The Lower Laguna Madre in South Texas is a unique hyper-saline lagoon that offers a variety of species from redfish, trout, flounder, occasional tarpon, and a growing population of snook. What separates the Lower Laguna from other parts of the Texas coast? Its the abundance of sea grasses.
The Laguna Madre is full of sea grasses that are home to many marine creatures. The flourishing algae on our part of the coast has made a major impact on the success of our fisheries. The sea grass beds are not only home to marine life but also serve as structure and ambush points for our local fish species.
This problem of getting caught in grass is pretty much unique to the Laguna Madre. In this area the grass covers around 85% of the bay system and consists of a wide variety of species. Anglers not used to fishing in this area can have a major problem keeping a fishing lure from getting caught in the grass.
I can think of one grass species in particular that is favorable for holding fish, but it can create havoc and bring frustration to the inexperienced fisherman and experienced fisherman alike. The name of this species is Thalassia testudinum or commonly known as turtle grass which is found in abundance on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The ability to keep your lure right above the grass is critical to your success. You want to keep your lure in the strike zone at all times. When fishing in grass, the trick is in the position of your rod tip and your retrieve. Most of the time keeping your rod tip at a forty-five degree angle will work, but when the grass is thick, a slightly higher position on your rod tip works best.
The retrieve of the lure worked right above the grass is the hardest part to learn, but once you get the rhythm, it will definitely increase your chances of hooking up with fish. When working your soft plastic lure over thick grass, try to keep the lure in constant motion making sure it stays right on top of the grass blades.
My retrieval technique is a bit unusual, and other anglers complain about their arm getting so tired when they try it, but you don't have to do it just like me. Everyone needs to experiment with their own particular technique, but here is what I do. My lure constantly moves, either up or down, with non-stop action of my rod tip. A lot of people prefer to bounce their rod a few times and then let it drop, which can be successful as well.
The important thing is to keep the lure in motion so that it will not get caught in the grass. This might take some time to perfect, but it can be done. If you are fishing along side of someone that is not getting caught in the grass and you are, take a close look at the angle of their rod tip when it comes down and how far it goes back up and observe the speed of their retrieve. Practicing these techniques and not being hesitant to experiment and change your techniques will soon get you to master working a soft plastic lures over the grassiest of bottoms, and hopefully greatly increase your catches.
The Laguna Madre is full of sea grasses that are home to many marine creatures. The flourishing algae on our part of the coast has made a major impact on the success of our fisheries. The sea grass beds are not only home to marine life but also serve as structure and ambush points for our local fish species.
This problem of getting caught in grass is pretty much unique to the Laguna Madre. In this area the grass covers around 85% of the bay system and consists of a wide variety of species. Anglers not used to fishing in this area can have a major problem keeping a fishing lure from getting caught in the grass.
I can think of one grass species in particular that is favorable for holding fish, but it can create havoc and bring frustration to the inexperienced fisherman and experienced fisherman alike. The name of this species is Thalassia testudinum or commonly known as turtle grass which is found in abundance on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The ability to keep your lure right above the grass is critical to your success. You want to keep your lure in the strike zone at all times. When fishing in grass, the trick is in the position of your rod tip and your retrieve. Most of the time keeping your rod tip at a forty-five degree angle will work, but when the grass is thick, a slightly higher position on your rod tip works best.
The retrieve of the lure worked right above the grass is the hardest part to learn, but once you get the rhythm, it will definitely increase your chances of hooking up with fish. When working your soft plastic lure over thick grass, try to keep the lure in constant motion making sure it stays right on top of the grass blades.
My retrieval technique is a bit unusual, and other anglers complain about their arm getting so tired when they try it, but you don't have to do it just like me. Everyone needs to experiment with their own particular technique, but here is what I do. My lure constantly moves, either up or down, with non-stop action of my rod tip. A lot of people prefer to bounce their rod a few times and then let it drop, which can be successful as well.
The important thing is to keep the lure in motion so that it will not get caught in the grass. This might take some time to perfect, but it can be done. If you are fishing along side of someone that is not getting caught in the grass and you are, take a close look at the angle of their rod tip when it comes down and how far it goes back up and observe the speed of their retrieve. Practicing these techniques and not being hesitant to experiment and change your techniques will soon get you to master working a soft plastic lures over the grassiest of bottoms, and hopefully greatly increase your catches.
About the Author:
Captain Ernest Cisneros is a Texas Fishing Guide who specializes in wade fishing for trophy speckled trout, redfish and snook in the Lower Laguna Madre. Captain Cisneros recommends trying out some saltwater fishing tackle like the Sea Devils by Brown Lures. These redfish lures work great for wade fishing in Texas.
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