RELIENT PARK-HOME OF THE
BOAT SHOW
The 56th.Annual Houston International Boat, Sport, and Travel Show opens on a high note. This is the year 2012 – the new home of the boat show, Reliant Park Complex.
There will be more than 600 exhibitors at the show, which covers 400,000+sq. ft. of space in the Complex.
It is a fiberglass array of fantastic products and fishermen’s dream. From bow to stern, booth-to-booth, it’s a glistening, climate-controlled nautical paradise-unmatched anywhere.
New boat models, along with the favorite classics, jon boats, pontoons, ski boats and cruisers, personal watercraft, inshore and offshore boats, to the saltwater center consoles, it’s all here, filling every nook and cranny of the complex.
Sponsored by the Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston, the show embraces all the needs of boaters and fishermen alike.
You name it, and it’s probably on display somewhere under one gigantic roof. There are rods and reels, anchors, batteries, boat hooks, diesel engines, compasses, charts, barometers, depth sounders, GPS units, ice chests, life jackets, outboard motors, radars, radios, trailers and trolling motors. The list goes on and on.
In one day you can purchase a boat, arrange financing or book your dream trip with one of the guides or outfitters here on the Texas Gulf Coast. If that’s not enough, there’s more.
For the hunting and fishing enthusiasts, Reliant Park will be transformed into an outdoorsman’s paradise, fully stocked with the latest hunting gear, fishing tackle, out fitters and guides who can provide information on the best hunting and fishing areas both here in Texas and around the country
In a section of the Complex, look for an array of campers, motor homes and recreational vehicle accessories. In addition, there are booths manned by those who run sailing schools, scuba diving instructors, travel and tourist agencies, artists and jewelers.
Outfitters, experts and guides will conduct free seminars throughout the 12-day show. In fact, I’ll be delivering a seminar of my own at F.T.U on January 21, 2012. All day covering Galveston Bay complex, includes lunch and all three of my DVD’s. Cost is $150.00 per student. Free door prizes, and free fishing tackle. Address is I-45 @ Fuqua…………………..Limited Seating
Speaking of guides and outfitters, booking a licensed guide or outfitter should not be done without a great deal of consideration. Be sure to note their habits and tendencies. Fishing guides come from a broad range of backgrounds and nations. Of course, each one has his or her own personality quirks.
For the most part, fishing guides are even-tempered folks who are fun to be around. Having a Texas Parks and Wildlife license, along with another from the U. S. Coast Guard, plays only a small part in the grand scheme. To be a professional fishing guide, one needs to have good “people skills”, and a proper attitude. Individuals with poor attitudes—no matter how good they are at catching fish day to day, don’t make it in the business very long. Most of you won’t spend your hard-earned money or your free time from family and home to go out on the water with someone who has a poor attitude, at least not more than once, anyway.
There will be a number of quality guides and outfitters in the Complex for this show. Do your homework. It will go a long way toward seeing that your next fishing trip will be one that you will enjoy for a lifetime. In addition, we now have a Texas Saltwater Guide Association, complete with stickers and decals.
Stop by my booth at Reliant Park Complex (booths 632). I look forward to sharing my past, present and hopefully future fishing trips with you, as well as any info you may want to know regarding the Guide Association.
Here's wishing your family and friends a safe and prosperous New Year.
God bless you, and always have fun-OUTDOOOORS-
This article is dedicated to the memory of Bob Stephenson, Jr. and Bob (Pappy) Stephenson.
About the author:
Paul Marcaccio is a B.O.I. (born on the island) who has been fishing Galveston Bay for more than 30 years as a professional guide.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Flounder for Winter Fishing
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 rises 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 says 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, and 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 less than 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’. It’s called the GREEN ROD…………………..
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
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 rises 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 says 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, and 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 less than 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’. It’s called the GREEN ROD…………………..
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
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Fall Patterns for Spec's & Redfish
Cooler Temperatures –Fall 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 ’2011, 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 30 years of experience, U.S.C.G. & T.P&W license
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 ’2011, 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 30 years of experience, U.S.C.G. & T.P&W license
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Boliver Peninsula-Best Winter Secret
Bolivar Peninsula- Winter’s Best Kept Secret
Just a few miles northeast of Galveston Island lies the strip of land called the Bolivar Peninsula. Anglers largely overlook the peninsula, as they pass by its shores on the way to crowded East Bay hot spots. The fact of the matter is that the peninsula has a lot to offer anglers year round, particularly in the winter months. The peninsula appeals to boaters wade fishermen, and land based fishermen.
Fishing opportunities for boaters are almost endless. Among the most popular places in Bolivar for boaters are the jetties. The jetties serve as a breakwater for the Galveston-Houston Ship channel, while at the same time, providing an ideal structure for attracting forage fish and the predators that feed on them. This structure holds fish year round. Wintertime is extremely productive because of the combination of structure and quick access to the deep water of the ship channel. The best bait in this area is finger mullet, if not available, use Saltwater Assassins, or Stanley Jigs. These soft plastics offer great hook ups if worked slowly. Also, use Mirrolure slow sinking plugs like the MR 19, 38 or 51 series. Color varies depending on water clarity. Light for clear and dark for off-colored water
The Intercostals Waterway runs between the backside of Bolivar and Goat Island. Speckled trout, Redfish and Flounder (Texas Grand Slam as some refer to catchin’ all three the same day). The waterway is an excellent area to fish when those blue northern are upon us. The shoreline is all but protected except for a gusty northeast or southwest wind…………………Be sure and wear wading boots to protect ones legs from our flounders with pony tails???? All year long. ForEverLAST Boots work great. Se them at FTU in Houston or Katy,Texas
Seviers Cove and the Pig Pens are two of the many spots boaters target for winter trout and redfish. Seviers Cut is a land cut in Goat Island with a shallow channel into East Bay. The Pig Pens is located on the bay side of East Bay, just west of Seviers. Soft baits like mentioned earlier along with the famous Corky by Paul Brown, works for those sow trout. Most anglers prefer to wade the latter both early and late afternoon, with an outgoing tide. Be sure and have a good graphite rod and small diameter line, so as not to attract too much attention. Fishing Tackle Unlimited has a tremendous rod called the All-Pro Series Green Rod…………………………….and Sufix Line to spool that great reel in 30lb test.
The Bolivar Pocket is another popular wade fishing spot on the peninsula. The Pocket is located between the old lighthouse and the base of the Bolivar Jetties. This is a prime spot to target as the temperature drops with winter cold fronts…………………………..
The Bay side of Rollover Pass is also a very productive area to wade during the winter months. Mirrolures and the Stanley wedge tail top the list to throw when wading Rollover Bay. Both resemble a mullet, which is a winter meal for that trophy trout that looks for that one good meal for several days………………..
Rollover Pass and the jetties are two of the most productive areas for land-based fishermen. The cooler months of the years are plagued with single tides coupled with minimal tidal movement.
Any trout fisherman will tell you,” Moving water catches moving fish. ”Rollover Pass is just that area. Trophy trout and redfish congregate and feed in that narrow pass. Live shrimp will almost always work for a large stringer of solid fish, but it’s next to impossible to find that time of year. See a white flag. Stop and get ‘em. Live finfish, solid-bodied mullet imitation and large soft plastics accounts for most of the truly large trout pulled from the pass each year at that time…………………..
Bolivar is loaded with good winter fishing locations and deserves a little investigation. With the upcoming hunting season, our fishing brothers have thinned out greatly. This gives those of us who fish year round a little more quiet time to catch that speckled trout or redfish. These prime areas receive less pressure at this time of year. Your brothers that are reading this at the deer camp always have fun outdoors. This writer will be thinking about you…………………
Stop by our booth at the upcoming Houston Boat & Travel Show. The show begins January 6th and ends January 15th. We are located next to Fishing Tackle Unlimited in booth 632. Bring your outdoor photos for us to see and enjoy.
Until next time, good Fishin’ or just as my fishing mentor always use to say, “Have Fun Outdoors”. We love you’ll Pappy and Junior. God bless………
Capt Paul Marcaccio
BOI, U.S.C.G. & T.P. &W.
Just a few miles northeast of Galveston Island lies the strip of land called the Bolivar Peninsula. Anglers largely overlook the peninsula, as they pass by its shores on the way to crowded East Bay hot spots. The fact of the matter is that the peninsula has a lot to offer anglers year round, particularly in the winter months. The peninsula appeals to boaters wade fishermen, and land based fishermen.
Fishing opportunities for boaters are almost endless. Among the most popular places in Bolivar for boaters are the jetties. The jetties serve as a breakwater for the Galveston-Houston Ship channel, while at the same time, providing an ideal structure for attracting forage fish and the predators that feed on them. This structure holds fish year round. Wintertime is extremely productive because of the combination of structure and quick access to the deep water of the ship channel. The best bait in this area is finger mullet, if not available, use Saltwater Assassins, or Stanley Jigs. These soft plastics offer great hook ups if worked slowly. Also, use Mirrolure slow sinking plugs like the MR 19, 38 or 51 series. Color varies depending on water clarity. Light for clear and dark for off-colored water
The Intercostals Waterway runs between the backside of Bolivar and Goat Island. Speckled trout, Redfish and Flounder (Texas Grand Slam as some refer to catchin’ all three the same day). The waterway is an excellent area to fish when those blue northern are upon us. The shoreline is all but protected except for a gusty northeast or southwest wind…………………Be sure and wear wading boots to protect ones legs from our flounders with pony tails???? All year long. ForEverLAST Boots work great. Se them at FTU in Houston or Katy,Texas
Seviers Cove and the Pig Pens are two of the many spots boaters target for winter trout and redfish. Seviers Cut is a land cut in Goat Island with a shallow channel into East Bay. The Pig Pens is located on the bay side of East Bay, just west of Seviers. Soft baits like mentioned earlier along with the famous Corky by Paul Brown, works for those sow trout. Most anglers prefer to wade the latter both early and late afternoon, with an outgoing tide. Be sure and have a good graphite rod and small diameter line, so as not to attract too much attention. Fishing Tackle Unlimited has a tremendous rod called the All-Pro Series Green Rod…………………………….and Sufix Line to spool that great reel in 30lb test.
The Bolivar Pocket is another popular wade fishing spot on the peninsula. The Pocket is located between the old lighthouse and the base of the Bolivar Jetties. This is a prime spot to target as the temperature drops with winter cold fronts…………………………..
The Bay side of Rollover Pass is also a very productive area to wade during the winter months. Mirrolures and the Stanley wedge tail top the list to throw when wading Rollover Bay. Both resemble a mullet, which is a winter meal for that trophy trout that looks for that one good meal for several days………………..
Rollover Pass and the jetties are two of the most productive areas for land-based fishermen. The cooler months of the years are plagued with single tides coupled with minimal tidal movement.
Any trout fisherman will tell you,” Moving water catches moving fish. ”Rollover Pass is just that area. Trophy trout and redfish congregate and feed in that narrow pass. Live shrimp will almost always work for a large stringer of solid fish, but it’s next to impossible to find that time of year. See a white flag. Stop and get ‘em. Live finfish, solid-bodied mullet imitation and large soft plastics accounts for most of the truly large trout pulled from the pass each year at that time…………………..
Bolivar is loaded with good winter fishing locations and deserves a little investigation. With the upcoming hunting season, our fishing brothers have thinned out greatly. This gives those of us who fish year round a little more quiet time to catch that speckled trout or redfish. These prime areas receive less pressure at this time of year. Your brothers that are reading this at the deer camp always have fun outdoors. This writer will be thinking about you…………………
Stop by our booth at the upcoming Houston Boat & Travel Show. The show begins January 6th and ends January 15th. We are located next to Fishing Tackle Unlimited in booth 632. Bring your outdoor photos for us to see and enjoy.
Until next time, good Fishin’ or just as my fishing mentor always use to say, “Have Fun Outdoors”. We love you’ll Pappy and Junior. God bless………
Capt Paul Marcaccio
BOI, U.S.C.G. & T.P. &W.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Artificial vs. Live Bait
Live bait 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 along with live croackers, but sometimes along the Texas coast, the use of soft plastic will add to your ice chest .
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 $18 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 along with its sister the spinner bait. If you don’t like this lure and its 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, Baby Spooks 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 an artificial bait.
Remember, have fun outdoors. Good luck and good fishing.
See Y’all on Galveston Bay.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Flounder Fishing-For Every One
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 rises 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 says 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, and 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 less than 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’. It’s called the GREEN ROD…………………..
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
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 rises 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 says 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, and 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 less than 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’. It’s called the GREEN ROD…………………..
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
Thursday, July 28, 2011
East Galveston Bay-
East Galveston 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 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 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 little rains from the upper watersheds have had a great effect on catching of speckled trout and redfish. Spring tides are up 1-2 feet at present. Fish are close to drains and bayous on the incoming and out some on the outgoing tide periods. Tropical system today will add additional water to our bays.
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
BOI, U.S.C.G &
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 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 little rains from the upper watersheds have had a great effect on catching of speckled trout and redfish. Spring tides are up 1-2 feet at present. Fish are close to drains and bayous on the incoming and out some on the outgoing tide periods. Tropical system today will add additional water to our bays.
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
BOI, U.S.C.G &
Saturday, July 9, 2011
July-August-Options on Galveston Bay
July-August, Options on Galveston Bay
The trip was planned to explore several areas in the San Leon, Dickinson Bay, and Texas City near the Dike. But, the old pier pilings that have always been such a magnet for redfish beckoned. It's hard for this guide to give up good old bad habits, especially when they have produced fried redfish filets so many times. The Big Bay Parker just seemed to go on autopilot, quickly swinging into familiar territory. Near the April Fool shoreline and Eagle Point.
On a FTU ¼ oz wide gap lead head, the lime ruse plastic mullet imitation looked deadly swimming through the sandy green bay waters. Long cast with my Green Titanium rod back toward the shallows drew the bait in an almost parallel course to the old pier pilings near April Fool Pt. Just as the sun was clearing the eastern shoreline of East Bay, my 6-½ foot rod bowed deeply. The power and style of the run indicated that I had a good redfish. The ultra light action of the rod along with my 30 lb Sufix braid proved to be lethal again. However, the pier pilings are different. It was over in less than two minutes. Twice more, my presentation proved to fool me'. It was embarrassing……………………..
Then there was that magic day a couple of days later, back near the Texas City Dike. Using medium action Green Rods, four of us did battle on some awesome black drum. Lots of Big black drum. It was a bright sunny day with a light east wind. Those fish were stacked in a deep hole near the Dike. And they were eating fresh blue crabs just as fast as we could serve them up. Passers by on the Bolivar Ferry were treated to several Herculean tussles. These spawn-minded females were all in the 25-40 lb class and they make ones forearms similar to Popeye's………………………
There was the beautiful April morning, spent with a very dear friend, Brother Chuck, around Goat Island near the Hog Pins in East Bay. We used several assortments of She Dog's, baby Spooks, and soft plastic Assassins and Norton baits to tally a mixed bag. By the end of the day, we had waded that entire shoreline and come away with speckled trout, redfish, sand trout and even one grandee gaff stop. My brother Chuck was equal to the test and found great success, both on top as well as feeding those great fish with soft plastic.
And yet again was the morning with Mike Heidemann and Casey, along the north shoreline of Trinity Bay. Get this, with no tidal movement; we boxed speckled trout to around four pounds on soft plastic Stanley Jigs and Salt Water Assassin baits. On still another day, when cabin fever trampled good sense, a hasty run to the back of Moses Lake seemed to ease the situation. That campaign featured deteriorating conditions with a light drizzle. The only fish happening were several sand trout and some Hugh ribbonfish. Still again, the need was served.
The aforementioned episodes are described, not for the quality or quantity they produced, but to highlight the exciting fact that July and August are great times to be on Galveston Bay. Most of the action we find on the Texas Coast pecks during the warmer months. By the firth of May, water temperature is in that magical 70's and the summer smorgasbord is being served up………………….
The large black drum show first. While the run pecks in September, bull redfish are year round possibility. As the beachfront warms to the sunlight, gaffs top, speckled trout and keeper redfish begin the work the shallow guts. Big flounder are funneling through the passes and ditches, working there way back into the upper part of Trinity and East Bay. Sharks will oversee the migration in numbers most people do not begin to realize. The first of these will usually be the small sand sharks. Not far behind them will be the black tip, bulls and hammerheads. By mid-June, Spanish mackerel, jackfish pompano, king mackerel and even ling will be taken near the beachfront. We are catching a great number of sharks in the bay this year due to the salinity similar to offshore because we have had little or no rainwater……………..go figure
It is easy to rush this great out door experience. As much as this writer and guide love fishing the colder months, I eagerly anticipate that which is to come. Rare is the year that I don't try to will the fish into place before it's time. The next three months will offer more and more varied opportunities than any other time of the year. The possibilities are virtually limitless. And every year, during the dog days of summer, I suddenly blink one hot, steamy afternoon and wonder where those magic days of spring went already………………………….
God bless you and your families, while you enjoy His great backyard.
Captain Paul Marcaccio, USGC & TP & W...
B.O.I. (born on the island) with over 30 years of Coastline experience.
The trip was planned to explore several areas in the San Leon, Dickinson Bay, and Texas City near the Dike. But, the old pier pilings that have always been such a magnet for redfish beckoned. It's hard for this guide to give up good old bad habits, especially when they have produced fried redfish filets so many times. The Big Bay Parker just seemed to go on autopilot, quickly swinging into familiar territory. Near the April Fool shoreline and Eagle Point.
On a FTU ¼ oz wide gap lead head, the lime ruse plastic mullet imitation looked deadly swimming through the sandy green bay waters. Long cast with my Green Titanium rod back toward the shallows drew the bait in an almost parallel course to the old pier pilings near April Fool Pt. Just as the sun was clearing the eastern shoreline of East Bay, my 6-½ foot rod bowed deeply. The power and style of the run indicated that I had a good redfish. The ultra light action of the rod along with my 30 lb Sufix braid proved to be lethal again. However, the pier pilings are different. It was over in less than two minutes. Twice more, my presentation proved to fool me'. It was embarrassing……………………..
Then there was that magic day a couple of days later, back near the Texas City Dike. Using medium action Green Rods, four of us did battle on some awesome black drum. Lots of Big black drum. It was a bright sunny day with a light east wind. Those fish were stacked in a deep hole near the Dike. And they were eating fresh blue crabs just as fast as we could serve them up. Passers by on the Bolivar Ferry were treated to several Herculean tussles. These spawn-minded females were all in the 25-40 lb class and they make ones forearms similar to Popeye's………………………
There was the beautiful April morning, spent with a very dear friend, Brother Chuck, around Goat Island near the Hog Pins in East Bay. We used several assortments of She Dog's, baby Spooks, and soft plastic Assassins and Norton baits to tally a mixed bag. By the end of the day, we had waded that entire shoreline and come away with speckled trout, redfish, sand trout and even one grandee gaff stop. My brother Chuck was equal to the test and found great success, both on top as well as feeding those great fish with soft plastic.
And yet again was the morning with Mike Heidemann and Casey, along the north shoreline of Trinity Bay. Get this, with no tidal movement; we boxed speckled trout to around four pounds on soft plastic Stanley Jigs and Salt Water Assassin baits. On still another day, when cabin fever trampled good sense, a hasty run to the back of Moses Lake seemed to ease the situation. That campaign featured deteriorating conditions with a light drizzle. The only fish happening were several sand trout and some Hugh ribbonfish. Still again, the need was served.
The aforementioned episodes are described, not for the quality or quantity they produced, but to highlight the exciting fact that July and August are great times to be on Galveston Bay. Most of the action we find on the Texas Coast pecks during the warmer months. By the firth of May, water temperature is in that magical 70's and the summer smorgasbord is being served up………………….
The large black drum show first. While the run pecks in September, bull redfish are year round possibility. As the beachfront warms to the sunlight, gaffs top, speckled trout and keeper redfish begin the work the shallow guts. Big flounder are funneling through the passes and ditches, working there way back into the upper part of Trinity and East Bay. Sharks will oversee the migration in numbers most people do not begin to realize. The first of these will usually be the small sand sharks. Not far behind them will be the black tip, bulls and hammerheads. By mid-June, Spanish mackerel, jackfish pompano, king mackerel and even ling will be taken near the beachfront. We are catching a great number of sharks in the bay this year due to the salinity similar to offshore because we have had little or no rainwater……………..go figure
It is easy to rush this great out door experience. As much as this writer and guide love fishing the colder months, I eagerly anticipate that which is to come. Rare is the year that I don't try to will the fish into place before it's time. The next three months will offer more and more varied opportunities than any other time of the year. The possibilities are virtually limitless. And every year, during the dog days of summer, I suddenly blink one hot, steamy afternoon and wonder where those magic days of spring went already………………………….
God bless you and your families, while you enjoy His great backyard.
Captain Paul Marcaccio, USGC & TP & W...
B.O.I. (born on the island) with over 30 years of Coastline experience.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Anahuac Pocket-The Golden Goose
This day a good friend, Mike Heideiman, and I were looking for that elusive trout and redfish. I was using soft plastic Saltwater Assassin’s and Mike was a Baby Super Spooks. We were intending on having heavy stringers.
One moment the water below was calm, the next, just looked different. A gaping yellow mouth with two canine teeth seemingly appeared from nowhere to engulf the Assassin. The strike was as vicious as it was fast. Water splashed as the big trout dove under my boat, straining the Green graphite Rod and having Mike to turn to see what the commotion was all about and then grab the landing net.
The drag was screaming as my line left the reel in a most characteristic fashion. Got to tell you’ll folks, just does not get any better…………………….
Mike grabbed the landing net, but this trout’s “time” had not arrived and she made several more runs away from the boat. We finally got the opportunity to slip the landing net under the spent fish. Several more of the same size trout were caught that morning, ranging from 18 inches to 23 inches long. No redfish could be found that day.
Trinity is the largest body of water in the Galveston Bay complex, offering miles of shoreline as well as a huge area of deeper water in the open bay. Trinity provides a good number of oil and gas rigs as well as live oyster reefs for boaters and wade fishermen alike.
Speckled trout, redfish and flounder are found in this natural nursery, but perhaps her greatest claim to fame comes from waders throwing topwater baits for big trout. She is large enough that it would pay most weekend anglers to invest in a few trips with experienced guides so they can get to know the area a little better.
Live bait is always the percentage call on any water. Shrimp, finger mullet, and croakers will always produce at the right time. While live bait is not always easy to find and is expensive, most fishermen will either but it, net it, or simply not go fishing. There is, however, something about Trinity that seems to inspire some of us who would not be caught with live bait or a cast net. That’s not to say, clients may buy the bait and put it on my boat any time. From time to time, word leaks out about enormous trout taken on topwaters.
Her greatest drawback is the seemingly annual flooding of fresh water down the river into the open bay. Trinity has been reported, in recent years, for anglers to catch fresh water stripers and bass. But, when she’s right, Trinity Bay can grant some of the most consistent, if not the hottest, fishing on the entire Gulf Coast. THIS IS THE CASE NOW……………….
It may be hit or miss from now on until the first spring flood tides (Wishful), but when the tides get right and there is a lull between those blue northers, the fish will be there. Salinity and color now is as good as this writer could imagine.
Along with others, I will be back.
As always, enjoy fishing. Remember what you have learned and pass it on to the little ones. You, too, were young once.
See y’all on Galveston Bay or maybe Trinity Bay near the shoreline at ……………………………………Oops?
God bless our land and the men who defend it for our enjoyment outdoors…………………….
Capt. Paul Marcaccio
One moment the water below was calm, the next, just looked different. A gaping yellow mouth with two canine teeth seemingly appeared from nowhere to engulf the Assassin. The strike was as vicious as it was fast. Water splashed as the big trout dove under my boat, straining the Green graphite Rod and having Mike to turn to see what the commotion was all about and then grab the landing net.
The drag was screaming as my line left the reel in a most characteristic fashion. Got to tell you’ll folks, just does not get any better…………………….
Mike grabbed the landing net, but this trout’s “time” had not arrived and she made several more runs away from the boat. We finally got the opportunity to slip the landing net under the spent fish. Several more of the same size trout were caught that morning, ranging from 18 inches to 23 inches long. No redfish could be found that day.
Trinity is the largest body of water in the Galveston Bay complex, offering miles of shoreline as well as a huge area of deeper water in the open bay. Trinity provides a good number of oil and gas rigs as well as live oyster reefs for boaters and wade fishermen alike.
Speckled trout, redfish and flounder are found in this natural nursery, but perhaps her greatest claim to fame comes from waders throwing topwater baits for big trout. She is large enough that it would pay most weekend anglers to invest in a few trips with experienced guides so they can get to know the area a little better.
Live bait is always the percentage call on any water. Shrimp, finger mullet, and croakers will always produce at the right time. While live bait is not always easy to find and is expensive, most fishermen will either but it, net it, or simply not go fishing. There is, however, something about Trinity that seems to inspire some of us who would not be caught with live bait or a cast net. That’s not to say, clients may buy the bait and put it on my boat any time. From time to time, word leaks out about enormous trout taken on topwaters.
Her greatest drawback is the seemingly annual flooding of fresh water down the river into the open bay. Trinity has been reported, in recent years, for anglers to catch fresh water stripers and bass. But, when she’s right, Trinity Bay can grant some of the most consistent, if not the hottest, fishing on the entire Gulf Coast. THIS IS THE CASE NOW……………….
It may be hit or miss from now on until the first spring flood tides (Wishful), but when the tides get right and there is a lull between those blue northers, the fish will be there. Salinity and color now is as good as this writer could imagine.
Along with others, I will be back.
As always, enjoy fishing. Remember what you have learned and pass it on to the little ones. You, too, were young once.
See y’all on Galveston Bay or maybe Trinity Bay near the shoreline at ……………………………………Oops?
God bless our land and the men who defend it for our enjoyment outdoors…………………….
Capt. Paul Marcaccio
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
