Surface Temp: 73°F
 Water Clarity: Very Good
 Location: East Bay – Crystal Beach, TX
 Captain Jeff Brandon | Get the Net Guide Services

The bay stayed in great shape this week with clean water and steady bait movement across most of East Galveston Bay. Light winds and cool mornings had trout sliding up early, especially near deeper channels where bait was active on the surface. If the zone looked dead, we didn’t linger—bait presence was the difference between a few strikes and steady action.

Key Zones for Action

Trout were holding close to the edges of deeper drains and channel bends at first light. Depths of 12–18 inches were best once the sun cracked the horizon, but they stayed within a cast of moving water.

Redfish stayed tight to grasslines in 12–24 inches of water. Points, indentations, and any small drain kicking out bait were the most productive stretches.

Reefs produced solid numbers of sand trout, and when conditions laid down, oversized redfish were mixed in on the shell as well.

Birds continued to work across East Bay, offering quick action for anyone wanting to cover water and stay mobile.

What’s Working

We ran the same core program this week with consistent results. Paddle tails under Fish Smack popping corks with 12–18 inch leaders drew the most trout strikes, especially when popped aggressively to call fish up.

Deadly Dudley Rat Tails and WacAttack Flukes on 1/8 oz jig heads also stayed in rotation. Retrieve speed mattered—some mornings required a slow drag with pauses, while other tides called for a steady, moderate swim. Experimenting made all the difference.

Imitation shrimp lures tipped with Fishbites continued to shine, especially for anglers wanting a simple cast-and-pop presentation.

Species Spotlight

Trout were the steadiest bite this week, with the strongest action near channel edges at daylight.
Redfish stayed shallow and predictable along grasslines and marsh points.
Sand trout were plentiful on the reefs, and oversized redfish showed up when the wind allowed us to fish the shell cleanly.

Seasonal Tips & Timing

Crowds have thinned, the weather is stable, and fall patterns are in full swing. With birds still working and temperatures dropping, this is one of the best windows of the year to get on the water.

Gift certificates are available and make a solid option for hard-to-shop-for anglers as the holidays approach.

Call to Action

Call or text Capt. Jeff at (940) 393-6531
 Crystal Beach, TX – Stingaree Canal Launch
Book your fall or winter trip and let’s go get the Net.

No need to fret, I’ll get the Net.