Weekly East Bay Fishing Report

Surface Temp: 57°F
Water Clarity: Good
Location: East Galveston Bay – Crystal Beach, TX
Captain Jeff Brandon | Get the Net Guide Services

Conditions & Setup

Winter has settled into East Bay, bringing cooler water, clear conditions, and some of the best opportunities of the year for quality fish. With surface temps sitting at 57 degrees and less boat pressure, the bay has been setting up perfectly for slow, methodical artificial presentations. These calm December days are prime time for anglers willing to fish patiently and close to the bottom.

Key Zones for Action

The strongest trout bite has been holding over deeper shell, where fish are stacking up and feeding low in the water column. Depth and bottom contact have been critical, especially when working areas with clean water and subtle current movement.

Redfish have stayed active around grasslines and back in the marsh, particularly in shallow water pockets. While slot reds were tougher to come by this week, we continued to run into plenty of rat reds along with some solid oversize fish cruising these areas.

What’s Working

Artificial-only trips continue to produce consistent results. The key has been a very slow presentation, keeping lures ticking the shell.

Productive setups included:

  • 1/4 oz jig heads
  • WACky Shad XL tails by Wac Attack
  • Deadly Dudley Rat Tails
  • Lighter, natural color patterns

Letting the lure stay on the bottom and barely creeping it along has been the difference-maker, especially for trout in colder water.

Species Spotlight

Speckled trout numbers have remained steady, with a mix of solid keepers and several oversize fish coming off the shell. These bigger trout are set up for winter feeding and responding best to finesse retrieves.

Redfish action remains good overall, just skewed toward smaller and larger class fish this week. Staying mobile and working grass edges carefully has helped dial them in.

Flounder season is officially back open, and this is one of the best-eating fish in the Galveston Bay system. With cooler temps, expect flounder to show up around marsh drains and along soft bottom near structure.

Seasonal Tips & Timing

December and January bring some of the best conditions of the year for targeting larger fish. Cooler water, clearer bays, and fewer anglers make it a perfect time to fish with family and friends. Slow down your presentation, focus on structure, and take advantage of the light pressure while it lasts.

Book Your Trip

Call or Text Capt. Jeff at (940) 393-6531
Crystal Beach, TX – Stingaree Canal Launch
Book your winter artificial-only trip and get on these East Bay fish while conditions are dialed in.

No need to fret, I’ll get the Net.