January Fishing

If you don’t like the crowds of the spring and summer, now is the time to get on the water. If I were to pick the best place in the state to go bass fishing in January, it would be Falcon Lake. Located on the Texas and Mexico border, Falcon Lake is an early spring hotspot. Falcon waters warm sooner each year than do other lakes due to the location in far south Texas. Typically shallow water patterns are good with soft plastics, jigs and spinnerbaits with anglers concentrating in water five feet deep or less. It is not uncommon for bass tournament anglers on Falcon Lake to catch five fish per day that will weigh over thirty pounds this time of year.

Another great place to visit beginning late January is the Sabine River in East Texas. This old river is the best white bass fishery in our state and most people never take advantage of it. From late January until mid March, white bass anglers can expect to consistently catch giant white bass and lots of them. It is a strange river to learn and the best way of doing so is to hire a guide for your first day on the water. Let him show you how and where to fish. Then you’ll be capable of going it alone after that.

Limits on white bass are very generous, they’re easy to catch, they put up a great fight for their size and best of all, they are great on the dinner plate. I can recommend a really good guide on the Sabine and his name is Mike Wheatley (409) 489-1816. Years ago Mike showed me the river and I have returned every spring to take advantage of this predictable fishery. But last year, fishing on the Sabine was a little tougher than most years. My father and his group caught over 500 keeper sized white bass on their annual trip. Still, not too bad, considering they only fished for three days.

Sports shows are also starting to come to cities around Texas in January. These shows are great places to visit with manufacturers of fishing and hunting products and see what’s new. More of these shows are offering attendees interactive opportunities that really keep the kids stimulated. The seminars that are conducted at these shows are a must for the person who wants to improve their success outdoors. Discount coupons to sports shows are available at most Skeeter Boat dealers. Visit www.skeeterboats.com for your nearest dealer.

A great show coming up is the Outdoorsman’s Fishing & Hunting Expo sponsored by Academy Sports & Outdoors at the Reliant Arena in Houston, Texas. It will be held January 31st through February 2nd. I will also be at the Beaumont Boat show on January 17th and 18th giving information and seminars.