Wade fishing is how many of the Coastal Bend's best anglers catch big trout and reds. It's quiet, it puts you close to the fish, and it's dangerous if you're careless. Here's what to know.
Stingrays
Stingrays bury in the sand on the flats, and stepping on one hurts. Prevent it:
- Do the stingray shuffle: slide your feet along the bottom instead of stepping. Rays swim away when they feel you coming.
- Wear stingray guards or ray-proof wading boots, especially from spring through fall.
- If you're stung, soak the wound in water as hot as you can stand (without burning yourself) and get medical care. Wounds can get infected.
The bottom
- Soft mud can trap your feet. Know the bottom before you go and avoid deep mud along marsh edges.
- Guts, channels and drop-offs can go from knee-deep to over your head in a step. Never wade deeper than your waist.
- Oyster shell cuts. Wear boots, never sneakers or bare feet.
Weather
- Lightning is the biggest danger. A wading angler is the tallest thing on a flat. Get out at the first thunder.
- Fronts can bring sudden 25-knot winds and rising or falling water. Check the forecast and radar before you go.
- In winter, cold water drains body heat fast. Wear breathable waders and layers.
Gear that matters
- Wading belt with a stringer, pliers and a lure box. Keep your stringer on a long line behind you; sharks follow it.
- Inflatable PFD on your belt or suspenders.
- A phone in a waterproof case, and tell someone where you're wading.
- Polarized sunglasses so you can see the bottom, rays and fish.
Wade with a buddy
Stay within shouting distance, and agree on a time to meet back at the boat or truck. If you're new to wading, book a trip with a wade-fishing guide first.