By Captain Bryan Brawner
We have been able to scratch out a few hours on the water the last couple of weeks between wind and fronts. The bay recovers quickly and clears fairly soon after the winds die down as East Bay salinity levels are at normal levels. However, with the recent rains up north, Lake Livingston spillway water releases, and water levels high on the Trinity River; the upper Trinity Bay is trashed with the fresh water pushing further south daily. The trout population is nowhere near acceptable levels as in years past and we sure don’t need fresh water moving all of the fish out of the bay again this year. Hopefully the rains to the north this week will not be excessive.

With the extra high tides and windy days now, south shoreline and marsh drain areas will remain a good bet on high tides. Those that wade fish still have the advantage with the shoreline and shell hump areas nearby. Reds are also throughout the bay now and can be found around active bait and bird action. Quite a few birds are working with tide movements but unfortunately, there are an abundance of gaffstops catfish under them. Specks seem to be keying on deeper water shell. North Jetty area should be productive now with live shrimp being the bait of choice there if you can get them. I have had satisfactory results with 3” Gulp Shrimp and Vudu Shrimp under a popping cork.

Surf fishing is good now with reds, flounder, and sharks being caught at the beachfront.

For those that have taken my class, we are in late spring patterns with possible fresh water conditions threatening. Don’t forget to ask for your updates before you go out. Fish are concentrated in smaller areas and are on the move some now and you will waste time hitting every main reef.

I have some days now open in June for reserved private on the water classes. Reserve your time now as we have had to work around the persistent strong winds and fronts to conduct classes in the best conditions.

This time of year we can run trips where the whole family can be successful with a large variety of fish. Email for questions and availability. Now is the time to book an East Bay Class with the prime fishing just around the corner.

For exact fishing locations and techniques, I am conducting one-on-one classes of the Galveston East Bay System. We will spend a half-day trip exploring that bay and the techniques and timing of fishing there. Bring your hand-held GPS and a map and note pad and I will further your knowledge of the bay and patterns for fishing in all of the seasons of the year. These classes include everything from locations to tackle and lure selection; thus have a lot of content. So, I limit them to 2 persons max at a time. Call 409-256-1265 for more information. We cover a lot of area and burn a lot of gas.

Text or call 409-256-1265 for availability of trips and to reserve your fishing adventure.You can also e-mail me [email protected] for updated fishing conditions and trip availability.

Check my website www.galvestoncoastalfishing.com for prices and more information.

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Captain Bryan Brawner

[May 12, 2021]