Tides finally dropped 01-23-2016

[surfpunk]

After the front hit, the winds were blowing hard out of the NW, which means the water in the marsh and bay will drop fast. This pattern was confirmed by a few of my buddies pictures on Facebook who live on the water, and by the NOAA observed water levels compared to the predicted tide levels. The water dropped fast along with the temps which means reds will be more concentrated in the marsh. I made my way to the coast sat morning and launched an hour before the ~8:45 predicted low tide. The water was the lowest I've ever seen it. I ran into someone at the launch who wasn't familiar with the area so I offered to take him where I was going. The entrances to the marsh I wanted to target were completely dry. I found an alternate route which was across an island. We had to trudge through the mud, over a 3-4 foot ledge, through some tall grass that was riddled with big hog tracks and paths, and finally across about 10 yards of thick oyster beds. Dealing with his big game kayak wore him out big time; plus he forgot water. I always pack extra water and snacks even when traveling light so I gave him a big jug of water, and helped pull the kayak over the ledge. My Tarpon 160 was easy to get through the mud, pull over the tall embankment, and float in the super shallow waters. I knew this might be a tough day so I made sure to tell a few buddies, and my wife exactly where I'd be fishing.

Once we finally made it through the mud etc. we paddled up to a series of deep cuts. The water was so cold that the fish were lethargic and would only "mouth" our plastic cocahoe lures. Around 11:00am the water warmed and we began seeing some signs of activity. Gulls dipped and picked up large shad, mullet, and even a few large shrimp (which I thought was a little strange for this time of year; usually there are only those tiny white shrimp, and fin fish). I focused my casts at wakes, and around crab traps. Reds will hang around crab traps for easy pickings. After several hundred casts I picked up my first red, and then a few more, and lost 3-4 good ones after some tug of war. It got late and we called it a day knowing we had to drag, and paddle a long distance back to the launch. Luckily the tides came back in and matched the predicted levels with the easterly wind blowing water back in. My new buddy I fished with didn't catch anything so I gave him two reds to take home and cook for his family. He remained positive and had a good time despite the crazy conditions.

All of my fish were caught using a 1/8 ounce Hell Razor rattling jig head and a H&H Queen Cocahoe Minnow in black with a Chartreuce tail.

[surfpunk]

A few I pulled from the mud.

[karstopo]

Those are fat

[FingerMullet]

Dang those are fat pigs!! Were those the ones that left the tracks in the mud you followed?

[texnomad]

Nice looking fish. I hope the struggle was worth it.

[surfpunk]

Nice looking fish. I hope the struggle was worth it.

Thanks. The struggle is always worth it.

[texnomad]

I did that mud mess in the South Viet Nam rice fields in 69/70 and do not find mud character building anymore. That is why I have a yak so I do not have to wade fish in the mud.

[Tombo]

I did that mud mess in the South Viet Nam rice fields in 69/70 and do not find mud character building anymore. That is why I have a yak so I do not have to wade fish in the mud.

Thank you sir for your service. My father served during 69, arrived home in one piece.

[txspeck]

Surfpunk is really mad at those fish! Not sure if it's called youth or dedication but great job man!

[surfpunk]

Low tides around here on the upper coast of Texas means you are going to get some mud on your kayak. Most of us who stalk reds don't mind getting a little dirty in the process. One of the great things about kayak fishing is you can get into marshy areas full of big reds in skinny water that boats can't access. On the other hand if your choice is to stay clean you can drift the bay with the rest of the population.

[ThePopinCorkKid]

Sounds like yall had a nice little adventure. I salute you for helping your fellow kayak angler.

[StevenM]

Putting in the work and helping out a fellow yaker
Great report
+1 on thanks for your service Nomad

[surfpunk]

Those are fat

Wish they were this fat year round ha ha.

[surfpunk]

A stubby 8.5 pound 25 incher.

[H4MMY]

It's not an adventure unless you get some mud on ya. Nice fish!

[potlicker]

it's gotta do with age.... if you're in your 50's and 60's, aint worth putting your body through those treacherous mud. So marsh fishing is more suitable for the younger folks.

[Erock]

it's gotta do with age.... if you're in your 50's and 60's, aint worth putting your body through those treacherous mud. So marsh fishing is more suitable for the younger folks.

Lol....I hear ya! I'm 51 and I been with Johnathan on a multiple-mile paddle, yak dragging mud mosh! We slayed some redfish but he knows he will never have to worry about pulling up there and seeing me fishing that spot Lol. I'm good for it about once a year on a nice cool day and no clock to worry about, definitely fun though and usually worth the work!