Gulf Coast Mariner Boating & Fishing

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

uring the

Dmonth of April, Galveston Bay begins to wake up. After a late extended Winter of chilly, damp, winds, the bays start to team with schools of speckled trout. The question is, "where do they come from?" First, let's talk about the health of Galveston Bay. This year, the water is in great shape in all the bays. We've received the right amount of rainfall to keep the salinity at a optimal level. Shrimpers have enjoyed a great Winter shrimp season. The big black drum showed up weeks early, which is always a encouraging. I have always said "when the drum show up, speckled trout are not far behind." To understand that statement, one must understand the difference between resident trout and migratory trout. All the fish that anglers have enjoyed catching this winter are made up of resident fish. Fish that live in Galveston Bay year round. These fish have been concentrated in small locations in each of our bays, East, West, and the far northwestern end of Galveston Bay. The warming tides of April will push these fish out of those areas and into the open bays. These same warming tides in April will usher in speckled trout through the Galveston jetties. Trout anglers that know the jetties, I emphasize the word "know', because only a few truly have the

When it all CLICKS

knowledge, will be ready to intercept them as the trout come. These speckled trout will filter into East, West, and Galveston Bay. The only unknown in this the weather. If the rains hold off and the bay receives just the right amount of freshwater, this could be an exceptional year for speckled trout. One bay that I am looking forward to fishing is Trinity. The past few years, this bay has been plagued by fresh water runoff from the Trinity river. Years ago, the speckled trout that roamed the eastern side of Trinity was something to behold. Thousands of trout would flood that stretch of shoreline, under the prevailing east/southeast winds of Spring. There's probably not a more pristine shoreline untouched by human development in all of Galveston bay. I have a feeling, praying I'm wrong, but those in the fishing industry will experience a downturn in revenue

The expense of running a boat, buying equipment, fuel, and bait costs will rise drastically. I've seen the downturn on the number of anglers on the water this Winter. I believe most fishing guides will raise their prices to offset the expense of running a boat. If you're one of those waiting to purchase a boat, be patient because I have a feeling lots them will be for sale.