Nagging wind makes for poor conditions

Saturday, fishing was slowed by a nagging southwesterly wind that had the beach front and many areas of the bays in poor fishing condition, especially the shallower waters.

At press time, there were few fishing reports, which likely indicate slow action around the Galveston Bay complex. One of the calls to the Reel Report was from a reader who asked about where fishing would be best when the wind is from the southwest.

Before discussing particular spots that may be fishable during such conditions, let’s take a look at how this wind direction affects fishing and why. From mid-June through September, especially between the Fourth of July and Labor Day, a moderate or stronger southwest wind will cause the bay water temperatures to rise.

This crosswind impairs the ebb and flow of normal tidal movement and generally results in lower than normal tide levels. This combination will cause the water temperature to rise and fish to seek refuge in deep pockets of water. The cross action of waves quickly results in off-color water in many areas, especially upper and lower West Bay and along the beach front.

It appears we might have to deal with these conditions for a few days. So, if you are planning a fishing trip, where is the best spot to fish?

Offshore anglers should see minimal effects from this wind, and the farther offshore you travel, the less the effect. The jetties usually are adversely affected, and about the only place to find fishable water and fish is in certain deeper pockets or areas sheltered from the wind.

I have found the gas wells across the channel from the Texas City Dike, known as the Bolivar Gas Wells, often will hold marginally green water but enough to attract trout.

Half Moon Reef on the west side of the channel and north side of the dike is often a good choice. The bay side of the Pelican Island Bridge is another spot that usually holds fishable water. The depths around the bridge of 15 to 25 feet do not sandy up nearly as fast as the bay flats, where depths average four to eight feet.

If anyone knows of other locations that are good during southwest winds, let us hear from you.

Saturday’s only inshore report came from Shirley Pike at Fat Boy’s Bait and Tackle. Pike reported action on crabs, piggy perch, croaker, gafftop and puppy drum from the pier behind her camp. Reds are being caught in Jones Lake, and Virginia Point, near the causeway, has been producing trout for anglers using live croaker.

Stephen Barr, one of Pike’s customers, landed a sheepshead at the North Jetty that weighed more than 4 pounds. Live shrimp was the bait.

The party boat Capt. John fished about 30 miles east of the jetties Friday and returned with a catch of 273 spadefish, three blue runners, two sharks and a sand trout. Thirty-eight anglers were aboard for the action.

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.