Fishing

The mid-March warming process of the Texas Coast is thawing out more than just air conditioners in Houston and on the Texas Coast.  It is almost spring time, and the “Flounder Run” is upon us! 

Flounders Seasonal Migration

A yearly phenomenon, April usually marks the first month of the flounder’s migration back to it’s native bays and estuaries.  They will be returning, after several months of seeking deeper waters during the fall and winter seasons of 2010.   From my perspective of fishing Galveston waters, the flounder are most abundant during October and November when they seem to be fleeing their backwater haunts to find the ocean.  During the fall it is usually productive to fish the passes and channels that connect bay and ocean.  

While the fall is arguably the most productive season for flounder fishing in Texas, the spring definitely makes a strong case for second place. 

Those same fish who fled the bays for winter are headed back home thanks to instincts and hunger.  They are larger now, and ravenously hungry.  Notorious for being over-farmed early in their spawn by eager recreational fisherman and commercial anglers, the predictable species have seen a decrease in population when compared to previous decades in recent memory.  

All is not lost, though, as regulations and voluntary conservation techniques have helped to drive the population up considerably in the 21st century.   

To keep from turning this into a conservation conversation, I will just leave it at this simple observation: 

When flounder populations are higher, the spring run tends to come a bit earlier than years when populations are diminished.  

Watch for the Final Storm of Winter

2011 presents plenty of optimism for the upcoming run.  As March is nearing it’s close, the weather reports indicate increased activity in the passes and bays by as early as the first week of April.   There is a bit of a storm on the horizon, and that always bodes well for setting up great conditions directly afterward.  I have personally made my very own plans to dust off the waders as soon as that front passes.  When waters warm, the Flounder will seek safety, where they can more easily camouflaged   and eat.  Sometimes without restraint. 

Where To Go?

Basically, once spring has established its self along the Texas Gulf Coast, you can fish anywhere in the bay system and catch something.  The flounder in particular will rally along the shorelines, at the mouths of bayous, cuts, coves, and along drop offs in depth.  When hunting flounder, think of how they eat.  Trout and redfish are predatory fish, but flounder prefer ambush tactics.  

They love to blend in sand, rendering themselves invisible while waiting for small fish to swim above them helplessly.  Flounder are very explosive in short distances, but not in long pursuit, so don't work your bait too quickly.  

Look for slow moving currents, originating from obscure backwaters along the southern coasts of the Bay systems (I am picturing the grass shoreline of West Bay, my childhood fishing grounds). 

Grass and a mud/silt mix is the best, and a murky to brown or green water color will work to your advantage.   High tides are very common in the spring, so don't forget all of the unusual structure that flooding creates.  Flounder can (and will) travel into inches of water to eat.  

What to Use?

I have yet to find a more reliable and easy-to-use method to flounder fishing than a simple jighead and soft plastic combo.  I tend to see more action with the baits that sport a longer, more attractive tail like 4” sand eels or texas trout killers. 

A quarter ounce jig is always sufficient, although I might switch to 1/8 oz if I am getting snagged too often, depending on the composition of the bottom.   While flounder can theoretically get huge in Texas, and I have personally taken home a couple 30+ inch doormats, there is no reason to use any heavier than 12lb test on your spool. 

I prefer to rig my Coriolis with braided line, so the issue of strength is moot.  The beauty of braided line is that the diameter is much smaller, so you can afford to go much stronger without sacrificing the reel’s capacity. 

It allows for more sensitivity and lower drag settings also, which I prefer when looking for Flounder (they have a much more subtle bite than other sport-fish in the bay). 

Cons include the line “sawing” through some rods/reels, and higher prices.  I have not had a problem with my Shimano, and a lot of rods are equipped to endure the friction and wont break down.  Talk to your sales associate at whatever sporting goods store you choose before choosing a good line.  They will take everything you want into concern while pointing you in the correct direction.

There are many alternatives, but braided line tied to a jig head is always where you should start.  You can change the color and swimming action (shape) of your plastics, along with the weight of your jig head.  Take into account the conditions, and find what is working for you on a daily basis.  It is always a trial and error process.

How and When to Fish?

If you are a saltwater angler who has seen more than a couple of years on the water in Texas, you no doubt know that I am going to wax poetic about grabbing my waders and walking a couple of miles along the flats, while earning my stripes as a young student of Mother Nature…but the truth is, that wading is in fact the most logical approach for MOST bay fishing.  Flounder, more pointedly, sit still, so naturally you need to present them with bait in their environment.  Most boat motors will spook anything for a considerable amount of time, and even then you aren’t guaranteed on being able to explore all of the areas that flounder feed.   

I prefer to leave the boat and motor (along with all of the other boats and motors) out of the picture while I slowly creep along the shoreline quietly.

I prefer wearing a pair of crocks to avoid sharp objects rogue oyster shells and rusted hurricane debris.  Crocs are very light, and the thick foam is perfect for protecting your soft soles. 

You still have to be careful, and they don't provide the protection or warmth that waders provide, but I prefer the ease of motion that comes with wearing them in the water.  I like to use a belt with two rod holders and a small tackle storage area where I suggest putting a variety of different colored soft plastics. 

Make sure to have a small knife, a stringer or do-nut net if you are eating your catch, and a net.  Never go wade fishing without your net, or you will realize just how clumsy you are.

Walk slowly along the shoreline during a moving tide, throwing at mouths of cuts and bayous, patches of grass and other structures.  Generally anywhere you see  movement of water.  Noticeable things like color changes, depth changes, slick surfaces, and bait movement are all places that should be explored. 

Bounce your jig head SLOWLY along the bottom, hopping up and down along depth changes.  Pause for a second or two periodically.  You may think you are working your lure in too slowly, but I assure you, the fish do not agree. 

Flounder will only rarely “chase” their prey.  They prefer to lie in wait and strike.  Sometimes they will simply put your lure in their mouth without clamping down. 

When you feel a slight tug, let your jig head sit idle for a moment before budging it.   If the tension is increasing, set your hook hard.  No half-stepping here, as the jawbone of a flounder can be tough to penetrate.  The bite is never identical, and more aggressive Flounder will hit hard, doing the work for you.

The key to flounder fishing is ‘low and slow.'  Use the bottom and take your time.  The flounder will appreciate your effort if they are in the area.  

90 percent of the fish are in 10 percent of the water.  If you have followed my advice, and are frustrated with no bite, make sure the tide is moving, and try another spot.

The popular fish known as the Rockfish or the Bank Sea Bass is a beautiful fish that is first noticeable by its body’s background of a pale shade of brown or olive.

Standing out against the light color are the vague, black splotches that look something like muddled tiger stripes painted vertically down the sides of the fish.

On the bass’s head you can see faint, bluish lines that appear wavelike over purplish lips. Adults of the species have a tri-lobed caudal fin and right at the base of their nape the skin is surprisingly void of actual scales.

These small little bass can only grow as large as around three pounds and at their longest; you will usually find them measuring about eight inches in length.

You can catch bank sea bass in places where there are reefs or rocks, usually just inshore when it comes to waters that are deeper. This species of bass is also marked by its unusually large mouth much like you would see on a largemouth bass.

As for their biology, the bank sea bass are fascinating creatures as they actually undergo a change in sex as they mature throughout their life cycle. In the beginning, these fish start out as female and after as many as three to four spawning cycles, they will then change to male.

Bank sea bass are generally bottom feeders as they search the floors for such food particles and prey as crustaceans, smaller fish and squid. Nearly anywhere you can find a fishing environment with a bay; you will find bank sea bass.

The Delta as well as San Francisco Bay are particularly well populated areas for this species of bass.

If you are interested in attempting to catch these fish, your best bet will be to attempt it in the late weeks of spring or throughout the fall. You will want to go bank sea bass fishing as deep as 500 feet as these fish very much prefer the harder floors for their habitats particularly in waters that are rather deep. 

These fish can live as many as seven years and they are extremely opportunistic hunters when it comes to looking for food.

They can use their larger mouths in order to swallow entire shrimp, crabs or smaller fish straight down into their stomach whole so it is best that you use the most realistic fishing tackle of this sort when searching for this amazing species.

Being able to detect when a fish has taken your bait can sometimes be more difficult than it sounds. Many different elements involved with the world of fishing can interfere with your ability to determine whether or not you have a bite.

Use the information pertaining to the elements below in order to better determine what could be preventing you from feeling when you have a hit. While there are a variety of reasons out there as to why you might not be recognizing bites, as long as you remember to remain patient while practicing, you will eventually find this problem a distant memory.

• The Species of Fish: Which kind of fish you are actually fishing for could be a large part of your issues when it comes to detecting bites. Being able to achieve the correct balance of fishing gear to the right species as well as the correct conditions of the water and other elements can be a challenge. However, these are the exact three elements that all need to align correctly in order to reel in your fish. Mullet and sole are particularly known for their light bites, while eel and bass can tug so hard that you almost lose your fishing rod. Know which kind of bite your species is known for.
• Fishing Tackle: Being able to correctly balance your fishing gear while matching it to the environment correctly is essential when also being able to distinguish bites. If you are using lighter fishing equipment in rather deep and rough fishing conditions such as the ocean or if you are attempting to hold to the bottom in a body of water that has a rather strong current, your rod will most likely lock up and not show any movement at the tip when a fish has taken the bait. You also need to pay attention to the kind of fishing line that you are using. Braided lines have little to no stretch to them which can mean you can detect bites much easier. However, monofilament lines have a great deal of stretch to them in comparison and can make noticing softer bites rather difficult.
• Tide: When the flood proceeds to pick up, your line’s resistance to that current will lower your ability to notice a bite when looking at the tip of your rod. However, fish tend to head down tide once they have snatched up your bait, and the tide can make you aware of this.

Deep sea fishing is quite different than the usual fishing one might become accustomed to. In order to fish the deep sea, you not only need different techniques but you actually need different equipment and a rather big and sturdy fishing boat as well. Typically, a deep sea fisherman embarks on a day out on the ocean with an entire crew made up of other anglers as this style of fishing is not safe for just one individual to attempt without backup.

It is typical for a deep sea fishing crew to consist of at least five individuals at once.

In case you are an angler looking for adventure on the ocean, here are some deep sea fishing tips to get you started correctly:

*Be aware of everything in your immediate surroundings at all times. As long as you make a habit of observing the activity around you, then your fishing will likely be more productive and effective. As long you are paying attention, you will be able to recognize when birds happen to be collecting over a particular part of the water. This is a strong indication that baitfish are present. Where there are baitfish, there are sure to be larger, predatory fish nearby. This is the same for any driftwood you may spot as fish will use this as cover.

* Select your fishing gear wisely. Based on the kind of fishing you are looking to do, you will want to select your lures accordingly. For the best results, choose lures that look the most authentic.

* Instead of cutting your fishing line, you should always burn it instead. If you find yourself in a circumstance where your fishing line needs to be cut, it is better to burn through the exceptionally thick line used in deep sea fishing instead of attempting to cut through it with a knife.

* Locate a reef and try to fish near it. This is where many larger fish can be waiting to feed off many of the smaller fish that use the reef for shelter.

* You should always try and use circle hooks as these hooks are not only better at actually hooking these large fish and keeping them on the line as you are reeling in, but they are also less destructive to the fish once they are removed as they cause less damage. This also makes it more likely that the fish will survive its wounds if you decide to release it back into the water.

When purchasing lures for use in big game fishing, there are two details that most anglers pay the most attention to. These details they hold in such high regard are cost and color.

However, while many anglers insist that color is an important factor, it actually is not. There are a few other details that must be taken into account first.

In fact, even cost should not come into play as much as you might think. What is more important than both the cost and the color of large game and deep sea fishing lures is balance, weight and craftsmanship. All three of these factors can quickly and easily be observed immediately within the tackle or bait shop.

If the lure you are considering looks to be cheaply made with little attention to detail, then chances are that it will not perform as it should. When it comes to prices and lures, you will certainly get what you pay for.

The balance and weight of the lure is important as well. Be sure that you note whether or not any weight was added to the lure by the manufacturer. If you purchase a lure without any added weight to it, it is likely that it will have difficulties with diving in any other fishing conditions that might be less than ideal.

If the lure is properly weighted and balanced, it will look more realistic to the fish, as the eyes will appear as if they are in the correct place at all times. In addition to realistic appearance, having the hooks in the correct position according to what side of the boat you are using them on will also help your chances of catching your fish.  
 
As you can see, the choice in leader, shape, rigging and speed all have an important affect on how your lure will perform for you. Always be sure that your leader is not so stiff that it hinders the action of your deep sea lure.

At the same time, it is not necessary to use hooks that are heavy enough to weigh the lure down. If the movement of your lure does not appear convincing in the water, the fish will notice, and you will have no bites.

Always choose a lure that is designed and constructed with balance, weight and careful attention to detail as well as materials. The color is not an issue. As long as you have a quality piece of fishing gear, you will be catching your fish.

On days when you are unable to make it out to the water, try out some great online fishing games to keep yourself entertained and your skills sharp.

Looking for a simple, straightforward guide when it comes to deep sea fishing?

Look no further than this easy-to-follow list of some of the best tips that you can remember and immediately apply to your very next deep sea fishing expedition:

• Birds: If you happen to see a swarm of sea birds in a particular area, chances are these birds are feeding on smaller baitfish; where there are baitfish, there are usually larger, predatory fish beneath them. You can also bet that you will find large fish in areas that have floating debris such as wood.
• Snook: When fishing for snook, it is actually much like fishing for bass as these fish will usually be found near rocks, ledges and other structures within the water.
• Full Moon: If you are fishing at the time there is a full moon in force, always try to use imitation soft crab for your bait. Since the full moon is typically when a crab will shed his shell, stripers will be eagerly awaiting the full moon.
• Tuna: If you are looking to catch some tuna, it is not uncommon to find them within schools of dolphin; wherever you see dolphin, tuna will be there as well.
• Spiderwire: If you are ever in a situation where your spiderwire braid is rather difficult to cut, burn through it using a lighter. Always have a lighter amongst your other fishing gear.
• Reef: Since larger fish will usually prey on the smaller fish that linger in reefs, this is good vicinity to be on the lookout for some great deep sea fishing opportunities.
• Sea Legs: If you find once you are on the fishing vessel that your sea legs aren’t what they used to be, focus your gaze on the horizon in order to avoid becoming motion sick. Also, steer clear of the fumes given off by the boat engine, as this can aggravate your symptoms.
• Go to where the fish are: Many anglers seem to believe that they should be first collecting their live bait from the reef before they head out to fish for the bigger fish; however, if you are not able to find any live bait where you intend to fish, what are the chances that any larger fish will be there? Remember, wherever there is a food source, there will be larger predators just around the corner.

Albacore tuna is one of most sought after species in the deep sea. In the waters just off the coast, the ocean floor is likely to have plenty of jagged coral and rocks for these and many other predatory animals to linger in wait for their prey.

In the sea, fish of all kinds live at many different depths, many choosing to stick as close to the bottom as possible. Still, other fish prefer to stay as close to protective structures such as those large rocks in order to feel they have a safe hiding place.

Most fishermen who gravitate towards coastal fishing do so in search of the many fish that dwell in these areas and also the convenience that being near the shore provides. Many species of fish including the albacore tend to travel along the coastline each season and the anglers who are smart will often stay on top of the changes in the wind, current, water temperatures and tides in order to plan their fishing excursions just right.

Once an angler has had his fill of coastal fishing, his next step is usually to try his hand at fishing in the open sea. This form of fishing is not for everyone and is usually best suited to the more experienced of fishermen. In order to safely take part in fishing the open ocean, chartering specialized fishing vessels is usually required.

If you are considering a deep sea fishing adventure, it is always important that you research the charter company thoroughly beforehand in order to be sure its license as and equipment are up to date and fully functional. You will want to collect other information like how long the trip will be, which species of fish the charter specializes in catching and how many people can be on the vessel at once. If you intend to keep the fish you catch for yourself, it is important to ask whether or not this is possible as many boats have policies against this. You need to get as many deep sea fishing tips as possible before heading out on your own.

Once you find the style of ocean fishing that appeals to you, it is important that you stick with it and learn as many fishing techniques as you can before moving onto another level such as deep sea fishing. While fishing is a popular pastime, it can also be hard work, particularly in the open sea. Always be sure you know what you are getting yourself into beforehand so that you are not surprised once you are 30 miles off shore.

There are many choices out on the market when it comes to terminal fishing tackle. Some of these options are rather simple and straight forward whereas others can seem elaborate and complex. All of these pieces of fishing gear have the potential to be as expensive as you can imagine. However, chances are, if you stick with a jig head for inshore fishing opportunities, you are likely to come out rather successful.

The product you choose should be made from lead or another kind of metal that is non-polluting. These pieces also come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

I prefer to opt for anything in between 1/8 of an ounce all the way up to as much as ¾ of an ounce. The hooks that you use with these pieces should increase accordingly in size as well beginning with a #1 and on up to a 5/0. Choosing the size is also dependant on many different elements as well.

It is important to keep in mind that, when used correctly, a smaller fishing hook can often hook an rather large fish. Depending on the depth of and speed of the water, the sink rate of this hook can change.

In water that is rather shallow, you should always attempt to stay with the lightest jig possible that you can still cast your bait with. This will enable you to work with your lure without fearing that it might be hanging on the bottom. If you choose to fish using a grub tail, this will give you more of a natural look as well as movement.

You can also choose to use a jig that is slightly heavier. This should be around 3/8 of an ounce. If you prefer that your lure gets down into the water, this is especially effective. Using baits such as small crabs or shrimp will mean you will want to stick with a jig that is somewhat lighter. This will allow the lure to drop in a natural way throughout the water.

Depending on which kind of fish you are fishing for, it may not be a good idea to use a 5/0 hook with a jig if you intend on the fish getting the entire lure into its mouth. A good bass fishing tip to remember to adjust your lures to accommodate the size of the fish you are looking for.

Choosing the size of jig is a rather basic choice. As long as you use common sense, be sure that you can visualize how your bait will move within the water and determine which depths you will want to have it rest at. This will help you determine everything that you need.

Once a fisherman has taken up surf fishing, one necessary piece of fishing gear he or she will want is a reliable sinker. Sinkers happen to be available in many different shapes and styles such as the pyramid, pancake, breakaway, and bank sinkers. Each one of these tools is designed for very specific fishing conditions. Here is a helpful guide that will enable you to be sure you have the right sinkers on you for any situation you might be fishing in.

Pyramid Sinkers

Pyramid sinkers are extremely popular pieces of fishing equipment. These sinkers get their name because of their shape as they have four sides that meet at tip at one end and a square, flat bottom at the other end with an eyelet attached to it. These sinkers work best in rougher waters since they easily hold to the floor of a raging river or ocean. If the wind is blowing rather hard on the day you are planning to fish, these are definitely the sinkers you will want to have on hand as they will keep your fishing line from being dragged out. The only downfall to this situation is that the heft of these sinkers can make them somewhat difficult to reel in.

Pancake Sinkers

The sinkers that are circular and flat discs are called pancake sinkers. Their eyelets are fixed onto their edge in order to allow them to glide easily over the floor of the ocean, lake or river. This prevents your line from getting twisted and tangled up on you since they will not be able to roll. Instead, they simply sit on the floor until they are easily retrieved.

Breakaway Sinkers

Breakaway sinkers are ideal for waters that are rather choppy or bordering on being considered rough. These sinkers will often have either spring loaded, flexible or secured wires that protrude from the actual weight much like a spider’s legs. These wires then attach themselves to the floor of the lake or ocean and hold the sinker in place. These are also difficult to retrieve as they enough force needs to be initiated in order to unhook them from their grasp. Once done properly, the wires will then retract.

Bank Sinkers

Bank sinkers are the more commonly seen weights that are familiar to most anglers. They are shaped like teardrops and move easily through banks or surfs because they roll. In rougher fishing conditions these sinkers can twist up your fishing line. However, these sinkers are easily retrieved.

You should always stay on top of the latest fishing tackle tips to assure the best experience while on your fishing trip.

Once you have experienced the amazing adventure of deep sea fishing outside Prince Edward Island in Canada, it is likely that you will develop an entirely new appreciation for the seafood that you eat each and every year. Whether or not you like to fish for shark or large tuna, off the coast of Prince Edward Island, you are sure to have a chance at wrestling with huge blue fin, mackerel or shark as soon as you have your lure into that water.

For the fisherman who is looking to upgrade his adventures and try out deep sea fishing, a great first experience is to seek out a tuna or shark charter boat to take you out. There are plenty organizations on the island eager to take you on fun and exciting fishing trips.

The sharks that you could possibly reel in are blue, porbeagle and mako. These sharks usually stay within the cooler waters of a channel. Since they will usually not venture into coastal waters until the summer, many charter boats will not even book trips until the month of September.

Tuna fisheries, on the other hand, operate on the quote system. This means that the tuna season is not fixed, but depends on the total number of tuna caught. Once the quota is filled, the season is over. 

Once you are on board the fishing vessel, be sure that your fishing rod is securely fastened into its sheath. You will want to prepare in advance for a potential struggle with a large fish that could last as long as three hours.

Your fish will do its best to pull and tug as hard as it can on your line. Often, a larger fish can get so aggressive that the captain of the boat will have to turn the boat around and move in the opposite direction. Sometimes the boat will have to travel as many as six miles before these giant fish decide they are tired.

Once you end up bringing your fish onto the boat, you must remember that you will not be permitted to take it home with you. The fishing license belongs to the charter company, which means that the fish actually belong to the captain of the boat.  

No need to worry though, as catching one of these fish will mean your entire fishing experience is free of charge. Be sure to bring your camera along in case this happens, so you can prove to all your friends that you caught a monster.