Solid Day of Big Reds
Capt. Cody Spencer
Bay Flats Lodge
April means that the fishing conditions will be changing right before our eyes. The days will be getting longer, and the amount of sunlight each day will be growing. We’ll start seeing longer periods of increasing warmth, and the cooler water temperatures of wintertime shall begin to warm slowly on almost a daily basis resulting in surface readings that may reach as high as the mid-70’s.
The first section of the bay to begin feeling full effects of this annual warming trend will be the skinny waters along tapering shorelines. The springtime sunlight projecting across these shallows will once again begin bringing these waters alive by attracting different species of baitfish and predators alike. In as such, anglers should head for a few of their favorite shallow water shorelines in April, looking for pods of surface-active baitfish huddled tightly above heavily-grassed mud or sand.
Now then, according to historical logs, early April is predominately filled with redfish fun – I say redfish, rather than trout, because it seems as though the reds tend to follow the bait to the warming shallows ahead of the trout. However, after a consistent warming trend lasting three or four days, you can almost bet that the trout will be close behind, as they’re not about to let the redfish have all the food.
Now that spring is underway, we’re going to be recognizing some of the windiest times of the year, and the winds will appear to increase each week with the approaching warmer months. Wind direction and speed can dictate success or failure based upon what decisions you make, so don’t be anxious to cancel your day on the water simply because the wind happens to be blowing at an increasingly high rate of speed. After all, it always helps having some wind in order to not show up empty-handed at the end of the day.
Anglers can look to Matagorda Island for alternatives on windy days, as there are countless sand bars, points, coves, and leeward shorelines that offer protection while wade fishing. So, knock the dust off your fishing rods, oil your reels, and get your fishing rig in order. Spring has sprung, and you’ll want to do the same the moment an opportunity arises.
Remember to practice CPR, “Catch, Photo, and Release”, whenever possible on trophy Trout and Reds.
Guide Chris Martin, Port O’Connor/Seadrift region
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