Fish Talk: February 2009

Really didn't get to fish much in January dealing with the Houston Boat Show for a number of days and then off on a final hunting fling for several days after that. January days are off and on with weather so it's a little harder to plan too far in advance. So for a Matagorda guide, if you are going to concentrate on other activities for a couple of weeks, January is a good month to hit the road.

Looking back at 2008 and taking the good with the bad, we rolled out of the year on an upside despite hurricane Ike's aftermath. I don't believe in the roll of the dice, so by faith I'm expecting the 2009 season to be great for all in every way. February is big trout fever month so be prepared and you just might receive an invitation to join the 30-Inch Trout Club.

February will more than likely prove to be a carbon copy of January when talking temperature. So far, we have experienced a colder winter than normal mixed in with some abnormally warm weather days. In other words, we have had a bit of crazy mixed up weather patterns so adjusting your schedule around cold fronts has been imperative. As a rule of thumb, fish before a cold front and two days after a front hits the coast to maximize your fishing endeavors.

Baffin Bay is a hot spot this time of year drawing quite a few fishermen with the anticipation of catching a trophy trout. Ol' Capt. Bill will fit the home boy description as he sticks like glue to his East Matagorda Bay waters. We may not have the numbers of big trout that Baffin can offer but there are still plenty of Big Mamas lurking right here at home. You will simply need to know where to find them, what to throw, and when to act. Of course just being at the right place at the right time doesn't hurt either.

This means that you will need to be on the water frequently if you are truly serious about that trophy trout. Daylight until dark needs to become familiar vocabulary if you really have your mind made up to take a trophy. Trophy trout fishing is not easy by a long shot and neither is it for everyone. Like any other worthy pursuit you will need a good game plan. Here are a few of the things I think are important:

1. Fish early and fish late making it an all day affair and plan to wade the whole day.

2. Have at least three areas in mind that lie within reasonable proximity of each, only a couple of miles. This will reduce travel time; you can't catch a fish if you don't have a lure in the water. The bottom structure should be mud and shell with deeper water nearby.

3. Concentrate on knee-deep to waist-deep water.

4. Fish slowly and walk slowly to cover the water. Don't get in a hurry as you're only looking to have three to eight bites a day on average.

5. Wear a good pair of polarized sunglasses and use sun screen.

6. Fish stained or off-colored water. If you are waist-deep and can see your feet, the water is too clear. You want 1-1 feet of visibility.

As far as baits, my favorites will remain the same. Salt Assassins in Roach, Plum, 10W40, Chicken-on-a-Chain, and Chicken Bone will find their way into my box. Corkies with the rattle in pearl chartreuse, pink, and red with black back will also be there. Mirrolure Series 51 in 808 and CH colors are also excellent choices. Don't forget the Eddie Douglas Broken Back Special.

I will use a few topwaters this time of year such as the big 94MR Top Dog as it is bigger than the She Dog and has one rattle in it that makes a different sound. I can also work this big bait slower. As for colors, 808, NSCH, NS, and PD are my choices.

More power to you in going after a trophy and your membership in the 30-Inch Trout Club awaits your accomplishments. Until next time, God Bless...