TPWD 2005 Coastal Fishing Forecast
Spring is upon us, which means temperatures as well as fishing on the Texas coast heat up. Following record setting conditions along much of the coast: torrential rainfall during the summer and fall and a white Christmas (with the first measurable snow along the coast since the late 1800's), many anglers are eagerly anticipating this seasons catches. With this year being the 30th anniversary of our current fisheries sampling program, the outlook for the coastal anglers is a good one. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Coastal Fisheries Division survey data indicates that three of the most sought after species by anglers – red drum, spotted seatrout and southern flounder – are doing well in the bays. Atlantic croaker trends have been relatively stable since the mid-90's. In addition to the top three preferred species, Atlantic croaker, sheepshead, sand trout, and black drum will also present anglers with some unique fishing opportunities.
- Gulf of Mexico / Texas Territorial Seas
- Coastwide
- Species of special interest
- On the horizon- Coastwide issues
- Sabine Lake Ecosystem
- Galveston Bay Ecosystem
- Matagorda Bay Ecosystem
- San Antonio Bay Ecosystem
- Aransas Bay Ecosystem
- Corpus Christi Bay Ecosystem
- Upper Laguna Madre
- Lower Laguna Madre
Gulf of Mexico/Texas Territorial Seas (TTS)
![lower laguna madre area](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/kemps%20ridley%20nestinga.jpg)
In 2000, TPWD adopted new commercial shrimping regulations to compliment existing management measures, such as the shrimp fishery limited entry, the buy back program, and other shrimping regulations already in place. These included an increase in inshore nursery areas, modification of area/time closures in Texas Territorial Seas (TTS), and gear restrictions in near shore gulf waters. In 2004, we observed the second highest brown shrimp catch rates in our routine sampling trawls in Texas Gulf waters. This catch rate is more than twice the long-term (1985-2004) average catch rate for brown shrimp. In addition, the 2004 gulf trawl white shrimp catch rates were the second highest observed since sampling began in 1986. Record high gulf trawl white shrimp catches have occurred for the past three years, 2002, 2003, and 2004. These trends further indicate that the 2000 regulations, in combination with the other management measures already in place, are having a positive effect on Texas shrimp populations.
Fishing effort for private boats fishing in the Texas Gulf waters (9 miles offshore) has risen to over 216,000 man-hrs., with the number of all fish landed remaining about the same as previous years, around 60,000 fish. The majority of the fish landed from the TTS are spotted seatrout (32%), red snapper (17 %), king mackerel (7%), sand seatrout (7%), red drum (5%) and Spanish mackerel (5%). The trend for spotted seatrout and red drum landed in the Gulf (TTS) is up since 1990. Spanish mackerel landings have increased where king mackerel landings have leveled off since their decline in the mid-90’s. This shift may be, in part, due to the mercury consumption advisory on king mackerel as well as bag limit changes on both species.
For more information contact Mark Fisher at 361-729-2328.
Coastwide
Bay and Pass Private Boat Fishing
![private boat on bay](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/overview.jpg)
From 2002-03 to 2003-04, on a Coastwide basis for private boats fishing bays and passes, increases occurred in fishing pressure, landings and catch rates of spotted seatrout and red drum. Coastwide fishing pressure increased 3% from 5,117,900 to 5,273,000 man-hrs in 2003-04, with only Corpus Christi Bay and Lower Laguna Madre showing a decrease. Coastwide landings for all species combined increased 6% to 1,468,800 fish in 2003-04.
For more information contact Mark Fisher at 361-729-2328.
Species of special interest
Atlantic croaker
A species of special interest has been Atlantic croaker because of its decline in numbers and the lack of the historical croaker runs. Since 1995 (shrimp limited entry) and 1996 (shrimp boat buyback began), the trend for Atlantic croaker in TPWD gill net data shows a slight increase in the relative abundance. The numbers are not as high as historical levels but the fall 2004-gill nets indicated banner catches, especially in Galveston, which later were observed in anglers’ landings.
Blue Crabs
Commercial landings of blue crabs are the lowest since 1969. With Limited Entry for crabbing established in 1998 (first license buyback in 2000), the number of crabbers has decreased 40% from 381 (1997) to 224 (2004). Since that time the number of pounds landed per crabber appears to have stabilized. Our coastwide bay trawl catch rates trends for blue crabs, which has mirrored the commercial landings, had been declining but indicates some stabilization since 1998. According to TPWD bag seine data, since 1997 the trend for the relative abundance of juvenile blue crabs has been increasing. The recruitment or number of juvenile crabs is often dependent upon rainfall, both the quantity and the timing. Concerns about habitat loss are key with this fishery. Marshes, grass beds and muddy soft bottoms are critical habitat for juvenile blue crabs and are necessary for them to reach maturity. The loss of critical habitat for small crabs increases mortality from predation.
On the horizon- Coastwide issues
- Freshwater Inflow
- Habitat loss, degradation, loss of wetlands and seagrass
- Declining dissolved oxygen in the Gulf of Mexico
- Increased pressure (quality fishing draws more people to the coast)
- For all users (commercial, recreational)-fuel costs, level of contaminants in aquatic environment, fish consumption advisories
- Development and population increases along the coast
For more information contact Mark Fisher at 361-729-2328.
The following is a bay by bay synopsis of what Texas anglers can expect this year plus regional issues, currently on radar or on the horizon.
SabineLake
![sabine lake area](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/sunrise.jpg)
Sabine Lake system has received above average (57.6 inches, 1950-2004) total annual rainfall since 2001, with an increase to 60.5 inches in 2004. Remember, if you fish Sabine Lake system, that if rainfall trends continue, productive fishing will be limited to the south end of the Sabine Lake system. Landings have the potential to continue provided anglers adjust to changes in system salinities.
On the hook
Last season’s (May through November) increase in total fish landings continued for the second year in a row, even with fewer sport anglers fishing fewer hours. This increase in total fish catch rates hadn’t been seen since the 2000 season.
Landings are down for spotted seatrout, however the catch rate increased last season after two consecutive seasons of declines. Catch rates for spotted seatrout caught in TPWD spring and fall gill nets and by sport angler increased in 2004. During the May to November period, chances are good for landing spotted seatrout in Sabine.
There have been a number of spotted seatrout 25 inches or greater landed by Sabine Lake anglers. In 2004, only one large spotted seatrout was landed during TPWD angler surveys. If rains continue spotted seatrout will be seeking waters in the southern end of the system along with those of the near Gulf. For those anglers adopting such strategy chances are good for increasing landings of large spotted seatrout.
Although red drum sport angler landings are down, the overall trend (1987-2004) is slightly positive, indicating there should be fish to be had. The long-term trend for sport angler and gill net catch rates are increasing. The red drum fishery remains as a valued year-round catch for local anglers and this year should be no different.
The landings for southern flounder have enjoyed increases for the last two years. Spring and fall gill net catch rates have increased in two of the past three years. Southern flounder and Atlantic croaker are caught in greater number during TPWD fall gill net surveys. These two species provide additional angling opportunities for fall anglers.
On the horizon
- Sabine Lake system issues include habitat loss, salinity, low dissolved oxygen, and fisheries. Specifically these include: the deepening and widening of the Sabine-Neches waterway; Keith Lake Fish Pass; planning/construction of three Liquefied Natural Gas terminals; Bessie Heights marsh restoration; harvest of Gulf menhaden by Louisiana commercial fishery industries, and Gulf Dead Zone.
Freeze Impact
The Christmas freeze had no impact on fisheries in the Sabine Lake system.
For more information contact Jerry Mambretti at 409-983-1104.
GalvestonBay
Galveston Bay is the largest bay system on the of Texas coast. Situated in an area with over 4 million people and several pockets of industry (refineries, major port operations), it offers the most challenges and opportunities to anglers and resource managers. Even while dodging alligators and major ship traffic, coastal anglers can still catch their top three favorites: red drum, spotted seatrout, and flounder, as well as variety of freshwater species. With the amount of rainfall Galveston has seen in 2004, there should be plenty of things for fish to feed on. Already, as the water warms up, many birds have been working schools of menhaden and anchovies.
On the hook
Anglers should again be pleased with the fishing in Galveston Bay this spring. Galveston Bay anglers saw a 24% increase in their spotted seatrout landings compared to the previous year. TPWD gill net catch rate data indicates that the last three years of spotted seatrout are the highest in 20 years and that 2004 juvenile abundance is higher than previous years. Since these data are a measure of relative abundance of fish in the bay, this suggests another good year for anglers seeking spotted seatrout
Anglers fishing for red drum should find the year as good as last year. The average size of red drum landed in Galveston was larger than the previous year. Overall landings were slightly down from previous years. The spring 2004-gill net catch rate was lower but the fall gill net catch rate was the highest since 1980. The overall trend for the relative abundance of red drum is still on the rise.
Last fall, anglers had a good run of southern flounder. Many anglers brought back fish 18- 22 inches and talked about the 25-inch fish they caught on their previous trips. TPWD data indicates numbers of juvenile flounder were slightly higher than the Coastwide average and fall gill nets catches suggest this year will be the same as the last few years.
Fishing has been slow this past winter and no large spotted seatrout have been seen in recent TPWD angler surveys. As the temperatures warm up, we have already seen an increased activity at local boat ramps with catches starting to increase. Fishing will only get better compared to this past winter which was a very wet, cold season.
On the horizon
- The Texas Department of State Health Services discovered elevated PCB levels in spotted seatrout in the upper Galveston Bay and issued consumption advisory. Additional samples, to assess several marine species and other areas for contaminants in fish will follow.
- Access limitations- both beach access and boat access due to closure or changes in public to private use only ramps.
- Loss of wetlands, especially freshwater (palustrine) in the Houston area, due to development.
- Exotics.
Freeze Impact
Galveston had a minor freeze the latter part of December with very little impact. Although small numbers of forage fish were reported killed, TPWD staff did not observe any dead fish. The freeze was of limited duration and followed several periods of cold weather, which acclimated the fish to cooler temperatures. With the strong northers, the water was also pushed out of the shallower areas and fish moved out of the shallows into areas where they had more of a thermal refuge (deeper water).
For more information contact Rebecca Hensley at 281-534-0108.
Matagorda Bay
![matagorda bay area](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/estuary2.jpg)
Two factors affected angler success in the Matagorda Bay system during the last year: 1) reduced salinities from frequent bouts of heavy rainfall and high Colorado River inflows and 2) inclement weather. Without exception, most anglers fishing either East or West Matagorda Bays complained that “sweet water” was affecting their harvest success. However, the long term benefit to overall estuarine health will soon become evident and the “challenges” faced by anglers last year will be a figment of the past.
On the hook
Recent TPWD data suggest that recreational fishing in East and West Matagorda bays will be average or slightly above average this year. Angler catches of spotted seatrout in the Matagorda system has been increasing since 1999. Red drum catch is also showing a trend in increased landings but flounder landings have been declining during the same time period. However, a gill net set in East Matagorda Bay during the 2004 gill net season produced one of the highest flounder catch rates observed in the Matagorda Bay system. Since this particular catch occurred following a cold front, it appears the fish were making their annual spawning migration to the Gulf.
The average size spotted seatrout landed from 1991 to 2004 has been around 17.5 inches. Since 1994 there appears to be a slightly increasing trend in the size of trout landed by recreational anglers from the Matagorda System. This year’s unusually high precipitation levels and inclement weather may have affected trout catches but a single gill net set in fall of 2003 produced 21 spotted seatrout all measuring in excess of 22 inches with eight of these exceeding 26 inches. This is a good indication that large trout are present and available for harvest.
Local anglers fishing Mitchell’s Cut near Sargent, Texas continue to harvest large croaker for the third consecutive year. This phenomenon is reflected in the increased size of croaker seen during Harvest surveys and in gill net catches.
Additionally, anglers plying the waters of West Matagorda Bay were often surprised by catches of mangrove snapper ranging in length from 10-14 inches. While it is not uncommon for anglers fishing the Laguna Madre to encounter this species it is rather unusual for Matagorda.
Matagorda Bay continues to lead the coast in recreational harvest of Tripletail. Indeed, this once closely guarded secret has received increased attention by sport fishing magazines and salt water enthusiasts so we predict that tripletail harvest will continue to increase as more anglers learn the techniques for locating and harvesting this unusual finfish. The Palacios Field Station staff will continue a Tripletail tagging program that began last year in an effort to gather data about the population of tripletail in Matagorda Bay.
On the horizon
- According to local commercial and recreational fishermen, recent seismic exploration in Tres Palacios, Turtle and portions of West Matagorda bays interrupted recreational angling and interfered with commercial oyster harvest. Overall mortality has not been determined but according to biological observer data the impact appears to be within TGLO guidelines.
- The affects of water planning and increased diversion of freshwater from the Colorado River basin continues to be a concern to biologists, anglers and coastal eco-tourists. Fortunately, during late2004 and early 2005 the system received ample quantities of freshwater from several weeks of heavy rainfall and runoff.
- A proposal to open the Southwest Corner Cut into East Matagorda Bay could impact the fishery and the end result of this activity, if approved, not recognized for several years.
Freeze Impact
Freeze effects in the Matagorda Bay system were negligible. Staff surveying both East and West Matagorda Bays did not observe any fish kills but did receive a few reports of small isolated kills involving silver perch and Atlantic croaker. It would appear that the brief cold spell had very little impact on fish populations in the Matagorda system. TPWD sampling indicates an abundance of shrimp, which should provide plenty of forage. Anglers seeking spotted seatrout should fish near oyster reefs and under the birds.
For more information contact Bill Balboa at 361-972-6253.
San Antonio Bay System
![pelicans in estuary](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/pelicans.jpg)
The fresher than normal conditions which prevailed last year in San Antonio Bay are still prevalent. Because of the slow turnover time for this bay system, record precipitation over the drainage basin in 2004 has kept the estuary fresher than normal. Despite these conditions angler success rates for spotted seatrout were up last year compared with 2003 and have been good so far this year. If this winter’s successes with this species hold through the summer this trend could be maintained.
On the hook
From all appearances this summer’s fishing in the San Antonio Bay system should be at least as good as it was last year, and possibly much better. TPWD net surveys indicate no negative trends for spotted seatrout, red drum or flounder. Also, angler success rates for trout and reds were up last year. This points to 2005 being a year as good as 2004. Black drum and sheepshead, two less popular targeted species, have recently experienced a decrease in catch rates by anglers and TPWD net surveys. However, since these species are not as popular for the majority of anglers, these decreases should impact fewer anglers. Southern flounder catch rates in TPWD nets have exhibited an upward trend in this bay system for the past four years. This trend points to a possible increased availability of this species even though angler success rates for flounder have not increased in recent years. Angler success rates for flounder in 2005 can be expected to be similar to 2004.
Flounder catch rates notwithstanding, recent angler success, including tournaments, has been very good. Limits of both spotted seatrout and red drum have been common the first two months of the year. If this trend continues, spring fishing for these two species should be outstanding.
The fresher than normal conditions which prevailed last year in San Antonio Bay are still prevalent. Because of the slow turnover time for this bay system, record precipitation over the drainage basin in 2004 has kept the estuary fresher than normal. Despite these conditions angler success rates for spotted seatrout were up last year compared with 2003 and have been good so far this year. If this winter’s successes with this species hold through the summer this trend could be maintained.
Large trout (greater than 25 inches) continue to show up in creel survey data. We have recorded 14 in the last 18 months. Because the population trend for large trout is positive, the harvest should show an increase.
On the horizon
- Besides the Coastwide issues, there are no significant short-term issues on the horizon specific for this bay system. As with all Texas estuaries, the price of shrimp and fuel, and spring rains could potentially cause interruptions in commercial or recreational harvest.
Freeze Impact
The cold weather this winter did not appear to have had a significant impact in the San Antonio Bay system. TPWD biologists did not report large numbers of fish killed by the cold temperatures. The numbers were more on the order of dozens instead of thousands; fewer fish than what might be brought in to The Fishing Center on a summer Saturday. The outstanding fishing since the cold snap is more proof that the fish kill was a very minor incident for this bay system. As a result no impact is expected on fishing or fish populations.
For more information contact Norman Boyd at 361-983-4425.
Aransas Bay
![aransas bay area](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/estuary.jpg)
Aransas Bay is the smallest but one of the most diverse bays on the Texas coast, from the extensive grass flats of Redfish Bay on the southern end to the large oyster reef and marsh habitats in Copano Bay and the northern end of the main bay. This diversity of quality habitat typically creates some of the highest abundance of gamefish on the Texas coast. The area also attracts numerous anglers targeting these resources, and as a result, Aransas Bay is subjected to some of the highest fishing pressure on the coast for its surface area. Overall, spring and summer fishing in Aransas Bay should be very good.
On the hook
Spotted seatrout gill-net data collected from 2001-2004 continue to indicate near all-time high numbers of fish and their abundance in Aransas Bay is well above the Coastwide average. Furthermore, numerous large trout (greater than 25 inches) were observed in nets last spring and we expect to see solid numbers of quality fish captured this spring. Red drum abundance peaked at near record levels from 2002-2003, and the result was a 75% increase in redfish harvested by recreational anglers last year. Red drum numbers this year will be down somewhat from last, but will still provide a very good fishery. Black drum abundance is down slightly in this area and flounder abundance is about average for what we have seen over the last five years.
Forage species are doing well, with lots of over-wintering white shrimp available this spring. Blue crab populations are rebounding after several years of good environmental conditions and positive responses to recent management actions. Freshwater inflows have been high for several years now, so the filter-feeding bait species such as shad, pogies (menhaden) and anchovies should be abundant in the bay.
Here are some angling tips for those trying their luck in Aransas Bay this spring.
- For those who like to anchor up and fish the potholes in the grass flats with bait, consider putting cut crab on at least one of your rigs. Red drum often target the most abundant forage species, and blue crab numbers are up. You’ll also be putting one of the best baits for black drum in front of their whiskered chins.
- While going to and from your fishing locations, remember that Redfish Bay is a designated Scientific Area, and protecting the seagrass beds from propeller damage is paramount to maintaining this high quality, productive but fragile habitat.
- If above average rainfall persists in the Aransas Ecosystem, those anglers targeting quality trout should spend some time on the San Jose shoreline on the northeast side of the bay during the full moon periods of April and May. Last year, with salinities in Copano Bay very low, spotted seatrout that normally spawn there seem to have moved from that area to the backside of the barrier island, seeking saltier waters.
- Remember good fishing attracts many anglers. If you want less boat traffic and fishing pressure on the waters around you, then you should try to plan your fishing trip during the week instead of the weekend.
On the horizon
- Habitat: seagrass and inflow issues.
- Increase in pressure and landings: Some of the highest fishing pressure and landings on the coast, perhaps the highest in terms of surface area of water in the system.
Freeze Impact
The Christmas freeze of 2004 was of short duration and had negligible impact on any fishery resources in this area.
For more information contact Karen Meador at 361-729-2328.
Corpus Christi Bay
![sport and commercial fishing](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/fishing2.jpg)
Corpus Christi Bay continues to experience above average recruitment of spotted seatrout and red drum. The 2004 seasonal spotted seatrout bag seine catch rates were the highest recorded since 1992. We have not finished collecting the 2004 seasonal red drum data (from November though March), however we expect it to be one of the highest ever observed. These recruitment rates should help maintain the high abundance of both spotted seatrout and red drum in Corpus Christi Bay. Gill net catch rates for both of these species continue being above average.
On the hook
The 2004 red drum annual catch rate remained close to that of 2003, which was the highest observed since 1991. The 2004 spotted seatrout annual gill net catches, although not as high as that observed in 2002, were higher than the 2003 catch rate. In 2001, anglers from the Coastal Bend area expressed concern about the low spotted seatrout abundance. Since that time, the last three years catch rates have been between 50-100 % higher than the catch rate in 2001.
Southern flounder continues being a species of concern. This species’ relative abundance decreased steadily during the 1980’s and early 90’s. Bag seine catch rates for this species in Corpus Christi Bay have remained lower than levels observed between 1990 and 1997. The Coastal Bend experienced drought conditions and consequently reduced freshwater inflows between 1998 and 2003. Recent studies indicate that flounder require low salinities during their juvenile stage and this requirement may have caused the low recruitment during these years. We are hopeful that the increased water inflows to Corpus Christi Bay will provide conditions that will lead to recruitment levels observed prior to 1997. Flounder spawn offshore in late fall-early winter and are most abundant in bag seines between February and May. The February 2005 bag seine catch rate in Corpus Christi Bay is the highest observed since 1996.
On the horizon
- The west shore of Corpus Christi Bay, along La Quinta Channel, is being considered for the placement of several LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) terminals. Our staff continues to evaluate permit requests and providing comments on potential reduction in environmental impacts caused by this shoreline development. The primary concerns with this project are the impacts of the proposed dredge material disposal areas and the validity and benefits of the proposed mitigation sites.
- After the discovery of increased levels of PCBs in spotted seatrout from Galveston Bay, the TDH Seafood Division is presenting a proposal to collect spotted seatrout from Nueces Bay for analysis of PCBs and determine the risk associated with its consumption. The proposal also includes sampling of oysters and other marine species for heavy metals, PCBs and pesticides.
Freeze Impact
The freeze event, which occurred during the last week of December 2004, did not have a major impact on the game fish population in Corpus Christi Bay. Because of its relative short duration and the deep water, the water temperature did not reach lethal levels for most species. The few dead fish observed by our staff and fishermen were mostly offshore species that occasionally enter our Texas bays, such as lookdowns, harvestfish, and jacks.
For more information contact Paul Choucair at 361-729-2328.
Upper Laguna Madre
![upper laguna madre area](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/rocksatoakmott.jpg)
Fishing for spotted seatrout in the upper Laguna Madre – Baffin Bay system is always a unique experience regardless of the season. However, many anglers consider spring to be truly special. Warming water temperatures and lengthening days cause spotted seatrout, including larger fish, to feed more actively and aggressively. Spring is the time most trophy spotted seatrout are caught in the upper Laguna Madre. Gill net samples collected during spring and fall 2004 indicates that the population of spotted seatrout in the upper Laguna Madre are at record levels as are the number of fish over 25 inches.
On the hook
Most anglers think of the upper Laguna Madre – Baffin Bay system primarily in terms of it being a world class spotted seatrout fishery; however, this bay system has other fishing opportunities to offer the spring angler. Spring is an excellent time to fish for red drum in the upper Laguna Madre. Gill net samples collected in the upper Laguna Madre last spring and fall indicate the population of the popular game fish is at record levels. Good numbers of the fish are being landed in the upper Laguna Madre.
Black drum are often overlooked by upper Laguna Madre anglers. However, black drum are extremely plentiful in the upper Laguna Madre - Baffin Bay system, and form large schools during early summer. Legal sized drum make excellent table fare. They can be caught on shrimp or pieces of crab, and will even take a fly.
On the horizon
- Environment: A minor brown tide bloom has been observed in Baffin Bay and its tributary bays since early fall. Reports from anglers indicate that it has not affected their ability to locate and catch good numbers of spotted seatrout and other recreationally important species.
- Improved Angler Access: Several upper Laguna Madre marina and boat access sites have made or are in the process of making improvements to their facilities in order to enhance angler access to fishing opportunities offered by the upper Laguna Madre. Marker #37 has added a lighted fishing pier along the ICWW as well as wet slips and boat docking spaces. Bluff Landing is in the process of a total remodel of their facility including new wet slips, boat docking spaces and plans for a motel. The Padre Island National Seashore is in the process of improving access and parking at Bird Island Basin.
- Construction to raise and widen the Kennedy Causeway was recently completed affording anglers quicker and easier access to Padre Island National Seashore and the boat access site located on Padre Island. In addition, completion of construction improved access to wade bank fishing located along the causeway.
- Scheduled for completion this summer the Packery Channel will give upper Laguna Madre anglers jetty and Gulf fishing opportunities as well as a new boat ramp for improved access to upper Laguna Madre and Gulf fishing.
Freeze Impact
A strong cold front passed through south Texas on Christmas Eve 2004 dropping water temperatures below 50°F, and giving Corpus Christi its first snow fall in 70 years and first ever recorded white Christmas. The cold front, while more severe than any observed since 1996, did not produce a significant fish kill. In fact no spotted seatrout or other game fish were reported killed.
For more information contact Kyle Spiller at 361-825-3370.
Lower Laguna Madre
![lower laguna madre anglers with tarpon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091005162647im_/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/images/lagunatarpon.jpg)
Dominating anglers’ minds this spring in the Lower Laguna Madre is the onset of an algal bloom resembling the brown tide of the 1990s. This algal bloom began in mid-February 2005 and currently is present in waters from Baffin Bay in the Upper Laguna Madre area to Holly Beach (just north of Laguna Vista) in the Lower Laguna Madre. While not appearing to be harmful to sportfish populations, the algal bloom will likely have an affect on angling methods as water clarity is reduced. Many anglers have shifted to the use of natural baits instead of artificials when fishing in areas affected by the bloom.
On the hook
Red drum angling should continue to be outstanding. Recent TPWD sampling in the Lower Laguna Madre indicates some of the highest abundance of juvenile and sub-adult red drum on record. TPWD sampling also indicates that spotted seatrout and southern flounder availability should be about average for this time of year. Anglers in the Lower Laguna Madre should be on the lookout for species less common in other areas of the Texas coast such as snook, gray snapper, barracuda and Florida pompano. Look for snook and gray snapper around structure such as jetties and piers. Small barracuda can sometimes be caught on grass flats and around mangroves near the Brazos-Santiago Pass. Florida pompano can be caught on these same flats and in the surf of the Gulf of Mexico.
On the horizon
- The appearance of an algal bloom resembling brown tide since mid-February 2005.
Freeze Impact
Winter of 2004-05 was remarkable in the Lower Laguna Madre with the first measurable snowfall since 1895. The accompanying freezing temperatures killed approximately 35,000 fish most of which were gray snapper. Mortality of spotted seatrout and snook also occurred. Thankfully, the number of dead fish for all species is a proverbial drop in the bucket compared to the size of fish populations in the bay and Gulf of Mexico. Anglers should notice no difference in catch rates that could be attributable to the freeze.
For more information contact Brownsville Field Station at 956-350-4490.