Written by: Captain Greg Verm
Current Water Temperatures:
Eagle Point: 60.1F
Galveston Causeway: 61.2F
Galveston North Jetty: 60.1F
San Luis Pass: 61.0F
One thing that every Texan knows is winter weather on the Coastline is hard to describe. I get calls for Galveston fishing charters 12 months out of the year, and one question I get asked often is “what is the weather like down there during the winter?” After 47 years of living here on the Texas Coast, the best answer I can give is “it can be 80 degrees or 40 degrees… and even in the 30’s – but not that often.” As I sit here and write this report, I can tell you that when I turned in for the evening yesterday – it was 80 degrees. I woke up this morning and it is now in the 50s. It is not uncommon to have the heater running in the morning and the ac on in afternoon. Welcome to Texas!
Fishing on the Texas Coast in the winter can be extremely rewarding and fun. During this time of year, being the early bird on the water is not always essential. If tides don’t persuade me to start early… I like to start mid-morning or even after lunch. A couple of hours of the sun shining on the shallow flats seems to make the water come alive. Bait fish will move from the deeper waters to hide on the shorelines of the shallow flats and the red fish, specks, drum and sheepshead will follow.
Some of the best days on the shallow flats and back lakes has been the month of February. The windows of opportunity are usually after we experience a cold spell for 2 to 4 days. Usually, a cool front will drop the tides, cool down the water temps, and the fish will hide in the deeper water and become the sluggish cold-blooded creatures they are. Once the winds swap back to the south, temps rise, and tides begin to fill up the flats and back lakes – the fishing is incredible! My best red fish trips have been during the month of February! It is not every day… but when it is good… it is real good!
During the month of February – we are running a weekday Fishing/Lodging Special. Sunday night thru Friday night – stay two nights at Bay’s Landing Waterfront Lodge and fish a half day (5hr trip) for only $800 (live bait additional cost). Wake up and walk downstairs to catch the boat for a fun filled day on the back lakes and bays fishing for red fish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead and drum. After your trip, kick back on the back patio and grill your fresh caught catch and enjoy the sunset. Bay’s Landing is also a great place to have that Cajun Crawfish/ Crab Boil after your fishing trip! You can turn the trip to a full day (8hr), add guests and more! Give us a call at 409-739-8526 for additional details.