Waders test surf for trout, other fish

Saturday was a perfect day to make it beyond the jetties. Seas were running in the 1 to 2 feet range and no threatening weather. The surf was virtually flat, and a number of wade fishermen were testing the waters early for trout and other fish.

I have not received any reports on the status of this year’s offshore shrimp fleet; however, as mentioned previously, there is speculation we will see a much larger number of boats working offshore Galveston.

During the offshore shrimping season, also known as the brown shrimp season, shrimp boats from all across the Gulf Coast will be found working the federal waters out of Galveston.

Traditionally, the boats shrimp at night and, not long after sunrise, anchor to cull the night’s catch and to get some shut-eye before returning to working their nets.

Often the boats will anchor in large clusters that could number as many as 20 or more. Recreational fishermen who appear on the scene soon after the culling starts usually are in for some fantastic action on a variety of fish, including almost every species known to roam the Gulf of Mexico.

Both natural baits and artificials, especially Russell Lures and King Getters, trolled slowly among the anchored boats is a popular way to locate concentrations of fish. Once a strike takes place, drifting back over areas where the strikes took place usually will result in more fish.

Slowly motor up to the stern of the anchored boat and toss out a line baited with a Spanish sardine, ice fish, ribbonfish or other small finfish and let out your line. Then, continue your drift quite a distance, say 100 yards or so. Fish can be holding anywhere from under the boat to well back of it.

Once a strike occurs, it is best to bring in any other lines that are out.

Continue this same pattern for each shrimp boat you wish to drift. Various fish will be at various distances out. Within five miles of shore, sharks, jacks, Spanish mackerel and scattered king will be found. Fifty miles out, the odds improve for Dorado, ling, wahoo and sailfish. If this is your first time to fish the fleet, get ready for some fantastic action.

Saturday, Moses Lake was productive for trout, according to Vicki Pike at the Fish Spot. Anglers fishing close to the floodgates have been having the best results, especially on speckled trout.

Jason Reuter, Aunt Margie’s Bait Camp, reported good catches of specks, reds and big croaker coming from 8 Mile and Sportsmen’s roads. The specks and reds are hitting at night and the croaker during the day. Reuter said Aunt Margie’s is carrying live croaker.

Shirley Pike, Fat Boy’s Bait and Tackle, reported Isaac Herndon’s catch of a 2-pound, 12-ounce flounder and Caleb Herndon’s 3-pound, 7-ounce flounder, both caught in Galveston Bay on live shrimp.

Pike also reported reds, sand trout and sheepshead coming from under the causeway and reds being taken in Jones Lake. Croaker and rat reds are hitting close to the pier next to her bait camp.

Mark McCafferty landed an entry trout in the Star Tournament. His 8-pound, 8-ounce speck is entered into the 18 and over division. The fish was caught on a Kalin Model Shad.

We received a live report from Sarah Melcer and her dog Abby at the North Jetty, where they had caught three gafftop, five hardheads and a 3-foot shark.

Sam Shpats and his wife, Inna, of Galveston, fished the Pelican Island area and caught a variety of pan fish.

The party boat Capt. John made a 40 mile trip offshore, where the 77 anglers aboard caught a full limit of red snapper along with lane snapper, bonito, ling, jack crevalle, black drum, gulf trout, spadefish and others.

To get your catch in the Reel Report, phone Capt. Joe Kent at 409-683-5273, or send an e-mail to reel.report(at)galvnews.com. There’s no charge for this service.