So long as you are properly dressed and equipped winter days wade fishing often yield some of the most incredible catches of the year.

Story and photography by Danno Wise

Once the winter chill sets in, the coastal fishing community becomes somewhat fractured. One group of inshore fishermen simply stack their rods in the corner and wait for warmer weather. Another group picks the sunniest, warmest winter days to drift the bay or anchor up on deep channels and reefs. Yet another group of anglers has been anxiously awaiting winter weather. This group of fishermen dons waders and get in the water on some of the ugliest weather days of the year.

The type of behavior described in the third group is typically linked to light-tackle anglers who are seriously searching for jumbo speckled trout. However, winter wade fishing can be quite a boon for all of the Texas Big 3 inshore species for those who are willing to do it.

Winter weather itself is a major limiting factor when it comes to the number of fishermen willing to wade.  Many others have the want-to but aren’t confident enough in the how-to part to give it a try.

There are indeed a number of ways winter wade fishing is different than other types of fishing or even wade fishing at other times of year. However, the learning curve doesn’t have to be dramatically steep. In fact, anglers wanting to get in on winter wade fishing need only know a few basics in order to have a safe, comfortable and productive day on – or rather in – the water.

So, for starters, the question that is often asked: Why wade in winter? Well, in short, it allows you to easily adapt to a variety of winter weather conditions. Wade fishermen are able to move slowly and (relatively) silently in the often choppy, windy conditions, which will push drifting boats too fast and cause too much hull slap on anchored boats.

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