Bolivar: FAIR. 60 degrees. Anglers are still catching redfish, with fewer catches of trout in the surf, jetty, bay-side canals and east bay using finger mullet and mud minnows.
Trinity Bay: GOOD. 60 degrees. Water temperatures are on a warming trend. Extremely low tides caused by persistent west and northwest winds have dumped water out of the bays and through the jetties, creating significant water movement and exposing shallow structure. Speckled trout have been seeking refuge in protected areas with deeper water, especially over mud mixed with shale during colder periods. As the water warms throughout the day, trout are spreading onto nearby flats to sun and warm themselves over mud and shale bottoms. This has been the dominant pattern. To target trout, anglers are having success using soft plastic paddle tail swimbait in the Glacier Freeze color, paired with a ¼ ounce jig head. Slow rolling the bait along the bottom and ticking the shell has been key to triggering bites. As water temperatures increase, using a more aggressive presentation by jigging and bouncing the bait off the bottom or slightly above in the water column has produced better hookups. Redfish have been schooling early in the mornings around lights and can be caught on the same artificials used for trout. As the day warms, redfish transition to mud flats with shale and are responding well to Soft Dines and Corkys. Additionally, targeting rock groins in 2–4 feet of water with crankbaits has been very productive for quality redfish. Drum, sheepshead, and flounder are being caught under a Redemption Outdoor Gear popping cork using live shrimp or imitation shrimp, both producing consistent results. As always, wear your kill switch, monitor weather conditions closely, and practice safe boating prior to and during your trip. Report by Captain Zackary Scott, Zack Attack Fishing. Scott’s Bay, Burnet Bay, and Tabbs Bay are producing decent numbers of speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and some slot size redfish with live shrimp under popping corks.Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing.
East Galveston Bay: GOOD. 55 degrees. We have been having extremely low tides over the past few weeks, making loading and unloading even a challenge on our early morning trips. Please pay close attention where you are running, as if you are just a few feet out of the channel in some areas, you can get yourself in a real bind quickly. The water clarity is good for East Galveston Bay, back in the protected areas in the marsh, with dirtier water in a good portion of the main bay, due to the North winds which have been quite prevalent of late. Most of our trout action right now is on or close to the lower water column drop-offs, super slow over deeper shell and mud with various size jig heads with chartreuse fluke tails, securing the most bites. Some of the bites are so subtle you really need to be paying attention, or you will miss out. This past week our best results have come when the water temperature rises with the sun and begins to heat the surface. Remember the Fish still must eat in the cooler water, although not as often, so be very methodical in your presentation, and fish areas where you have confidence in. Active bait in the area is still important. As the water heats up during the day, some of the fish are moving out to mud flats to feed. The redfish bite has been consistent around drains and in the very shallow water areas back in the marsh. We are still using imitation shrimp lures and tails under popping corks, with a 1-foot leader to trigger bites, as well as weightless rat tails and fishbite tails. This time of year brings some of the best opportunities for bigger fish, with fewer fishers on the water, and bigger fish on the prowl, so get out and make it happen with your family and friends. The Corky bite also is in full swing, so if you like throwing artificials that is a great bait to throw, as well as walking topwater baits, as well as slow failing hard jerk baits, when the conditions are lining up. Report by Captain Jeff Brandon, Get the Net Guide Services, LLC.
Galveston Bay: GOOD. 60 degrees. A few fish showing up along the shorelines of Galveston Bay. Soft plastics producing scattered catches of trout. Those throwing live shrimp catching black drum, sheepshead, and a few redfish. Good action at the Galveston jetties for oversized black drum and bull redfish. Anglers fishing light tackle with live shrimp catching a few speckled trout, better numbers of slot redfish, keeper size drum, and sheepshead. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing.
West Galveston Bay: GOOD. 60 degrees. Still some nice trout being caught by those fishing with soft plastics. Waders catching redfish and trout on a variety of artificial lures, both hard and soft baits. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing.
Houston: GOOD. Water clear; 59 degrees; 0.10 feet above pool. Creeks around Lake Houston are clearing and returning to good fishing conditions, though more rain is in the forecast, especially Saturday night; while heavy rainfall can affect clarity and flow, white bass action is building toward peak fun conditions, where consistent catches should become more common as females move in to spawn. Curly tail grubs on ⅙-⅛ ounce jig heads are producing well, and tandem rigs can lead to double hookups, while 3/16-¼ ounce Rooster Tails are also effective. Crappie are moving in with the white bass and are being caught on similar lures in the same areas. Catfish are holding on main river channels and biting on punch bait and fresh shad. Largemouth bass fishing continues to improve, with strong tournament weights reflecting a healthy population; anglers are catching them on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Texas rigged grubs with 3/16-¼-ounce weights–heavier if current increases–focusing on secondary drop-offs near docks as well as shallow cypress trees and knees. Report by Captain Zackary Scott, Zack Attack Fishing.
Texas City: GOOD. 60 degrees. Anglers are still catching lots of big bull redfish, black drum, speckled trout in pockets, fewer keeper flounder with a lot of small males still prevalent, sheepshead and puppy drum as well. More whiting have started to be caught. The dredge boat is still pumping from the TC Channel to the north beach side of the dike. Live shrimp and finger mullet have been the best baits. Report by Captain Shane Rilat, North Jetty Bait Camp.
