I'm headed down to Bolivar (crystal beach area) and was thinking of doing some fishing while I'm there. I'm not very famiiar with saltwater fishing. I live up in the DFW area so mostly a bass fisherman. Not bringing my boat down with me. I wanted to maybe target some redfish or some smaller fish species. Is there anywhere to fish from the bank or possibly wading to fish from the shore?

You can fish the length of the beach at Crystal Beach, miles and miles.

Stingaree Marina is a good place to eat.

As stated above, the beach is great when the surf is flat. When waves are >2' or so it can be tough. You'll fish the first gut, which is just past where the nearest waves are breaking. Best time is typically right at sunrise, but moving tides are also good times, especially incoming. Another good spot is the north jetty. You can stay on the sidewalk if you want to, or can walk up the jetty as far as you like. Also, bait shop is right there.

Your bass gear is fine. Bring your rod and reel of choice with 15-20# line, and terminal tackle for a C-rig. Paddle tail swim baits on a jig hook are typically the artificial lure of choice and will catch any table fare in the gulf. Also nice to have a topwater lure handy like a zara spook. If you ever see birds working in the surf then cast that spook as far as you can under them.

If you want to go with live bait then you'll want some circle hooks and a popping cork. I typically go first to popping cork, and if that is slow then drag the bottom with a fish finder rig, which is the saltwater equivalent of a C-rig.

My understanding is that the east bay is mostly poot mud, so you will not want to wade on the bay side.

At the end of your trip, wipe down your gear with a damp towel. I actually use a microfiber towel with a drop of dish soap to cut the film of the saltwater. Get the rod guides real good, and the reel and reel seat. Some folks will recommend soaking your reel in fresh water, but I don't like to do that unless the reel accidently took a dunk in the salt water.

Rinse off any lures you used, and note that if it is not a saltwater lure, you'll end up having to replace the hooks in a month or so.

Do not wipe it down.

Get the hose out and wash like there will be tomorrow because if you do not, you will be buying new stuff.

Thank you for all the suggestions. Will be trying them out!

My son lives in Alvin, TX. He makes soft plastics and fishes all up and down the Gulf coast. In fact, he just posted a video on YouTube of his outing this past weekend. He hammered the reds. He would be happy to help you out and point you in the right direction. Look him up. Bite and Fight Angler. Tell him his Pops sent you.

JR

Use a hose or take a shower with your gear, LOL. That's what I do.

I think the best rigging is already suggested utilizing 1 combo with a popping cork and another with a carolina rig.

Also, do not hesitate to ask a local bait/tackle shop employees or even customers. Some of the best advice I have ever received was from 2 older fellows drinking coffee and smoking cigs in front of the bait store.

Very few places to walk in and fish in the Bolivar area. You can google broken bridge as quite a few people wade and fish that area, which can be good at time depending upon conditions. With the intracoastal running the entire length of the peninsula, it makes it difficult to fish without a kayak or boat.