David Hemphill is always on his favorite flat this time of year. And for good reason.
Spring Break is upon us and it looks like it’s going to be a good one. February was a good month for fishing even as the northers blew the water out of the back bays. The shorelines had plenty of Trout and Reds for all the wade fishermen who wanted to string a few fish despite the lower tides. March came and Bam! Big Tides and Big Fish.
Another little tidbit of up to date on the water info is how many Flounder are in the bay. I was amazed how good the Flounder Gigging trips have been going lately. Usually Flounder Giggers haven’t really gotten serious this month. They are waiting for May or later. The trips we have had gigging are quick limits or it has taken a few hours to get 3 limits or so.
The jetties have been producing plenty of rod bending action from Sheephead to Bull Reds. And when the weather settles, Offshore has been producing good numbers of Big Snapper on the structure in State waters. Fishermen have had a great year so far and we should see it continue through the Spring Season.
Speaking of the Spring Season, Turkey Hunting kicks off in a couple of weeks. Just the other day, There were 2 big ol’ Tom’s dancing, prancing and serenading a big group of hens out at the Saltwater Ranch. Scott and I were talking at the Ranch about a monster gobbler that he has been seeing. He said this Gobbler has a beard that looks like a rope. The beard touches the ground and makes a U turn, guessing between 10-12”. That sounds like a Trophy for sure.
In Texas, We are blessed to have wild game we can hunt thru May leaving only 3 months out of the year we don’t have anything to hunt, unless you predator hunt or chase exotics. Oh yeah, Hog Hunting too but summer time Hog Hunting can be pretty hot to say the least, even at night.
March on the Middle Coast is going to be Epic and already has been so far. We have seen so many trophy Trout being caught everyday since the last full moon. Social Media, I have to admit is a great place to see your friends Share (Brag) about their trophy trout. Tops and Tails seem to be the bait of choice. Of course the Custom Corky is another bait that produces big O Sow Trout. The best advice on lure selection for catching a Gator Trout is throw what you know. Remember the old sayings, “Big Bait Big Fish” & “Bigger is Better” make sure you use the Bigger Baits. Here’s why I am telling you this, obviously experience I know Big Trout, lol. The other real reason to use big baits for Big Trout is on several occasions this season the bigger trout that inhaled the baits and died due to inhaling the bait or exhaustion; They all have had monster mullet in their stomachs when I cleaned them. The smaller keeper trout have had pretty big mullet in their stomach as well. Mullet colored Big Baits is the key this Spring to catching you a wall hanger or the next State Record. My favorite baits this time of year are the Woodpecker Super Spook or the Bone Chrome Bone. The New XL DSL Baits, Key Lime and anyone of em with a chartreuse tail. The DSL Big Eyes are a must have in any color as well. When in doubt throw what you know. This Spring is already Epic so come get you some!
Another Great Treat on the Middle Coast, Calhoun County, is at Bubba’s Seafood on Wednesday nights, ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAWFISH. He says “Come get some on ya!!” and you will.
Weekend dates are booking up here at the Saltwater Lodge fairly early this year, so get your Dates and Deposits into the Office and let’s go Bend Some Rods.
The Lodge Line is: 361-785-3825, ask for Scott.
