Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Cool Weather Tactics

By Capt. Chris Martin

Bay Flats Waterfowl

The area lakes from Pringle down to Panther, and the flats located north of the ICW/VBC are (good bets) for trout and reds. With colder water temperatures and cooler weather, fish will be sluggish and the feeding cycle of trout will slow down.

This time of the year I like to downsize my lures during the next few months. Instead of using large corky devils, I will switch to the regular “slow” sinking corky. When it comes to soft plastic lures, I will work a 3” lure instead of my 5” and 6” lure. On top water lures I will stay with the regular size if I'm getting consistent blow ups. I prefer to wade over soft mud located near shell. Why is this important? The mud acts like a blanket and generates warmth. Trout and reds will stay closer to the bottom when water temperatures drop in the 50 degree range. Darker color lures might have worked for me last month, but white colors or fire tiger colors are catching fish now. I have been wade fishing deep guts and (drop off) areas located towards the end of reefs located in ESB and SAB. I soaked my waders on several trips during January trying to wade one more feet. You might laugh about getting wet, but the dividends are worth the uncomfortable feeling. Heck on some days our air temperature have been near 80 degrees. I don't think you will see too many 80 degree days in February or March. If we do get warmer days with southeast winds, work the South shoreline areas. If you see any bait or bird activity, it's worth a look!

Wade fishing the barge canal or ICW shorelines worked for me in the past years during colder months. Slow sinking corky lures or top waters worked slowly will produce larger trout. I like to stick with black/silver top dogs or super spooks when working this area. If you locate jumping mullet you should give the area a try. You will notice what I call, “wash outs!” What is a wash out? This is caused from the consistent drag or pull of water being pulled by passing barge traffic in the ICW. These wash out's hold good bait fish, and most of them consist of mud sand mix. I like to work right down the shoreline in knee deep to waist deep water. If I'm not getting any blow ups, I will switch to slow sinking plugs or ¼ ounce jig heads and cast deep over the drop off.