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Fish Talk: June 2010
I swear this has to have been one of the more challenging spring seasons I can recall. Just about the time a good fishing pattern starts coming together we get another front followed by lingering unfavorable wind and we have to start over. We have managed to pull some good days amid the setbacks and I surely hope the arrival of June will bring more stable fishing conditions. By the time this report comes off the press the water temperatures should be stabilizing near 80 (and rising) which is just about perfect for keeping our fish active and feeding on a daily basis. Hopefully, we will have mild early summer daytime temps and not the 100 scorchers that came so early last year.
I have been noticing surface baitfish activity increasing along shorelines and also over deeper mid-bay structure. From past experience this tells me the trout and redfish will be feeding on the surface with greater regularity. My personal advice is to scrutinize your tackle box and get your topwater baits shined up. Replacing hooks and split rings is always a good idea if they are showing any sign of rust or weakening. A trip to the tackle shop is always fun and who can't use a few new plugs? If you haven't learned the importance of preparation by now it is a good time to start.
While throwing topwaters, I normally let the fish dictate my retrieve. My normal starting retrieve goes like this. Throw the bait as far as I can, get the slack out of my line, and walk-the-dog in a slow rhythm while pausing often during the retrieve for a second or two. Quite often the strike will come on the pause or with the first twitch following a pause. I think it is important whether using a slow, medium, or fast and erratic walk-the-dog to include the pause; I've caught too many fish this way to believe otherwise.
Fish that do not commit immediately require some experimentation to get them to eat it. We see them jumping alongside and sometimes completely over the lure, rushing it hard enough to create a bulge of water, swatting at it, and sometimes ramming it straight up out of the water. Calm conditions help us spot this type of activity and this is truly where the fun begins. Longer or more frequent pauses, ripping it following a pause, or maybe just lifting the rod slowly to drag it a foot or two following a pause can all work at different times. Note that all the techniques I have described include the pause. Now when the surface is choppy we are not always able to spot the fish's reaction to our lures and this is where you kind of have to run on faith. Have confidence that they are there and possibly just no committing and experiment the same as if you were receiving the calm water feedback. Mix up the retrieve speeds, vary the length of the pause, etc.; but whatever you do, do not forget the pause. If the wind is strong enough to create small swells I try to time the pause to occur just as the plug crests the top of the swell.
Traditionally, June brings a good bite in both Matagorda Bays including all back lakes. When conditions stabilize as projected, the surf could get hot and this, my friend, can and often does happen without much prior notice. In past years we have seen days when the surf turned green and clear to the beach as early as Memorial weekend. We will just have to watch and wait to see if this year falls in line.
East Matagorda Bay
I'll be fishing the mid-bay reefs when the wind allows. Also, the south shoreline off the points on a good hard bottom with a little grass will work. Chances are I could be drifting over scattered shell noisily chunking topwaters. Don't overlook East Bay for drifting over scattered shell in the middle of the bay. Quality fish have fallen to top waters in 4-6 feet of water with this method.
West Matagorda Bay
Over in West Bay, my tactics include fishing grass beds and sandbars on incoming tides. Oyster Lake will also be a good choice for catching some big reds on top. I might even get a wild hair and go chase some tripletail if the wind allows.
Until next time, good fishin' and God bless. - Capt. Bill
I have been noticing surface baitfish activity increasing along shorelines and also over deeper mid-bay structure. From past experience this tells me the trout and redfish will be feeding on the surface with greater regularity. My personal advice is to scrutinize your tackle box and get your topwater baits shined up. Replacing hooks and split rings is always a good idea if they are showing any sign of rust or weakening. A trip to the tackle shop is always fun and who can't use a few new plugs? If you haven't learned the importance of preparation by now it is a good time to start.
While throwing topwaters, I normally let the fish dictate my retrieve. My normal starting retrieve goes like this. Throw the bait as far as I can, get the slack out of my line, and walk-the-dog in a slow rhythm while pausing often during the retrieve for a second or two. Quite often the strike will come on the pause or with the first twitch following a pause. I think it is important whether using a slow, medium, or fast and erratic walk-the-dog to include the pause; I've caught too many fish this way to believe otherwise.
Fish that do not commit immediately require some experimentation to get them to eat it. We see them jumping alongside and sometimes completely over the lure, rushing it hard enough to create a bulge of water, swatting at it, and sometimes ramming it straight up out of the water. Calm conditions help us spot this type of activity and this is truly where the fun begins. Longer or more frequent pauses, ripping it following a pause, or maybe just lifting the rod slowly to drag it a foot or two following a pause can all work at different times. Note that all the techniques I have described include the pause. Now when the surface is choppy we are not always able to spot the fish's reaction to our lures and this is where you kind of have to run on faith. Have confidence that they are there and possibly just no committing and experiment the same as if you were receiving the calm water feedback. Mix up the retrieve speeds, vary the length of the pause, etc.; but whatever you do, do not forget the pause. If the wind is strong enough to create small swells I try to time the pause to occur just as the plug crests the top of the swell.
Traditionally, June brings a good bite in both Matagorda Bays including all back lakes. When conditions stabilize as projected, the surf could get hot and this, my friend, can and often does happen without much prior notice. In past years we have seen days when the surf turned green and clear to the beach as early as Memorial weekend. We will just have to watch and wait to see if this year falls in line.
East Matagorda Bay
I'll be fishing the mid-bay reefs when the wind allows. Also, the south shoreline off the points on a good hard bottom with a little grass will work. Chances are I could be drifting over scattered shell noisily chunking topwaters. Don't overlook East Bay for drifting over scattered shell in the middle of the bay. Quality fish have fallen to top waters in 4-6 feet of water with this method.
West Matagorda Bay
Over in West Bay, my tactics include fishing grass beds and sandbars on incoming tides. Oyster Lake will also be a good choice for catching some big reds on top. I might even get a wild hair and go chase some tripletail if the wind allows.
Until next time, good fishin' and God bless. - Capt. Bill