Posted By: Capt. Chris Martin
“April Variances are Constant” Guide Lines, by Capt. Chris Martin April 8, 2018 - 04/08/18 06:04 PM
It seems as though the past couple weeks have thrown us every weather variable imaginable. We have seen everything from intermittent showers accompanied by subtle north winds to that of brilliantly bright days with winds pumping strong out of the south. With these variances in winds we have also been dealing with the associated changes in tidal conditions, some of which have been extreme – finish the afternoon with a high bull tide, only to awaken the next morning to a tide so low you might think it was still wintertime. Dealing with such conditions can be, and has been, somewhat of a challenge when attempting to locate fish on a daily basis. However, you can also look at differing conditions as being a wonderful opportunity for you to hone your strategy skills for future ventures.
For example, if you happen to be fishing a particular area that is concealed from a strong south wind during an excessive high tide period, look around the immediate vicinity to see where game fish might setup their ambush point in the event the area you are in begins emptying water and baitfish into the larger bay system due to abrupt wind and tide changes. Take note of these dumping points and use them to your advantage when staging your next wade session in the same area, but have exact opposite weather and tide conditions.
Conversely, if you happen to be wading a back lake area or even an open shoreline during exceptionally low tide conditions, make mental notes of the locations of uncovered structure – bay bottom features such as sand bars, oyster reefs, bare guts, grassy areas – that are not usually exposed. Next time you fish the same area under normal conditions you will not only be able to safely navigate the area, but will also be able to position yourself so as to focus your efforts on these structured locations for prime results.
For the past year, the fishing along our Texas coast has become increasingly good, and we anticipate it to only get better as we progress through spring and into summer. As we all continue to relish in all that our great fisheries have to offer, it is important for us to realize the necessity for replenishing that natural resource that we have enjoyed for so many years, and that is why Bay Flats Lodge has partnered with CCA Texas and their National Habitat Program, the Building Conservation Trust. All of our lodge guests now have the opportunity to get involved and donate, and we will match all of our customer donations as we submit them to CCA. With your help, these groups will be able to enhance marine life from Matagorda Bay to Rockport that will be appreciated and enjoyed by the local community for many generations to come. Donate today to make a difference! Until next time, remember to practice CPR, “Catch, Photo, and Release”, whenever possible on trophy Trout and Reds…Guide Chris Martin, Port O’Connor/Seadrift region. www.BayFlatsLodge.com …1-888-677-4868
Photos taken by Capt. Chris Martin - Ducks Unlimited Meetings, 2-days 10-boat fishing sessions. [i][/i]
For example, if you happen to be fishing a particular area that is concealed from a strong south wind during an excessive high tide period, look around the immediate vicinity to see where game fish might setup their ambush point in the event the area you are in begins emptying water and baitfish into the larger bay system due to abrupt wind and tide changes. Take note of these dumping points and use them to your advantage when staging your next wade session in the same area, but have exact opposite weather and tide conditions.
Conversely, if you happen to be wading a back lake area or even an open shoreline during exceptionally low tide conditions, make mental notes of the locations of uncovered structure – bay bottom features such as sand bars, oyster reefs, bare guts, grassy areas – that are not usually exposed. Next time you fish the same area under normal conditions you will not only be able to safely navigate the area, but will also be able to position yourself so as to focus your efforts on these structured locations for prime results.
For the past year, the fishing along our Texas coast has become increasingly good, and we anticipate it to only get better as we progress through spring and into summer. As we all continue to relish in all that our great fisheries have to offer, it is important for us to realize the necessity for replenishing that natural resource that we have enjoyed for so many years, and that is why Bay Flats Lodge has partnered with CCA Texas and their National Habitat Program, the Building Conservation Trust. All of our lodge guests now have the opportunity to get involved and donate, and we will match all of our customer donations as we submit them to CCA. With your help, these groups will be able to enhance marine life from Matagorda Bay to Rockport that will be appreciated and enjoyed by the local community for many generations to come. Donate today to make a difference! Until next time, remember to practice CPR, “Catch, Photo, and Release”, whenever possible on trophy Trout and Reds…Guide Chris Martin, Port O’Connor/Seadrift region. www.BayFlatsLodge.com …1-888-677-4868
Photos taken by Capt. Chris Martin - Ducks Unlimited Meetings, 2-days 10-boat fishing sessions. [i][/i]