Solid Day of Big Reds
Capt. Cody Spencer
Bay Flats Lodge

April means that the fishing conditions will be changing right before our eyes.  The days will be getting longer, and the amount of sunlight each day will be growing.  We’ll start seeing longer periods of increasing warmth, and the cooler water temperatures of wintertime shall begin to warm slowly on almost a daily basis resulting in surface readings that may reach as high as the mid-70’s.

The first section of the bay to begin feeling full effects of this annual warming trend will be the skinny waters along tapering shorelines.  The springtime sunlight projecting across these shallows will once again begin bringing these waters alive by attracting different species of baitfish and predators alike.  In as such, anglers should head for a few of their favorite shallow water shorelines in April, looking for pods of surface-active baitfish huddled tightly above heavily-grassed mud or sand.

Now then, according to historical logs, early April is predominately filled with redfish fun – I say redfish, rather than trout, because it seems as though the reds tend to follow the bait to the warming shallows ahead of the trout.  However, after a consistent warming trend lasting three or four days, you can almost bet that the trout will be close behind, as they’re not about to let the redfish have all the food.

Now that spring is underway, we’re going to be recognizing some of the windiest times of the year, and the winds will appear to increase each week with the approaching warmer months.  Wind direction and speed can dictate success or failure based upon what decisions you make, so don’t be anxious to cancel your day on the water simply because the wind happens to be blowing at an increasingly high rate of speed.  After all, it always helps having some wind in order to not show up empty-handed at the end of the day.

Anglers can look to Matagorda Island for alternatives on windy days, as there are countless sand bars, points, coves, and leeward shorelines that offer protection while wade fishing.  So, knock the dust off your fishing rods, oil your reels, and get your fishing rig in order.  Spring has sprung, and you’ll want to do the same the moment an opportunity arises.

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

Fishing Report

The biggest factor in successful fishing of late has been water levels.  We’ve had a water dump which caught us by surprise and the ultra low tides took everyone off solid locations and put us on the hunt.  That’s always fun working the pattern change.  Other than the occassional flat spot, both size and numbers have been good on Redfish.  Capt. Chris Cady has been doing some great work on airboat trips with Capt. James Cunningham; Capt. Braden Proctor; Capt. Kolten Braun and Capt. Trey Ross working the flats.  When it comes to Trout, drifting artificial has been producing in a brief window of mild winds only to be shut down as winds ramp up ahead of a weather change.  Wade fishing artificial has been the real ticket for Capt. Trey Ross taking names on light tackle working mud/grass for both Trout and Redfish.  The topwater bite has been a go to switching to soft plastics when things slow up a bit.

No Bananas On A Boat

Quickest way to rattle a fishing guide is drag some bananas on the boat with you.  The negativity surrounding that “lore” is alive and well among professionals on the water today.  Check out our Photo Gallery.
We’ve got lots and lots of great fishing ahead of us. Come see us!

Capt. Kris Kelley, Castaway Lodge
1-888-618-4868, www.seadriftbayfishing.com

It was a great end to March with solid catches of redfish and black drum but the most exciting news is the live shrimp came back and began working immediately on solid catches of speckled trout!

April is here and things are heating up for anglers all over Texas but especially right here in the middle coast.  I’m getting live shrimp and changing over to popping corks this week and it promises to be a solid week of catching trout!  We should still be getting plenty of redfish and black drum too but it’s nice to have all the options to get after all in the same day.  The water temperatures are back up in the low seventies and with extended daylight of Spring along with the higher tides and increased wind during this month it’s time to get out on the water and take advantage of this wonderful season change.

Aside from the great feeling of the end of school not too far away and the anticipation of Summer vacations, it’s just a good time to live on the Texas coast and fish these salty waters.  Bait is everywhere now and the creatures forced away to deeper waters by the cold weather and seasonal migration changes have returned in abundance such as pinfish, shrimp and sooner than later the ladyfish.  Most of the waterfowl has exited now and flip flop season is here so get out and enjoy it and we will see you at the lodge.

Capt Stephen Boriskie
Bay Flats Lodge, Seadrift, Texas, 888-677-4868