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March 3, 2010

Depth changes, eddies key in fishing coastal bayous

(This is the second installment in a two-part series on fishing bayous.)

Chester Moore, Jr The Port Arthur News

 Coastal bayous are quite a bit different from those in inland areas mainly because they are tidally driven and tend to have a bit faster moving water.

    The first thing to look for whether you are fishing for flounder, redfish or trout in one of these systems is an eddie or area of slack water. They form at the mouth of bayous and are often very pronounced particularly on incoming tides. The baitfish moving into or out of a bayou seek refuge in the slack water and are easy prey for these voracious predators.

    The second thing to look for is stands of roseau cane, which often grows around the mouth of bayous and bay shorelines.

    That is the tall cane duck hunters use for their blind and it often signals a change in bottom structure, as it needs slightly harder bottom than the marsh grasses to grow. On high tides its intricate root system draws in baitfish and when it starts to drop the fish especially flounder take advantage.

    Moving into the bay look for the first bit "S" turn. This spot is usually the deepest spot in the coastal bayou and like those inland areas, any drop-off will hold lots of fish. There is one coastal bayou I fish that has a 19-foot deep hole in the first "S" turn in a system that averages about eight feet deep and it is a killer spot to fish.

    Many of our coastal bayous have manmade canals and square lakes dug by pipeline companies and ranchers to make levees and roadways and at times these spots can make for killer fishing.

    High tides and big south winds bring lots of fish into these spots as the fish are almost pushed in by the forces of nature. A good way to gauge if the fish are in these spots is the presence of alligators. If there are lots of gators there are lots of fish and although they may steal one from you from time to time, there indicating powers make them a welcomed sight.

    Unlike inland bayous, which have lots of structure, the ones on the coast do not so when there is some kind in the water, fish it. Bridges, pipe stands, old docks, boat wrecks and other manmade habitat is welcomed by fish which all cling to structure when it is presented to them. We pay strict attention to things that stand out and so do fish, which is why any kind of structure in these barren areas can be such hot spots.

    Bayous are common in Texas whether they are little more than ditches flowing through our largest cities or wide, tidal canals adjoining our bays. They all contain fish and more often than not lots of them. By using these tips you will be ale to catch more and bigger fish from our bayous.

   Take that from someone who was not only literally born on one but also still lives there.

 

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The Central Middle School Band capped off a successful year by competing in the Solo and Ensemble Contest on May 5th. Forty-eight students brought home 66 medals.  Band members who won honors are: Danny Abdullah, Syrina Akbari, Abigail Albright, Max Barclay, Joel Bardwell, Jordan Bardwell, Brandon Baumgardner, Anthony Bennett, James Brindza, Cullen Cessna, Vanessa Daigle, Collin Elliott ,Dyan Emerson, Cyle Hubbard, Colin Jackson, Jennifer Jones, Jordan Jones, Jase Keel, Jessica Koons, Marissa Licatino, Todd Luke, Kade McCorvy, Jordan Mitchell, Kelby Myers, Mason Ouzts, Sara Pierce, Kayla Prestridge, Daniela Rodriguez, Noah Ross, Shae Sanders, Chandler Smith, Brian Speight, Erin Stilley, Arriana Torres and Tommy Truong Central's Band Directors are Joe Vargas and Michelle Melancon. On May 15th, the Band will hold its final performances of the year. They will play in Central's auditorium at 9 AM. Later that evening, they will be part of the Nederland ISD Band Pageant at the Performing Arts Center.  

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