Stalking fish on the Texas Coast

You are probably thinking why some people could catch more fish effortlessly. Actually, there are some reasons why they were able to catch fish easily. They looked for the right location, they used the right bait, and they gave silence a very big importance while fishing. Quietness is an essential character that you should have if you want to catch more fish.

I tell all my clients that catching fish is a lot like deer hunting. If that big buck hears you, hell just turn the other way. The same goes for big trout or reds; if they hear you they typically will run and hide. Always remember to not slam the lids on your hatches or yell at your buddy who is wading a hundred yards away. Most of the time, bigger trout and reds are caught while wading because being quieter and getting away from the noise of the boat slapping the waves helps to not scare them off.

Next is location, location, location. Most folks think that the cleaner the water the better. Yes and no, this year I have caught more fish in the off-colored water than in the greener water we call "trout green". This is not always the case, but this year it has been the ticket for us. From what I have seen, the off-colored water is holding the bait that the fish are feeding on.

Off-colored water does not mean muddy water or dirty water. Clear water makes the fish see you because of their visibility, but on off-colored water, their visibility becomes less, leading you to more hook ups. But I like better the grass flats for fishing.

On the grass flat I will use top-waters and out in the deeper water I like to throw the Sea Devils by Brown Lures in the Amber color. If the reds are up on the flats and will not touch any of those I will take a Gulp with just a hook and toss it close to them and let them smell it out and find it. This includes a few of the tips and tactics I have for the Matagorda Bay system.

I will expect to see you next time.