It has been hard to beat the heat lately! Even when you get up before the crack of dawn. You walk outside you immediately start sweating. It’s tough when your not used to it. Hopefully every one has been staying hydrated. If you don’t you are likely to pass out and awake to people pouring cold water on ya. I find myself getting cramps in my calves if I don’t drink enough liquid. How about you? For what its worth, drink pickle juice. The other day I threw a cramp in both legs and I about jumped out of my skin. Luckily, I was at Bubba’s Seafood in Seadrift. They had some pickle juice that saved the day. I wonder if we could make pickle popsicles. Hey don’t knock it til you try it.
It has been a steady South Southwest wind lately which has dropped the tide as if it was a winter low tide. We have been getting plenty of tows for the NOT so shallow running boats. Those sand bars are doozies. The fishing strategies of late have been getting on the Mid Bay Reefs. The deep sides have been producing numbers of keeper trout. The middle of West Bay and San Antonio Bay are easy targets in the mornings before the wind kicks up. Limits of Trout using Croakers have been the norm. Wade Fishing has also been producing trout along both the North and South Shorelines. Tops and tails will do the trick if you like to chunk and wind. Obviously using croaks while wading is almost a guarantee.
Hey, how about those days when we got to get into the surf. Those few days were epic. You couldn’t do NO wrong on the flat days. Which brings up a point I would like to share. Please remember if you are just seeing pictures and reports on fishing the surf you are too late. You have to be here when those slow northers are passing through. If you are lucky you get about 3 perfect days in the surf. The 4th starts getting sketchy and boats start sinking. Don’t take it personal, I push the limit every chance I get to fish the surf. There has been numerous boats that have capsized and sank because they heard the reports the fish are in the surf. Here’s another one. The reds are in the 1st gut. This is true, like right off the beach. We caught some hum dingers within feet of the sand and sea. To be able to get that close, you only get 2 days to get that close.
Over the years, I have noticed these above observations that have gotten many fishermen in a bind. I am talking brand new nice bay boats flipped over because the driver of the rig heard the fish are in the surf. Look, I have had my close calls, all guides have, but we know when to blow the popsicle stand and stay in the bay. Hey, Err on the side of caution.
Tarpon are starting to migrate along the beach front plus in the Pass and also in the bay. The Tarpon Guides are in full swing. That’s an awesome trophy fish that always comes with exciting stories. So now is the time to hook up with a local Tarpon Guide. Oh, I have the gear and minimal know-how but I prefer to find you a salty’r guide who targets them on a regular basis. Give me a call if you need some guidance. And while I am admitting to my guiding species weakness, I will gladly tell you that Triple Tails are in the Bay. This fish is another trophy that takes a talented cast master and good boat driver. It’s a team effort. Once you get the hang of it catching these powerful creatures and landing them you will have the best table fare in the Bay. This is another fish I don’t target and would gladly help you find a triple tail guide.
Before I sign off, Airboat Redfishing has been as hot as the temperature. We had a few misses early the other morning which I thought we missed the daily bite because it was already a scorcher at 9:30 am or 10:00 am. I’m telling you reds and drum were spitting the hooks like a grown man chewing tobacco. Hooks were good, take downs on the rods were textbook but the last little bit to the net was a bust. We were super frustrated. But at 11 AM when it was closing in on 100 degrees tbe Reds started feeding and we started connecting. We got our 3 limits of reds in about an hour. Memorable day for sure.
Hey, Teal Season is about to kick off so holler at me for some weekdays we have open. It’s a change of pace. Fast Pace for sure but a welcome change. Dove Season in Mexico is open so if you want to melt a shotgun barrel you can hit me up for a few days of wing shooting South of the Border, call me.
Stay Hydrated, Safe and Cool
Captain Jeff Larson, 281 217 0399
