Galveston Bay Fishing Reports

(May 7, 2012) Fishing Update - Captain Bryan Brawner 409-256-1265, www.CrystalBeachCharters.com

As a good buddy of mine opined, "We've been in the middle of the Full Moon Blues". For the last week and weekend we have been dealing with the closest full moon of the year which hasn't allowed tides to move enough to clear up the waters from the strong winds. We have also had higher than forecasted winds on East Bay most days which added to muddying the water on the reefs. Specks have been scattered and the bite has been tough most days. Most of the fish we have caught have been from drifting shell along south shoreline reefs. Shrimp fished under a popping cork has been the best bait but some fish are being picked up on live croaker now. I think the conditions will improve quickly this week, even though we look to have another stronger system coming in on Friday which will probably keep us at the dock at least one day. We usually have at least several poor fishing days a month in the spring due to winds and weather and hopefully we have got ours over with for this month. We will be catching lots of big specks here in the next few weeks when the bay clears a little. There are specks in the surf and surf fishing in Bolivar should turn on as soon as the beach front clears up some.

May and June offer some of the best fishing of the year in Galveston East Bay. I will be offering some weekday (Monday-Thursday) specials through the summer on a limited basis.* Stay tuned to my report for special updates. Call for more information to get your guided fishing charter reserved now. June is filling up quickly now. Lock in the lower prices as fuel prices rise by purchasing a fishing charter gift certificate for your favorite angler. Gift Certificate Link

Blue Water Bait Camp has live shrimp and croakers available now. Stingaree Marina is open and has plenty of live shrimp and gas at a good price. Bolivar Yacht Basin Bait Camp (Soon to be Castaway Bait Camp) is now open again after some remodeling setbacks. Their new bait tanks are full and they also have gasoline at the dock.

*Weekday specials do not include the price of live bait, which is at bait stand prices. Weekday specials are for Monday through Thursdays with holidays excluded. Special price offerings are at the Captain's discretion and can end or change at any time. Price for third angler on weekday specials is 50.00. No Pay Pal for weekday specials.

I am a full time fishing guide on Galveston East Bay so I am available for charters 7 days a week. I offer half day, full day , evening, and offshore trips. I plan my charters around your preferences so I offer trips for all skill levels and needs of my clients. I offer hardware (artificial lures) only trips, for the experienced sport fishermen who prefer to use only artificial lures. Also, I offer charters using live bait or a combination so we can take advantage of what they are hitting best for the day we are out. Your success and fun is what taking a fishing charter is about. 409-256-1265 www.FishingHouston.com, www.CrystalBeachCharters.com

For exact fishing locations and techniques, I am conducting one-on-one classes of the Galveston East Bay System. We will spend a half-day trip exploring that bay and the techniques and timing of fishing there. Bring your hand-held GPS and a map and note pad and I will further your knowledge of the bay and patterns for fishing in all of the seasons of the year. These classes include everything from locations to tackle and lure selection; thus have a lot of content. So, I limit them to 2 persons max at a time. Call 409-256-1265 for more information. Classes start at 475.00 and are conducted in my boat on the water at the actual locations. We cover a lot of area and burn a lot of gas.

Call 409-256-1265 for availability of trips and to reserve your fishing adventure. Check my website www.CrystalBeachCharters.com for prices and more information. You can also e-mail me captbryan@swbell.net for updated fishing conditions and trip availability.

Blue Water Bait Camp always has plenty of quality bait including croaker, live shrimp and mullet. They also have a bulk ice machine where you can get plenty of buckets of ice at a good price. Blue Water is also stocking fishing tackle, water, and soft drinks. They are always open early. Directions are on their website bluewaterbaitcamp.com 409-684-BAIT.