The flats of the lower Laguna Madre, separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Padre Island, offer some of the best inshore wading in all of Texas. Wading the flats for true trophy trout, redfish, flounder, snook, and even black drum. Although in most cases these fish can be very forgiving to the angler, it’s those “off” days where the fishing is tough, or the bite is “slow” that having the best gear for the situation can turn it from a 0 fish day to a 3 fish day or even a 3 fish day into a 10 fish day!
South Texas Coast Fishing
Typically, I am guiding my clients in ultra-clear water under 3 feet in depth. While this water is mesmerizing at times, it does present its challenges. Fish can see and hear you coming from a long way away. Stealth is a must on the flats. Hull slap and errant casts can cause these fish to melt away to a safe distance. I like to improve my clients’ and my odds by using a 7’6” rod rather than a 7’ or 6’6” rod. While wading, just that 6” of extra rod tip can help send that lure maybe 8-10 yards further downwind. A longer rod with a crisp action, like a Shimano Teramar XX SW Spinning Rod, can also help you punch a cast directly into the wind without having a big belly of line lying on the water. This gives you a quicker connection to the lure when you start your retrieve.
I feel more comfortable (who wouldn’t) using 20lb braid due to abrasion on things like oyster chunks, but using 10lb PowerPro Super 8 Slick V2 gives my clients and me a minimum of an extra 5-10 yards of casting distance, if not more. 10lb is more than enough to handle our flats fish. Aside from increased casting distance, I also find that the thinner diameter presents finesse-style lures more naturally and cuts through the grass more easily when a big red is digging in for the fight. 10 lb. is also less susceptible to being affected by wind and ultimately allows for more accurate casts and higher chances of catching fish.
I top it all off with a 3-foot length of 25 lb. Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader. Because of our clear water, a fluoro leader is a must. I go with 25 lb. because of the abrasion resistance when we’re around oysters. It’s thick enough that I don’t break fish off, but at the same time, it’s still soft enough that I can work my lures effectively.
