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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 (TTS)

lower laguna madre area

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

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.

  • Spotted seatrout-Coastwide landings for spotted seatrout increased 11% to 644,000 fish in 2003-04; only Aransas Bay and Corpus Christi Bay had a decrease. Galveston Bay (24%) and Lower Laguna Madre (33%) had the greatest increases in the number of spotted seatrout landed. Lower Laguna Madre (42%) had the greatest increase in catch rates for spotted seatrout in 2003-04.
  • Red drum-Coastwide landings for red drum increased 31% to 212,100 fish in 2003-04; only Galveston Bay had a decrease. San Antonio Bay (45%), Aransas Bay (76%), Upper Laguna Madre (57%), and Lower Laguna Madre (40%) had the greatest increases. Coastwide catch rates for red drum increased 33% with Aransas Bay (50%) and Lower Laguna Madre (75%) having the greatest increases.

    • For more information contact Mark Fisher at 361-729-2328.

    Species of special interest

    Atlantic croaker
    Blue Crabs

    On the horizon- Coastwide issues

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.

    On the horizon

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.