It looks like the worst of the weather is behind us. We are still getting fronts about once a week but now its just some cool wind for a day or two, nothing like the stuff we got last month. With the more pleasant weather we are seeing a dramatic improvement in the fishing.

The bays are producing good boxes of trout and reds with a lot of drum in the mix as well. I fished the shell reefs in San Antonio Bay two days last week and we caught quite a few trout and some big sheepshead. Most of the trout were 13 to 14 inches but we had about a dozen keepers to 20 inches each day. We used everything from Redfish Magic to Gulp to Live Shrimp but most of the fish came on Norton Bull Minnows in the rootbeer/chartreuse color.

The Lakes are still hard to fish due to fairly low tides. I tried a few times last week to get back there with little or no luck.

The jetties are producing good catches of Sheepshead, Reds and Drum. Many of the drum are in the 18 to 22 inch size but many of the reds and drum are way oversized. Live shrimp has been best.

The Drum Run is on. We caught some big ones to 45 lbs last weekend in Saluria Bayou. There hasn’t been that much fishing pressure in Saluria and Mitchell’s Cut. Maybe we’ll see that change this week with the warmer weather. Fresh crab is by far the best bet for the Big Drum.

In the photo above, Jerry Castru, Goliad, Forest Aleman, San Antonio and Carlos Bernal, San Antonio released some Big Drum in the bay and then caught a bunch of fish at the Jetties.

Capt. Bob Hill Port O’Connor Charters (361) 983-4325

The month of March denotes a time of changes. Winds will shift their direction from out of the northeast and will begin blowing out of the southeast. Lower tides will become higher, and gin-clear water will start to become green. Cold temperatures will begin to warm, and previously “dead” waters will once again come alive with the activity of bait movement. Game fish will slowly begin their search for hard, sandy bottoms instead of the mud and grass mixture they’ve come to know and love during wintertime. Wind velocities will begin to increase and, as a result, so will my fishing efforts in the secluded regions of the back lake areas.

But on days absent of any wind, I’ll concentrate on leeward shorelines consisting of significant structure where many of the different types of bait fish will look to for shelter as they start their annual spring migration back into the bay system. Area land points made-up of sand and shell that jut out into the water away from shore will also become good places for me to locate predator fish that have positioned themselves there in order to ambush bait fish being driven over and around the point, especially at times of a strong, moving tide.

But these aren’t the only changes taking place at this time in the year. Another, for me, will be my alteration to the way I fish each day. While the early morning water temperatures will remain somewhat cooler throughout the month, I’ll start most of my days of fishing by wading in areas consisting of mud and grass. Then, and as the day’s air temperature begins to warm, I’ll move and will focus my efforts upon areas of sand and shell. This movement of mine depicts my adaptation to the slow transition (mentioned earlier) that the fish are making at this time in the year from their previously-preferred mud and grass environ of wintertime to that of sand and shell which they like during the warmer months of the year. This will be an ever-so-slow transition beginning this month, and it can be one of the hardest things for anglers to figure out, especially for those who measure their level of success by the number of fish landed. Nonetheless, simply following his transition will often mean the difference between success and failure during March. This all becomes much easier for the “pattern” angler as we get closer to April, when the water temperature nears the popular 70-degree mark and anglers are able to concentrate on sand and shell areas on a more regular and daily basis.

Wes with 8-boat corporate event is the leader for the BFL & TFF Big Trout Contest; landed on chartreuse skitter walk with Capt. Jason, Bay Flats Lodge, March 1, San Antonio Bay.

With so many different things happening at the same time in March, anglers will easily often wonder how they are supposed to effectively locate the fish. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer I can offer to that question. All I can do is share with you what has worked for me and hope that you can benefit from my experience. To begin, let’s start things off by talking about the fish for a moment.

The chilly water temperatures of winter are becoming a thing of the past in March, and the one thing of utmost priority for the trout and reds this month is going to be their ability to fill their bellies with food. In attempting to satisfy their appetite, these fish will become more active this month as they begin foraging for their food supply. It’s for this very reason that I prefer to pinpoint active pods of bait fish when scouting fishing conditions in March. The fish are going to be hungry, and chances are great that they’re going to be found wherever the food is located, regardless of the condition of the water color.

With the ever changing wind and tidal conditions being brought about this month, bay and lake waters can often become disturbed to the point of severe discoloration. So, don’t let that hinder your decision to stop and fish an area in March. If you’re motoring down a windward shoreline that’s holding extremely stained, or just downright brown, water and you notice bait busting the surface or bait that is strongly being driven directly against the shoreline, stop the boat and setup a wade session with your favorite bait (I generally prefer to start with a top water or dark-colored plastic in this instance). Like my old saying goes, “Fish the signs and conditions, and not the spot.” Learning to do this during the month of March might just yield you one of your most successful fishing months of the year. Have fun!

In closing, don’t forget about the 2011 WINTER FISHING SPECIAL going on now at Bay Flats Lodge throughout the remainder of March when you and your guests can fish each day of the week at tremendously discounted rates. To top things off, Texas Tackle Factory (TTF) has teamed with Bay Flats Lodge (BFL) to bring you the BFL & TTF FEBRUARY / MARCH BIG TROUT CONTEST, where catching the biggest trout (while fishing with BFL during March) will win you and three of your guests 2-nights of lodging and meals, and 2-days of guided fishing (a $2600.00 value).

But wait, that’s not all…!!! If the winning trout is landed using a TTF lure, the winning angler will also receive a $200.00 gift certificate to shop the TTF web store, a quantity of 36 TTF Gun Dog Top waters (1 of each color – Flush, Flush Jr., Dummy, Little Dummy), 2 Bags of each color of the KFM Jive 45 Soft Plastic Baits, and 2 Bags of each color of the Gun Dog Shock collar.

Additionally, TTF is also sponsoring various daily prizes (too numerous to list) for the biggest trout of each day, so please phone or email me to learn more about these special BFL events. Also keep in mind that you can always stay informed as to the latest that Bay Flats Lodge has to offer by simply signing-up on the website to receive your daily BFL newsletter.

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…1-888-677-4868

Full limits of Redfish came to hand for our guests over the weekend with Capt. Doug looking for Trout early to find concentrations on a feeding frenzy but lacking any size. Winds through the weekend had folks penned up in fishable waters which may or may not have been “fishy waters”. That’s a “condition of late Winter/early Spring for sure.

Some years ago I headed out with some guests and the winds were cranking. As I entered the back lakes there was a boat fishing every location that I had ever caught a fish as well as plenty in locations that I hadn’t gotten around to fishing. What I remember about that day was it was “the first day I’d ever seen anything quite like it”. When people get the urge to fish during the Spring, harsh conditions will often concentrate the masses in an untenable situation.

Just the other day I had just the opposite happen. I was fishing off The Lane on a Sunday and entered the parking lot at the boat ramp and the only two vehicles in the parking lot were mine and that of Capt. Doug. Elevated wind forecasts had evidently “intimidated” folks into thinking about doing something other than fishing. In this business, there isn’t any room for “intimidation”, just creativity in dealing with Mother Nature.

Big winds in our area create a lot of heavy stringers and fish boxes. Back Lake environs, shallow protected bays and the likes make this stretch of the Texas Coast much different from some others with less protected water. Gusting Gulf breezes often times will ignite a Trout and Redfish bite that has produced a lot of memories over the years. Interestingly, the feeding frenzy often tends to diminish as winds back down. Nothing makes me more curious about potential challenges than hitting the water a couple of days after a strong cold front amidst light winds and calm waters. Big Trout along with schools of Redfish will often find themselves cruising windward shorelines in pursuit of bait pods which have chosen to locate themselves in the more turbid windward areas. Big winds over grass beds are often beneficial depending upon direction and velocity. There are times when velocities can reach a direction and speed where it will actually blow the waters clear in a shallow environ. This can present some problems that may take a few years to figure out how to “fish through”. Or, you can read further. After a great day with some guests on Saturday, Sunday found me smack dab in the middle of these conditions. I pretty quickly knew something was off Sunday morning. Water levels had fallen slightly (with not much water to give) and a lot of the back flats were clearing. The fish were scattered and fairly unresponsive. Much of the situation I found myself in had to do with wind direction and velocity, 120 and pumping.

Years ago, I learned that even the smallest patch of off color water in this situation would have some relevance in fishing out of it. Small islands would be surrounded by clear water but there might be a blow of off color water coming off one edge or the other. Inspecting this turbid water found it to be holding bait and more importantly, fish. You might be surprised how many fish will locate themselves in a 10 yard wide and 30 yard long blow of milky water when the broader waters are blown clear.

Things were looking pretty bleak until I came across a pocket of offcolor water in a deeper lake that erupted with mushroom shaped mud stirs as I approached. I don’t know how concentrated the fish were but I can tell you it looked good but produced modestly with a single Redfish to 26” and a couple of Black Drum. Another day, different conditions, this might have been a “smoke pole”. We pressed on and continued working with decent concentrations of fish to 27”. It was a hard pressed fight with some satisfaction as full limits came to hand. Nothing about the days feeding pattern resembled anything close to that experienced on Saturday. That serves as a reminder that fish “have fins and will use them”. They also have a mouth that sometimes doesn’t open easily.

We made the cover of Airboating Magazine for the March/April issue. Pictured is Mr. Skipper Smith showing off an upper slot Redfish taken on a Cast & Blast trip with us this January aboard our Air Ranger airboat from American Airboats.

Good luck in your fishing and remember to keep an eye on the weather as we move into Spring. We’ve still got some surprises coming out of the North and that can make for a rough day on the water if you aren’t prepared for it.

Capt. Kris Kelley Castaway Lodge Seadrift, Texas 1-888-618-4868

Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17…

Who would have ever thought the wonderful life of Saint Patrick was once in a pagan atmosphere? Saint Patrick was born in Wales in 385 AD. His name was Maewyn. Actually, he wasn’t born Irish at all but his Catholic ministry brought him to Ireland with the burning hope of converting every pagan to Christianity.

A local pastor once had a quotation on the church marquee that said, “Saints have a past; sinners have a future.” That certainly should bring relief to some of us if not all.

Being raised around pagans in ancient Europe, Saint Patrick only became a dynamic believer in Christianity after being sold as a slave by pagan marauders when he was only sixteen years old. After six years under severe conditions he was convinced there was a Supreme Being far greater than the multiple beliefs of paganism including gods and goddesses not unlike some forms of mythology. It is said that a premonition from God encouraged his escape. From that point he did successfully escape his captors and slave master.

He went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for twelve years. Having been then appointed as second bishop of Ireland, he set out to develop his life time goal by traveling throughout Ireland converting pagans to Christianity for which he was very successful. This benevolent endeavor lasted for thirty years until his retirement in County Down.

Much has been said by countless followers of Saint Patrick which consist of not only Roman Catholics but Protestants as well and maybe some others. After all, it is said “everyone” is Irish for at least one day and proudly wear the traditional green as the ‘first green of spring’.

Traditional stories of Saint Patrick claim (though not believed to be true) he preached from the top of a hill which drove the snakes out of Ireland. Of course, it is also believed there were no snakes in Ireland to begin with and it is just a metaphor referring to pagans. Furthermore, the symbol of the shamrock or three leaf clover was used by Saint Patrick to explain the holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Originally, Saint Patrick’s Day was a Catholic holy day and it is now more of a secular day. Also, following a long time tradition, it is often a day of celebration of friendly and jovial people. Parades, river dancing, costume parties and general fun and pleasure are important events sharing the memory of a saint of the past. Some even include a friendly ‘pint’ they colorfully added a splash of green food coloring to further the tradition of saluting spring.

Gosh and begorah, may the luck of the Irish be with you today!

Bob Jamison is a freelance writer. His web: Jamisonwildlife.com

A Nation of Law?

After the War for Independence our Nation’s Founders wanted to guarantee to all Citizens freedom, economic opportunity, and equality before the law. Their first attempt, The Articles of Confederation was a failure because it was too weak, because they were rightfully afraid of a powerful centralized government. After much prayer and deliberation a Federal Government was formed by a document entitled “We the People..”, now known as the Constitution. The Constitution was a Contract between the People, the States, and the Federal Government that formed that Federal Government and gave it certain limited powers and responsibilities. With this Divinely inspired document our Founding Fathers gave us a blueprint for a perfect government. For a century certain political elements have moved to subvert our Republic for their own reasons and benefit.

The Representatives to the Continental Congress were, like the People, devout Christians and of many denominations from Calvinists to Deists. Freedom of Religion was very important, because they wanted everyone to have the right to worship God and Jesus Christ in the manner of their choice with no danger of a government-based religion like the Church of England dictating to or controlling the other denominations. That America was founded as a Christian nation is denied by these “Progressives” that try to re-write history. Ask these Deniers why the cap-stone of the Washington Monument reads
Laus Deo – Praise God. We tolerate other religions, but we should not let others subjugate us to their religion or their denial of God. Freedom of Religion does NOT lawfully give others the right to stop Christian Americans from publicly recognizing our Christian heritage, but that is how the government chooses to interpret it.

Equality before the Law was very important to people that had experienced the arrogant abuses of the English aristocracy and the King’s agents and Courts. In an effort to prevent abuses by a strong centralized government many of the People demanded a “Bill of Rights”, the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution, before they would ratify it. This included the Second Amendment that guaranteed the Right to bear arms to the People to defend themselves against attack by hostile forces, criminals, or oppressive, unconstitutional government.

The current administration is refusing its Constitutional duty to secure our borders and when the State of Arizona tries to enforce the existing Federal law with state law, the Dept. of Justice(?) seeks to prevent it. This DoJ is siding with a foreign government to protect criminal aliens from a State enforcing the same laws that Holder and Obama swore to God to enforce.

These two have also declared they will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act, a Federal law passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. This is to appeal to the radical homosexual lobby, a small but very active core constituency of this unlawful administration. Also Attorney General Holder has repeatedly refused to prosecute radical violent New Black Panthers for well documented threats and intimidation of voters. He calls these thugs “My People”! What about the American People? Are we going to allow these people to pick which laws they will enforce? And against who?

These are just a few examples of Gross Malfeasance by people sworn to uphold the Constitution and Federal law. There are 32 unconstitutional “Czars” usurping power and wasting tax money daily to empower their socialist agenda.

We must recognize that we must start working together to save our Constitutional Republic. It is not just Republican vs. Democrat anymore. Our Democrat Party has been infiltrated, stolen, and destroyed by International Socialist Totalitarians pretending to be “Progressives”. Our choice now is Constitutional freedom or socialist slavery. We can no longer fall under the spell of Mass Media fads, but force these arrogant opportunists to return to a Nation of Law.