Live Shrimp for Speckled Trout

Live shrimp is unbeatable trout bait in terms of all around effectiveness. The cost is relatively high and it can be difficult to keep alive in the summer heat of Galveston Bay, but many anglers will settle for nothing else. There are certain times during the summer months when natural baits will take more speckled trout than artificial baits.

Speckled trout are hard to please eaters who feed on fresh bait, not shrimp that has been frozen for a long period of time or that has a stink to it. Live shrimp works wonders around bay flats, reefs and along the edges of grass and marshes. These are areas where trout are likely to school in large numbers.

As far as some species of fish are concerned the larger the bait, the bigger the fish that is likely to be caught. In the case of speckled trout, however, the bait must be tailored to the waters being fished. Shrimp five to seven inches long make good bait for trout between four to six pounds, or when you are fishing the jetty waters or in passes or channels that hook up the bays to the Gulf of Mexico.

Larger shrimp are less effective in the bay areas. It has been my experience that shrimp about three to four inches are ideal to secure good stringers of trout. Whether you hook the shrimp under the horn or through the next-to-last section of the body, from the tail, depends on the size of shrimp and its stage of life.

Very small shrimp are difficult to hook under the spike. There are also times when the shell is very soft. In both cases, you need to hook the shrimp in the next-to-last part, next to the tail. I prefer to use the latter method at all times. The bait appears more natural and chances are you will not hook the area under the spike (commonly referred to as the brain). Many times, I feel it’s how you present the bait that will make the difference on whether the trout takes it at all. Sometimes try hooking the shrimp under the bottom (or the belly), giving the look of a crippled bait. Other times squeeze the head just enough to crack the shell. This also gives bait a disabled look and the juice will attract the trout due to the smell.

This time of year, be sure and get a early start to the bait camps along the Texas coast. Look for the flags, white in color. Eagle Point Camp in San Leon, always has this product, along with the famous crocker as well.

Speckled trout have extremely large mouths, and when they strike, they usually take the whole bait. But, this doesn’t mean they hold the bait for one or two counts before ingesting it. Many old saltwater anglers believe that trout take the bait headfirst. A lot of times, after a solid hit with live shrimp, the bait appears to be squeezed together (head to tail), giving the impression that trout grab the shrimp from the side rather than headfirst.

“Fresh” dead shrimp is excellent. Try heading and peeling it before putting it on the hook. Suspend the bait under a popping cork about three feet. Hook the entire shrimp through the body. “Jiggle” the rod tip and pop the cork carefully to give it a little action.

Another alternative to live shrimp, and my all-time favorite, is the use of artificial lures.

Successful fishing with these baits is an art that is not acquired by accident. It requires a technique that takes time, patience and practice. Until it’s mastered, this type of fishing can be quite unproductive. But, if the flags are not flying, do not hesitate to using soft plastics like Bass Assassins or Stanleys jigs.

But, regardless, have fun while fishing and enjoy the outdoors.

See Y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Fishing Guide Galveston Bay: http://www.gofishgalveston.com

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

Weather, Water and Equipment

Remember fish are cold-blooded creatures. Their bodies take on the temperature of the element (water) in which they live. Fish caught in winter feel as cold as ice, while those taken in the summer feel warm and as a result the meat spoils much faster. Weather extremes, sweltering heat in the summer and bitter cold in the winter, can make for difficult fishing.

Many people cut down on their number of fishing trips during these extremes. There is no chart that says that weather extremes make for bad fishing, but that's only if you aren't familiar with how the fish react to the weather. A point to keep in mind is the temperature of the water isn't the same in every location.

In the winter, surface water is coldest until it reaches about 38 degrees Fahrenheit and then it sinks to the bottom. Consequently, fish caught in very shallow water in a sudden freeze are often filled, whereas those caught in areas where the water is deep simply go to the bottom to escape the freeze. The cold slows the body functions of the fish and it will remain near the bottom almost in a stupor during a cold spell.

The temperature varies in bodies of water in the heat of summer, too. Shallow water becomes the warmest, and when this occurs, fish move into deep water where the temperature is more to their liking. The deeper water is where the oxygen content is more consistent, whereas in shallow areas the oxygen content depletes as the temperature rises. The rising temperature in shallow water causes an increase in the salinity level. When fishing in hot weather, you will score most consistently by and on an incoming tide. An incoming tide tends to cool the water on flats where the bulk of marine food is located. During the middle part of the day – from about 10:00am until 4:00pm – the best fishing is generally in middle parts of the bay where the water is deeper and cooler.

At this time of year some excellent speckled trout fishing can be enjoyed around the pipe stands and gas wells in lower Galveston Bay, as well as the spoil banks along the ship channel. When beachfront waters clear sufficiently for speckled trout fishing, the best time to go is early in the morning if you’re wading. After 10:00am, as the shallow surf warms, speckled trout move to deeper water, This is when you can do well fishing from the T-head of a beachfront pier. Heat of the day fishing can be very good in the deep water around the north and south jetties. Except for Spanish mackerel, ling and a few other surface feeders, the best fishing at the jetties is at the bottom of hot weather. Go on an incoming or high tide because the water exchange from the open Gulf of Mexico will be a little cooler.

Summer fishing always poses a problem for those using live bait. You need a constant circulation of water in the bait tanks. When you’re hauling bait from the bait stand to your fishing location, put chunks of ice in a Ziplock bag in the container. It will lower the temperature of the water and keep the bait from becoming over active and subsequently dying. Cool water has a calming effect on bait, especially shrimp. Cool water is important for fishermen also. Never leave the dock without plenty of drinking water for yourself. While we are on the subject of things for yourself, don’t forget your fishing bag. You know the old saying, “Don’t leave home without it.”

Unfortunate experiences linger in my memory. If you spend enough time on the water, sooner or later, you will have your own tales to tell. Most of us expect to return to the marina sometime after a full day on the water without any mishaps. We all know the weather in the afternoon will be just like the stillness and sunshine of the morning. But, sometimes it does not turn out that way. My fishing bag goes with me on every trip. The Galveston Bay complex can change quickly to thunderstorms on these pleasant days of summer and even in the winter preceding these major cold fronts. Pack an extra jacket (water-resistant), long pants and an extra cotton shirt. Also, place an extra hat, just in case. No one likes to spend the entire day out on the water without one. Everyone should carry a first aid kit. In addition, take your cellular phone with extra batteries, which can come in handy if you need to call 9-1-1. A handheld VHF radio will also suffice. In your first aid kit, place a box of matches, they can be used to start a fire if you wind up on deserted shoreline. Fishing pliers are essential. Many times I have had to use extra ones in my bag, because a friend didn’t bring his or we lost them overboard. Throw in a folding fillet knife or, if room permits, an electric fillet knife with an extension cord.

The insect life aboard my boat would amaze you. You can bet, if you start to wade fish early one morning and get close enough to the grass line without much wind, you will find a swarm of gnats, flies, live bugs or our infamous mosquitoes, feeding on your body. Any type of insect repellent (can, tube or spray) can be a skin-saver. In addition, sunblock and lip balm can keep you out of harms way in the sun. Sunglasses don’t last forever, even if they are tied around your neck. Carry an extra pair, particularly if they are prescription. If you wear bifocals, take a back-up pair. Without them it can be a long, out-of-focus day out there.

If you take food, it pays to add a little more than you intend to eat. Carry some emergency rations like candy bars, peanuts or raisins. Place them in a plastic bag. Speaking of plastic bags, throw some extra ones in your fishing bag. You’ll find plenty of uses for them, and they work well when you are packing your fillets. If you are curious as I am about how well other boats are doing, or if you just want to scan the horizon for flocks of birds, binoculars can come in handy. A small, lightweight pair will fit in the bag.

Remember that this is a small bag, not a suitcase.

Based on your own experience, you’ll probably come up with some other items that are important for your area. Of course, it pays to take an extra spool of line and maybe a good back-up reel, plus all that tackle you think you will need.

As Always, good luck and have fun outdoors.
See Y’all on Galveston Bay

Capt. Paul Marcaccio
http://www.gofishgalveston.com