Fishing is like reading a book. The difference is this is a living book. Like a book, you start out by looking at the cover. Only, when you are fishing the cover is the weather conditions. You look at the wind, sun, tide, humidity, and the temperature of both the air and the water. With this knowledge, you can make the decision about how you will be fishing – by boat, kayak, or wading, using light tackle or fly. Then you can choose where you want to fish and what you are going to fish for.
Now that the basic decision-making is done, you can head for the water to do some more heavy reading. As you paddle out you see all the early morning activity on the water. There are schools of mullet of all sizes and baby shrimp jumping for their very lives up close to shore. If the bait source is running away, they are being chased by something, so that would be a good place to cast. As you look down, there are crabs scurrying across the bottom. What are they fleeing from? Notice their speed and direction, and use that information to figure out where to cast your lure.
Birds are another great fishing indicator, especially when they are feeding. My favorites to follow are the blue heron, pelicans and gulls. All of this wildlife activity is useful if you know how to read it. Not only can it help to find fish but also give clues as to what they are feeding on.
In addition to wildlife activity, what is beneath the surface matters a lot as well. Look for different structure where you are fishing, like drains. In between islands and sand bars there will be gaps where water flows through. These are high-traffic areas for bait fish, so there are usually predators nearby. I like to sit near the sides of these areas and cast into them, even more so when there is a lot of tidal movement.
When you get into this drain area, try starting off with a top water lure first. This lure is good for recon as fish nearby will usually strike at it, giving you a quick indication as to whether or not there are any fish in the area. Once you see a strike, switch over to a soft plastic fishing lure that will give you the advantage on that big speckled trout. I always throw a weedless lure, about 3 casts into each section before looking for somewhere else.
My lure of choice is a Brown Lure Devil Eye or Sea Devil. There are tons of colors to choose from, and we each have our own favorite. My favorite is Little Pinky (pink with silver hologram). It has been a proven color for me in clear to muddy water for over a year. This method of fishing works well, and I use it whether fishing for fun, with clients, or in tournaments.
Learning to read this “living book” can give you a real advantage the next time that you go fishing. As always, pay attention to the weather, wildlife and structure to get the most out of your day. Time and practice will teach you what all of these clues mean, so go out and test it for yourself. Good Luck Fishing!
Captain Steve Utley of Blue Heron Adventures is a Texas Fishing Guide who specializes in kayak fishing for big speckled trout and redfish. His fishing lures of choice are Sea Devils by Brown Lures. Captain Steve recommends trying out some from Brown Lures for your next fishing trip.
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