Surface water temperatures in East Galveston Bay near Crystal Beach, Texas are around
85 degrees. This week, we spent most of our time fishing open-water reefs throughout the bay,
and the pattern produced good catches of speckled trout, redfish, and sand trout.

Speckled Trout Fishing on East Galveston Bay Reefs

Open-water reefs continue to be productive for trout. We’ve been using soft-body swimbaits and paddle tails in
light colors rigged on 1/4-ounce jig heads. These baits have been effective when working deeper
reefs throughout the East Galveston Bay system.

As always, pay attention to bait activity and changing conditions. Finding active bait around reefs can help
narrow down where trout and other game fish are feeding.

Redfish Bite Remains Strong

Our fishing clients continue to have excellent success catching East Galveston Bay redfish.
One of the most productive setups has been a popping cork with a 2-foot leader paired with
Salt & Pepper tails by WacAttack or Deadly Dudley Terror Tails in Blue Moon.

This setup has produced some hard-pulling redfish on reefs in approximately 5 to 8 feet of water.
We’ve also caught a good number of slot redfish in extremely shallow water using wake baits around structure
and along wind-blown shorelines.

Early Morning Topwater Fishing

The topwater bite on East Galveston Bay remains good during our early morning fishing trips.
If you enjoy throwing walking topwater baits, the period before and around sunrise continues to provide
opportunities for aggressive strikes.

Getting on the water early can also provide more comfortable conditions before temperatures climb later in
the day.

Plan a Fall or Winter Fishing Trip to Crystal Beach

The summertime crowds have started to thin out, and some days we’re seeing only a few other boats on
East Galveston Bay. That makes this a great time to start planning a
fall or winter fishing trip to Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula.

With speckled trout, redfish, and sand trout all providing opportunities, anglers can enjoy some excellent
inshore fishing on the Upper Texas Coast while spending a day outdoors with family and friends.