Winter Fishing in January 2011
Welcome aboard to this year’s annual Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show. By the time you read this article, we ought to be set up in the Reliant Park to display our guide service, as well as other tackle distributors and area guides. Under one roof, you can shop till you drop for that fishing, hunting, boat purchase or professional fishing guide.
This year is no different from years past. The Houston Boat Traders Association does an excellent job in allowing all of us to display our services and products.
Fishermen and women alike who catch fish along the Texas Gulf Coast this time of year are those who fish slow and deep. And, as an afterthought, it helps to know which lures to use and how to fish'em, because January is one of those months when live shrimp are often very difficult to obtain.
Fish in deep waters, because that’s where the trout and reds go when the temperature falls. Fish take on the temperature of the water in which they live. Cold water sinks, but when the sinking water is about 40 degrees, it starts to rise back to the surface. And then if the cold air is intense enough, the water freezes. We loose fish, speckled trout and redfish and a lot of others, every time we have a hard freeze along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The fish that are lost are those that failed to get to protection in deep water. These fish losses occur when hard freezes follow a lengthy period of moderate surface temperatures.
Fish continue to feed in cold water, but they do so less frequently than when the water is just moderately cool. Not only that, they feed in a different manner than when the water is warmer. When the water is cold, fish tend to only nip and peck or just hold the bait. Consequently it is important to work the bait slow. Then when a nibble or tension is felt set your hook hard.
The fisherman who scores consistently in cold weather works their bait slow along the bottom of deep structure; especially where there are no strong tidal movements. The most productive way to work the bait is to bump it slowly off the bottom.
Since the fish are sluggish because of the cold, it is important to work the entire bottom within casting range. Cold-numbed speckled trout or reds just do not pursue their food the way they do in spring or summer. Fishing in January or for that matter in any of the wintertime requires a great deal of patience and dedication. Besides having chapped lips and a dripping nose, along with cold hands and feet, fishermen have to concentrate on catching. You have to work the bait all the time. No throwing it out and just waiting. Keeping it moving in a series of short but slow hops along the bottom and this holds true whether you are using lures or natural baits.
Effective ways to fish the deep holes is to allow the boat to drift but keep a drift sock or sea anchor to slow your movement. This type of fishing technique is to jig the bait or lure up and down. Allow it to touch the bottom if possible, point the rod tip to the surface of the water, lifting it up and again point it at surface causing the lure to flutter as it falls back to the bottom.
Most fish strikes occur when the lure falls toward the bottom. Fishermen who drift over the deep structure in wintertime can greatly improve their success if they use a depth finder. Garmin Electronics among others are excellent units. Cost varies with each unit’s ability to show different configurations along the bottom. Schools of fish do not blanket the bottom of holes. On day they may be along the north side of the hole, the next day it might be on the east, south or west side. You can locate them quicker if you have a good fish finder.
An interesting aspect about winter fishing is that frequently the fish that pecks and nibbles turns into a real fighter when brought to the surface. Another plus about fishing in January, most of the speckled trout are generally in the 2-4 lb. Range. Occasionally, specs to 6-7lbs. are caught this time of year. Redfish on the other hand will usually be in the slot.
Color selection should be light – glow-pearl or limetruse, using a 1/4oz. or 3/8-oz. lead head depending on the tidal flow and structure you are fishing. Dark colors will also work like plum-red and fire tiger. Bass Assassin and Stanley Jig lures will be one that gives you all of the above and more. Use the wide gap screw on ultra point lead heads by Bass Assassin or Stanley new one as well for that super strong hook set. Spoons in either gold or silver and red buck tail will show a lot of flash on or near the bottom. Use ½ to ¾ oz Johnson Sprite. Mirro-lure slow sinking plugs work extremely well this time of year. Either the series 38, 51 or 52 work well in flash colors.
The one advantage of Bass Assassin and Stanley Jigs is they are soft and feel like something edible. Hence fish will make a second or third pass at it.
Enough said about fishing for this month. Stop by our booth in the Arena area at 632.
Look for my seminar the fourth Saturday, January 22rd, 2011 at 8:00 AM and we’ll continue some more aspects of wintertime fishing methods. Seminar will be at Fishing Tackle Unlimited. Email for cost and limited space
Happy New Year to everyone. May the Lord indeed bless you and your family.
See you at the show and if not, before on Galveston Bay.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Cooler Temperatures – Winter Pattern for Speckled Trout and Redfish
Teal and Dove seasons are upon us anglers. Keep in mine, not to forget some of Galveston Bays finest fishing is also in full swing.
With the passing of each cold front, it has given us relief from the heat of the summer months as well as giving us greater opportunities for fishing Trinity Bay.
The cooler temperatures have already had an effect on Galveston Bay, especially Trinity Bay. In the later days of summer when the water temperature hovers around 90 degrees and there is no relief in sight; fishing for speckled trout or redfish is at best difficult. The fish are usually scattered and are very difficult to locate; sometimes the best time is to fish at night under some sort of lights.
So with the recent weather forecast calling for the first few cold fronts in ’2010, local fishermen look forward to these weather changes with great anticipation of the fall season. The fish start moving, some flounder will make their annual migration, and the golden croaker run is next followed closely by the speckled trout and redfish. These fronts tell the fish to start storing up food for the upcoming cold months ahead. This is also the time of year when the birds start working over the migration of shrimp out of the bay system. Some would say that perhaps this is their most favorite time of year. This time of year, the cooler temperatures make it very comfortable fishing and there seems to be less pressure on the bay because of the hunting seasons. Fishing pressure affects Trinity Bay as much as the weather sometimes. Best bet now is to key on watching for diving birds (seagulls and terns) hovering over nervous shrimp skipping across the water.
This can be some of the best fishing and most rewarding for your ice chests.
Best bet to use for success while working the birds is a bass assassin or shad body, with a quarter ounce lead head. Sometimes, you may want to use a heavier head to get the bait past the smaller trout near the surface. Larger trout to three pounds are almost always feeding near the bottom of the area in question. Excellent bait is a spoon. Because it weighs more and the spoon is larger, the distance to the frenzy birds can be reduced with a longer cast and drops quickly to those larger trout. This writer often wonders when the fish are in a feeding frenzy like that if it really matters what you throw, “but if it is not broke, don’t fix it!” As I said earlier, the fishing pressure has as much affect on Trinity Bay as the temperature. During the week, you can see the difference. Birds will be working the whole bay, but as soon as the weekend comes, the activity shuts down quite a bit. When you spot a flock of birds, especially in the back of Trinity Bay, a trolling motor can be a big advantage. If you go plowing in there fast with your big engines, the fish will scatter and very little will be caught. Use common sense, and stay approximately one hundred feet upwind of the diving birds and drift in with the aid of your trolling motor. I know sometimes this can be frustrating because you know the fish are there and you want to get there quickly, but I promise, if you motor right in on top of the birds, the fish will scatter. Remember that if there are boats already working the birds, they do have first right, so be courteous of those fishing and start looking for other birds and they should return the favor. Look for smaller number of birds (less than five) working as sometimes larger trout can be found under those birds as opposed to thirty to forty birds working a larger school of trout where the fish are smaller.
I hope to see y’all on Trinity Bay and remember to be courteous to the other anglers when fishing the birds.
Good luck and good fishing.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio - Professional Guide with over 30 years of experience
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Courtesty 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 of bait to use.
Keep in mind; win 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 on a half-inch line about 20 feet long. If you don't have either of these handy attachments, take your anchor and sent 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 sway from the direction your 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 to use the anchor and just drift. Each structure or reef is different. And remember, never leave fish. If you 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 or 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
August 2010
Keep in mind; win 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 on a half-inch line about 20 feet long. If you don't have either of these handy attachments, take your anchor and sent 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 sway from the direction your 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 to use the anchor and just drift. Each structure or reef is different. And remember, never leave fish. If you 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 or 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
August 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
That Elusive Trophy Trout May Be Yours This Month
March is really not the ideal time to seek trophy trout, but here are some tips that may enhance your chances of mounting that elusive show trout.
For whatever reason, wade fishermen find that large speckled trout seem to hit on long casts. Maybe they are more wary than the smaller ones. Take special interest in your tackle. Be sure you have a rod with plenty of backbone. One with too much bow may result in a missed trophy trout.
In addition, line size plays a significant role. Be sure to use no larger than 30lb braid by Sufix or 10 lb mono. Lighter line will cast farther and will drop through the water without being noticed as much as a heavier test line.
There will be a few days during the month that the tide and water clarity will be right for the asking. If possible, use double tides (two lows and two highs), along with trout water (approximately 12 inches of visibility) to start your trophy hunt.
Keep in mind, pods of nervous mullet or baitfish are essential. That show trout is lurking just beneath them.
Make sure of the entire Galveston Bay complex, areas like the south shoreline of West Bay, or the wading areas in East Bay (north and south). Don’t forget about Trinity Bay. When salinity is right, expect to find that career speckled trout.
A combination of layered clothing, covered by neoprene waders insures a comfortable guard against the winter water.
Bay water temperatures cool and the fish turn more to a diet of mullet and shad. Hard-bodied mullet imitations, such as She Dog, Jr., baby Spooks or Mirro-lures become real producers. That is not to say that soft plastics (Bass Assassin or Sand Eel, Jr. from Norton Lures) are not effective during the winter.
When the initial strike hits your rod, set the hook. Leave nothing to the imagination. Big fish are favored in the first few seconds. If she has the bait securely in her yellow mouth, you probably won’t lose her, if you remember to set the hook hard and hold the rod tip up. A tight drag is not necessary. Back off the reel drag. Let the reel fight the surges and dives she will make toward you. If necessary, use your thumb to keep pressure as she runs her course.
Some trout will tail walk and roll away in an attempt to shake the bait. At times, she will run at you in an attempt to gain freedom. Keep the rod at arms distance. Give yourself additional line by pulling the line yourself while keeping tension on the rod and line.
When you finally have her to within reach, don’t panic. She will be larger than life. Walk the fish in a semi-circle; making sure your stringer stays out of the way. Keep in mind, you will have only one chance to reach out and secure that trophy trout. You may need to raise the rod with a high arm to guide and hold the fish within reach.
Correctly grip her across the back behind the gills. When you are ready and the fish is lifeless for a moment, seize her. Reach out and grab with authority. Now place your rod under your arm and pull enough line to secure the trout in your donut or on your stringer. Your other hand may be necessary to hold the underside of the fish, being careful not to damage the gills, if you are going to release this beautiful fish.
Now you’ve finally done the impossible. Congratulations are in order. Maybe even a holler. Makes no matter, you won the battle.
Enjoy the moment. It will be yours for all time.
Have fun and be careful while fishing.
Good luck and good fishing.
See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio
http://www.gofishgalveston.com
For whatever reason, wade fishermen find that large speckled trout seem to hit on long casts. Maybe they are more wary than the smaller ones. Take special interest in your tackle. Be sure you have a rod with plenty of backbone. One with too much bow may result in a missed trophy trout.
In addition, line size plays a significant role. Be sure to use no larger than 30lb braid by Sufix or 10 lb mono. Lighter line will cast farther and will drop through the water without being noticed as much as a heavier test line.
There will be a few days during the month that the tide and water clarity will be right for the asking. If possible, use double tides (two lows and two highs), along with trout water (approximately 12 inches of visibility) to start your trophy hunt.
Keep in mind, pods of nervous mullet or baitfish are essential. That show trout is lurking just beneath them.
Make sure of the entire Galveston Bay complex, areas like the south shoreline of West Bay, or the wading areas in East Bay (north and south). Don’t forget about Trinity Bay. When salinity is right, expect to find that career speckled trout.
A combination of layered clothing, covered by neoprene waders insures a comfortable guard against the winter water.
Bay water temperatures cool and the fish turn more to a diet of mullet and shad. Hard-bodied mullet imitations, such as She Dog, Jr., baby Spooks or Mirro-lures become real producers. That is not to say that soft plastics (Bass Assassin or Sand Eel, Jr. from Norton Lures) are not effective during the winter.
When the initial strike hits your rod, set the hook. Leave nothing to the imagination. Big fish are favored in the first few seconds. If she has the bait securely in her yellow mouth, you probably won’t lose her, if you remember to set the hook hard and hold the rod tip up. A tight drag is not necessary. Back off the reel drag. Let the reel fight the surges and dives she will make toward you. If necessary, use your thumb to keep pressure as she runs her course.
Some trout will tail walk and roll away in an attempt to shake the bait. At times, she will run at you in an attempt to gain freedom. Keep the rod at arms distance. Give yourself additional line by pulling the line yourself while keeping tension on the rod and line.
When you finally have her to within reach, don’t panic. She will be larger than life. Walk the fish in a semi-circle; making sure your stringer stays out of the way. Keep in mind, you will have only one chance to reach out and secure that trophy trout. You may need to raise the rod with a high arm to guide and hold the fish within reach.
Correctly grip her across the back behind the gills. When you are ready and the fish is lifeless for a moment, seize her. Reach out and grab with authority. Now place your rod under your arm and pull enough line to secure the trout in your donut or on your stringer. Your other hand may be necessary to hold the underside of the fish, being careful not to damage the gills, if you are going to release this beautiful fish.
Now you’ve finally done the impossible. Congratulations are in order. Maybe even a holler. Makes no matter, you won the battle.
Enjoy the moment. It will be yours for all time.
Have fun and be careful while fishing.
Good luck and good fishing.
See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio
http://www.gofishgalveston.com
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Winter Fishing in January 2011
Welcome aboard to this year’s annual Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show. By the time you read this article, we ought to be set up in the Reliant Park to display our guide service, as well as other tackle distributors and area guides. Under one roof, you can shop till you drop for that fishing, hunting, boat purchase or professional fishing guide.
This year is no different from years past. The Houston Boat Traders Association does an excellent job in allowing all of us to display our services and products.
Fishermen and women alike who catch fish along the Texas Gulf Coast this time of year are those who fish slow and deep. And, as an afterthought, it helps to know which lures to use and how to fish'em, because January is one of those months when live shrimp are often very difficult to obtain.
Fish in deep waters, because that’s where the trout and reds go when the temperature falls. Fish take on the temperature of the water in which they live. Cold water sinks, but when the sinking water is about 40 degrees, it starts to rise back to the surface. And then if the cold air is intense enough, the water freezes. We loose fish, speckled trout and redfish and a lot of others, every time we have a hard freeze along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The fish that are lost are those that failed to get to protection in deep water. These fish losses occur when hard freezes follow a lengthy period of moderate surface temperatures.
Fish continue to feed in cold water, but they do so less frequently than when the water is just moderately cool. Not only that, they feed in a different manner than when the water is warmer. When the water is cold, fish tend to only nip and peck or just hold the bait. Consequently it is important to work the bait slow. Then when a nibble or tension is felt set your hook hard.
The fisherman who scores consistently in cold weather works their bait slow along the bottom of deep structure; especially where there are no strong tidal movements. The most productive way to work the bait is to bump it slowly off the bottom.
Since the fish are sluggish because of the cold, it is important to work the entire bottom within casting range. Cold-numbed speckled trout or reds just do not pursue their food the way they do in spring or summer. Fishing in January or for that matter in any of the wintertime requires a great deal of patience and dedication. Besides having chapped lips and a dripping nose, along with cold hands and feet, fishermen have to concentrate on catching. You have to work the bait all the time. No throwing it out and just waiting. Keeping it moving in a series of short but slow hops along the bottom and this holds true whether you are using lures or natural baits.
Effective ways to fish the deep holes is to allow the boat to drift but keep a drift sock or sea anchor to slow your movement. This type of fishing technique is to jig the bait or lure up and down. Allow it to touch the bottom if possible, point the rod tip to the surface of the water, lifting it up and again point it at surface causing the lure to flutter as it falls back to the bottom.
Most fish strikes occur when the lure falls toward the bottom. Fishermen who drift over the deep structure in wintertime can greatly improve their success if they use a depth finder. Garmin Electronics among others are excellent units. Cost varies with each unit’s ability to show different configurations along the bottom. Schools of fish do not blanket the bottom of holes. On day they may be along the north side of the hole, the next day it might be on the east, south or west side. You can locate them quicker if you have a good fish finder.
An interesting aspect about winter fishing is that frequently the fish that pecks and nibbles turns into a real fighter when brought to the surface. Another plus about fishing in January, most of the speckled trout are generally in the 2-4 lb. Range. Occasionally, specs to 6-7lbs. are caught this time of year. Redfish on the other hand will usually be in the slot.
Color selection should be light – glow-pearl or limetruse, using a 1/4oz. or 3/8-oz. lead head depending on the tidal flow and structure you are fishing. Dark colors will also work like plum-red and fire tiger. Bass Assassin and Stanley Jig lures will be one that gives you all of the above and more. Use the wide gap screw on ultra point lead heads by Bass Assassin or Stanley new one as well for that super strong hook set. Spoons in either gold or silver and red buck tail will show a lot of flash on or near the bottom. Use ½ to ¾ oz Johnson Sprite. Mirro-lure slow sinking plugs work extremely well this time of year. Either the series 38, 51 or 52 work well in flash colors.
The one advantage of Bass Assassin and Stanley Jigs is they are soft and feel like something edible. Hence fish will make a second or third pass at it.
Enough said about fishing for this month. Stop by our booth in the Arena area at 632.
Look for my seminar the fourth Saturday, January 22rd, 2011 at 8:00 AM and we’ll continue some more aspects of wintertime fishing methods. Seminar will be at Fishing Tackle Unlimited. Email for cost and limited space
Happy New Year to everyone. May the Lord indeed bless you and your family.
See you at the show and if not, before on Galveston Bay.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio
http://www.gofishgalveston.com/
This year is no different from years past. The Houston Boat Traders Association does an excellent job in allowing all of us to display our services and products.
Fishermen and women alike who catch fish along the Texas Gulf Coast this time of year are those who fish slow and deep. And, as an afterthought, it helps to know which lures to use and how to fish'em, because January is one of those months when live shrimp are often very difficult to obtain.
Fish in deep waters, because that’s where the trout and reds go when the temperature falls. Fish take on the temperature of the water in which they live. Cold water sinks, but when the sinking water is about 40 degrees, it starts to rise back to the surface. And then if the cold air is intense enough, the water freezes. We loose fish, speckled trout and redfish and a lot of others, every time we have a hard freeze along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The fish that are lost are those that failed to get to protection in deep water. These fish losses occur when hard freezes follow a lengthy period of moderate surface temperatures.
Fish continue to feed in cold water, but they do so less frequently than when the water is just moderately cool. Not only that, they feed in a different manner than when the water is warmer. When the water is cold, fish tend to only nip and peck or just hold the bait. Consequently it is important to work the bait slow. Then when a nibble or tension is felt set your hook hard.
The fisherman who scores consistently in cold weather works their bait slow along the bottom of deep structure; especially where there are no strong tidal movements. The most productive way to work the bait is to bump it slowly off the bottom.
Since the fish are sluggish because of the cold, it is important to work the entire bottom within casting range. Cold-numbed speckled trout or reds just do not pursue their food the way they do in spring or summer. Fishing in January or for that matter in any of the wintertime requires a great deal of patience and dedication. Besides having chapped lips and a dripping nose, along with cold hands and feet, fishermen have to concentrate on catching. You have to work the bait all the time. No throwing it out and just waiting. Keeping it moving in a series of short but slow hops along the bottom and this holds true whether you are using lures or natural baits.
Effective ways to fish the deep holes is to allow the boat to drift but keep a drift sock or sea anchor to slow your movement. This type of fishing technique is to jig the bait or lure up and down. Allow it to touch the bottom if possible, point the rod tip to the surface of the water, lifting it up and again point it at surface causing the lure to flutter as it falls back to the bottom.
Most fish strikes occur when the lure falls toward the bottom. Fishermen who drift over the deep structure in wintertime can greatly improve their success if they use a depth finder. Garmin Electronics among others are excellent units. Cost varies with each unit’s ability to show different configurations along the bottom. Schools of fish do not blanket the bottom of holes. On day they may be along the north side of the hole, the next day it might be on the east, south or west side. You can locate them quicker if you have a good fish finder.
An interesting aspect about winter fishing is that frequently the fish that pecks and nibbles turns into a real fighter when brought to the surface. Another plus about fishing in January, most of the speckled trout are generally in the 2-4 lb. Range. Occasionally, specs to 6-7lbs. are caught this time of year. Redfish on the other hand will usually be in the slot.
Color selection should be light – glow-pearl or limetruse, using a 1/4oz. or 3/8-oz. lead head depending on the tidal flow and structure you are fishing. Dark colors will also work like plum-red and fire tiger. Bass Assassin and Stanley Jig lures will be one that gives you all of the above and more. Use the wide gap screw on ultra point lead heads by Bass Assassin or Stanley new one as well for that super strong hook set. Spoons in either gold or silver and red buck tail will show a lot of flash on or near the bottom. Use ½ to ¾ oz Johnson Sprite. Mirro-lure slow sinking plugs work extremely well this time of year. Either the series 38, 51 or 52 work well in flash colors.
The one advantage of Bass Assassin and Stanley Jigs is they are soft and feel like something edible. Hence fish will make a second or third pass at it.
Enough said about fishing for this month. Stop by our booth in the Arena area at 632.
Look for my seminar the fourth Saturday, January 22rd, 2011 at 8:00 AM and we’ll continue some more aspects of wintertime fishing methods. Seminar will be at Fishing Tackle Unlimited. Email for cost and limited space
Happy New Year to everyone. May the Lord indeed bless you and your family.
See you at the show and if not, before on Galveston Bay.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio
http://www.gofishgalveston.com/
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