Summer Pattern Staying Consistent | Early Topwater Bite | Mid-Bay Reefs Producing

Surface Temperature: 85°F

Water Clarity: Fair to Good (varies with wind and tide)

Location: East Galveston Bay – Crystal Beach, Texas

Captain Jeff Brandon | Get the Net Guide Services

The summer pattern continues to produce across East Galveston Bay, and we’ve once again enjoyed another productive week on the water with several great vacationing families making lasting memories. Fish have remained active despite the warm water temperatures, and staying mobile has been one of the biggest keys to success.

One of the best indicators right now is nervous bait flipping on the surface. If you pull into an area and don’t see active bait after a few casts, don’t be afraid to move and cover water. The fish are staying close to bait schools, and finding that activity has been the difference between a slow stop and a productive one.

Key Zones for Action

Shorelines and scattered bait schools continue to hold fish during the early morning hours before the sun gets high.

When the wind lays down, the mid-bay reefs in 5 to 8 feet of water have been producing quality trout once the morning bite slows. This pattern should continue improving as our summer temperatures settle in.

Open-water bird activity has started to show in scattered areas. While there are fish underneath, expect to sort through plenty of Gafftop if you decide to chase working birds.

What’s Working

Artificial lures continue to outperform live bait, especially when paired with lighter jig heads.

We’re fishing 1/16- to 1/4-ounce jig heads depending on the wind and current, with lighter presentations consistently getting more bites. Deadly Dudley paddletails remain one of our most productive choices, and Salt & Pepper continues to be a go-to color, although lure color should always match the day’s water clarity and available light.

Fish Smack-style popping cork presentations are also producing steady action. Rig a shrimp imitation or a straight WacAttack Tail beneath a popping cork with a 1- to 2-foot leader. A hard pop followed by about a five-second pause has been drawing some of our most aggressive strikes this week.

Topwater anglers are also enjoying a strong bite during the first and last hour of daylight. If you enjoy throwing walking baits, now is an excellent time to take advantage of these low-light feeding windows.

Species Spotlight

Speckled trout continue to make up the majority of our catches, with redfish mixed in around active bait. Quality fish are showing on the reefs when conditions allow, and both species have been responding well to lighter artificial presentations.

Seasonal Tips & Timing

Summer fishing continues to reward anglers who start early, pay attention to bait movement, and remain willing to relocate when an area isn’t showing signs of life. Matching your jig head weight to the day’s conditions and slowing your retrieve with occasional pauses can make a noticeable difference in your catch rate.

If you’re seeing nervous bait, stay with it. If not, make a few casts and keep moving until you find active fish.

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

Crystal Beach, TX – Stingaree Canal Launch

Book your summer fishing trip now before the best dates fill up.

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