WITH THE WEATHER WARMING UP and the state beginning to loosen restrictions, this is a great time to get out the tackle box and make a jaunt to a favorite fishing site. Making matters better is the fact that the water is warming up to near 80 degrees throughout the area, which should be welcomed news for those who enjoy wade fishing.
Trinity Bay: GOOD. 72-74 degrees. Check local ordinances related to the current pandemic as well as the status of the location you plan on fishing. All city facilities have been closed. The strong suits of this bay have been and always will be wade fishing shorelines with artificial baits or drift fishing the open bay over shell reefs & wells from the boat for speckled trout and redfish. Flounder are good on minnow around the rocks.
East Galveston Bay: GOOD. 75-76 degrees. Reopening will occur on May 1st. Until then, The City of Galveston has closed all beach park amenities. Fishing piers and charter fishing operations are prohibited. In addition, the following west end beach access points are closed to vehicular traffic: The north and south side of the San Luis Pass bridge, Salt Cedar Dr. access point, access point number 35 which is just to the east of the house at 24125 FM 3005 and Estuary Drive at the beach.
West Galveston Bay: GOOD. 75-76 degrees. Reopening will occur on May 1st. Until then, The City of Galveston has closed all beach park amenities. Fishing piers and charter fishing operations are prohibited. In addition, the following west end beach access points are closed to vehicular traffic: The north and south side of the San Luis Pass bridge, Salt Cedar Dr. access point, access point number 35 which is just to the east of the house at 24125 FM 3005 and Estuary Drive at the beach.
Texas City: GOOD. 75-76 degrees. Redfish are good over the flats on live shrimp. Flounder are good on live shrimp or minnow around the jetties. Speckled trout are good along the shoreline on shrimp. Black drum are excellent on blue crab. Sheepshead are very good around the dike. The dike will be closed weekends (starting at 5 pm Fridays and reopens Monday at 8 AM) effective through April 30th
Freeport: GOOD. 76-77 degrees. Water clarity is excellent. All Freeport beaches are closed until further notice, including Bryan Beach. The opening of boat ramps will be decided on the 30th. Black drum are good on shrimp or blue crab, slow bouncing off the bottom. Redfish will be found along the flats and are best on shrimp- on windier days, look for them to be stacked up along the shoreline chasing baitfish. Speckled trout are good on shrimp. Sheepshead are around the oyster reefs. Flounder are good around the rocks on mullet.
East Matagorda Bay: GOOD. 77 degrees. Maintain social distancing and follow local ordinances. Trout are good in shallow water over mud on shrimp or soft plastics. Black drum are good on blue crab around structures or vegetation. Redfish are good on soft plastics around the reefs and shorelines.
West Matagorda Bay: GOOD. 76 degrees. Maintain social distancing and follow local ordinances. Wading and drifting remain the best fishing methods. Black drum are good on blue crab or shrimp. Speckled trout are excellent along the shallow shoreline or around flats on shrimp. Redfish are good on live shrimp. Flounder are heating up on shrimp around the rocks.
Port O’Connor: GOOD. 75 degrees. Some access points may be closed. Please check with local authorities to ensure fishing activities are allowed at this time. Trout and redfish are good on shrimp. Black drum are good on blue crab or shrimp. Flounder are good around the jetties on shrimp or minnow. Sheepshead are excellent near the jetty on live shrimp.
