The View: December 2017

December is one of those months many anglers seem to forget about. I guess there are too many ducks to shoot, bucks to chase and Christmas parties to attend. If December 2017 is anything like November I might not be able to stand it. This fall has been one of the best in Matagorda in more than a decade.

With deer and waterfowl seasons fully underway we are seeing fewer boats on the bay. I like to make long drifts with Chicken on a Chain Bass Assassins, gently working the jig over towheads and broken clumps of shell. Their new Lit'l Boss has proven to be an excellent big trout bait. It really has a wiggle in the water that trout seem to like.

The bite is often subtle, especially if water temperatures dip in the 50s or low 60s, so braided line helps feel the slightest tick of a fish opening and closing its mouth on the bait. If you feel the slightest tick or weight on your stick, set the hook.

My first stop will be over deep shell for healthy specks, wind permitting. That's the key - wind - and how much cold air blows from the north. Too much of it and East Bay becomes a mud hole, too little wind and the bay can become so clear you can read a newspaper on bottom.

Waders will begin to search for large trout on the east end of East Bay in December, over soft mud. Corkys and MirrOlures are the normal offerings, but if afternoon temps reach the 60s, never discount your favorite topwater. Don't be surprised if bruiser-sized redfish crash the party as well.

If the wind blows and temperatures dip, the Colorado River is always a safe haven from the wind; and, the colder the better for the deep depths of the winding river. Most anglers work the edges with topwaters, while jiggers throw along the dropoff working in 5- to 12-feet of water. When it is really cold, we set out multiple rods and float down the middle of the river and allow soft plastics to delicately work the bottom in depths of 20-feet and more.

We will continue with duck, goose or sandhill crane hunting most mornings, and fishing the afternoons. It makes for a heck of a fun day for outdoorsmen. We really have so much to be thankful for in living on the Texas coast and being able to hunt and fish on the same day with such success.

I always get emails this time of year asking for Christmas gift ideas for anglers and hunters. I do all of my shopping at Johnny's Sports Shop in Eagle Lake. So does my wife, mother, mother-in-law and sister and sisters-in-law. Here are a few ideas:

A new reel is always good - I like the Lew's aluminum baitcaster. Let your budget dictate.

A light, sensitive piece of graphite to compliment the reel is even better; I use a Waterloo HP Lite and Ultra Mag.

A pile of soft plastics stuffed in a stocking with fluorocarbon leader material and dozens of new jigheads is a thought, not to mention a load of Skitter Walks, Super Spooks, Top Dogs, Corkys and MirrOlures.

As far as soft plastics go, Bass Assassin, Down South Lures and MirrOlures are plentiful in my boat. A sack full of MirrOlure Soft Dines for winter wading is a must for me.

A pair of breathable waders, boots, wading net or even a gift certificate for a guided fishing trip would look good under the tree. I haven't found a better wader than Simms and just about every captain I know would be thrilled to sell you a gift certificate for a guided trip.

Weather-wise it has been a tough 2017 for many folks. Keep smiling, we live in Texas.

Thank the Lord for His blessings.

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