Winter Trout Holding Deep | Redfish Steady in the Marsh | East Galveston Bay

Surface Temp: 55°F

Water Clarity: Good in protected marsh, stained in open bay

Location: East Bay – Crystal Beach, TX

Captain Jeff Brandon | Get the Net Guide Services

We’ve been dealing with extremely low tides the past few weeks, making early morning launches a challenge. If you’re running East Bay right now, stay tight to the channels — just a few feet off in certain areas can leave you stuck quick.

North winds have kept much of the main bay stirred up, but back in the protected marsh areas, the water clarity has been good for East Galveston Bay standards. That cleaner water has been key to putting fish in the boat.

Key Zones for Action

Most of our trout are holding low in the water column along drop-offs and deeper shell/mud bottoms. Think slow transitions near structure where bait has somewhere to hide.

Depths have been varying, but the better bites are coming when we stay patient and work those deeper zones methodically. As the sun gets up and warms the surface, we’re seeing some fish slide toward adjacent mud flats to feed.

Redfish have been consistent around marsh drains and very shallow backwater areas. When the tide is pulling, those drains are prime ambush points.

If you don’t see bait or signs of life, don’t linger. Even in winter, active bait is still the biggest clue you’re in the right area.

What’s Working

For trout, it’s been a super slow presentation over deeper shell and mud. Various jig head sizes paired with Chartreuse WACky Fluke tails by Wac Attack have secured the most bites.

Many of the strikes are subtle — just a tick or slight pressure. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss them.

The Corky bite is in full swing as well. Slow-sinking hard baits, walked patiently, are producing when conditions line up. Walking topwaters and slow-falling hard jerkbaits are also solid choices during warming windows.

For redfish, we’re still throwing imitation shrimp lures and tails under popping corks with about a one-foot leader. Weightless Deadly Dudley Rat Tails and Fishbites tails have also been produced in shallow marsh water.

Keep it slow. Be methodical. Fish areas you have confidence in.

Species Spotlight

Speckled trout are feeding less often in the cooler water, but they still have to eat. Midday warming periods have given us our best windows.

Redfish are steady in the drains and shallow marsh zones, especially where water movement is present.

This time of year offers some of the best opportunities at bigger fish, with fewer anglers on the water and less pressure overall.

Seasonal Tips & Timing

Low tides demand careful navigation — especially early. Take your time loading, unloading, and running.

Focus your efforts when the sun has had time to warm the flats. Confidence areas with structure and bait presence will always outperform random drifts.

Winter is prime time for anglers who don’t mind slowing down their presentation. Bigger fish are on the prowl — they just won’t chase far.

📞 Call or Text Capt. Jeff at (940) 393-6531

📍 Crystal Beach, TX – Stingaree Canal Launch

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