Expert-Guided Lake Fishing in Texas

Barred Sand Bass

Barred Sand Bass (Paralabrax Nebulifer) Fish Description

The barred sand bass, more commonly known as sand bass, is a popular game fish in Southern California. They are a member of the Sea Bass or Serrinadae family.

The barred sand bass is normally long and elongated and has a squarish tale. Their colors range from dark gray to greenish-gray on their backs, with vertical bars on their sides and a whitish belly. Their heads are characterized by small golden-brown spots, a protruding lower jaw, and a large mouth. They are sometimes referred to as grumps or grumpy because of the way their mouths look. The rest of their bodies are covered in dark splotches and small rough scales.

Anglers can distinguish this fish from other sea basses such as the kelp bass by looking at their third dorsal spine. The dorsal fin of the barred sand bass has ten spines, and its third is the largest — at least two and a half times longer than the second spine.

Diet and Size

The foraging habits of this species seem to depend on their body size. Small barred sand bass prey on crustaceans and small invertebrates. Large barred sand bass prey on larger fish, particularly plain midshipman, and octopus. Barred sand bass of medium or intermediate size is found to eat the same as the small and large sand bass.

The barred sand bass typically grows to a length of 10 inches in a matter of five years. Some even take a shorter amount of time to mature and reach 7 inches in length. As of 2019, the world record for the barred sand bass is 26 inches in length and 13 pounds in weight. They can live up to 31 years of age.

Interesting Facts 

• The barred sand bass, like the other species under the genus Paralabrax, can change sex. Some turn from female to male when they age, becoming bigger in the process.
• The populations of this popular fish species are considered stable, most likely benefiting from the marine protected areas along the coast of California where it is native and the banning of commercial fishing of its species.
• Among its relatives, it is most similar in appearance to the spotted sand bass because of its elongated third dorsal spine. One way to tell them apart is by looking at the spots on their bodies. The spotted sand bass has orange, black, and brown spots on their body.

Barred Sand Bass Fishing Techniques

The barred sand bass is easy to catch with both baits and lures as they will grab just about anything. They are seasonal, though, but when in season from May to October, they can be caught in schools. The best time to catch them is during sunset and onwards into the night, especially during the full moon.

Like most Southern California game fish, the best bait for the barred sand bass is live squid. Live anchovies, sardines, or smelt are good, too. Anglers can also use bloodworms or fresh mussels. Dead baits, particularly dead squid, also work well with the barred sand bass. The best lures for this fish are plastic lures. But to know which kinds are best will depend on the condition and temperature of the water.

Fishing for barred sand bass in the Southern Californian waters does not require comprehensive gears. Inshore anglers can catch them with a slightly stiff six and a half foot graphite-composite rod in the 12-30 pound range. A heavy freshwater bass rod in the 8-17 pound range will also work fine. And if you’re on a boat, a lighter rod will be a better choice.

While barred sand bass can sometimes be caught from shore, the best way to catch them is on a boat. The bigger ones are usually found in sandy bottom areas near rocks, around 60 to 100 feet of water. 

When fishing for barred sand bass, anglers must learn the depth at which the fish are feeding and then cast their lure out in that general direction. They can try sinking the lures in various depths to figure this out, and once they do, they only need to wait for the fish to bite the bait.

Habitat and Distribution

The barred sand bass lives on sandy bottoms, in shallow waters up to 600 feet deep. They are usually found near kelp or around rocks. There are plentiful young ones in shallow waters.

They are usually caught in 60 to 100 feet of water during their spawning season when they leave their usual reefs. They spawn during warmer months and are pelagic spawners.

The barred sand bass is native to California and Baja California, on the Eastern coast of the Pacific Ocean. Its range is from Santa Cruz in Central California, up to Magdalena Bay in Baja California. They can also sometimes occur in Acapulco, Mexico.

Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish (Ictalurus Furcatus) Fish Description

Blue Catfish are known for their slate-blue bodies. However, they are often mistaken for the Channel Catfish because of their appearance. To identify them, people usually count the rays on their fins. Blue Catfish only have 30-36 rays on their fins. Another is to look closely at the anal fin. Blue Catfish’s anal fin has a squared-off edge whereas Channel Catfish have a rounded anal fin. They also have a dorsal hump which the Channel Catfishes don’t really have.

Known also as Blue Cat, Blue Catfish have similar traits to that of their catfish cousins. They have a deeply forked tail which is where they got their scientific name. Blue Catfish also have a bit of an underbite, which makes them more prone to surface feeding. Blue Catfish, like all other catfish, have whisker-looking barbels that place them in the Catfish group.

Blue Catfish Diet and Size

Blue Catfish are terrifying hunters and are often described as opportunistic. Like their other catfish cousins, they eat virtually anything. Though, they have a preference for crawfish, some freshwater mussels, frogs, and other aquatic substances that are readily available. Larger Blue Catfish are also known to become predators of the Asian Carp. 

Anglers usually notice the Blue Catfish feasting on some baitfish under a school of feeding Striped Bass. In a way, Blue Catfish act like scavengers when it comes to hunting for food.

Blue Catfishes are the largest among all the North American catfish species. Blue Catfish range between 25-46 inches and weigh at an average of 81.5 lbs.

Interesting Facts about the Blue Catfish

• Blue Catfish are considered pests in some states like Virginia.
  • When anglers catch Blue Catfish, they’re usually told to kill them to cull their numbers.
  • Blue Catfish love feeding on Blue Crabs which is detrimental to Virginia’s fisheries.
• Blue Catfish are so sturdy for their ability to handle brackish water.
  • It has a low mortality rate due to its intimidating size and its success rate as a hunter.
• Because the population of Blue Catfish exploded, some people have even resorted to electrofishing.
  • Electrofishing is a technique that scientists often use to stun or impair the fish.
    • Doing this allows them to research more into the fish.
  • However, some states have opted to use Electrofishing as a means of culling Blue Catfish. Some have caught around 700 Blue Catfish per hour!

Blue Catfish – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Blue Catfish

Like any catfish, they prefer freshly-cut up bait. Having cut fresh bait has the blood of the bait drip into the water which will seduce the catfish via its taste receptors on its body. Once the Blue Catfish detects it, they’ll start heading to your bait. Some people have noted that herring, sardine, and even chicken liver will be a good bait for catching a Blue Catfish.

As for leaving your bait, let it sink all the way to the ground. Blue Catfish are opportunistic so they’re not going to attack a bait that’s constantly moving. Let it fall to the ground until you feel a nibble. Wait for a good 1-2 nibbles (though it depends on how much bait you put) before reeling it in.

Others use Electrofishing which uses a cathode and anode to attract them to you. Once they come to you, they’ll suffer a slight “stun” or shock but that doesn’t affect their meat quality. It will make it easier for you to catch though and you just might find yourself hauling out a lot.

Make sure you also bring leather gloves or gloves that have a lot of friction. They’re slimy and they will put up a fight so you’ll need gloves to have a good grip on these slippery creatures.

Blue Catfish Habitat and Distribution

The best place to start fishing for Blue Catfish is a place where they are considered pests. So, Virginia might be a good place to start.

Once there, start looking in lakes and rivers. Blue Catfish stay in those kinds of places but they do have a specific requirement: it has to be near some sort of tidal creek. Since Blue Catfishes follow the tides, they usually end up the creek and stay there especially if they found a channel or hole to their liking. The holes need to deep and have to be muddy at the bottom. Once, there you can give it a shot.

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) Fish Description

Channel Catfish are common gamefish. However, some people have a tendency to confuse them with the Walking Catfish (Clarias Batrachus). The channel catfish, also known as the channel cat, don’t really have scales but rather have soft and slippery bodies which are covered in slime. One of its most prominent features are its whiskers or barbels which extend its range of sight to make up for its poor vision. 

While its rays are soft, the channel catfish have sharp dorsal and pectoral fins which can slash people if you’re not careful with it. The Channel Catfish have a forked tail, forming a deep letter “v”. They also have 24-29 anal fins. While they do appear black, they’re more of a light yellow, olivaceous color.

Channel Catfish Diet

Channel catfish are omnivorous. They usually feed at the bottom of natural waters, feasting on vegetations. But they also feed at the surface. Channel Catfish eat aquatic insects but as they grow older, they eat a variety of things such as insects, snails, crawfish, green algae, aquatic plants, seeds, and smaller fish. 

The Channel Catfish normally detects food by using their sense of taste especially in cloudy waters.

Channel Catfish Size

Some Channel Catfish have shown up weighing between 40-50 lbs. However, the heaviest ever recorded was 58 lbs. Though, some already have said that a channel catfish weighing at 20 lbs is amazing. 10 pounds is already considered admirable.

Interesting Facts about the Channel Catfish

• A channel catfish’s body is covered with “taste buds”. They are also known to have a “swimming tongue”. Their bodies are so sensitive to amino acids – specifically L-Arginine and L-Alanine – which makes it easier to detect food.
• Channel Catfish grow best in warm environments.
• While Channel Catfish prefer clear waters, they’re okay too with muddy water.
• Channel Catfish are capable of communication, using sound waves as their primary mode of communication.
• Channel Catfish are known to be notoriously hard to kill. When selling them some people prefer snapping their necks. Others, they go with using a wooden plank with a nail. Despite hitting it multiple times, the Channel Catfish are still alive and need several hits until they’re dead.

Channel Catfish – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Channel Catfish

When catching a Channel Catfish, some use a cheese-based fibrous bait. Others use minnows and worms. However, the most commonly used bait for Channel Cats is Stinkbait which are said to appeal only to Catfish. The biggest reason as to why this works is because of the scent. Usually, using cheese or stinkbait works because of the amino acids present that create a strong scent to attract them.

Having an extra long rod helps. A fishing rod around 7” to 7.6” help in getting them. By having a longer rod, it allows anglers more techniques such as pitching and flipping to get them on board. In choosing a longer rod, make sure it has a strong backbone to handle the weight of the Channel Catfish. Also, make sure you have sharp hooks. Channel Catfish, like their other cousins, have hard mouths so having a sharp hook to pierce through will be really good to get a good grip on them. Anglers prefer using big Treble Hooks to make sure they keep their Channel Catfish from escaping.

Once you get them, make sure you have a good grip on them. Catfish, due to their lack of scales, instead have slime. They can be quite slippery and their fins can slash you if you’re not careful. 

Channel Catfish Habitat 

Channel Catfish prefer living in reservoirs. They also live well in small and large lakes. Channel Catfish also love cavities. They usually hide their eggs in cavities in crevices, hollows, or debris to protect them from rushing currents.

Crappie

Crappie (Poxomis) 

Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes. 

Crappie Habitat and Distribution

Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers. 

Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins. 

Crappie Size and Weight 

Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds. 

Crappie Interesting Facts

Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat. 

• Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
• Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
• Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
• Crappie travels in schools.
• Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
• Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.

Is Crappie Good to Eat?

Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation. 

When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.

Crappie Spawning 

Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch. 

Crappie Food 

Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes. 

Crappie Fishing 

Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large. 

Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:

Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion. 
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.

Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.

Fly Fishing for Crappie:

• Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
• The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
• Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.

Crappie Baits and Lures: 

• Spinners
• Pan-fish jigs
• Small crankbaits
• Insects
• Worms
• Streamer flies
• Small minnows
• Nymphs

White Bass

White Bass (Morone chrysops) Fish Description

Also known as Sand Bass or Silver Bass, the White Bass is a member of the Moronidae or Bass Family.

As its name suggests, the White Bass is primarily colored silvery-white to pale green. Its back is darker, but its belly and sides are white. The White Bass has narrow and dark stripes along the sides of its belly. It has rough scales that are distinctively big; it possesses two dorsal fins. Its body is compressed laterally.

To identify White Bass, look for a lateral line with around 51 to 60 scales. This species also has dorsal fins numbering 12 to 14; anal fin rays, 11 to 14; pectoral fin ray, 15 to 17; and 20 to 25 gill rakers. Another characteristic of the White Bass is its prominent tooth patch near the tip of its tongue.

Diet and Size

As a carnivorous feeder, the White Bass has at least four favorite major diet options: the leptodora, daphnia, cyclopoid copepods, and calanoid copepods. White Bass are visual feeders who will readily bite any live bait especially minnows and worms.

The White Bass can measure up to 10 to 12 inches in length; some are even recorded to have reached 18 inches. Generally, they weigh up to 7 pounds.

Interesting Facts About the White Bass

• The White Bass is Oklahoma’s state fish.
• The White Bass has gained acclaim as a significant sport fish in Manitoba since it was introduced there in the 1960s.
• The White Bass has a “fake” spinous ray. It also has a homocercal tail.
• Female White Bass lay around 240,000 to 930,000 eggs; they spawn from mid-March to late May.
• One unusual mating ritual among the White Bass is how males bump against the female’s abdomen. After that, the female goes near the surface to begin spinning and releasing eggs.

White Bass — Fishing Techniques

The White Bass is very popular among recreational anglers; in fact, this is the fifth most favored species among licensed fishers from Texas.

Once you sight a school of White Bass, make sure to use spinners or spoons along the water surface to entice them. One other common method of luring them is by using bottom fishing at night; you can also utilize live bait.

You can use small jigs as artificial lures; a 1/8 ounce marabou jig should do the trick. For best results, use jigs that are black or white. If you go for soft plastic lures, try the tube bait, or a small jig head with a curly tail grub. One other lure you can utilize is a small jig packed with soft plastic swimbaits; you can have either the 1/8 or ¼ ounce jigs.

Be careful because White Bass are known to be aggressive fighters. However, this struggle may be worth it because of its exceptional taste.

Note that every state may have some regulations as to the size, length, and other factors related to capturing this fish.

White Bass Habitat and Distribution

The White Bass are fairly distributed in the US, especially in the Midwest. They are plenty around Lake Erie and Pennsylvania. Most of the White Bass population are native to Lake Poinsett, Detroit River, Arkansas River, the Great Lakes, and the Red River drainage. They also inhabit the lakes in Winnebago, Wisconsin and the rivers in Mississippi.

This species generally inhabits big rivers and shallow rivers, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. They are often found upstream where there are high densities.