BAY FLATS LODGE FISHING REPORT "TEXAS STYLE"

[cmartin]

The first part of the summer we were plagued by awkward winds. And although the thermometer may have climbed to record highs during that time, it didn’t seem to be extremely hot simply because of the heavy breeze. However, the winds have since become just a memory, and the days of August have really begun to heat up around here. Most of the state of Texas is experiencing severe drought conditions due to the lack of much, if any, measurable precipitation over the course of this past spring and summer, and bay water temperatures and salinity levels are at an all-time high right now. A lot of us, me included, might think it would be very difficult to locate the bite in such harsh heat conditions, but the fish have hung in there for us. Don’t ask me how, or why, but they have. The winds of earlier summer proved to be a greater hindrance to daily success over that of the current scorching heat, and regular catches of both trout and redfish are actually becoming almost predictable. In the absence of disturbing winds, a lot of common fishing ground has once again opened up. Area waters which earlier were nothing more than frothy chocolate milk have since cleansed themselves to the degree that they now offer the greener opportunities that everyone has been waiting for all summer, and in areas that had previously been deemed unfishable. Even some of the favored shell pads in the open waters of San Antonio Bay are making good targets these days, and should only continue to get better with each passing day. Area shorelines where fishing had all but been shut down due to high wind and wave action are now, for the most part, back on the itinerary of wade fishermen. Morning hours have remained generally calm as of late, but the winds do, however, still tend to build in the afternoon. So, if you are an avid shoreline wader like me, you should probably try to get to your favorite spot early. It will be cooler in the morning, and you should be able to get in a few hours of prime fishing before the sun decides to turn the ceiling fan on. I have encountered great success during this hot time of the year along exposed shorelines, so I always make it a point to attempt to locate shoreline areas that are made up primarily of submerged grass beds – the grass does a fabulous job of filtering sediment quite rapidly, and these areas will tend to hold clear water when the rest of the shoreline remains muddy.

If you have been fortunate enough to make it down to fish in the Port O’Connor and Seadrift areas this summer you may have already noted days when we experience exceptional low tides. It almost seems, at times, that Mother Nature may have placed a ration on higher water levels for us, so low tides are what we have had to contend with these past few months. I used the term “contend with”, but perhaps I should have said, “Adjust to”. As most of you know, tides are but one in a myriad of variables that anglers must deal with in the sport of coastal fishing, but there are adjustments that you can make in your strategy and tactics that can help you “turn-the-tide” (so to speak) to your advantage. As a rule, lower tides commonly concentrate a fish population, whereas higher water levels typically tend to scatter them. With the low water conditions we have had lately, I have learned to adjust my thinking accordingly, and to concentrate my efforts in areas where large bodies of water may become less passable during periods of extreme low water. Larger coves and small bays just off the beaten path are just such areas, but back lakes have become my recent primary target. Some of the backcountry lakes in our area offer huge amounts of water containing ample food supplies and natural foliage for cover even in these exceptional slack-tide conditions, and right now I’m locating large schools of redfish on almost every visit I make the back lakes, but only during a low tide period. I’m finding that these reds are scattering at the very first change in water levels, so it’s important to remember to focus you attempts in the lakes when the water is at its lowest.

Now then, by the time you read this, and in the upcoming (and hopefully cooler) month of September, redfish should begin to school-up in large pods on our area shorelines. Look for explosive splashes, and the familiar fleeing of baitfish accompanied by large fanning tails. Additionally, keep an eye peeled for the presence of fleeing shrimp – this is a great way to sight cast to “Big Gals” in September. One of my favorite top water lures to chase these reds with is a full-sized pink Skitter Walk rigged with single hooks instead of the treble hooks that are installed at the lure factory. The single hooks tend to work in a fashion more characteristic to that of weed-less bait, and they allow less damage to the fish (and to my hands and body) and help to speed in the release of my catch. I like to cast ahead of the reds when they are on the move, walking-the-dog as I advance the bait upon the pod. Hang on as you make your approach in this fashion, as the fight should soon be on. For the plastic bait enthusiasts, another favored bait of mine for these red bruisers is Norton’s Sand Eel rigged with 1/8-ounce laser lock head, especially over a hard, sandy bottom that happens to be randomly mixed with small beds of grass and bay floor undulations.

The lodge just returned from taking our staff to Concan on the Frio for a three-day well-deserved vacation. We all stayed at Neal's Lodge. Time to get busy this Thursday with 32-guests in for a two-day customer fishing trip. Reports to come.

In closing, the team of guides at Bay Flats wishes to remind everyone of the rapid approach of the upcoming waterfowl season. Although it is a bit early for us to have yet witnessed any noticeable flights, we will soon commence our annual preparations of the blinds. November is a wonderful time of the year to experience a “Blast & Cast” trip, also known as our Duck-Fish Combos - hunt waterfowl in the mornings, take a short break, and then exchange the shotgun for top waters lures in the afternoon. Duck season opens up Saturday, October 31, so stay tuned for more exciting information.

Guide Chris Martin, Port O’Connor/Seadrift region…www.BayFlatsLodge.com 1-888-677-4868