Get to the Ditch

Get to the Ditch

The Land Cut is the premier spring fishing hotspot on the lower coast, offering anglers the ultimate out-of-the-wind option.
Story and Photography by Nate Skinner

Springtime typically means that anglers will have to contend with wind — a lot of wind. And as far as the Texas coast is concerned, it seems the further south a person travels the windier it gets. If the massive stretches of wind turbines littered across south Texas terrain aren’t enough proof, all it takes is looking at the marine forecasts for lower coast bays to realize gusty conditions are the norm.
When I first began fishing along the lower coast, planning a trip with favorable conditions initially appeared to be an impossible task. Having spent my entire life on deep and unprotected upper coast bays, a wind prediction within 5-10 knots had become the regularly desired scenario.
However, it was quickly apparent that scoring a calm day further south was sort of like winning the lottery. Wind velocities at 10-15 knots are considered light, as afternoon gusts on the lower coast regularly topped 20 knots.

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