Dana's Cove 
January 28th, 2012

Day Trip:

Dana Cove, located in Galveston Island State Park east of Carancahua Cove and past Butterowe and Oak Bayous, has a firm bottom for wading and is known for holding school-size trout as well as larger trout and redfish. Like other West Bay coves, it is best fished on a strong incoming tide. Cast to the grassy points along the bayou, where flounder will hold.Work the outside points and move out to the flats on the outgoing tide. Trout and redfish will target bait fish holding on the points on outgoing tides. your kayaks will get you to prime spots around the neighboring coves. Note: this is a great location and time of year to go for a tropy trout. This bay system has numerous guts and some deep water areas (4-7 feet). The average temperature is in the high 50's or low 60's this time of year.

 

Skill level: Paddling distance is approximately 1 mile and to the  far shoreline of Dana's Cove is about 2 miles. Depending upon the wind conditions, there could be a strong wind in our face to return to the launch. There is protected water along the South shoreline and in Lake Como. Fishing the piers and bulkheads in Lake Como can also be productive. If the weather is cold, this may be the preferred strategy.

Special Conditions: Paddling in the Winter requires special care being given to clothing and safety. Keeping dry and warm should be priority one when choosing your clothing. Layers and breathable fabrics are the key. Avoid 100% cotton, choose fabrics with high percentages of man made fibers designed to allow perspiration to pass through. Don't forget to wear warm headgear, ear protection and hand protection. Warm ears and fingers will prolong your stay on the water and increase your enjoyment. As always, your pfd is a must.

 Michael Emshoff, click here to email, 713-305-1643

 Saturday January 28, 2012 9:00 am until mid afternoon. Weather and winds will dictate time. Check for updates prior to the event.

If you want to go, contact the trip leader (or sign up at a monthly meeting) and provide: name, email address and phone number (preferably cell phone). or Register for a PACK login account and then use the Auto Enroll link above to automatically have your name added to the list below.

From Galveston Island: Take San Luis Pass Rd. Turn north on 13 Mile Road, Launch from Pirates Cove Marina, public boat ramp. Parking is available on the road side, be careful to observe no parking signs and private property. An alternative launch could be Galveston Island State Park. It will be a slightly longer paddle to Lake Como,but will launch close to Dana and Carancahua Coves.

See Standard PACK List for items to consider for any PACK outing

Important items:

• VHF Radio for communication and emergency contact
• First Aid Kit 
• Lunch, Water, snacks
• Kayak Drift Sock 

Recommended guidelines for participates:

• Make sure trip leader or an officer has your emergency contact
• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns
• If inexperienced, then buddy up. Make sure the trip leader knows your experience level
• Communicate with the trip leader, if you are unsure of your skill level required
• Member dues are current
• Guests are invited to particpate
• Have performed deep water entries
• Cary a first aid kit
• Have a life jacket
• Have a VHF radio
• Inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.
• Sign in and sign out at the launch site. Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.

Recommended for Trip Leaders:

• Insures proper authorizations
• Secure sites
• Prepare emergency preparedness plan
• Keep abreast of weather conditions that might effect the trip
• Point out any potential area hazards
• Maintain a head count
• Have available a first aid kit
• Have a VHF radio

Expenses/Fees:

None for members, guests are required to sign the ACA guest form and pay a $5 fee for insurance purposes.
 

 

Drift or wade flats as water warms. Use soft plastics or suspending baits such as corkies or catch 2000's. Slow and slower presentation.

Concentrate on deeper water, guts, dark muddy bottom, and stained water. Pitching jigs to piers, pilings, and bulkheads may also locate fish in deeper water on cold days.

(We prefer for you to create a login account on this website so that you can have your name added to the auto register list below. If you don't have a registered login account on this website we can list your name here; please contact the trip leader to request your name to manually added. If you have a login account then use the enroll feature at the top of this page to become part of the auto enroll list below)

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