Mid-Coast Bays: May 2025

Springtime fishing patterns are now in full effect and gusty south-southeast winds have become the norm. These winds usually continue until late May and we must therefore plan our fishing locations accordingly. The good news is that water temperatures are warmer now and southerly winds insure consistently higher than average tides.

Warmer water temperatures bring more life to shorelines with hard-sandy bottoms that are easier to wade than the back-lakes where we’ve been focusing our efforts the past several months. Large schools of baitfish have turned out in full force on all these shorelines and find protection in the abundant guts and grass beds. Shorelines with sloughs and drains that connect to back-lakes and marshes are prime areas to find feeding game fish.

Late spring is when West Matagorda Bay really begins to shine. It has been pretty much off limits during the colder months due to frequently strong northerly winds, but now that the winds have shifted to the south this large bay is a hot spot to target good numbers of trout and redfish. West Matagorda has two connections to the gulf – the Matagorda Ship Channel (Big Jetties) and Pass Cavallo. Good tidal exchange provides healthy water conditions during the warmer months and the many miles of barrier island shoreline offer productive structure for attracting and holding game fish.

Personally, even though it’s not a quick boat ride, I prefer to make the run up to Greens Bayou. The flats around Greens and Middle Ground extend farther out into Matagorda Bay than most of the surrounding area. In some places these shorelines can drop off very quickly into deeper water so use caution if you are not familiar with wading there. Concentrate on these drop-offs for trout and up in the shallows closer to shore for redfish.

The shorelines of Espiritu Santo and San Antonio bays also offer plenty of options. The shoreline in front of Pringle Lake is a solid producer most days, ditto Long and Dewberry Islands along Shoalwater Bay and The Lagoon on the north side when the south wind isn’t gusting too strongly.

If we get one of those rare calm days in May I will be venturing out into San Antonio Bay to take advantage of the trout bite that the many mid-bay reefs usually produce. Finding a good trout bite in San Antonio Bay is not always a one-stop kind of trip. Most times I must “reef hop” till I find the solid bite from solid trout I’m looking for.

Having over 23 years of guiding experience and many more years of fishing knowledge under my belt, it has been my experience that if an angler is in search of a larger trout, a potential personal best, then I recommend focusing your efforts on shorelines. While the reefs in San Antonio Bay typically produce better numbers they are not generally known for larger trout.

I have to admit becoming addicted to the Bass Assassin 3.5-inch Lit’l P&V scented bait over the past several months. This little lure has a naturally erratic action very similar to the movements of sand eels. Being infused with their Bang attractant seems to entice strikes on slow days when other baits get ignored. I have found that Opening Night with a Limetreuse tail is a good all-around color pattern no matter the water clarity.

I will be throwing topwaters as long as I see a lot of surface activity. By that I mean witnessing a lot of bait hopping and skipping at or above the surface of the water. While I am a big fan of the smaller and quieter topwaters, this time of year with the gusty winds I will opt for larger, noisier ones. Hands down, the She Dogs are one of the best topwaters to throw on windy days. This louder, almost obnoxious lure is a great choice when trying to get the attention of feeding fish when the waves are rough and choppy. Personally, I am not a big stickler for color when it comes to my larger topwaters. As I have gotten older and my eyesight is waning, choosing a lure that I can see from a greater distance is my biggest deciding factor when it comes to color.

In closing, I want to wish my mother a very Happy Mother’s Day and a very Happy Birthday this month. I wouldn’t be what I am today if it wasn’t for your unwavering love and support. You are my rock and my inspiration. Thank you for everything. I love you more, Mom!