On any given weekend or summer night, the rocks of the Texas City Dike are covered with anglers trying to fill coolers with speckled trout, redfish, drum, and various panfish. All this and more are caught from these rocks during almost evvery season of the year. But, what if you’re interested in wadfishing? This area offers some of the best wading potential of any of the easy access spots. The shallows, approximately 50 yards off the left side of the Dike, are usually loaded with speckeld trout chasing schools of mullet. 
Mosquito Island lies within an easy wade in this area and many a speckled trout and redfish has been strung from this prime location. There are deep holes at both the north and south ends of the island. These deeper areas give trout and redfish excellent cover during extreme winter cold and summer heat. For the angler they narrow down the potential spots for trying his luck. Working the holes with shad or shrimp tail jigs is the most effective technique. Especially during the summer months these two holes offer boatless anglers one of their best chances of stringing a limit of reds or trout without having to cover a lot of distance. Slightly further east of the Dike, just off the levy which connects to the base of the Dike to be exact, is an area commonly refered to as the “Dollar Flats”. This is a huge flat which runs parallel and the full length of the levy all the way to the Mose’s Lake flood gates. This area, at times, is probably one of the hottest wadefishing spots on the entire upper Texas coast. It has easy access to deeper water and more than one 7 to 8 pound trout has found himself on the end of someone’s line while trying to catch a few mullet for lunch. There are two drawbacks to Dollar. The first is easily overcome, if you really want to catch fish. Access to the flats, on foot, is gained only by parking at the top of the levy and walking down the slope to the water’s edge. During the summer, especially after a long days fishing, this slope can appear as tall as Mount Everest. And the climb back to your car almost as hard as scaling a Mountain. The second is a little harder to overcome. Because of the shallow water and because this area can remain fairly clear all during the summer, it is a hit and miss proposition. Don’t get me wrong, Dollar Flats can be the finest wadefishing trip you’ve ever experienced. But when it’s not “ON” it can also be the worst. One trick that can help you turn a slow trip into something a little better is to be willing to change baits and your style of fishing. The flats in this area run fairly consistantly down the levy and are approximately waist to chest deep all the way. Topwater plugs work well here both early in the day and later into early evening. However, when the sun gets high in the sky the fish tend to leave the shallow water and move along the ledge that also happens to run parallel to the flats. When this happens simply switch to a shad or shrimp tail jig and work the edges of the dropoff. The Flats are wide open to the bay so even though you’re after speckled trout or redfish, you can expect to see an occassional jackfish roaming the area looking for a meal. Wear plenty of sunscreen, take a variety of lures, and cast with the wind at your back(Like that’s possible). Dollar Flats and Mosquito Island are both excellent wadefishing area for those anglers who may not have access to a boat. These areas are your best chance at landing a limit and the occassional trophy so good luck and good fishing.
– Texas Saltwater Fishing Guide
