“A Family Affair”
Bay Flats Lodge

We’ve already had some substantial cold fronts, and area bay waters have become quite chilly as a direct result. In the event we’re presented with a calm day this month, make your way out into the mid-section of San Antonio Bay and take advantage of what can, at times, be some prime cold-water trout fishing amongst the many area shell reefs. Unfortunately, however, we’ll probably be spending most of our days in January putting up with harsh winds that are either out of the south just prior to the next approaching front, or winds out of the north immediately following the passage of a front. Either way, we can often spend a considerable amount of time this month searching for productive areas that provide adequate protection from high winds and other foul weather elements.

Anyone who has spent much time fishing the Port O’Connor and Seadrift area may have spent a few of their wintertime days out on the water nestled close to the bank in tight coves located on the bayside of area back lakes. These coves offer protection from the weather, and they also offer access to narrow arteries which feed saltwater into some of the back lakes. There’s a good possibility you’ll find some bigger trout hanging out in these guts and bayous, so make it a point to jig some of your favorite plastic tails in these deeper areas this month when the water gets really cold. A couple of good colors this time of the year include Texas Roach and Black Magic, both with a chartreuse tail. However, an all-time favorite go-to bait color for cold water still remains plum with a chartreuse tail.

If top water baits are more your game, stick with the old rule-of-thumb that says to throw bright colors on bright days, and dark colors on dark days or in dark water. Simply put, when the air and water temperatures drop severely, dark colors work, regardless of the weather or the water conditions.

Aside from hiding in coves along San Antonio Bay’s south shoreline, consider concentrating some of your efforts elsewhere. Wading long, skinny reefs that are nearly up against the shore of the Aransas National Refuge has historical proven to be time well spent when it’s cold outside. Other areas to look to this month include the protected shoreline of the Welder Ranch, the deeper waters of the Victoria Barge Canal and the ICW, the reefs located near Grass Island, and the mud/shell that rests near the lower end of Shoalwater Bay where it opens in to San Antonio Bay. You might get cold or be uncomfortable, but you’ll be having fun while making enjoyable memories. Happy New Year everyone!

Capt. Chris Martin, Bay Flats Lodge, 1.888.677.4868 Office