Spring Time Bonazza

Mild winter means great speckled trout catches It is apparent we have escaped the cold weather. Yes, we had chilly weather, but no hard freezes. So, this year should be excellent for catching those sow trout that have grown since the early days of 1989, when we had our last hard freeze. March and April are proven months to capture the trophy trout. By far the most productive method is to wade fish certain areas in Galveston Bay. With the spring flood tides covering the Back Bay marshes each season, take time to travel these areas and seek out that wall-mount fish. Make use of the falling tide in the area you wish to wade. All of the shrimp and baitfish caught in these areas are heading out toward the open bay, and these trout are on a major feed. For the most part, early morning or late afternoon is the best time to wade, giving the sun time to arouse the bait. A lot of your larger trout are only interested in larger bait, sometimes like a mullet or croaker. Pay particular attention to areas that have bayous and canals leaving the marshes. Work them aggressively, tossing the bait you have selected up current and letting it fall back toward the open area. Lure selection should imitate the bait in the area. Top water lures are going to entice the largest fish. Bomber and Heddon are great hard body lures. The erratic movement you must use gives the appearance of a wounded fish, making the trout receptive to a powerful strike on your lure. Keep in mind; you will not always hook up that larger trout with these baits. You will find yourself seeing a number of “blow-ups” (fish attacking the bait on the surface without hooking themselves). Several of the better lures are the Baby Spook, She dog and Skittle Walker. Other hard baits you may want to use are the broken-backs by Redfin and the most durable is the infamous Mirro-lures. Color choices are natural on sunny days in good water clarity and bright rattling baits on overcast and off-colored water conditions. Soft plastic has captured many of these trout over the years. There are literally hundreds of these baits in your tackle store. Remember, most bait that is sold is designed to catch the fisherman not the fish. Make your selection carefully. Keep several types in your tackle box. Others will be accumulated, as you become familiar with different conditions on the water. Shrimp and shad tails are by far the two that I find most productive. Mirrolure produces both types. In addition, Salt Water Assassin and Norton are excellent choices. Use ¼ ounce lead heads. There are many other combinations that will work. Confidence and presentation are equally as important. Be sure of what you are using, and you will be rewarded with some of the Gulf Coast’s finest fishing. Always carry spoons in your tackle box. Never leave home without a couple of Johnson Sprint. These baits are excellent under certain conditions. The wobble and flash they produce will induce speckled trout when your other baits will not. Braid line is the top of your selection. Sufix is awesome. Always keep in mind while outdoors, have fun and respect the water. See ya’ll on Galveston Bay Capt Paul Marcaccio BOI USCG & TP &W License