Well we always hear the summer time complaints, in July and August, that it's getting too hot to fish. Most anglers are wanting to get off of the water before lunch! Well I am going to give you an alternative, wade fishing the Baffin Bay at night! Let me tell you, this is one of the best kept secrets. The water temperatures are cooler and the Baffin Big Girls have turned into heartless predators. There is nothing more exciting about hearing a massive blow up, while fishing a top-water at night! I am going to go through the how to, when to and where to, one at a time.
First of all, NEVER go out alone! Many things can happen while navigating waterways after dark and or while wade fishing! Here are a few safety tips:
* Check that your night navigation equipment works properly, and that you and/or your fishing buddy know the area well.
* Always wear your life jacket while motoring the boat.
* Make sure that someone back on the mainland knows where and when you will be fishing.
* Go ahead and plan ahead of time where you want to fish, preferably up to 3 spots just in case!
HOW: Once you have arrived at your first location safely, make sure that your anchor light stays on. This will also give you some bearing and help getting back to the boat. Strap on a L.E.D. head lamp, they are a must. L.E.D. head lamps are readily available and allow hands-free, much-needed light.
In addition to the headlamps, get some glow sticks as well. These are the type that activate and light up when you bend/crack/shake them. What you do is tie the glow stick to some string and hang it like a necklace, draping down over your back. This will also help to prevent boaters from coming too close, and keep your fishing partner from hitting you with a lure. Worst case scenario, it can also be a good emergency backup light to get to the boat. While wading, don't get too far apart.
WHEN: I have had my best luck around a full moon. The moon light helps silhouette your baits, thus making for any easy target for a hungry trout out on the prowl! Try tying a 10 to 12 inch leader to the first snap ring, next to the treble hook. Rig a 1/6th oz jig head with a plum or morning glory colored plastic (dark colors) and tie it on the leader (called Donk's tangler).
I know what you're thinking, but just try it and you will be surprised. Work it the same way you would the top water. The fish will hit the soft plastic every time! I like to fish with braided line (Power Pro), it allows you to feel what you can't see. You will know when you have a hook up!
Major feeding times, according to Solunar tables, are a great time to fish. I use a 5 hour time-frame around what the tables call these prime times. It's no guarantee but has worked for me in the past.
WHERE: There are many places in South Texas to go for Trophy Trout. I fish all around Baffin Bay, including Alazan Bay and East Kleberg point. Hopefully these tips work well for you, TIGHT LINES! - 16955
First of all, NEVER go out alone! Many things can happen while navigating waterways after dark and or while wade fishing! Here are a few safety tips:
* Check that your night navigation equipment works properly, and that you and/or your fishing buddy know the area well.
* Always wear your life jacket while motoring the boat.
* Make sure that someone back on the mainland knows where and when you will be fishing.
* Go ahead and plan ahead of time where you want to fish, preferably up to 3 spots just in case!
HOW: Once you have arrived at your first location safely, make sure that your anchor light stays on. This will also give you some bearing and help getting back to the boat. Strap on a L.E.D. head lamp, they are a must. L.E.D. head lamps are readily available and allow hands-free, much-needed light.
In addition to the headlamps, get some glow sticks as well. These are the type that activate and light up when you bend/crack/shake them. What you do is tie the glow stick to some string and hang it like a necklace, draping down over your back. This will also help to prevent boaters from coming too close, and keep your fishing partner from hitting you with a lure. Worst case scenario, it can also be a good emergency backup light to get to the boat. While wading, don't get too far apart.
WHEN: I have had my best luck around a full moon. The moon light helps silhouette your baits, thus making for any easy target for a hungry trout out on the prowl! Try tying a 10 to 12 inch leader to the first snap ring, next to the treble hook. Rig a 1/6th oz jig head with a plum or morning glory colored plastic (dark colors) and tie it on the leader (called Donk's tangler).
I know what you're thinking, but just try it and you will be surprised. Work it the same way you would the top water. The fish will hit the soft plastic every time! I like to fish with braided line (Power Pro), it allows you to feel what you can't see. You will know when you have a hook up!
Major feeding times, according to Solunar tables, are a great time to fish. I use a 5 hour time-frame around what the tables call these prime times. It's no guarantee but has worked for me in the past.
WHERE: There are many places in South Texas to go for Trophy Trout. I fish all around Baffin Bay, including Alazan Bay and East Kleberg point. Hopefully these tips work well for you, TIGHT LINES! - 16955
About the Author:
Captain Jim Onderdonk is a professional fishing guide who specializes in wadefishing for big speckled trout and redfish in Texas, and uses Brown Lures' salt water fishing lures. "Donk" suggests you try out some from Brown Lures for your next fishing trip.
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