Questions, questions ...

[revrusty]

Sitting in ER again taking care of my wife, I naturally think about fishing, and some questions come to mind:

* I see where some fish the east end lagoon, but why not launch a yak in the east channel? While not as much structure to target, big gamefish should be there, right?

* Is it worth the hassle and time to ferry over to Bolivar? Compared to all the spots that are easier to reach on Galveston?

* Are there free ramps or launch sites at mid - island toward the west end?

* Familiar with BTB, "beyond the breakers?" Anybody gone out there and feel it's worth the effort?

* Is there a place where you can get shrimp in a cast net? Please let me know by personal message of course.

* What lures to use in shallows over shall/reefs? I keep getting hung up, having to weigh anchor and go free the lure. Other than bait, the only luck I'm having is occasional flounders on a Spec rig, which I can only safely use in gravel areas, not actual shells. "Assassins" and corkies aren't producing.

* And where would you go if you just had to have a keeper red?

Thanks in advance.

[plugger]

Sorry to hear your wife's in the hospital again . Your list reflects a lot of time there . What east canal are you talking about ? The ship channel ? East bay across the ferry can be productive ... Or not like any fishing trip . It can be an adventure to explore . If you go back and check my started threads , you'll find a number of Stingaree/Yates fishing reports that may be helpful .

[plugger]

You can launch a kayak at Galveston State Park and near the gate of the fishing pier at Sea Isle . I've been past the breakers a couple of times . You have to be careful and not get turned sideways going out and coming in or you'll get capsized for sure . A rudder helps a lot . I believe in rudders . Don't take a lot and nothing you don't mind loosing . Lash everything down . Anchor up and fish towards the surf and parrellel to it . The deeper water can be good in the heat of the day . Wear a PFD !

[plugger]

I don't know about cast netting for shrimp or where red fish always hang out . Everyone hangs up on shell , but , less so with practice . Of course you won't hang up using a Topwater . A floater diver would be less likely to hang up . But , with plastics and corkys , it's practice , practice and get a feel for it . As far as not catching , it could be no fish are there or you're not working the lures effectively .

[plugger]

Well , Galveston State Park charges an entrance fee . You know I use corkys primarily and because of their slow sink are easier to keep off the bottom . You know you work them fast in warm weather .

[Milkjug]

Sitting in ER again taking care of my wife

Bummer. UTMB? They gonna send her to one of the ICUs or the floor?

I see where some fish the east end lagoon, but why not launch a yak in the east channel? While not as much structure to target, big gamefish should be there, right?

Sure, that is the Houston Ship Channel. There is structure. The lagoon drain on an outgoing can be good. There is a dropoff from the flats just S. of the drain that can be good too. It is very easy to see as it is where the tanker wakes will break. Just to the N. of the bridge you have the "poacher's rocks" that you can fish along too. Big gamefish? Yes, you have bull reds and sharks there, but also slot reds, trout, and flounder (especially during the run).

Is it worth the hassle and time to ferry over to Bolivar? Compared to all the spots that are easier to reach on Galveston?

I still go on occasion. I go very early and not on weekends. Bolivar Pocket, N. Jetty, Rollover, and Stingaree are good launches and are great fishing at times. I agree though, lots of W. Bay spots and an hour less commuting is better for me most of the time.

Are there free ramps or launch sites at mid - island toward the west end?

Plenty. There are maps people have posted on TKF if you search, or you can buy a map at Academy, or the Ray Crawford book (very good). In short... 8mi, sportsman's rd cul-de-sac, 11mi rd, Jamaica ramp, Sea Isle ramp. Should keep you busy

Is there a place where you can get shrimp in a cast net?

Bait or eater-size? I have netted jumbo white shrimp in the surf during the summer. Never with consistency or I would probably do that all day instead of fish, lol. Netting anywhere over thick grass will get you plenty of bait shrimp.

What lures to use in shallows over shall/reefs? I keep getting hung up, having to weigh anchor and go free the lure. Other than bait, the only luck I'm having is occasional flounders on a Spec rig, which I can only safely use in gravel areas, not actual shells. "Assassins" and corkies aren't producing.

Topwaters would be the answer to that. Gulp under a cork would be a close second. Don't give up on the jig though. Work a bit faster over shell, and keeping more tension on the lure will keep the hook in the up position and be less likely to hang.

And where would you go if you just had to have a keeper red?

I would fish along the gulf side of a jetty with a finger mullet on a fish-finder rig. Along the bottom where the rocks end and keep moving along until I find one. If too rough, fish deep holes in the marsh or visible fish in the shallows. I don't catch too many reds though.

Good luck with the wife and the fishing endeavors.

[revrusty]

Thanks very muxh; guys. I appreciate it and I'm studying the answers. I moved my wife back to Texas and chose the Houston area for a chance at better doctors, and she chose Galveston for my fishing. It seems to hurt her worse when I come back empty handed, but she put together two flounders from different trips and blackened them for a great meal. Anyway, I'll keep plugging for a red.