Clear Water Sight-Fishing | Redfish on the Flats | Winter Trout Pattern

Surface Temp: 59°F
Water Clarity: Excellent
Location: East Galveston Bay – Crystal Beach, TX
Captain Jeff Brandon | Get the Net Guide Services

Conditions & Setup

This past week brought some of the clearest water we see all year in East Galveston Bay.
Visibility was good enough to sight fish on the flats, which is a rare treat for the upper Texas coast.

With cooler water and stable conditions, bait has been pushing out of the marsh on outgoing morning tides, setting up textbook winter redfish scenarios.

Key Zones for Action

Our best redfish action came from shallow flats surrounding active drains.
We focused on areas where bait was being flushed with the falling tide, especially where fish could ambush along the edges.

Depths were mostly skinny water, with reds cruising and feeding aggressively in clear conditions.

What’s Working

Imitation shrimp and soft plastic tails under Fish Smack popping corks continue to be the most consistent producers.
A short leader of one foot or less made a big difference, keeping the bait tight in the strike zone.

Weightless Deadly Dudley Rat Tails and WacAttack Flukes were excellent options for sight-casting when fish were visible and calm.

Species Spotlight

Redfish: The primary focus again this week, and they showed up strong. Shallow flats, drains, and moving water were the keys.

Speckled Trout: Trout have been holding deeper in cuts and over shell beds. A variety of presentations worked, including topwaters during calm periods, soft plastic tails, and suspending jerk baits worked slow and methodical.

Seasonal Tips & Timing

Crowds have thinned out significantly, which makes winter one of the best times to be on the water.
Clear water and cooler temperatures reward anglers who slow down, shorten leaders, and fish with purpose.

This is prime time to take advantage of peaceful conditions and consistent artificial-lure bites along the upper Texas coast.

Ready to Fish?

Call or Text Capt. Jeff at (940) 393-6531
Crystal Beach, TX – Stingaree Canal Launch
Book your winter trip now and enjoy the clear water while it lasts

No need to fret, I’ll get the Net.