When the surf is clean and green to the beach, wade fishing can be an excellent option from now until the first cold fronts of September begin moving through. Robert Sloan photo

Wading the surf is like walking into outer space – you never know what to expect. Every trip out is a new angling adventure. And from about now through the end of September this is an excellent option.

Wading the surf is a no brainer. The drill is simple. If the water is green to the beach cruise the sand until you see birds or baitfish.

Another way to fish the surf is with a boat. On a calm day you can anchor the boat on the second sand bar and wade for miles. It’s not unusual to catch trout upwards of 7 pounds right about now along the Matagorda Island surf.

Wading the surf is easy once you figure out how it’s done. First you’ve got to be dressed right. Wading booties are a must. The high top boots will keep sand and shell off your feet. A pair of long pants and a long sleeve shirt will keep the jellyfish from stinging you. Needless to say a hat is a must. The best, if you can still find one, is the old Styrofoam pith helmet. It not only keeps the sun off your head but holds a lot of lures.

Other gear that will complete your wade fishing experience in the surf is a good belt that’ll hold a pair of pliers and a stringer. Besides a good rod and reel that’s about it.

The key to being successful in the surf is to hit it right. By that I mean hitting the beach when the water is clean and green. For that to happen you’ll need a light wind, preferably a variable wind out of the north or southeast.

A variety of lures will work in the surf. Regardless of what you tie on the best time to wade into the surf is at first light. That’s when the topwater bite will be the most consistent.

There is good news and bad news associated with wading the surf. The good news is that it’s a quick hit option for catching a stringer of trout. The bad news is that your fish are on a stringer that is attached to you. And sharks definitely like to take advantage of an easy meal. That’s why it’s always best to wade with a long stringer and keep the fish on that stringer away from your torso.

The number one thing to keep in mind is to play it safe and wear a life jacket. Over the years a lot of fishermen have drowned while wading the surf. In most of those situations strong currents were a key factor. A speckled trout is definitely not worth risking your life for.

For details on fishing with Capt. Robert Sloan go to www.hightailangler.com or call 409 782 6796.

Top five baits in the surf
1 –     Silver spoon.
2 –     Topwater lure like a Super Spook or Top Dog.
3 –     Five inch Egret mullet wedge tail.
4 –     Live shrimp under a cork.
5 –     Live mullet on bottom for reds.
-Capt. Robert Sloan