The past few weeks have provided struggles amongst SAB (San Antonio Bay) enthusiasts in the form of off-colored water conditions resultant of recent heavy winds. To top this off, the weather experts are currently saying we may possibly be looking at having several more weeks of this windy stuff. This just means that we will simply be required to adapt and overcome the anomalous wind conditions that are to be presented to us in the weeks ahead. After all, every fishing trip seems to possess its own set of unique challenges in some way.
Long periods of forceful winds can often lend to an ever lacking presence of continuity or uniformity in your daily fishing methods and practices as you proceeded toward the goal of experiencing a successful day of fishing, so be prepared to have to plan accordingly ahead of time – the protected shoreline, or cove, that you fished this morning may be completely blown-out tomorrow morning. But even with the winds being as frustrating as they are, it now appears as though this year’s springtime transition period has finally decided to share itself with us. Now, if you’re like me, you probably tend to associate the springtime transition period with that of spectacular trout fishing amidst the numerous open-water shell pads located throughout the SAB region. Unfortunately, the winds of late have not yet allowed us to take advantage of such hot shell action in SAB, but this past week alone has shown us improved water temperatures and the long-awaited return of this year’s high concentrations of baitfish in the form of large mullet atop the shallows along sand and grass shorelines. Additionally, there are many other environmental changes taking place right now, with one of the more obvious ones being the reduction of major cool fronts as we progress through April and into May. But we have observed other favorable changes as well, with the most notable being an increase in the number of our catch-and-release of larger trout over the course of the past couple weeks. A few of our clients have experienced career-best landings, with one of these fish measuring in excess of 29 inches – a lot of the female trout are traveling “heavy” these days as they prepare for their spring spawn, and the consequential action is slowly becoming quite impressive. So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to begin your coastal fishing assault this year and if you hold any faith (whatsoever) in the old adage, “Good things come to those who wait”, then late April and early May might possibly be one of the best times for you to make plans for getting out on the water just as soon as humanly possible.
Go get ‘em!
Like I said earlier, there are a lot of changes taking place during springtime, but there are some things you can do as an angler that’ll allow you to take full advantage of these changing times. You can begin by making it a point to always study and document the alterations and variations in patterns associated with the environmental and biological changes. For example, springtime wind directions are most always predominantly southern in origin with wind speeds increasing due to the rising in temperature of the offshore Gulf waters. So, start making note of fishable areas during southerly winds that produce the best. Work on your ability to notice the need to be at a particular place while operating under certain weather conditions or where to be at the right time of the day (a good practice throughout the year), and etch into your mind the fact that you don’t need to spend precious time in areas that have not sufficiently produced for you under your current weather and wind conditions. Another important reminder to you would be that you should consistently maintain complete focus on the task at hand – if you’re going for quality fish, instead of mere quantity, learn to direct your full attention to that which you know from experience is going to help you realize a trophy catch. Remain confident by telling yourself over and over again that you have determined that today is the day that you’re going to catch your best-ever trout. Bear in mind that you won’t be taking boat breaks today. Nope, today you’ll probably be required to grind it out all day long as you continue telling yourself that you can’t, or won’t, give up. I know that to some this may all sound like futile words of wisdom, but I speak from experience when I tell you that confidence is a key component to success in fishing. Try it next time you’re out on the water and all-else fails…you might just (consequently) surprise yourself, and your personal record book.
Trying out his new rod from Bay Flats Lodge, Mike “Jimmy” Kovar had made about 15 casts when he hooked this big one. After hauling in the black drum, which weighed about 55 pounds, Jimmy went on to catch reds and trout.
Another change taking place right now, one that has the Bay Flats team very excited, is the recent announcement made by the fine folks at Texas Tackle Factory (TTF) regarding their intentions for entering the hard-bait market. That’s right! TTF anticipates that you’ll be able to purchase the new TTF line of top water baits, the GunDog series, off the shelves at your local tackle retailer as early as June, or July, of this year. The new GunDog series consists of three new topwater baits, the Flush, the Dummy, and the Little Dummy. The largest in the series is the Flush (5 in., 7/8 oz.) which is enhanced with a dual rattle system – one loud clicking ball, and multi-BB rattles in the belly. What the Flush brings to the table is a top water presentation never before seen by fish. Instead of the standard side-to-side walk-the-dog action produced by other top water baits, the Flush retrieves in a smooth “S” pattern allowing you to work the bait really slow or really fast. The two smaller baits, the Dummy (4-3/8 in., 5/8oz), and the Little Dummy (3-1/2 in., ½ oz), each have bumps along the side of the bait giving it more presence in the water – a bigger wake, an enhanced sound profile, and a unique hook presentation. As the owner of these baits, you’ll enjoy the assurance that you’ll have a collection of top water lures consisting of unique characteristics unlike that of similar baits. So, buy early, and buy often – oh, and, have fun! Remember to practice CPR, “Catch, Photo, and Release”, whenever possible on trophy Trout and Reds…Guide Chris Martin, Port O’Connor/Seadrift region. www.BayFlatsLodge.com
