On the last report I mentioned game changing fresh water inflows. As indicated, the fresh water is having the desired affect on Trout fishing. Full to near limits of fish ranging to 24” have been coming to hand for our guests.
Along with fresh water coming to bays for the first time in a long time, we are also seeing suggestions of another “pattern shift”. Thunderstorms brought on by daytime heating were a staple for the better part of our careers but have been distant memories since the 2009 drought. Sitting on the porch with Capt. James Cunningham, he and I were marveling at the towering clouds and storms piling up mid-afternoon. The sight and smell of these storms brings back distant memories and seeing them pile up is like seeing an old friend for the first time in a long time.
So perhaps the terrible spell of drought is behind us and we are re-entering familiar waters. It would be hard to not be upbeat about the environmental shifts we are seeing and welcoming as they relate to fishing. Freshwater will minimize chances for Red Tide and strengthen overall bay health and even the beat down Crab fishermen may get some relief. Crabbing has waned horribly since 2009, they are certainly due for some relief and better fishing.
Soft Plastics Keep Pace with Bait
Capt. James Eastep managed to light up the Reds while taking good numbers of Trout fishing paddle tail over area shorelines and shell reefs. Plum/chart and pumpkin/chart tipped with bare hooks and no lead heads was the ticket. Fishing with Randy M. and guests James reported that “we waded about 30 yards from the boat and started lighting up solid Reds in the slot”. After strong catch and release action on the Reds, the guests worked out deep taking Trout over shell.
More strong trout fishing yesterday with full limits coming in wade fishing and boat fishing. Capt. Chris Cady reported full limits coming to hand early off sand/grass shorelines early with boat fishing shell pads producing as well.
Back Lakes Beat
Airboat fishing the back marsh continues productive with pods of Redfish and Black Drum working mud/grass pockets in the shallow pocket lakes and sloughs. Capt. Chris Cady has been staying on limits to near limits with the occasional oversize fish coming to hand. Black Drum continue to appear schooling up and working sparse bottoms with little grass.
Testing The Waters
The next test will be Tropical Waves and Tropical Storms making their way back to the Texas Coast. If we manage at least one or two of these events, then we will know things are nearing the norms of what we have come to expect environmentally along the coast and I think the drought years will start to fade. This will have far reaching benefits for all Texans and not just those of us prying the waters for a living.
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Capt. Kris Kelley, Castaway Lodge
1-888-618-4868
www.seadriftbayfishing.com
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