Rain delays anglers' launches

Thursday morning early, there were a number of thunderstorms around the Galveston Bay complex and most anglers delayed their launch until after sunrise.

Fortunately, the storms did not last long nor did the associated strong winds mess up the water.

The overcast skies along with excellent water clarity and fair tidal movement created ideal conditions for fishing.

Anglers fishing deeper water during the tidal movement did well.

Among the hot spots Thursday were both the north and south jetties and spoil banks along the Houston Ship Channel.

Capt. Greg Francis, Saltwater Assault Guide Service, dodged the early morning wind and positioned his four guests near the North Jetty Boat Cut.

Free-lining live shrimp, they caught 25 trout during the two hours they fished the incoming tide.

From the jetties, they moved to the Texas City Dike from where the balance of their full limit of trout came while fishing the outgoing tide.

All of the fish were in the 18- to 21-inch range.

Over at the South Jetty, Ronnie Potter hosted Allan Brewer, Tink Adams, her husband, Nathan, and friend, Phyllis, to a great fishing trip.

Their tally for the day was 49 trout to 4 pounds and five reds.

Jason Reuter, Aunt Margie’s Bait Camp, reported his son, Cameron’s, first hardhead, a 1-pounder, caught at the causeway bridge.

Later in the day, Reuter, Cameron and friend, Melissa Guzman, launched his boat and fished near the beach at 8 Mile Road and landed five trout and three reds.

Brenda Hobbs and her grandson, Levi Hobbs, 8, fished the West End surf where Levi caught a 29-inch shark and a slot red.

The fish were caught free-lining live shrimp.

If you have passed through the Santa Fe railroad bridge lately and were curious about all of the activity, we have an update on what is taking place.

Brian Watson, project manager for the construction, filled me in.

The project is the widening of the opening from 125 feet to 300 feet.

They are excavating the old bridge for the new foundation. Ultimately, the drawbridge will be replaced with a new one that is vertical rather than a bascule bridge.

The project is scheduled to be complete in June 2012.

During construction and closer to completion, the channel likely will be closed for a 72-hour period.

Watson asked boaters to use slow speed when passing through the area, as more and more barges and work boats will be appearing in the area.

The U.S. Coast Guard soon will be placing signs restricting speed in the area.

There are several groups contributing to this project, including the railroad, Galveston County and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The 61st Street Fishing Pier is planning to open Saturday; however, there could be an issue with the plumbing that would cause a short delay.

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.