Cade with some good eating ahead

It's January and we are in the middle of a Texas winter.  In the summer months, it almost seems like the fish find you; you just paddle into a marsh and the tails of red drum are plentiful.  In the winter months, not so much, at least that has been my experience.  With that said, you can still have great days on the water, it just requires a little more effort in finding the fish.

Prior to this past year, I spent nearly every weekend of the winter months in my treestand, chasing whitetail deer.  That changed this season as kayak angling has taken to the forefront of my outdoor adventures and I have learned that just because it is chilly out, does not mean the fish won't bite.

From what I have learned, to find fish in the colder months, you want to find the deeper water of the bay systems.  Running adjacent to most of the Texas bays is an Intercoastal Waterway.  When I fish a bay that has cuts from the ICW, I generally make an effort to seek these locations to find fish.  These cuts serve as a pinch point for bait and fish transitioning from the ICW to the open bay.  Bumping soft plastics along the bottom can be quite fruitful.

I also try to find shell beds/reefs in deeper water of the bays.  For me, being used to fishing narrow marsh canals and cuts, it was a bit odd at first when blind casting into open water.  I remind myself however, that its what's under the water that is key.  Low and behold, finding trout, reds, and flounder congregating on this underwater structure has proved to work time and again.

Be sure to watch your tide and moon charts.  The fish during these colder months truly seem to be on a timer.  You want to maximize your effort on the water, so do your homework before launching.  Have a game plan, check fishing reports, and most of all have fun.

Fish on my friends,