Bolivar: FAIR. 50 degrees. Winter has arrived with changing winds with super low tides. Check the forecast before you head out or call ahead to your favorite bait shop. Best fishing is deeper holes and near structures. Water temperatures are fluctuating with the weather changes. Anglers are still catching redfish and fewer trout in the surf, jetty, bay-side canals and east bay using finger mullet and mud minnows. Report by Captain Shane Rilat, North Jetty Bait Camp.
Trinity Bay: GOOD. 60 degrees. Trout remain good following the recent major cold front, and another front is expected early Friday morning. Anglers should use caution when navigating, as changing weather patterns and low-water conditions may affect launch locations and accessibility. Trout are holding deeper right now, relating to shells and drop-offs. A productive method for locating fish is to utilize side-scan sonar and widen the range to approximately 60–100 feet to identify schools in deeper water. Trout are being caught on white flukes paired with a 1/4-ounce jighead. Once fish are located, determine the depth they are staged at and keep your bait in that strike zone to increase success. Redfish are positioned on rocks near drop-offs and are not shallow early until the sun gets out a bit. Their feeding activity is largely dictated by metabolism following fronts, with heavier feeding typically occurring 36–48 hours after a front initially hits. Drum and sheepshead are being found around pilings and are being caught on live shrimp or imitation shrimp under popping corks. Focus on areas with current and nearby deep drop-offs where these fish can ambush prey, especially as the tide begins to rise. Remember, always wear your kill switch and be safe. Report by Captain Zackary Scott, Zack Attack Fishing. After the coldest air temperature of the winter season there is another front in the weekend forecast. If you just have to fish, target the most protected areas from the wind that are close to deep water. Stringers of trout are possible in Burnet Bay with the air temp hovering around 30 degrees. Fish deeper water if the sun is not out, but if it is shining be afraid to work a mud, sand bottom mixed with shell. Live shrimp under popping corks would be my choice. Do not be afraid to run further north into the San Jacinto river, right above Interstate 10. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing.
East Galveston Bay: GOOD. 49 degrees. The water clarity is good this week for East Galveston Bay. This past week we had more fronts push through again, as well as super low water levels in the bay system, which is typical for this time of the year. Fish the falling tides in the morning for solid fish and some oversize fish as well. The ticket is to focus on transition zones and drop-offs and fish super slow with 1/4 ounce jigheads with white and chartreuse paddle tails, or suspending hard baits. Watch the major and minor fish times for the best bite. The redfish bite has been consistent around drains and in the very shallow water areas back in the marsh. Use imitation shrimp lures and tails under popping corks with a 1-foot leader to trigger bites, as well as weightless FishBite Paddle Tails over super shallow water. 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. Be mindful of the tides, and precise in your navigational skills, as you can really get yourself in a bind if fishing mornings with these low tides this time of the year. Report by Captain Jeff Brandon, Get the Net Guide Services, LLC.
Galveston Bay: GOOD. 49 degrees. After the coldest air temperature of the winter season there is another front in the weekend forecast. If you just have to fish, target the most protected areas from the wind that are close to deep water. Moses Lake channels, Dickinson Bayou, and the Kemah Channel would be a good starting point. Fish in deeper water with soft plastics or live shrimp. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing.
West Galveston Bay: GOOD. 49 degrees. After the coldest air temperature of the winter season there is another front in the weekend forecast. If you just have to fish, target the most protected areas from the wind that are close to deep water. Fish the lower ends of Chocolate Bay, and Bastrop Bayou, as the recent rainfall could affect the northern reaches of the bayou. Soft plastics or slow sinking plugs would be a good choice. Fish deep and slow. If the sun shines, do not overlook a sun soaked bank. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing.
Houston: GOOD. Water clear; 59 degrees; 0.22 feet above pool. Recent rainfall has reduced water clarity across much of the lake, though the south end remains in better shape, while both the East and West Forks are muddy but should start clearing next week. Largemouth bass action is still very good in the back lakes off both forks where anglers can find slightly cleaner water, and on the south end bass are holding in secondary drop-offs and have moved deeper for cover and more stable temperatures; productive baits include deep-diving crankbaits. White bass are running far up creek, with recent fronts and rain pushing them even farther upstream as they stage and feed heavily ahead of the spawn, with many females already showing eggs. Crappie are tight to structure in 10-14 feet and are being caught on live minnows and hand-tied jigs, with dark colors working best in the stained water and presentations kept close to cover. Catfish action is decent on punch bait and fresh shad, and anglers should keep bait cold for best results. Always wear your kill switch and be safe! Report by Captain Zackary Scott, Zack Attack Fishing.
Texas City: GOOD. 50 degrees. Winter has arrived with changing winds with super low tides. Check the forecast before you head out or call ahead to your favorite bait shop. Best fishing is deeper holes and near structures. Remains good for this time of year! 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.
