Weekly East Bay Fishing Report January 26, 2026
Surface water temperatures in the Crystal Beach, Texas bay system are hovering around 50 degrees following a strong cold front with heavy north winds. The colder weather pushed water temperatures and bay water levels down, making boat launching and navigation more challenging throughout the week. Despite the conditions, fishing during falling tides produced solid trout action, including several oversized speckled trout.
The most productive pattern lately has been slow bottom fishing over deeper shell and mud. Using various jig head sizes paired with Salt & Pepper Wacky Shad XL tails has consistently triggered bites. Hard baits worked extremely slow with long pauses have also been effective, allowing the lure to reach deeper parts of the water column where trout are holding in colder conditions.
Redfish fishing in the Crystal Beach marsh remains steady, especially around drains and shallow backwater areas. Imitation shrimp lures and FishBites tails fished under popping corks with a one-foot leader continue to draw strikes. Weightless Rat Tails worked over heavy shell have also produced quality redfish.
Winter fishing on the Upper Texas Coast offers some of the best opportunities for targeting bigger trout and redfish, with fewer anglers on the water and larger fish actively feeding. It’s a great time to enjoy inshore fishing in Crystal Beach with family and friends.
Until next time,
Captain Jeff Brandon
Get the Net Guide Services, LLC
Year-round artificial lure fishing guide
Crystal Beach, Texas
📞 940-393-6531
🌐 www.getthenetguideservices.com
Bonus Tip:
Stingaree Restaurant can cook your fresh catch for you too!
Learn more about Stingaree Restaurant
