COASTAL FOCUS: GALVESTON

by Capt. MIKE HOLMES

Another New Year Beyond The Breakers

AS 2019 BEGINS, IT’S WINTER on the upper Texas coast. Normally, actual cold weather is not a problem. However, those of us born and raised here usually don’t have really harsh winter weather experience. So forgive us if we gripe about temperatures below 50º F. We, fortunately, are not accustomed to this misery.

Our cold weather, even if actually blessedly “mild” often comes with rain and some wind, which makes it less enjoyable. Cold weather that brings snow with it—especially relatively “dry” snow—is easier to live with and even look forward to, than wet cold.

Still, we do live on the semi-tropical Gulf Coast and should always count our blessings. Even on the upper coast, a freeze is rather newsworthy�even a “light” freeze.

Normally, we have little worry about water pipes freezing. Even better, fish kills from cold weather are very rare. This means that we can usually continue fishing all through the year�even in winter.

Actually, what cold weather we get seldom kills fish, but it will concentrate them in favored deep-water spots and in any manmade warm water areas.

Fishing deep holes can be productive, but it is different from warm water action. Bites will come deep, seldom on top water lures. Fish still feed, but they do it more slowly. Lures should be worked deep and slow, although spoons, spinnerbaits, and wobbling plugs will still pay off.

Soft plastic lures will probably work best, and the new scent developed to use with them will definitely be a plus. Jigs tipped with pieces of fresh bait normally produce more hits than those worked “bare”.

Dead bait cut to allow blood and scent to leave a trail in the current work well, and live bait can be better. Shrimp will be difficult to obtain, but small baitfish such as “mud minnows” and finger mullet work well, also croaker and other small “gamefish”.

In cooler weather, it is best to catch bait “on the grounds” to ensure what you offer is what the fish expect.

Of course, there are exceptions to these rules, as with most others in the fishing world. I used to know a few fellows who hunted for bait stands with live shrimp in the winter months, for fishing offshore around oil production platforms.

Although bay shrimp could not have been common around these rigs, the red snappers gobbled them up like candy. A few small groupers often joined the “snaps” in the fish box.

Another aspect of cold weather fishing around rigs maybe 20 to 30 miles from shore is the catches of black drums and sheepsheads the live shrimp attracted. We even saw some hefty flounders boated in what was definitely “offshore” water.

Bluefish can be a happy find in the winter, as they feed actively in colder water, usually fight harder than small snappers—and grow larger and heavier.

Blues will also fall for artificial lures. Although I never caught any trolling in these water conditions, I feel certain it could happen.

Lane snappers, with their prominent yellow stripes, also like winter water. This fishing can be found close enough to the beach for a fairly easy trip when the winter seas lie down a bit and the north wind isn’t biting too bad.

For those who prefer to feel a big fish on the end of their line, winter fishing for large black drum around jetties and near San Luis Pass can be good, and an occasional bull red will join in the fun.

Oddly, a few of the smaller shark species will also be found in surprisingly cold water. A bit farther from shore, groupers and good snappers can be found. Farther out still, will be tunas and wahoos.

These species do not come easy, and fishing for them is not for everyone. Yet, for those who can (and will) do it, winter isn’t such a bad season after all!

The Bank Bite

Location: Winter bays, “near” offshore, and deep-water runs.

Species: In the bays, reds, some trout and flounders. Offshore are snappers, groupers, others.

Bait: Any fresh dead bait can be good, but live bait is better. Shiny or “soft” lures worked slow can pay off well.

Best Time: Heat of the day is not a problem this time of year, and surprisingly night fishing is often very good under lights.

Email Mike Holmes at ContactUs@fishgame.com