successful Saltwater Fishing in Galveston Texas-Part 3

Friend, Bob Matthews, Huge 45″ Bull Red caught November 13, 2007 in his kayak

In today’s blog, Successful Saltwater Fishing in Galveston Texas-Part 3, I will be discussing natural and live baits, different fishing lures, and equipping your tackle box for saltwater fishing in Galveston Texas.

Natural and Live Baits

Common Baits used for Saltwater Fishing in Galveston Texas

Shrimp

Shrimp are a widely used bait for saltwater fishing.  Shrimp can be either alive or dead.  Hook shrimp under the rostrum “horn” on the head to fish with live shrimp.  You can either peel or leave the shell on fresh dead shrimp for fishing on the bottom.

Crab

Different species of crab are used for saltwater fishing to catch sheepshead, black drum, cobia and snapper.  Sheepshead and snapper go after hermit and fiddler crabs hooked through the body.  Black drum and cobia have a liking for blue crabs.  Break the crab in half or quarters for black drum and hook through the body sections of the crab.  Use small, whole, live blue crabs for cobia by removing the pinchers and hook through the body of the crab.

Squid

Dead squid can be purchased and are used for saltwater bottom-fishing.  Fish such as gafttopsail catfish and snapper are good examples.  The squid can be hooked two or three times in and out through the body to avoid small fish stealing the bait.

Lures used for Saltwater Fishing in Galveston Texas

Many companies make fishing lures in different types, patterns, sizes and colors.  Instructions on how to use the lure are printed either on the package or inside with the lure.  Anglers use lures interchangeably in both fresh and saltwater to catch a variety of fish.

Plugs

Seatrout, red drum, flounder, and several offshore species

Plugs are made of various materials such as plastic, wood, and sometimes cork.  Plugs are classified as topwater and crankbaits (shallow, medium, and deep diving).  Either two or three treble hooks are attached to plugs to cover the fish’s striking area.

Spoons

Seatrout, red drum, flounder, and several offshore species

Spoons are metal, spoon-shaped lures made to resemble a swimming or injured baitfish.  You can jig them, cast and reel them in, or troll them behind a boat. Many anglers attach a swivel to the spoon to prevent it from twisting their line during retrieval.

Jigs

Seatrout, red drum, flounder, and several offshore species

Jigs have weighted metal or lead heads with a body and tail made of rubber skirts, feathers, soft plastic or animal hair.  Numerous sizes are used to catch a large majority of fresh and saltwater fish.

Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are pliable lures made into worms, grubs, lizards, crayfish, minnows, shrimp, crabs, and many others, resembling what fish eat.  Plastics are available in different sizes, colors, and some with fish-attracting scent.  They can be used with or without bullet weight sinkers, jig heads, or spinnerbaits.

Flies and Poppers

Almost all sport fish will strike a fly or popper of some variety

Flies and poppers are small, very light, almost weightless lures used primarily for flyfishing.  A spincast or spinning rod and reel outfitted with a “bubble” (clear bobber) placed 4” to 5” above the lure works well if you don’t have a fly rod.  These lures are excellent for sunfish and bass, but most any fish can be caught on these baits.

Your Tackle Box for Saltwater Fishing in Galveston Texas

What goes in your tackle box?

• Pliers
• Nail Clippers
• Small first aid kit
• Hooks (various sizes depending on the fish you are targeting
• Bobbers
• Weights (sinkers)
• Snap swivels
• Artificial lures (plugs, spinners, spoons, or soft plastics)
• Stringer for keeping your fish (only if you keep and eat the fish)
• Measuring tape
• Outdoor Annual-Rules & Regulations
• Fish Identification card or booklet
• Small spool of monofilament line
• Oil for lubricating the reel

The selection of artificial lures will depend on the fish you are targeting. It is wise to choose lures that are designed for different water levels, such as top water poppers and diving plugs.

Other items to take along on your fishing trip include:

• Fishing license
• Camera
• Bug repellent
• Cell phone

Visit my other blogs on Saltwater Fishing in Galveston-Part 1 & Part 2, successful saltwater fishing in Galveston-Part 1 (mygalvestonrealtor.com) and Successful saltwater fishing in Galveston-Part 2 (mygalvestonrealtor.com).

Visit YouTube for saltwater fishing in Galveston, Almost PULLS ROD Out of My HANDS! ( Galveston, TX ) – YouTube and Episode #3 “The Family”- Catching Crazy Fish in Galveston TX! – YouTube.