Gulf Coast Mariner Boating & Fishing

By Capt. David C. Dillman galvestonbaycharterfishing.com (832) 228-8012

During your life you will go through many changes. This could be in the way of work, residence, even relationships. Changes happen all around us. We know there is a change in the season, as the days become shorter. Wildlife sense this change, fish, birds, and mammals. Wildlife become very active during this time. Ever notice how many more squirrels you see? They scurry around, gathering food for the approaching Winter months. Fish do the same, especially speckled trout. They begin to feed more aggressively, fattening themselves up for the Winter. Trout also move towards the most protected area in the bays, seeking places where their food source is abundant and water might be slightly warmer and deeper, than other parts of the bay. Do all speckled trout in East, West, and Trinity move? Yes to some extent, but not as big as the movement of fish in Galveston Bay.

The area that I primarily fish, a movement of trout has happened. Where are they going? Towards the Northwest corner of our bay system. Why towards the Northwest? Speckled trout like all living creatures, need food and water in order to survive. I’ll address the water first. The Northwest corner of Galveston Bay gets the most sunlight, during this season of change. The sun shines upon this area of bay, longer than the far East side of the bay. The shorelines are also lined with riprap (rocks), that absorb heat from the sun, helping to warm the water. Water depth being slightly deeper, is also a important factor as to why the trout move to this end of the bay. The dominant winds from the North, decreases the tide level. It is also near the Houston Ship Channel, and in times of a severe cold snap, the trout can move to even

DECEMBER’S Blessing OF FISH

deeper water. It offers the protection from the winds, low tides, and severe temperature drops. What about their food source? There is plenty of shrimp in this area. This is where you will find the majority of the bay shrimpers. Speckled trout follow what they feed on the most, and that is shrimp. The rocks that I mentioned hold baitfish, another food source for trout. Food, water, and sun, everything that is needed to sustain life. The other bay systems will hold their fair share fish. In West Galveston Bay, the area around Greens Cut will be the most productive. Chocolate Bayou will be a good option if it remains salty.

This place in the past has produced exceptional catches of speckled trout at times. In East Galveston Bay, the Anahuca Wildlife Refuge is always worth a shot. It is a great for those anglers who like to wade, but you can drift fish in the area. Also the marsh near Sun Oil Cut can be productive. In Trinity, never over look Dow’s reef when fishing this bay. Also fish worthy is the HL&P spillway. December is such a special time of year. It is a time for gathering of families and friends. Too often we become so involved in things of this world, we lose our perspective of the things that are truly important. This December take time to enjoy all the things God created. Go out with your friends and relatives, wet a line and be gracious for all things.

Many Blessings from my family to yours. Fishing should be really good for speckled trout. The fish typically will be shallow, and along the shorelines with structure. Many will be staging in the northern reaches of Trinity Bay, as tides continue to drop, with each passing cold front. Baitfish and shrimp will be pushed out of the marsh, and speckled trout and redfish, will be waiting.

The Christmas Boat Lane Parade, produced by the Clear Lake Chamber and presented by the cities of League City, Kemah, Clear Lake Shores, Nassau Bay and Seabrook, will celebrate its 60th anniversary as it sets sail on Clear Lake at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11.

Space Center Rotary will have its annual Christmas Party at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 in the Hilton Houston Hotel.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends dancing at Hometown Heroes Park Ballroom, 1001 E. League City Parkway in League City. Dance from 8-11 p.m. (a Times Square Midnight), allowing dancers to drive home while the highway is safer. Attire from casual to formal. Music by DJ Neva. Admission is $15 for this smoke and alcohol free event. Light refreshments. The Pasadena Chamber will host its 2021 Celebration Luncheon honoring the Citizen of the Year and Board of Directors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 at the Silver Sycamore, 5111 Pine Ave. For tickets, which are $25 for members, visit PasadenaChamber.org

League City Regional Chamber will host its annual Holiday Open House – Network Nights from 4:39 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 at its offices at 100 Perkins Ave, Suite B2.