Fishing the Grass Beds in South Texas

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.

A key part of our local fisheries’ success are these grass beds and flourishing algae that you can find in this region of South Texas. The beds provide structure and attack points for the game fish, as well as great hatching areas for all of the baitfish that they feed on. There is a wide range of marine species that call this special region home.

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.

One particular species of grass, the Thalassia testudinum, can be the most difficult. Locally this grass is known as turtle grass, and whether you are an experienced angler or new to the region it can cause all sorts of frustration if you aren’t used to it. Turtle grass is found especially 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 technique is based on constant motion. My lure is constantly moving up and down thanks to non-stop action by the rod tip. Other people prefer to use a pop motion two or three times and then let the lure drop which can work as well. My method works for me, but can definitely wear your arm out by the end of the day.

Whatever technique you use, the important thing to keep in mind is that the lure needs to keep moving in order to not snag the grass. It may take hours of practice to get this method down but I assure you it is worth it. Also, watch the people fishing near you. If you see someone who isn’t getting caught in the grass then pay attention to how their rod tip is moving and their retrieval rate. Don’t be afraid to experiment and practice different methods, that is usually the best way to get better. In time you can become an expert at working fishing lures over grass areas and hopefully catch more fish.

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 Texas Fishing lures work great for wade fishing in Texas.