I am sure we have all read a ton of magazine articles about snapper fishing in the winter. And If you have visited this years boat show you've seen all those sow snapper sitting on ice with their big eyes beckoning you to their off shore waters. From Sabine Pass to Port O'Connor, Matagorda to Laguna Madre, pick any one of the many of Texas bays if they have access to open water you will see the massive rush of fishermen heading to those special offshore fishing locations. And waiting there with open fins will be those much sought after game fish species The Red Snapper!! Winter time is prime snapper season along the gulf coast and for good reason. This time of year with the fronts few and far between the gulf takes on the appearance of an inland bay. Gone are the 5 - 6 ft. seas of the previous seasons and it's not uncommon to witness near glass like conditions all the way out to those snapper holes. Even us dingy captain are able to make our way out to the double digit offshore destinations without having fear Mother Nature wrath of washing machine action seas. If you've been putting off that offshore trip cause of the water conditions, you'll find plenty of days this time of year to make that much awaited fishing expedition.
Snapper love structure, reefs, oil rigs, old shell platforms even channel markers make good starting off points in search for these made to order fillets of the ocean. Jigs, spoons, and rigs baited with squid are just some of the favorites when trying to hook up with these gourmet delights of the gulf. Usually found hanging in schools around shell pads of underwater structure just off the bottom. Hanging into one of Texas most sought after species will usually be followed by many more appreciated hook ups with his brothers and sisters. Just be certain when going after a snapper dinner to be sure to bring along plenty of ice and a Jethro Boudin style ice chest. This will especially come in handy when you happen across a school of the extra large variety of snapper more commonly known as Sow snapper. These big mamas of the gulf will feed a family of four with their delicious fillets and still have leftovers for the family cat.
So enough with the excuses, and make the trip on out to those rigs you have seen off on the horizon during those countless trips to the jetties. This is the primo time of year to just keep that throttle down and make your way out to the big boys playground offshore. There are plenty of snapper out there to go around. And once you have loaded the fish box with these delicacies of the gulf. You will finally find out what all the rush when you see those 30 foot yachts racing out through the passes during the spring. Just be sure to make a note of your compass readings when setting sail for those unseen destinations. Unless your boat is named the S.S. Minnow, and your fishing partner is Gilligan. If that is the case then go ahead and enjoy your three hour tour!!!!