Gulf Coast Mariner Boating & Fishing

By Capt. David C. Dillman

galvestonbaycharterfishing.com (832) 228-8012

Early in my guiding career, I ran a charter in the middle of January, not knowing what to expect. The guiding business is tough, so I really needed the money. My group arrived at Eagle Point Fishing Camp around sunrise that morning. Winds were blowing upwards to 25 miles per hour out of the Northwest. One gentleman from the group walked over to my boat slip and said "I guess we're going to cancel today's trip". I replied staring right into his eyes, "No, we are going." He was taken a bit back by my statement. I then said "Go get the other guys; let's load up." This man was knowledgeable, and in his mind, he thought I was crazy to even think we'll catch fish. He stuttered a bit saying, "Okay, I'll go get them." I knew at that point, there was no backing out of taking them fishing. Having the boat loaded, we headed out into the rough bay waters off Eagle Point. I then swung sharply to starboard, heading to the closest shoreline that was protected from the wind. I could have cut across to Trinity Bay, but it was just too rough.This was it; we would either catch some fish or I would end up with egg on my time to make a wrong call. It looked promising, as I eased my Pro-Line towards the shoreline. The area is littered with old broken down piers, submerged pilings, mud and shell bottom, and relatively deep water: the perfect habitat to hold game fish, such as speckled trout and redfish. I am fairly certain I said a few prayers to the Almighty, at this point. Easing over to a old broken down pier, I set the anchor just far enough away but within casting distance. On this day we were fishing with 51M Mirrolures. I don't recall the color pattern, but I would bet they had some pink or orange on them. We were casting tight to those pilings, just reeling the baits back, just fast enough to avoid getting hung up on the bottom. Maneuvering the boat up and down the shoreline, in and out of the piers and pilings, paid off. At the end of the day, we strung together a good box of trout and even a few redfish. It was fast and furious, but enough action to hold our interest. I pray that all who follow my column that your Christmas was Blessed and may God continue to Bless you throughout 2022.

On A Cold January Day