Cold Front Conditions | Slow Bottom Bite Producing Quality Trout | East Galveston Bay

Surface Temp: 50°F

Water Clarity: Fair

Location: East Bay – Crystal Beach, TX

Weekly Report Date: January 26, 2026

Captain Jeff Brandon | Get the Net Guide Services

Cold north winds pushed through this past week, dropping both water temperatures and bay levels across East Bay. Launching and navigating took extra attention with the lower tides, but anglers willing to slow down were rewarded with some solid trout and a few oversize fish mixed in.

Falling tides were the key window. Fish stayed glued to the bottom, especially over deeper shell mixed with mud, and required a super slow presentation to trigger bites.

Key Zones for Action

Deeper shell and mud transitions held the better trout, especially in areas with subtle current movement on the fall. Most bites came right on the bottom, with fish stacked tight and unwilling to chase.

Redfish remained consistent around marsh drains and extremely shallow back-lake areas. Even with the colder water, reds were still pushing skinny water when tides allowed.

What’s Working

Trout responded best to Salt & Pepper WACky Shad XL tails by Wac Attack fished on various jig head sizes, crawled painfully slow along the bottom. The slower the retrieve, the better the results.

Hardbaits also produced when fished deep with long pauses, allowing them to settle lower in the water column before the next movement.

For redfish, imitation shrimp lures and FishBite tails under popping corks continued to trigger strikes. A short 1-foot leader was critical. Weightless Deadly Dudley Rat Tails worked well over heavy shell where reds were cruising shallow.

Species Spotlight

Speckled trout quality improved this week, with fewer bites overall but better fish mixed in. Redfish stayed dependable despite the cold, especially near drains and marsh edges during tide movement.

Seasonal Tips & Timing

Winter fishing rewards patience. Cold fronts thin out boat traffic and concentrate fish, creating some of the best opportunities of the year for larger trout. Watch water levels closely, plan around tides, and slow everything down.

If you can fish during warming trends after a front, expect the bite to improve quickly.

Plan Your Trip

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

Crystal Beach, TX – Stingaree Canal Launch

Book your winter date now and take advantage of the quiet bays and quality fish

No need to fret, I’ll get the Net.