Galveston fishing report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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Today through at least part of Sunday looks like a good window of conditions to hit the water.

 Fortunately, this comes on a weekend when most workers have off.

So, what is taking place on the fishing scene?

Most everyone is aware of the big drum run in progress and there’s no doubt drum fishermen will be catching some fish. Catching as opposed to keeping will be the norm for the larger black drum as you can only keep black drum at a maximum length of 30 inches. One fish longer than 52 inches can be retained, as the rule is intended to allow for a new state record fish to be certified.

Otherwise, the slot-size range for black drum is 14 to 30 inches, with five fish per day per person allowed as the bag limit.

Earlier this week, Seawolf Park reported some excellent catches despite the foggy conditions.

We have some interesting news for inshore fishermen. A good number of flounder have returned to the bays. Capt. James Plaag, Silver King Adventures, reported lots of flounder among the schools of trout he has fished.

Last Saturday, Plaag was wade fishing the incoming tide and landed Texas Grand Slams that included trout to 7 pounds. Corkies, Fat Boys, Mirrolures and white She Dogs were the baits.

Clem Mitchell wade fished Carancahua Cove on Friday afternoon and found a good number of trout in the area, just not wall-hangers. Mitchell was using live shrimp fished under a popping cork.

Another good report from Gum Bayou was received, this time from Christie Lang, who along with her friend Gloria caught several black drum from 16 to 18 inches and two sheepshead to 17 inches.

 Squid and peeled shrimp were the baits. Lang did not mention which day the fish were caught or where along the bayou.

Galveston fishing report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

A cold winter’s day — that is the best way to describe Galveston area weather Wednesday. Adding to the misery were winds near gale-force velocities, making the chill factor seem like Antarctica.

No fishing reports were received, as no one was out fishing. That will change as the week progresses and a warming trend sets in.

During the big drum run that is underway, Seawolf Park is always a major attraction for anglers without boats who want a chance at catching an offshore-quality fish.

John McMichael, park manager, gave an update on what is taking place at the popular fishing spot.

“The fog has kept a lot of fishermen at home, but the ones that have ventured out this week have had a great deal of luck with black drum,” McMichael said. “At least 11 were landed Monday and no less than five Tuesday. This action should only get better as the water temperature rises.

“Add this to the newly rebuilt and now open bulkhead area, a good time is being had by the anglers fishing at Seawolf Park. The park is also gearing up to start night fishing on weekends in the very near future.
”
Other areas that attract bank fishermen during the drum run are the North Jetty and piers and rock groins along the beach front. The North Jetty can be a hazardous place to walk and is not as user-friendly as the other areas mentioned. For updates on what is taking place at the North Jetty, call the North Jetty Bait Camp, 409-684-1400.

Veterans of the black drum run have several baits they prefer, with crab — especially live crab — being at the top of the list. Cut bait such as mullet, shad and whiting also are popular.

In recent years, with the widespread availability of craw-fish this time of year, that bait has gained in popularity, especially when crab is in short supply.

Not to be left out, this also is the time of year for trophy trout to be roaming the shorelines.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

What is meant by the term “pre-frontal bite”? That question was asked by three readers Tuesday after that morning’s Reel Report relayed a comment by one of the popular guides in this area using it to describe what he felt Tuesday’s fishing conditions would be like.

Before addressing this, I must mention the remark of one reader who said it sounded like a dental diagnosis. Well, it does not have to do with teeth, but not human teeth. It is a phenomenon that often takes place just before a strong cold front arrives.

The pre-frontal bite is triggered when barometric pressure, which affects fishing in various ways, drops suddenly, sending a message to fish that a change in the weather is on the way. The message is that they should fill their stomachs now, as conditions might not be suitable later.

Tuesday, light winds along with good tidal movement added to the occasion and that, along with a sudden drop in barometric pressure, were prime ingredients for a pre-frontal bite to take place.

Now, did the bite happen?

By Tuesday evening, only one report from before daybreak was in — an angler reported catching a 27-inch trout under fishing lights off Offatts Bayou. It usually takes an extra day for reports to make their way in, and we should know more by Thursday’s edition.

One other report was received Tuesday from Capt. Jaime Cantu on his Saturday fishing trip. Cantu hosted customers Carl Hintzman and friends Colin and Mike from North Dakota. Fishing the Galveston Bay Complex, they caught black drum and a large red that was the highlight of their trip.

 Several undersized reds were caught and released.

Live crab were used for the black drum and live shrimp for the reds. The water temperature was 57.5 degrees.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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Today, perfect conditions are coming together to offer an excellent opportunity to catch trophy trout.

Capt. Mike Williams, Tarpon Express Guide Service, has studied the movement of big trout for more than 50 years and sent a note saying that today would likely offer the best conditions of the year to catch a wall-hanger trout.

Williams said it is his observation that today’s incoming tide will present a per-frontal window that will be the best time of the entire year to catch a state-record trout.

The time, tide and window are perfect for finding that huge fish roaming the shoreline.

While the factors look to jell today, the big hiccup could be early morning fog.

As of late afternoon Monday, the National Weather Service had a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until noon today.

A strong cold front is approaching the Upper Texas Coast and will bring high winds and colder temperatures through mid-week.

Light winds are forecast for today, so good luck if you are one of the trophy hunters on the water today, and don’t forget to let us know how you fared.

In other fishing news, Richard Belleau reported bull reds, whiting and sheepshead being caught at the 61st Street Fishing Pier.

Gum Bayou, near the FM 517 Bridge, has been producing some good catches lately.

George Alger and his wife Ginny fished from a friend’s boat dock near the bridge and landed black drum, sheepshead, whiting and an undersized flounder.

Fresh dead shrimp was the bait.

After the next cold front passes, warmer weather should be setting in and, with the resulting warmer water, fish should start moving.

Anglers interested in catching an offshore size fish inshore need to get geared up for the drum run that is underway.

In two to three weeks, the peak of the run will hit and black drum in the 25- to 50-pound range will be common.

Keep in mind that drum longer than 30 inches in length are catch-and-release only.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

The big news on the fishing scene is the black drum run.
 
It appears that more and more of the “Big Uglies” are making their way here for spawning.

Saturday, Les Mercado and Bernard Taylor fished the Bolivar Gas Wells looking for sheepshead and trout.
 
To their surprise, a concentration of large black drum were feeding around one of the wells.
 
While the anglers were using live shrimp on light tackle, they hooked up with at least seven of the big drum landing two.

The largest measured 33 inches, and both fish were released.
 
Incidentally, no sheepshead or trout were caught.

Smaller drum were being taken along the edge of the Galveston Ship Channel between the fuel dock and Seawolf Park.
 
Fred Sandlin fished that area Saturday and ended up with 13 sand trout and seven black drum to 21 inches.
 
All of the drum were released.

Miguel Henry hooked a huge black drum at the Texas City Dike that he estimated weighed more than 50 pounds.
 
The fish hit a whiting that had been cut in half and gave Henry a battle for at least 30 minutes before crushing the size 4 treble hook and escaping.

Speaking of black drum, the Rusty Hook Fishing Club will hold its 27th annual Black Drum Fishing Tournament from March 14-16.
 
The event will be headquartered at the Rusty Hook trailer located next to Boyd’s One Stop Bait Camp near the Texas City Dike.
 
The entry fee is $25 and registration will take place at the fishing club’s trailer.

For information check www.fhfishing.org or call Jerry Weyant at 281-538-2212.

While the water temperature is warming, another 10-degree rise will help fishing considerably.
 
Once the beachfront water hits the upper 60s and higher, watch for the action to start in the surf.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Friday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Crab Trap Removal Program began and will run through March 2.

During this 10-day period, all Texas bays will be closed to crabbing with wire mesh crab traps.
Any traps left in the bays will be assumed abandoned and considered “litter” under state law.
This allows volunteers to legally remove any crab traps they find.

Volunteers are needed to assist in the coast-wide effort to remove the numerous traps that have been lost or abandoned since last year’s cleanup.

To facilitate volunteer trap removal efforts this year, TPWD will provide trap drop-off sites at several locations in each major bay system along the coast from 8 a.m. to noon today, weather permitting.

Additionally at all sites, dumpsters or collection areas marked with banners will be available to receive traps for the duration of the closure.

Volunteers may participate at their own pace anytime during the closure, but traps cannot be removed after March 2.

To participate, volunteers may pick up free tarps, gloves, trap hooks and additional information at their local TPWD Coastal Fisheries field stations.

TPWD requests that volunteers who remove traps record and submit information about the number of traps they collect as well as documenting any sightings of diamondback terrapins.

The closest field station to Galveston is the Dickinson Marine Lab, located at 1502 FM 517 in Dickinson.

Drop-off points closest to Galveston are the boat ramp located on Jones Lake where Fatboy’s Bait Camp once existed, and the boat ramp under the FM 2004 Bridge over Chocolate Bayou.

In fishing news, Bulldog’s Bait Shop reported a couple of nice catches.

Jason McConahay and his wife Kari from Iowa caught a 40-inch bull red that was tagged and retained, along with a 30-inch black drum that was released. Live crab was the bait.

Lee Hardy used crab to land a 32-inch black drum while fishing off of the Texas A&M University at Galveston Pier on Friday.

Richard Browning fished the 61st Street Fishing Pier on Thursday and landed four whiting and two hardhards.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Spring starts earlier in this region than in areas farther north, and from the feel in the air, we are about there.

Springtime brings a variety of fishing to the Galveston area and includes the big drum run that is underway and will start to peak around mid-March.

Spring also is a time when the few freshwater fishing spots in Galveston County are in their best shape of the year.

Most anglers who fish freshwater in this area concentrate on bayous and creeks, the upper reaches of which tend to hold freshwater and a variety of fish.

If sweet water fishing, as it is sometimes called by saltwater anglers, is of interest to you and a trip to the East Texas lakes is not what you want, then give a few of the places in Galveston County a try.

For boaters, the upper reaches of Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou often are productive from mid-February through early May.

Fish ranging from bream to bass are caught, and anglers who know the areas tend to keep quiet about their catches.

Many of the irrigation canals throughout our area offer good fishing and are relaxing places to drop a line in the water.

The unfortunate part is that the canals pass through private lands, and permission of the land owner is needed to fish along the banks.

Friendswood has a town lake that is a popular place to take kids fishing, and stock tanks in pastures can be a hidden spot to find some nice fish.

Again, permission from the landowner is needed to fish the stock tanks.

In other fishing news, another cold front was expected to pass through Thursday night and move all of the fog that has been plaguing fishermen.

The rest of the weekend looks good for fishing, and if the forecasts hold, watch for some big drum to be caught around the jetties.

The surf might be a good bet for action as well.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Fog continues to hamper fishermen along the Upper Texas Coast and that, along with the few fishermen and shrimpers on the water, is taking its toll on inventories of live shrimp.

If you are planning a fishing trip during the next few days and desire live shrimp for bait, call ahead to your favorite bait camp and check on their supply.

Live shrimp should be available; however, probably not at every bait camp.

Several readers have commented on a statement in Wednesday’s Reel Report about off-color water attracting fish. Joe Domm of Texas City noted that in the past, I have referred to such water as being poor for fishing.

Off-color water can mean several things and, generally, it is not the best for fishing. Lately, much of the Galveston Bay Complex has held clear, if not gin-clear, water and the latter tends to make fish skittish as visibility is much farther than in “trout-green” water, the best for fishing in our area.

Off-color water, especially water more stained than dirty, is a positive as it usually is warmer and tends to hold more fish than the really clear version. Trout and other fish, including bait fish, like to have protection, and that along with the warmer temperature contributes to its attracting marine life.

During the summer, especially when a sustained southwest wind is blowing, the sandy, dirty water we refer to as off-color is not good for fishing.

Experienced fishermen know what to look for in water clarity and depending upon the season, murky water may or may not be where the fish are.

Mud streaks this time of year also attract fish and fishermen for much of the same reason.

Now, mud balls in the water are a different story. Mud balls are mud stirred up from the bottom, most of the time by reds and black drum feeding on crustaceans and shellfish embedded in the mud.

 Finding active mud balls, like fresh feeding slicks, is the objective of every angler. While the water clarity might not be desirable, the fish are there.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

The surf must be warming, if recent catches are any indication.

Bulldog’s Bait Shop reported an excellent catch by Texas A&M University at Galveston student Lee Hardy, who fished the surf Monday night. Hardy used cut mullet and dead shrimp to land two bull reds, numerous stingrays, whiting and hardheads.

The rays and hardheads are typically warm-water fish and usually are among the first species to move in when the water begins to warm. This should be welcomed news to the many anglers who have been cabin-bound waiting for winter to depart.

Lance Ernst and Ray Frazier battled the fog Monday to get into some action in West Bay
The West End anglers found some off-color water in the lower part of the bay where they limited out on trout to 24 inches. Mirrolures were the baits of choice.

Johnny Treadway and Helen Tucker fished Gum Bayou near the FM 517 bridge Monday and caught four slot reds to 24 inches. Treadway said the reds were feeding around some of the piers along the bayou and were caught sight casting. Live mudfish and shrimp were the baits.

Roland Sargent of San Leon reported good fishing from the HL&P Canal that once fed the abandoned power plant. Last weekend, he observed anglers returning to their cars with stringers of reds and puppy drum all caught from the bank using dead bait.

Sargent, who has fished the area for more than 40 years, said seeing those catches reminded him of the days when the water was flowing in the cooling canals and fish would stack up in good numbers.

Anglers fishing the pier at the 61st Street boat ramp have been catching a variety of pan fish, especially at night.

Raul Hernandez and his young son fished the pier last weekend and were pleased with their catch of black drum, whiting and sheepshead.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Fog was the big deterrent to fishing Monday, as anglers with a 3-day weekend on their hands were trying to hit the water.

Late morning Monday the fog was so thick along the seawall that the ends of the rock groins were not visible.

Fog is more prevalent in late winter and early spring than other times of the year.

One of the biggest problems with this weather event is that it can easily ambush you.

Many anglers will give testimonials about waiting for fog to lift in the morning and launching their boats thinking it would be free sailing for the rest of the day only to find it settling back in during the early afternoon hours.

Two years ago you might recall an angler sent a note about his frightful experience at the North Jetty.

He and his friends headed out to fish the boat cut after good visibility arrived following thick early morning fog.

Not long after noon, the fog began moving back in, and by 4 p.m. visibility was virtually zero.

The anglers moved their boat slowly in a north to northeast direction until they reached the Bolivar shoreline where they beached their boat and walked a considerable distance to find a phone.

Other incidences we have heard of involved boaters having to spend the night on the water.

Last Saturday, Capt. Jaime Cantu along with his deckhand Caroline hosted Dr. Tracy Whittenburg and her colleague Rebecca to a trip fishing the Galveston Bay Complex where the anglers caught two limits of nice-sized sheepshead.

Cantu reported the water temperature at 50 degrees with good clarity.

Black drum are beginning to bite with crab being the best bait for the big uglies.

His group, however, did not attempt to catch any with sheepshead being the primary target.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

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We were hoping that anglers would hit the water last weekend and give some feedback as to what is out there and biting.

While not many fishermen were out Saturday and Sunday, enough were on the water to give us a good indication of what is out there.

If you enjoy sheepshead, the jetties are holding a lot of the jailbirds, and some big ones at that.

Drum of all sizes are there as well, and the fishing is just going to get better during the next several weeks.

Bulldog’s Bait Shop reported an excellent catch by the Charles Lamb family of Bryan.

The family fished with Capt. Jason Woods, Rod Bending Charters, and landed 40 sheepshead to 5 pounds while retaining 10. Eight black drum to 50 pounds were caught and released, along with four puppy drum that were retained.

The action took place at both the North and South jetties, using crab and live shrimp for bait.

Seth Moore and his girlfriend Brandy Ellisor fished near the North Jetty Boat Cut early Sunday and landed eight sheepshead ranging from 2 to 6 pounds. Dead shrimp was the bait.

Fred Hicks fished from his father’s boat, docked at the Galveston Yacht Basin, and the 7-year-old caught three sheepshead and two large sand trout using peeled shrimp for bait.

The party boat Capt. John made a 12-hour run to the vicinity of the old Buccaneer Field on Saturday where Capt. Johnny Williams placed his anglers into action as a full boat limit of red snapper to 16 pounds was caught. Gulf trout to 3 pounds were also caught.

Tom Kwielinski and his son Shane were on board and they caught eight Gulf trout to 3 pounds, along with their limits of red snapper.

This week looks to offer some mild weather for fishermen, and anyone desiring sheepshead should be able to find the popular fish all around the jetties and Galveston Ship Channel.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Mild, sunny weather was in store for anglers Saturday and, while it still is a bit chilly to be on the water, scattered catches of fish were reported.

Jetty Joe, Galveston Bait and Tackle, reported a pair of anglers from Santa Fe named Bob and Gloria landed five trout to three pounds, and four sheepshead while fishing the causeway area Saturday.

Live shrimp was the bait.

Nelson Brinkley found Yates Bayou to be the spot for reds early Saturday as the angler from Crystal Beach caught seven, two keepers and five throwbacks, while wade fishing and using Corkies for bait.

Brinkley said he was after a big trout; however, no trout were to be found, and his consolation prize of two reds was not bad at all.

Both fish were 24 inches in length.

Scott Marshall and Perry Brown had a ball catching pan fish in the diversionary canal near Santa Fe.

Dead shrimp fished on two-hook panfish rigs landed whiting, black drum and sand trout.

Capt. James Plaag, Silver King Adventures, said that he has been pickin’ and peckin’ at the weather lately; however, last Friday he found big trout while wade fishing mud flats. Plaag used red shad and slammin’ chicken Bass Assassins to land a limit of trout to 27 inches.

Plaag found the tail end of the outgoing tide to be best and reported the water temperature to be a cold 50 to 53 degrees.

Thursday afternoon, John Hancock and Farley Edwards headed out to the tower located a few miles off of the beach front to try for red snapper in state waters. They fished the tower and two platforms all within the 9 nautical mile range of shore and did not get a hit. Squid and cut mullet were the baits, and Hancock felt that the fish must have had lockjaw as he knows that those structures hold fish.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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The wind played tricks on us Friday with the forecast calling for light to moderate winds when, in fact, small craft advisories had to be issued Friday afternoon.

A westerly wind gusting to near 30 knots was emptying the bays and back lakes of water and creating hazardous conditions for anyone operating a boat.

Looking back to my fishing log, it is clear that we are in a pattern in which fishermen look for windows of acceptable conditions among mostly windy and cool weather.

Friday’s windy conditions were too much for anglers wanting to fish the shallows as the westerly direction was pushing the water out and making a mess of areas where big trout roam this time of year.

While there will be good days during the next three months, in most years, they have been limited.
One of the problems with my fishing log for February and March is I have not been on the water much during those months.

Since becoming a full-time resident on the island, I fish under the lights much more than during the day this time of year, and the entries reflect that.

Now, what is it going to take to get us back on the water?

For me and a high percentage of my peers it will be warmer temperatures.

There is not a more pleasant time to be on the water than on a sunny spring day when winds are light.
While the fishing might not be great, the warm sunlight and peaceful conditions are worth just anchoring and dropping a line in the water.

Sometimes I am surprised at what is out there ready to strike.

Better conditions should be in store for this weekend and hopefully we will get some fishing reports from anglers willing to give it a try today and Sunday.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

The full moon is upon us and will be quite visible tonight.

That, along with today being Valentine’s Day, makes a perfect combination for treating your significant other to a fishing trip.

If he or she likes to wade fish and go after that once-in-a-lifetime trophy trout, this could be the time to make the move.

If Capt. Mike William’s fishing trip on Wednesday afternoon is any indication, the big girls are out there, just not easy to sneak up on.

Williams, who operates Tarpon Express Guide Service, hosted U. S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack “Brody” White of San Antonio to an afternoon wade fishing trip near a protected shoreline in Upper Galveston Bay where they landed six trout, with the largest measuring 28 inches and weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces.
 
All of the fish were caught during a 30-minute window beginning about the time the sun hit the horizon. The big fish hit a 51 MR 808 Mirrolure right at dark. The 808 is also called “the widow maker.”

Williams feels we are in the window where the best chances exist for landing the big trout.

A southerly flow of wind is forecast for today, and that should help refill the shallows. The timing on when the big trout struck is so typical for the wall mounts. Most guides who are experienced at finding huge trout this time of year say that just before dark is one of the best times.

Tonight’s moonlight might extend the time; however, when either sun or moonlight is intense, don’t expect the trophies to be nearby. We have mentioned before that the big ones did not survive as long as they have without knowing when and where to make their moves.

What a great gift it would be for your spouse or girlfriend or boyfriend to land that big fish on such a romantic occasion.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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During all of the miserable, cold weather Tuesday night, one angler endured the elements and ended up with a couple of big trout.

Julie Beaman of Bayou Vista fished during all of the cold rain under lights in her subdivision and landed two trout weighing 7.5 pounds and 5.5 pounds. A StrikePro MG010SP in gold was the bait she used.

West Bay is noted for its big winter trout, and according to unconfirmed reports, good numbers of trout are showing in the shallow marshes along the west end of Galveston Island.

No reports of any real wall-hangers have been received; however, it is encouraging to hear the trout are there.

The sun finally made an appearance Wednesday, and wind velocities began to drop. The water levels were quite low; however, the water for the most part was clear. Still, it was a bit uncomfortable to be on the water.

The good news is that southerly breezes will return by Friday and start refilling the bays and marshes with warmer, fresh Gulf water. The forecast calls for temperatures in the 50s for the most part the next several days, and all of this should create some excellent conditions for wading the shallows for trout.

Reds and sheepshead likely will be a good bet in other areas including the jetties, Texas City Dike and Moses Lake.

Feb. 22 is the date of the next in the series of Texas Shoot Out Chorizo Fishing tournaments. Participants can register at Serious Tackle in La Marque from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 3 p.m. Saturday. Only cash is accepted.

Other tournaments are scheduled for March 22, April 26, May 24, Aug. 16, Nov. 15 and Dec. 6.
For information, call Lee Garcia, 281-216-3215.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

While driving down the feeder street along Broadway on Tuesday, I noticed one of the bait shops had apparently gone out of business as the building had a “For Lease” sign out front.
 
A cold, drizzling rain was coming from the north, and it made me realize just how tough it is to survive in the bait business. While other merchants are adversely affected by the weather, bait camps have to be one of the hardest hit during conditions like those that have dominated this year.

One of the keys to success in that line of work has to be the love of fishing. How else can anyone hang in there with the uncertainties that exist with the weather?
 
During the years, I have known many bait camp owners and operators, and I have to say the one common thread among them is the love of fishing and being close to the water. While there is good money to be made in that line of work, the successful operators have to have good self-discipline when it comes to managing money and planning ahead.

This year being a good example of how weather can shut down fishing, the purveyors of bait have to manage, somehow, to make it during prolonged periods without much business.
 
Shrimpers also fall into the same category. When the fishermen are kept off the water, there is no market for their catch of bait. With live bait not in demand, the bait camps have to look to other things to make the cash register ring, not the least of which is customers.

Hopefully, we will have some warm, sunny days soon following all of this inclement weather and the commerce in the fishing-related businesses will make up for lost time.

Coming as no surprise to anyone, there were no fishing reports for Tuesday. The fish have to be getting hungry, along with the humans trying to make a livelihood in the sport of catching them.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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While fishing was slow overall last weekend, anglers fishing the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico found the fish biting.
 
The party boat Capt. John skippered by Capt. Johnny Williams and his Co-Capt. Jill Williams made a long overnight tuna safari with 28 anglers aboard.

The trip was a two-day event beginning last Saturday that included stops to The Claypile area, West Flower Gardens and the floating platforms well more than 100 miles offshore.

The platforms produced the tuna, with 119 blackfins to 19 pounds, and a 40-pound yellowfin being iced down.

Other fish caught during the trip were 111 red snapper to 15 pounds, 80 vermilions, rockhind grouper, sharpnose sharks and barracuda.

It should be noted that while red snapper fishing in federal waters is closed until June 1, the Capt.

 John is participating in a pilot program experimenting with allocation of red snapper and has been allotted a poundage quota that can be taken at any time, not just during the scheduled season.

If the program proves to be successful, other headboats will be operating under the same poundage allocation scenario in the future.

While inshore fishing was in the doldrums last weekend, not all anglers came up empty handed.
Dawn Freeman sent a note telling of her adventure in a small lake on the west end of Galveston Island.

On Saturday, she limited out on reds to 27 inches, her first time to limit out on the popular fish, and Sunday, she caught two measuring 24 and 27 inches.

The previous weekend, she found sheepshead and other pan fish at the same spot with all of the fish being caught on dead shrimp.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Fishing this weekend was slow. Fog was the big culprit Sunday in keeping anglers at home and off the water.

Unfortunately, the next few days do not look encouraging; however, as Jimmy Garner, 3-G Bait Camp, pointed out, action should bust open once the weather starts to warm.

Garner said before last weekend, his guides had been limiting out their parties on large sheepshead in the 5- to 6-pound range, and landing a few large black drum along with slot reds. No trout or bull reds were caught.

The bait camp has a good supply of bait, including crabs, one of the premier baits for large black drum.

Jetty Joe at Galveston Bait and Tackle reported few boats launched on Sunday and overall, fishing was slow.

The only catches came from the causeway and the Diversionary Canal.

Barbara Garibaldi, Louis’ Bait Camp on Highland Bayou, reported Randy Garrett’s winning catch of five trout and two reds weighing a total of 23.7 pounds.

The catch won first place in the Texas City Anglers Fishing Club Tournament last Saturday that was hosted by Louis’.

Garibaldi said the bait camp is looking to support fishing tournaments and is donating door prizes to groups that have their tournaments at their location.

Jerry Miller called in a report from his trip to the rock groins near the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier where he fished Sunday afternoon and landed two small whiting.

Miller said the water was in good shape and he was surprised at the lack of action.
Dead shrimp was his choice of bait.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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Today should be one of the best days to hit the water in a number of days.

Take advantage of it because another round of cold weather is expected to hit early this week and put us back into the same pattern anglers have been battling all year long.

Saturday’s light winds allowed fishermen to get on the water and there were three reports.

Johnny Templeton and Jim Mackey fished the Galveston Ship Channel near the U.S. Coast Guard Station and landed two over-sized black drum, five whiting and a 15-inch flounder. Cut whiting was the bait, and the only fish retained was the flounder.

Templeton said he felt the flounder was returning from the fall migration to the Gulf.

Fred Nettles and his son Nate found reds working in Moses Lake on Saturday morning. Using mullet and shrimp for bait, the anglers managed two slot reds to 25 inches and two throwbacks just shorter than 20 inches. The action came from the deep hole near the flood gates.

Maurice Redmon decided to aim for a trophy trout Saturday and worked the shoreline from Jamaica Beach to Sea Isle from late morning until early afternoon.

Using 52-M series Mirrolures and Paul Brown Originals (Corkies), he worked in and out of mud with not a single hit. Redmon said the only positive thing about the fishing trip was the exercise he got from tromping in soft bottom for several hours.

The inclement weather that has dominated the Galveston area has prevented many anglers from fishing and, as a result, it is hard to determine what fish are out there.

If our first report today is any indication, black drum likely are beginning to show.

The annual run of the big fish will be dominating our reports in the near future.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

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www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Friday’s Reel Report about “big trout season” caught the attention of several newcomers to fishing the Galveston Bay Complex, and one of those readers, Joe Hemphill of Texas City, sent a note asking about waders.

In the column, I made a statement that you should “get the waders out, oil up the reels and hit the popular spots for holding the big sows.”

Hemphill said the statement was confusing because wade fishermen were restricted to shallow waters, and he understood that this time of year, fish were found in deep waters.

Since there is little doubt that others reading the article could have experienced the same confusion, let me shed some light on this.

Most of the trophy trout caught during the late winter and early spring period in the Galveston Bay Complex are caught in shallow waters. The big sows are there roaming for baitfish and spawning. The fish did not live to grow that large without a sense of where danger lurks.

Noise is likely the biggest obstacle to finding an elderly, overgrown fish. Specks, in particular, spook easily, and any foreign sound like an outboard motor or other unusual noise will send them swimming for safety.

Waders themselves have to be careful about making noise, especially sloshing through the water.

Experienced trophy trout fishermen will tell you that late afternoon, especially if there is an incoming tide, is the best time to hit the shorelines for a chance to hook the big one.

When the afternoon sun warms the water, dark bottoms, such as mud bottoms, will absorb the heat and offer warmer water that attracts bait fish.

A school of bait has an amazing ability to be detected by the big fish, and there is where potential action exists.

Pages of information could be written about techniques for finding and catching that once-in-a-lifetime trophy, and between now and the peak of the season, I will be sharing some tips from the pros on where, what and when as it applies to catching your wall hanger.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

This year’s colder-than -normal winter, at least compared to recent years, seems to have delayed the movement of fish.

An example: It’s almost trophy trout season, but where are the big fish? Is it that the fish are not here or is it that anglers seeking that wall-hanger have been kept off the water because all of the cold, windy weather?

Capt. Mike Williams, Tarpon Express Guide Service, sent a note that shared his experiences and observations on the big trout. He has been on the fishing scene around the Galveston Bay Complex for more than 50 years and has kept records of his catches and circumstances affecting the fishing.

It is his observation that the best time to catch a record-sized trout is when the pear trees are in bloom. Williams said that in a normal year, the trees bloom from about Feb. 22 to March 1.

He thinks this year, we are having a more normal winter and the magical pear trees of spring will be right on the money. If so, get the waders out, oil up the reels and hit the popular spots for holding the big sows.

On the fishing scene Tuesday, Capt. Jimmy Garner, who operates 3-G Bait and Tackle at the Galveston Yacht Basin and a fishing guide service, had one of his captains return from a successful trip with 15 large sheepshead, three big black drum and some slot reds.

Garner said if you can get out of the wind, there are fish to be caught.

Wednesday was another of those days that has become frequent lately that a roaring fire indoors took precedence over being on the water.

That will not last long and, hopefully, the pear trees will start blooming soon.

Galveston Fishin Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Lots of activities are in store for anglers in the weeks ahead, and among them is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s annual crab trap cleanup program. Volunteers with boats will be able to remove any crab traps they find in the water from Feb. 21 to March 2.

In order to accommodate the removal of crab traps without any controversy, the Texas Legislature voted to prohibit crab traps in the bays and coastal water for a period each winter to allow volunteers to remove old traps and take them to collection sites for disposal.

The act provides that any crab trap in the water during the time set aside for the cleanup is considered abandoned and can be removed without the owner’s consent. Since the start of the program, thousands of abandoned traps have been removed from all along the Texas Gulf Coast and adjacent coastal waters.

Collection sites will be set up where the traps can be taken and disposed of by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. An update on disposal sites will be published closer to the beginning of the cleanup campaign.

Another event that will attract a number of anglers is the Texas Shootout Chorizo Trout Tournament scheduled from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22. Weigh-in takes place at Serious Tackle in La Marque.
For information, call Lee Garcia, 281-216-3215, or visit www.
chorizotournaments.net.

On the fishing scene Wednesday, not much was taking place. The only reports of any fish caught have come from anglers fishing off lighted docks at night.

Cecil Morehead called in his catch of three speckled trout to 17 inches in length and an undersized red from his dock on Dickinson Bayou on Tuesday night. Free-lined live shrimp was the bait, and all of the fish were retained except for the undersized red.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

We had some good news for pier fishermen Tuesday when it was learned that Austin Kimbrough, owner of the 61st Street Fishing Pier, has proclaimed the month of February Free Fishing Month.

From Monday to Wednesday each week during February, anyone can fish on the 61st Street Fishing Pier for free. All that you need to bring with you is your tackle, and you can keep all of the fish you catch within the regulations. Frozen bait is available at the pier store.

For information call 409-744-8365.

Tuesday, the surf around that pier was choppy, with a brisk, chilling wind out of the east and intermittent rain. This time of year, whiting and black drum are two of the more common fish caught; however, a few reds, especially bull reds, will make a showing as well.

In other fishing news, it seems the old adage of “same song, second verse” is appropriate, as the frontal systems are taking their toll on fishing. One of the few bright spots has been the Offatts Bayou area where lots of baits are working, and the predator fish are not far off.

Night fishing under lights has been the best method for catching fish, which generally have been reds and trout.

The weather forecast for the next few days is not going to encourage many anglers to hit the water. When will all of this cold, windy weather end?

Galveston Fishing Report

                                              Galveston Fishing Charter Company
                                                        832-917-FISH(3474)                    
www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

 Another of many cold fronts this season kept anglers off the water Sunday and Monday while creating low-water levels that drove Saturday’s fish to deeper refuges.

I mention Saturday’s fish because there was a flurry of action all around the Galveston Bay Complex that came to a screeching halt as the cold front passed.

One area that produced a lot of fish, with the exception of specks, was Clear Lake.

Anglers fishing Mud Lake, or Lake Pasadena as it now is called, caught some nice reds and black drum.

Others fishing the Clear Creek Channel near the big bend also reported respectable catches.

Reds, drum, whiting and sheepshead were the varieties taken along the channel, and many of the fish were caught around pilings and boat docks.

If you fish the Clear Lake and Clear Creek areas, you should check the advisories issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on fish consumption.

This is especially true for fish taken from the upper reaches of Clear Creek through much of Clear Lake as the channel feeds that popular recreational boating area.

An unconfirmed report was received from the Seabrook Flats telling of good action on speckled trout around the old pilings of what once was Muecke’s Marina on Todville Road.

For anglers wanting to fish relatively protected waters this week, with a good chance at catching fish, Offatts Bayou might turn out to be a prime spot for some deep-water action.

Regulars who fish some of the popular holes in the bayou tend to keep information close to their vest as they do not like a lot of company while fishing their favorite spots.

Once the water warms, and this year who knows when that will begin, action on large black drum should get underway, paving the way for the annual black drum run.

Galveston Fishing Report

                                                Galveston Fishing Charter Company
                                                           832-917-FISH(3474)

                                          www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Folks, our optimism for warm spring weather to quickly arrive received a setback on Sunday as Punxsutawney Phil, the official prognosticator of the length of winter woes, saw his shadow on Groundhog Day.

According the folklore, this means we will have six more weeks of winter weather.

Perhaps, if his annual debut had been in Galveston instead of Pennsylvania, the forecast would have been different as heavy fog prevailed in our area all morning, followed by overcast skies and rain.

What a contrast to Saturday, when trout action was picking up in Upper West Bay and other areas around the Galveston Bay Complex.

The good news is that the fish are there just waiting for anglers to get a bait in the water.

February is starting off much like January with cold fronts blasting through for much of the first part of the month.

Hang in there.Eventually, comfortable conditions will set in and we all can enjoy getting back on the water.

In the meantime, there are many activities on the schedule that will fill in the time.

First is the 20th annual Houston Antique Lure and Tackle Show hosted by The Houston Tackle Team consisting of Phil and Rebecca Thompson and Leonard and Vickie Tucker. The event takes place next weekend in Houston.For information, call 713-443-9847 or email them at bingotexas@yahoo.com.
Also, it is not too early to make plans for the big Houston Fishing Show that takes place in the George R. Brown Convention Center.

This year’s show is scheduled for March 5 through March 9. More details will be forthcoming.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

West Bay was alive with trout action Saturday morning. Galveston Bait and Tackle reported a great trip by Capt. Jesse Eureste, Bottoms Up Charters. Dale Mattix of Houston was Eureste’s guest and used live shrimp fished under a popping cork to take a limit of reds and eight trout to 4 pounds.

Malcolm Mencacci and his brothers Frank and Dennis found the trout biting in upper West Bay on Saturday and landed 15 trout to 19 inches in length, along with a 24-inch black drum. The fish were caught in 3 to 4 feet of water using Norton Sand Eels.

Larry Austin of Crystal Beach hit the water near Fat Rat Pass early Saturday and wade fished the cut and the protected shore along East Bay tossing She Dogs and 52-M series Mirrolures. After three hours of fishing, Austin returned with a stringer of two slot reds and five trout to 18 inches.

Another Crystal Beach resident, John Boyles, fished the spoils near Stingeree Cut and landed a 26-inch red and 19-inch black drum using live shrimp fished under a popping cork.

Reds were biting near the flood gates of Moses Lake on Saturday afternoon. Hector Morales and his sons Eddie and Ricky used dead fingerling mullet to land seven reds, including three keepers and four that were just shorter than the 20-inch cutoff.

An unconfirmed report told of good catches of reds coming from Hall’s Bayou just south of the FM 2004 Bridge. Two different parties purportedly had close to limits of reds. Baits were not mentioned.

Hopefully, Saturday’s action is representative of fish we can expect to see caught during February.

This week, there might be a temporary setback, as another cold front is forecast to cross our area and send the temperatures falling for a short time.

Galveston Fishing Report

Galveston Fishing Charter Company

832-917-FISH(3474)

                                              www.galvestonfishingchartercompany.com

Often readers who are new to coastal fishing contact the Reel Report asking what equipment will be needed for fishing the Galveston Bay Complex.
 
Fred Miller of San Leon is one of the newcomers, and he had a disappointing experience when he consulted a tackle shop in west Houston for some advice.

Miller was sold more than $300 worth of tackle that he likely will rarely use as it is designed for large fish, found mainly offshore.
 
He asked where he could get some reliable advice on what he needs.

A native of Kilgore, he moved to San Leon last year and has found that his tackle is just too heavy for the bay fishing he would like to enjoy.

Since he has declared bay fishing as his choice, then it should be fairly easy to pick out the appropriate tackle.

His first decision will be whether to purchase an open-faced spinning reel or casting reel. Both are great; however, the spinning reel is usually the choice for those with little experience casting. A rod designed for trout and reds usually is in the seven- to nine-foot range to enable long casts.
 
The line on the reel should be in the 12- to 20-pound test range, depending on where you fish. The lighter line is for open areas and the heavier line is for around structures such as the jetties or rock groins.

The next choice depends on whether you plan to use artificial or live baits. Popping corks with live bait require a heavier rod, while tossing artificials and free-lining live bait usually require more nimble rods. Leaders should be from monofilament line in the 20- to 30-pound test range.

The choice of hooks depends on a number of factors. There is a growing trend among sportsmen to use small circle hooks in lieu of treble hooks. Both are designed for live bait, with circle hooks offering much better mortality rates than the treble style.

Pages could be written about choosing tackle, and my recommendation has always been to consult with a local tackle shop. Give as much information as you can to the salesperson about where you plan to fish, your experience and objectives. Not any one set of tackle works for all areas.