Casting bubbles along for the ride
Although they can be found in practically every tackle shop in America, many Texas coastal anglers aren’t quite sure what to do with them.
However, there are a handful of fishermen along the state’s coastal curve that have figured out these simple little devices can go a long way towards increasing a day’s catch.
For those who haven’t seen them — or maybe didn’t know what they were looking at — a casting bubble is an oblong, translucent ‘bubble’ that closely resembles a bobber. There are two types of casting bubbles: adjustable and non-adjustable.
A non-adjustable casting bubble is fitted with an eyelet on each side and is tied 'inline' at a predetermined distance above a lure or bait. This type of casting bubble floats and is used to add casting distance to an otherwise weightless or lightly weighted lure or bait.
Since it is made from clear or translucent colored plastic, it is not as noticeable to fish in shallow or clear water. "This time of year (January through February) I fish exclusively with live shrimp," said mid-coast guide Capt. Marvin Engle. "I usually free-line them, but sometimes I’ll throw them with a bubble just to be able to cast a little further. Sometimes, especially when it’s windy, you have to cast too hard and end up throwing the shrimp off the hook. A bubble adds weight and makes it easier to throw." Adjustable casting bubbles, on the other hand, can be made to float or sink at various rates. This adjustment is made by filling the bubble with varying amounts of water. The less water, the higher it floats and vice-versa.
Using 'filled' casting bubbles is particularly useful when trying to fish natural baits on or near the bottom in shallow, clear water. "When we’re fishing mullet for redfish, we’ll usually free-line them," said Port Aransas guide Capt. Clark Miles. "But, I’ll add a bubble if I need to get them down a little."
Although bubbles are most often used in conjunction with natural baits, they can also be paired with artificial lures and flies. Soft-plastic jerkbaits, rigged weedless, are particularly well-suited for fishing behind bubbles. However, one underutilized, but extremely effective method of employing a casting bubble, was actually pioneered on trout streams, but translates well to bay fishing. "There are times when flies will catch more fish than lures on our bay," said Lower Laguna Madre guide Capt. Steve "JR" Ellis. "But, not everybody can throw a fly rod. So, you can tie a fly behind a casting bubble and a guy with a spinning rod can do the same thing. All he has to do is cast the weight of the casting bubble and the fly goes along for the ride. It’s a great way to fish around the potholes." No matter how you choose to use them, these clear oblong oddities definitely deserve a place in every tackle box on the Texas coast. While they may not be right for every situation, there are plenty of instances where they can be a real difference maker.
