holes.

A bit later, we will discuss how to fish the flats, but first, we will work on those deep holes.

Even though you are anxious to bring home that big catch, take the time to use your fish finder to locate the pockets of fish suspended at different depths. Each day the fish will move to different parts of the deep structure. Always take the time to check out the entire hole and don’t just fish blind in deep water. Your catch will no doubt reflect the efforts of your search.

Once you have located schools of fish, mark the location with orange floaters. While drifting over the area, bounce the bait off the bottom as if you were jigging in freshwater. Always cover the entire area around your boat, and if the prevailing winds move you along too fast, simply use your drift anchor. Of course, you must not forget to check out those favorite spots you have developed from previous experiences in deep water.

Each time you cast, allow the bait to reach the bottom. Point your rod tip toward the water and jig up or twitch it side-to-side. Usually a trout or red will strike as the bait begins to fall. Always keep the bait moving in the area in which you are fishing since the fish are not considered aggressive and may need enticement to assume they have located a wounded fish. Fishing during January and February does require significant patience and dedication, bur generally, fish caught this time of year will put up a better fight and can weigh 3-to-5 pounds each.

Fish feed differently and less frequently during the winter and tend to nip or peck similar to some perch. Simply wail for a two-count, then set your hook.

Live bait is often difficult to find during the winter months, so you might want to try soft plastic shrimp tails, shad imitations and jerk worms. The best colors being strawberry with white fire tail, pearl with chartreuse tail, smoke, grape, or root beer. For additional movement, you may add the Flex-Jig.

The use of   ¾ - to - 1 ounce spoons are excellent, Try gold or silver with teaser. The fish can feel the vibration with their lateral lines.

Generally, you can cover more water with soft plastic and spoons, both vertically and horizontally.

Now its time to discuss fishin’ those flats after the sun has come out and begun to heat everything up.

You might try a topwater lures (Mirrolure Top Dog and She Dog, or Baby Spooks.

Any large bait is good to imitate the specific fish both the trout and redfish are looking for.

Most smaller bait is absent in the winter. You should look for slicks or pockets of live bait.

Always remember to relax and have fun outdoors and the best time to go fishin’ is anytime you can.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt Paul Marcaccio

East Galveston Bay - Best kept Secret.

 You don’t need a huge bay for good fishing. A small bay with great structure plus marsh embossed borders can fill the bill.

That’s the case of East Bay, the smallest of the major bays in the Galveston Estuary. For years it was the best redfish bay on the upper Texas Coast, but back in those years it was also a best kept secret. East Bay is still the best upper coast redfish bay, but that’s no longer a secret, and the bay now gets heavy play from boaters and waders alike.

 Starting with Hanna’s Reef on the southwest end, East Bay is rich with structure: scores of deep oyster reefs and pipe stands, Hanna’s Reef is a favorite of anglers who like to anchor their boats to fish cuts and drop-offs along the reef. The deep reefs to the northeast of Hanna’s Reef and extending back to the bay’s connection with the mouth of the Intracoastal Waterway are favored by drift anglers and those who like to fish the birds.

 The borders of East Bay offer excellent wade fishing, especially the stretch along the Bolivar Peninsula side. This stretch from Goat Island, the bay’s junction with Lower Galveston Bay, back to Elm Grove offers excellent fishing for speckled trout, redfish and flounder. When the wind is light and parallel to the length of Bolivar Peninsula some of the bigger coves can be fished by drifting. Whether you drift or wade, a boat is needed to reach these waters because you have to cross the Intracoastal Waterway that runs the length of Bolivar Peninsula.

The whole of Chambers County side of East Bay can be waded, with the best action generally on the flats near the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Access is either by the Refuge or near Smith’s Point. Reefs like Stephenson Pt., Deep, and Robinson Bayou, just to name a few good ones.

 Some of the best redfish action in this bay is during the oyster season. Working oyster boats make the bay quite sandy and at times downright muddy. This isn’t conducive to decent fishing for speckled trout. The working oyster boats, however, stir up a lot of marine life upon which redfish feed. Fish in the immediate vacinity of the oyster boats. Fish the flats and along the saltgrass marshes on the Bolivar Peninsula side of the bay. As a rule of thumb, let the tidal movement move the sediment toward where you are drifting. Great production will results in following the oyster boats at times………………….

 East Bay is like West Bay in that it is a Galveston Estuary body of water little affected by fresh water runoff from heavy rains. This bay has two close connections with the Gulf of Mexico. Consequently the salinity level in this bay remains fairly constant. The connection with the Gulf of Mexico is Rollover Pass about 20 miles from the tip of Bolivar Peninsula. The other connection is the Lower Galveston Bay at the mouth of the entrance to the seaway between the North and South Jetties.

 Rollover Pass deserves special attention. It offers boatless anglers excellent flounder and golden croaker fishing every fall and spring.

There is no lack of fishing facilities (tackle and bait stands, boat-launching ramps, eating establishments) on Bolivar Peninsula. They are located all along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a different story on the Chambers County side of the bay. There are launching facilities on the roads leading to the bay, but all the concession stands selling bait, tackle, ice and food supplies are located near Smith’s Point at the far northwest corner of the bay.

 Take advantage of the north shoreline, reefs like Deep, Whitehead and Richards, are excellent reefs to drift and find good solid speckled trout and redfish. Make use of the Salt Water Bass Assassins or Mirrolures baits in soft or hard plastics. Colors include bone-diamond, limetruse, Texas roach and pearl-chartreuse. Top water products like the She Pup or the Baby Super Spook are great tools for those elusive fish over 25 inches. Colors should be light in clear water and dark in off-colored water. Present temps are in the mid-70?

 Recent winds and rains from the upper watersheds have had a great effect on quality catching of speckled trout and redfish. Spring tides are up 2-3 feet at present. Fish are close to drains and bayous on the incoming and out some on the outgoing tide periods.

  Always file a flight plan. That way, someone can start to look for your group should you break down or worse, need medical assistance.

God bless you and your families.

Capt Paul Marcaccio