Another Nice Stringer!
-Capt. Todd Jones, Bay Flats Lodge

Cold temperatures will be in store for anglers as we enter the beginning of another new year along the Texas Gulf coast. We can expect periods of exceptionally strong winds out of the north that will almost certainly be pushing a lot of water out of area bays producing lower tides as a direct result. This should signal to boating anglers the need for them to heed extra caution while underway in any body of water, even those they may be fairly familiar with, as they make their way to their January fishing destinations. Additional safety measures this month will include layered-clothing, an extra set of dry clothes, foul-weather gear, and the practice of leaving a copy of the day’s intended float plan at home with family members or friends before heading out onto the water. It is also a good idea to always make sure everyone’s cell phone is fully charged and that each of the phones are stored securely in a dry spot in the boat.

It goes without saying that whenever the water turns cold, the trout are going to get cold, too. And when the trout get cold, they will begin to search for warmer surroundings. For the trout, this might mean locating water that is only as much as a few degrees warmer. And because mud is as efficient as it is in its ability to absorb, store, and discharge heat means that Coastal Bend anglers can increase their odds for success this month as they explore areas comprised primarily of the thick, soft, blackish-gray stuff. The many lake areas like Pringle, Long, Contee, South Pass, and Panther are all good choices, along with Shoalwater Bay.

If January turns really, really cold and consequently causes bay water temperatures to simply plummet, anglers can anticipate the need to look for the trout in some of the deeper locales around the region. One of the more popular deep spots is The Army Hole that’s located out on Matagorda Island. Another deep water alternative that is offered to area anglers is the approximate 19-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) that runs between West Matagorda Bay at Port O’Connor all the way down to where it reaches San Antonio Bay near Seadrift. Occasionally, this particular leg of the ICW serves a dual purpose in that it can also provide protection from nagging winds on most days. Unless we experience an unexpected heat wave, January’s going to be cold, so plan to look for mud and for deep water (or mud that’s in deep water)!

“Big 12 Champion”
-Capt. Lil’ John Wyatt, Bay Flats Lodge