Summer Surf Fishing in Texas surf fishing, texas fishing information, beach fishing Most Texas anglers know summer ushers in the annual run of good speckled trout fishing along Texas' beachfronts. However, anglers looking to wade the surf or fish from Gulf side piers and jetties for more than specks during the summer are usually pleasantly surprised to find a host of species willing to inhale artificial lures, including redfish, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, pompano and more. It is the venerable beachfront potpourri that makes August the perfect time for fishermen spend a day at the beach. As is always the case for anglers looking to take fish from the surf, that day should start early. If conditions are "green to the beach" and the forecast is for light overnight winds, set your alarm clock early. In the predawn hours, fishermen can often get action within feet of dry sand as speckled trout and other predator fish cruise along the first gut, feeding on baitfish as they go. This bite will typically last until about an hour after sunrise, at which point the fish will more often than not back into deeper water. During the lowlight period, noisy topwaters such as Heddon Super Spooks produce good results. Dark or dull colors provide the best silhouette during the early morning hours. Soft-plastic baits that produce a good deal of vibration can also catch plenty of fish before sunrise. Swimbaits such as the YUM Sweet Cheeks and Creme Spoiler Shad are good examples. And, of course, everything swimming in the surf will readily grab a lazing shrimp. For this reason, free-lined DOA Shrimp will draw plenty of strikes. However, since this bait relies strictly on sight to draw strikes, during lowlight periods it is virtually mandatory to use "glow." Savvy surf and jetty anglers carry a small flashlight to "charge" their glow shrimp before deploying it into the darkness. Once the sun comes up full and bright, lure and color selection changes slightly. Topwaters can still work for much of the morning. However, chrome-colored baits become much more productive under the glare of the morning sun. Of course, when it comes to producing flash, nothing beats the spoon. Silver and gold versions both produce in well-lit surf waters. At this time of day, a variety of soft-plastic tails will also catch fish. Regardless of the model of soft-plastic used, dark colors typically produce the best results along the beachfront. But enough about what to throw. In order to be successful, fishermen also need to know where to focus their attention. With hundreds of miles of coastline, eliminating water is a necessity. Regardless of what portion of the Texas coast you're fishing, passes should always be given first priority. Whether it's a major, jettied pass or a simple "cut," any vein that provides water exchange between a bay and the open Gulf will attract fish like a magnet. Depending on the tide, the majority of the activity may be contained within the pass or may spill out onto the adjacent beachfront. Of course, passes are easy to spot and are obvious areas to fish. But, what about the remaining hundreds of miles of "sameness" that prevail along Texas beaches? Well, the first thing to realize is that every stretch of beach has some anomalies. The same holds true for jetties, which may appear much more uniformed from the surface than they do beneath the water. In each instance, finding the subtle differences can mean the difference between catching fish and spending the morning making empty casts. When driving the beach, keep one eye peeled for bait and other "fishy" signs while keeping the other eye open for changes in the topography. Any gut that runs across a bar is a good starting point. Ditto for areas where tidal pools cut into dry sand. Look for differences in the slope of the beach at the water line - be it gradual or steep. Any debris, such as the remains of old shrimp boat wrecks, are sure to draw fish. Also pay attention to the composition of the beach you're driving over. Areas that have a dense concentration of shells typically extend out into the water and can serve to attract fish. Jetty fishermen should also try to pick out features that are different than the remainder of the structure. When the water is clear enough, it is often possible to find rocks that have "spilled out" from the main jetty. You can expect plenty of fish to hang around these loose rocks. Also look for areas where the current flows beneath or through the jetty. And, look up and down the jetty, reading it like a shoreline. Any points, indentions or other differences should be key areas of interest. Depending on which portion of the coast you find yourself, you will be privy to various Gulf gamefish along the beachfront over the next few weeks. Trout, tarpon, snook, jacks, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, pompano and redfish are just some of the species that will appear in the surf at different junctures of the Lone Star State this month. So, as soon as you hear of warm, clear-green currents lapping against your favorite beach, don't hesitate. Grab a rod, a handful of baits and go. Light tackle surf fishing is one of those rare Texas angling experiences that only happens seasonally but can provide a lifetime of memories on the right day. surf fishing, texas fishing information, beach fishing