Beyond the Cast

Tag: best fishing in Texas

  • Kayak Fishing Dickinson Bayou

    Kayak Fishing Dickinson Bayou

    Dickinson Bayou is an underrated gem for Texas anglers, offering a rare mix of inshore and freshwater fishing opportunities. This winding waterway, stretching between Houston and Galveston, features both brackish and freshwater environments, making it one of the few places where you can catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and largemouth bass—all in the same trip. With easy kayak access, plenty of structure, and year-round fishing opportunities, it’s a must-visit for anglers looking to mix things up.

    Sunrise on Dickinson Bayou

    In this Beyond the Cast blog, we’ll break down the best launch points, seasonal patterns, and proven techniques for targeting both inshore and freshwater species in Dickinson Bayou.

    Why Kayak Fish Dickinson Bayou?

    Unlike open water areas like West Bay or Christmas Bay, Dickinson Bayou offers a controlled, protected environment with minimal wind and boat traffic, making it ideal for kayak anglers. The bayou features oyster beds, submerged structure, and marsh drains that hold inshore predators, while its upper sections provide excellent largemouth bass fishing around laydowns and submerged timber.

    The brackish water mix creates a unique opportunity where you can catch bass and redfish in the same stretch of water, depending on the salinity levels.

    Best Kayak Launch Points

    1. Paul Hopkins Park – A great starting point for bass fishing in the upper bayou. This area has more freshwater influence, submerged timber, and slower-moving water where largemouth bass thrive.

    2. Ray Holbrook Park – Provides access to both freshwater and brackish areas, making it a great spot to target multiple species in one trip.

    3. Dickinson Bayou Boat Ramp (Highway 146) – A prime launch for inshore species like speckled trout, redfish, and flounder, as the bayou transitions to saltier water.

    Target Species and Seasonal Patterns

    Inshore Species (Redfish, Trout, Flounder)

    Redfish
    Speckled Trout
    Flounder

    • Redfish: Present year-round, redfish move between the shallow marsh edges and deeper bends of the bayou. Look for them near oyster beds or ambushing bait near structure.

    • Speckled Trout: More common in the lower bayou where salinity is higher. They hold in deeper holes during winter and move toward bait schools in summer.

    • Flounder: A spring and fall favorite, flounder stack up near drains and along drop-offs.

    Largemouth Bass

    • Spring & Summer: Bass are highly active, staging near submerged trees, grass lines, and deeper pockets along the bank. Topwater frogs and spinnerbaits shine in the warmer months.

    • Fall & Winter: Bass move deeper into holes and near structure, where slow-moving soft plastics and crankbaits are the go-to options.

    Best Lures for Dickinson Bayou

    Inshore Lures:

    • H&H Paddle Tails and DOA Paddle Tails – Excellent for covering water, especially rigged on a light jighead and bounced off the bottom.

    • JVS Custom Baits 3.2 Rip Rap in Cinnamon Gold – This lure mimics baitfish well in the stained waters of the bayou.

    • JVS Speed Shrimp in White and Gold – Great for targeting speckled trout and redfish near deeper channels.

    • Gulp! Shrimp or Mud Minnow on a Jighead – Deadly for flounder, especially near marsh drains.

    Largemouth Bass Lures:

    Bass caught on Dickinson Bayou

    • H&H Paddle Tails (White or Chartreuse) – A great crossover lure for bass in brackish water, these work well on a light jighead or weighted swimbait hook. Slow-roll them near laydowns and grass lines for reaction bites.

    • Texas-Rigged Soft Plastics (Creature Baits, Worms, Flukes) – Perfect for working submerged timber and drop-offs.

    • Spinnerbaits (White or Chartreuse) – A great way to trigger reaction bites around structure.

    • Frogs & Topwater Lures – In the summer, bass explode on frogs in the backwaters and grassy edges.

    • Crankbaits & Jerkbaits – Ideal for cooler months when bass are holding deeper.

    Fishing Strategy and Tidal Influence

    Like most Texas waters, understanding tides plays a crucial role in Dickinson Bayou fishing.

    • Outgoing Tide: Fish stage near marsh drains, creek mouths, and bends where baitfish get pulled out.

    • Incoming Tide: Redfish push shallow to feed, while bass tend to stay near structure unaffected by tides.

    • Slack Tide: Slower fishing for inshore species, but bass can still be caught by working deeper structure.

    Final Thoughts

    Dickinson Bayou is a fantastic spot for kayak anglers looking to mix inshore and freshwater fishing in one trip. Whether you’re tossing a paddle tail for speckled trout or slow-rolling an H&H Paddle Tail for largemouth bass along a submerged tree, this bayou offers a little bit of everything.

    Stay tuned to Beyond the Cast for more in-depth breakdowns of Texas inshore and freshwater fishing, and be sure to check out our YouTube channel for on-the-water footage of kayak fishing in Dickinson Bayou!

    Tight lines!

  • Mastering Inshore Saltwater Fishing in Galveston West Bay for Bigger and Better Catches

    Mastering Inshore Saltwater Fishing in Galveston West Bay for Bigger and Better Catches

    Grass flats Galveston West Bay

    Inshore saltwater fishing is an exciting challenge, especially when targeting prized species like redfish and speckled trout. Success in these waters requires more than just casting a line—you need to understand the right techniques, how fish behave with tidal movements, and where to find them. In this guide, we’ll break down essential strategies, including the use of maps to illustrate tidal flows and prime fishing spots, to help you land bigger and better catches.

    Understanding Tidal Movements and Fish Behavior

    Tides play a crucial role in inshore fishing, influencing how and where redfish and speckled trout feed. These species rely on moving water to bring food to them, so knowing when and where the tides are strongest can greatly increase your chances of success.

    • Incoming Tide – As the tide rises, baitfish and shrimp move into marshes, grass flats, and estuaries. Redfish and trout follow, feeding aggressively in these areas.

    • Outgoing Tide – As water drains out, bait is pulled through channels, cuts, and creek mouths. This creates prime ambush points for hungry fish.

    • Slack Tide – Minimal water movement can slow down feeding activity, making it a less productive time to fish.

    Hotspot: Fishing Galveston West Bay

    Galveston West Bay is one of the top inshore fishing destinations on the Texas coast, offering a mix of shallow flats, oyster reefs, and deep channels that make it ideal for targeting redfish and speckled trout. Here are some key areas to focus on:

    • North Shoreline – The marshy edges and grass flats along the north side of the bay are excellent for sight fishing redfish, especially on an incoming tide.

    • Oyster Reefs (like Confederate Reef & Carancahua Reef) – These structures hold bait and attract both trout and redfish, making them great places to fish during moving tides.

    • Cold Pass & Greens Lake – These areas serve as natural funnels for tidal movements, creating excellent ambush spots where fish congregate.

    Using maps to analyze these locations along with tidal patterns can help you plan your trips more effectively. 

    Seasonal Strategies for Galveston West Bay

    Winter Fishing Tactics

    During winter, water temperatures drop, pushing redfish and speckled trout into deeper, more stable areas. Key strategies include:

    • Targeting Deep Channels & Holes – Areas like the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway), deeper sections of West Bay, and channels leading to the Gulf hold fish seeking warmer water.

    • Slow-Presenting Soft Plastics – Using a slow retrieve with a soft plastic on a jig head mimics sluggish baitfish, making it a go-to technique for cold-water trout.

    • Fishing Mud & Shell Bottoms – These areas retain heat better than sand, attracting fish looking for slightly warmer conditions.

    Summer Fishing Tactics

    As temperatures rise, fish patterns shift, and early mornings or late evenings become prime times to target them. Key strategies include:

    • Topwater Action at Sunrise & Sunset – Speckled trout and redfish become aggressive in low-light conditions, making this the perfect time for walking-the-dog-style lures.

    • Fishing the Marsh & Grass Flats – Higher water levels push redfish into shallow marshes and grassy shorelines, where they feed on shrimp and baitfish.

    • Working Deeper Structure Midday – As the sun heats up, fish retreat to deeper reefs and channels. Using live bait or slow-sinking lures can be effective.

    By adjusting your approach based on the season and using maps to track tidal movements, you can maximize your success in Galveston West Bay year-round.

    Using Maps to Identify Prime Fishing Spots

    Google earth showing tidal movements

    To maximize success, I use existing maps with annotations to highlight key areas where tidal movements concentrate bait and fish. Some top locations include:

    • Grass Flats & Oyster Bars – These areas hold bait and attract redfish, especially during higher tides.

    • Creek Mouths & Drains – Outgoing tides pull bait through these pinch points, making them ideal ambush zones for trout and redfish.

    • Drop-offs & Deep Holes – In colder months or during extreme heat, fish retreat to deeper areas where water temperatures are more stable.

    Maps help visualize these areas and understand how tides move water through them, improving your ability to predict fish activity.

    Techniques for Catching Redfish and Speckled Trout

    Looking at Redfish tailing on the edge of the banks

    Sight Fishing for Redfish

    When water clarity allows, look for redfish tailing in shallow flats or cruising along marsh edges. Using a weedless soft plastic or a live shrimp under a popping cork can be deadly in these situations.

    Jigging for Speckled Trout

    Trout are aggressive feeders, and a jig with a soft plastic (such as a paddle tail or shrimp imitation) bounced near the bottom often gets their attention. Target deeper drop-offs and areas with moving water.

    Topwater Action

    During low-light conditions—early morning or late evening—both species will strike topwater lures. Walk-the-dog style baits, like the Zara Spook, work well over shallow flats and near oyster beds.

    Bringing It All Together: Video and Visuals

    To better explain these techniques and locations, I include videos and pictures in my blog posts. This way, you can see real-life examples of these fishing strategies in action. The combination of on-the-water footage, maps with annotations, and detailed explanations ensures you have all the tools needed to improve your inshore fishing game.

    Final Thoughts

    Mastering inshore fishing for redfish and speckled trout isn’t just about luck—it’s about understanding how these fish move with the tides, using maps to pinpoint the best locations, and applying the right techniques. By combining these strategies with real-time conditions, you can dramatically increase your success on the water.

    Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post and want more fishing tips, trip reports, and on-the-water action, be sure to follow along.

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    Tight lines, and see you Beyond the Cast!