Published April 26, 2011
There is an adage that states, “where there is a will, there is a way.” That statement is the best way I can describe how die-hard fishermen are catching fish with all of the high winds lately.
The “way” is in taking advantage of the effects of the strong southeasterly winds that flood the secondary or back lakes and bring high tide levels all around the Galveston Bay complex.
One of the places that offers sheltered water from the adverse winds is upper Chocolate Bayou. Bryan Treadway, who keeps up with fishing in the bayou reported some excellent catches taking place.
Treadway has a couple of suggestions for helping anglers catch fish under current conditions and that is to use small baits. He used as an example crappie jig-sized baits. Shrimp are going through their annual migration and are scarce in Chocolate Bayou. Most of the baits camps report sparse to no supplies of live shrimp. Avoid shrimp imitation baits and stick to what the fish are feeding on, he said.
Pods of mullet are common along Chocolate Bayou and for that reason he thinks Super Spook Juniors would be a good choice of bait in areas where fish are feeding on mullet.
Capt. Bubba Ray, Big Three Guide Service, has been capitalizing on the flooded back lakes and marshes. Ray and his charters have been catching lots of nice slot reds. In fact, during the past three days the popular fishing guide estimates at least 50 reds in the 5- to 8-pound range being caught with easy limits being taken.
Top waters and gulps fished under popping corks have been the best baits. The best action has taken place before 10 a.m. with most of the fish coming from Greens and Jones Lakes and the back of Halls Lake. Protected shorelines are where the fish are hanging out.
Perry Chapman found protected water in the channel between Galveston Bait and Tackle and Payco Marina. Sunday, he along with his brother Ted used dead shrimp to land six sheepshead, two puppy drum and three stingrays, the largest estimated to be 3-feet wide.
On the beach front, Richard Belleau, 61st Street Fishing Pier, reported his customers landing sand trout, croaker, whiting and slot reds. Early Monday the wind was gusting to 30 knots along the beach front.
To get your catch in the Reel Report, phone Capt. Joe Kent at 409-683-5273, or send an email to reel.report(at)galvnews.com. There’s no charge for this service.