Bull reds dominate fishing reports

Coastal conditions were rapidly returning to normal Wednesday. A moderate southerly wind kept water levels high, and sunshine prevailed most of the day.

The forecast is for continued improvement under progressively lighter southerly winds. It looks as if the weekend is shaping up to be a good one for fishing.

Bull reds continued to dominate fishing reports; however, with the more stable weather setting in, the action likely will diminish from levels earlier this week.

Jim Campbell called in a report from Seawolf Park, where bull red action has been excellent on cut bait. Croakers, sand trout and other pan fish rounded out the catches there.

The 61st Street Fishing Pier also reported excellent landings of bull reds, along with smaller red fish.

With the forecast of warm weather returning this weekend, our summertime fishing patterns should continue. The beach-front water readings still are in the mid 80-degree range, and, with the calmer winds, look for tarpon to return to the near shore waters.

Offshore fishing should continue to be good; however, the tropical storm might have scattered the schools of kings and other pelagic fish.

Bull reds will continue to stay in the same areas, but I just don’t know if they will be feeding as prolifically as when the surf was stirred up. The jetties, especially the Gulf side of the South Jetty, should be good spots to target the big reds.

John Anderson sent a note asking if circle hooks are required when fishing for bull reds. Although not required, sportsmen are using them in greater numbers when fishing for reds. Red fish more than 28 inches are basically a catch-and-release fish, and use of circle hooks increases the odds of survival after release.

The only requirement for the use of circle hooks is when fishing for reef fish in offshore waters.

The CCA-Texas Galveston Chapter is holding its inaugural Galveston Bay Ladies Fishing Tournament on Oct. 1-2. This tournament has two unique divisions, one for fishing with professional guides and the other for fishing with nonprofessional guides. The entry fee is $40 per angler, and the event is headquartered at Bubba’s Sports Bar at Tiki Island, where weigh-in takes place Saturday Oct. 2 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

I am not sure what their definition is of a nonprofessional guide; however, that question along with any others can be answered by calling 800-626-4222 or 281-787-4888.

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.