• Originally published May 21, 2008 at 3:44 p.m., updated May 21, 2008 at 3:44 p.m.

This week, under bright skies and a warm 90-degree thermometer, many anglers made their first wet wade of 2008.

Wading wet is significant, not just because you no longer have to don cumbersome waders, but for the warm water temps that jump start the late spring and summer fishing season. As temperatures creep skyward, warm-water species creep closer to inland waters.

Already, lukewarm currents have deposited fresh speckled trout recruits in the surf and around jetties. Waders coaxed hearty specks from the gulf near San Luis Pass and Matagorda last weekend as a north wind flattened the surf. Reports from Port Aransas and Corpus Christi echoed the same sentiments.

Expect it to only get better as temperatures rise (beach water temperature was 80 degrees Wednesday afternoon).

If you would rather fish out of the boat, the Sabine Pass, Galveston and Port O’Connor jetties are great locales. Work parallel to the granite rocks and toss your favorite baits. She Dogs, Top Dogs, Super Spooks, soft plastics, live shrimp and croaker work great. Work inside the jetty on the outgoing tide and outside the rocks on the incoming tide. Impressive catches were taken last week at every jetty as green tides inched closer to shore.

In East Galveston Bay, wade Rollover Bay near Rollover Pass. Cast into the deep channel there and let the current work the bait. Popular offerings are tandem-rigged Little Fishies, DOA Shrimp and white MirrOlures. Little Pasture Bayou, right around the corner, is a solid spot as well.

The Bolivar Pocket is a protected wading area close to the Galveston Jetty that can be accessed on foot. High tides push baitfish on the flats and the trout are not far behind. Topwaters and live shrimp under a popping cork work well. Many eight-pound and larger trout has been duped in this area.

San Luis Pass in West Galveston Bay is the most-accessed pass area in Texas. The area consistently coughs up fresh fillets. However, the area consistently takes at least one life a year due to strong currents. Wear a life jacket in the area and take precaution before wading. If the outgoing tide is too strong, retreat to shallower water.

Live-baiters use shrimp under a popping cork or finger mullet while pluggers toss MirrOlures, Catch 2000s, soft plastics and topwaters.

Mitchell’s Cut near East Matagorda Bay can be reached by car from Sargent. Bull redfish and large trout hang out here and use the deep channel to access the bay and Gulf. Deep guts along the beach are perfect ambush points for trout at high tide. Work the beach with live shrimp, spoons, topwaters, Bass Assassins, Sand Eels, Corkies and DOA Shrimp.

The mouth of the Colorado River in Matagorda holds fish around the jetty. Likewise, the end of the rocks is a good spot for bull redfish. Casting topwaters along the rocks score large trout, too. The west side of the jetty is rarely fished, but the locals know it holds plenty of spotted fins, especially if you bait your hook with croaker or live pogies. Use the same techniques around the Port O’Connor jetty and nearby Pass Cavallo.

During the next three months, never rule out any patch of sand, grass, shell or gut in the gulf or in close proximity to the ocean. The warmer the tides, the more fervent the fishing.

Bink Grimes is a freelance writer, photographer, author and licensed captain. Contact him at binkgrimes@sbcglobal.net or www.binkgrimesoutdoors.com.

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