Gulf of Mexico, Texas Fishing Report Today

Howdy there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning fishing report for May 10th, 2025. Let's dive right into what's happenin' on our beautiful Texas Gulf Coast.

Weather's giving us a bit of a mixed bag today with intermittent rain in the forecast and those light south-southeasterly winds we've been dealing with. Water temps are sitting pretty at about 76-77 degrees, which has the fish active and hungry.

The good news is fishing remains steady despite some wind challenges. If you're heading out to Port Mansfield, you'll find the redfish holding nicely in those back bays and flats with scattered grass. There's plenty of bait flooding the back bays and little drains. For those reds, I'd recommend trying Mansfield Knockers in the shallow flats - they've been producing consistently.

Trout fishing has been fair to good, particularly in deeper water along grass lines. Ball Tails and Junior Wigalo's have been your best bet for those specks. There's still some freshwater in the system from recent rains, but it should clear up soon.

Down at South Padre and Port Isabel, the trout are hitting good on those gas well flats. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the ticket there. Redfish are a bit spotty along the Eastside shoreline, but cut mullet and ballyhoo will get their attention. If you're headed to the south jetties, expect some nice bull reds and sheepshead.

For those willing to venture to the end of Brownsville Channel, you'll be rewarded with mangrove snapper, trout, and black drum. That area's been hot lately.

Crappie anglers are finding success in 4-6 feet of water using minnows and jigs. And if you're targeting white bass, they're moving upriver with some good action.

For you saltwater enthusiasts, the king mackerel bite has been steady offshore. Commercial landings show they're at about 59% of quota in the Southern zone for hook and line, which means there's still plenty to catch for us recreational folks.

Hot spots this weekend: I'd put my money on the gas well flats near South Padre for consistent trout action, and those back bays around Port Mansfield for redfish. If you can handle a bit more chop, the south jetties should produce some quality bull reds.

Don't forget your rain gear today, and remember to drain your boats when moving between waters to prevent spreading those zebra mussels.

That's all for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off and wishing y'all tight lines and bent rods! See you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Friday fishing report for the Texas Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s May 9th, and we’re seeing some classic spring fishing patterns play out. The sunrise came up today just after 6:30 a.m. with sunset expected around 8:05 p.m., giving us a nice long day on the water.

We've got big spring tides pumping fresh Gulf water into the bays, carrying baitfish in by the truckload. Water clarity is looking good in most inshore spots, with just a slight chop in the morning that settles out by midday. Winds are light from the southeast, hovering around 10 knots, making for easy drifts and comfortable wading. Temperatures today are in the mid to high 70s early on, heating into the mid 80s by afternoon. Expect a bit of humidity, typical for this time of year, but nothing that’ll keep you off the water.

Fish activity has been solid all week. In places like East Matagorda Bay, there’s been a strong bite in five feet of water over shell. The early morning topwater action has been the ticket for big speckled trout, with fish up to 5 pounds landed this week. Popping corks with live shrimp or GULP! baits are getting reliable strikes both over shell and along grassy shorelines. Soft plastics like Bass Assassins, Down South Lures, and MirrOlure Lil' Johns are also working, especially as fish drop into deeper water mid-morning.

Redfish are still cruising the shallow flats and back lakes, especially on the higher tides. The Port O’Connor back lakes are producing good numbers of slot reds and the occasional bull, especially around the grassy edges and drains. Flounder action has picked up in the guts and bayous, particularly at first light. Anglers wading the Southshore West Bay with Gulp Swimming Mullets have been getting steady bites from flatties pushing shallow at night and feeding in the early morning.

Recent catches have included limits of speckled trout and solid redfish, with a fair number of keeper flounder. No sign of those big spring sharks yet, but they’re not far offshore for those running out.

Your best bait right now is live shrimp under a popping cork, but don’t sleep on topwater plugs for that sunrise trout bite. For reds and flounder, chartreuse soft plastics, GULP! shrimp, and finger mullet are top producers.

If you’re looking for hot spots, give these a try: East Matagorda Bay around Brown Cedar Flats for trout, or the Port O’Connor back lakes for reds. On a low tide, hit the west end of East Matagorda Bay near Raymond Shoals for bigger fish. For a flounder fix, try the guts and drains on the Southshore West Bay at daylight.

That’s your report for today. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Wednesday fishing report for the Texas Gulf Coast, May 7th, 2025.

Folks, we're looking at a mixed bag of weather today with some scattered clouds and sporadic rain showers, so keep an eye on those skies. Water temperatures are holding steady between 70-76 degrees across most of our bay systems, creating prime conditions for some excellent action.

The tides have been alternating between two and four tide days, and today's higher morning tides are pushing fresh Gulf water into our bays, bringing in new recruits of fish. This morning's sunrise was around 6:30 AM, and we're looking at sunset near 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

Speckled trout action remains strong throughout the coast. East Matagorda Bay is producing some arm-length specks, especially around Brown Cedar Flats during these higher tides. If you're heading to West Matagorda, those grass beds along the south shoreline are holding fish, with the dingy water surprisingly producing more bites than the clear stuff.

Redfish are biting well in Redfish Bay and San Antonio Bay, with water temps at a perfect 76-80 degrees. Over at Texas City, anglers are scoring nice reds along with black drum, with some massive bulls in the mix if you're using crab for bait.

For lures, GULP under a popping cork remains the gold standard, but Bass Assassins, Down South Lures, and MirrOlure Lil' Johns have all been producing. Those Texas Custom Corkies have been deadly for the Rockport crowd, scoring trout up to 5 pounds.

Live bait fishermen are cleaning up with fresh shrimp and finger mullet. If you're targeting the big catfish, fresh-caught shad on the bulkheads is absolutely on fire right now.

Hot spots to check out today include Allen's Bite and Super Flat, where the incoming tidal channels are pushing in fresh recruits. Shadrock Cove and Corpus Christi Bay are also worth your time. For flounder enthusiasts, the bayous and guts on the South Shore of West Bay have been productive during early mornings.

For you largemouth bass folks, the recent rains have drawn down some muddy water, but the back lakes are still producing. Try frogs, lipless crankbaits, and Texas-rigged grubs.

Remember folks, our bays have come a long way since that killer freeze back in 2021. If you hook into one of those monster specks, snap a quick picture and let her swim away to fight another day.

This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines and stay safe out there on the water. Don't forget that kill switch!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, anglers! This is Artificial Lure bringing you your Monday fishing report for the Texas Gulf Coast on May 5th, 2025.

Folks, we've got a mixed bag of weather today with cloudy skies and sporadic rain showers, but don't let that keep you off the water! Between those rain bands, we've got some prime fishing windows. Water temperatures are sitting right around 70-76 degrees across most bay systems, creating ideal conditions for our spring patterns.

Tides are alternating between two and four tide days, and these weather changes are triggering high fishing activity. Water levels are above normal in many areas, pushing fresh recruits of fish from the Gulf into our bay systems through those channels.

Redfish action remains GOOD throughout Redfish Bay with water temps at 76 degrees. Over at San Antonio Bay, fishing is GOOD with water at 80 degrees. Sabine Lake is FAIR at 67 degrees, while Bolivar is GOOD at 70 degrees. Trinity Bay is running FAIR at 76 degrees.

Speckled trout fishing has been exceptional, especially in East Matagorda Bay where anglers are connecting with some true trophies. Remember, those big mama trout are precious resources - snap a photo and let 'em swim! The east end around Brown Cedar Flats is holding more fish when tides are high, while the west end near Raymond Shoals has been producing bigger specks during low tide periods.

Hot spots to check out: Allen's Bite and Super Flat have been holding quality fish lately. Shadrock Cove and Corpus Christi Bay are producing well with all this new water pushing onto shallow flats. For wade fishermen, the grass beds along the south shoreline of West Matagorda Bay are holding clean water, though don't overlook those dingy water areas - that's where most fish are hanging.

Flounder action is picking up in the bayous and guts on the South Shore of West Bay. Best flounder fishing has been early morning as they move into shallow water overnight.

For largemouth bass, recent rains have drawn down some muddy water, but the back lakes are still producing. They're snapping on frogs, lipless crankbaits, and Texas-rigged grubs.

Bait and lure report: Live shrimp under a popping cork is the go-to producer, with finger mullet also working well. For artificial lovers, GULP, Bass Assassins, Down South Lures, Hogies, and MirrOlure Lil' Johns have all been effective. Early morning topwater action has been steady on the flats. If you're after big drum or bull reds, grab some crab.

That's it for today, folks. Remember to wear your kill switch, take care of our fishery, and I'll catch y'all on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Sunday fishing report for the Texas Gulf Coast, May 4th, 2025.

Folks, we've got some alternating weather patterns today, with clouds and sporadic rain showers, but don't let that keep you off the water. There are plenty of dry spells between the winds that'll give you some prime fishing opportunities.

Water temperatures along the coast are sitting pretty between 70-80 degrees, just right for active feeding. The tides are interesting this weekend - we've been seeing alternating patterns between two and four tide days, which has been triggering some excellent fish activity with these weather changes.

The reports coming in from across the coast have been mighty encouraging. Speckled trout fishing has been on fire, with some anglers in East Matagorda Bay landing specimens as long as your arm. Remember folks, with those big ones, it's smile, snap a photo, and release. Our trout population is still recovering from that 2021 freeze, and it's good to see Texans taking care of our resources.

Redfish action has been steady, with Redfish Bay and the Bolivar area reporting GOOD conditions. Black drum are also making a strong showing, especially around structures and piers in the Texas City area.

For you bass enthusiasts, largemouth are snapping in the back lakes. They're hitting frogs, lipless crankbaits, and Texas-rigged grubs. The catfish bite is literally on fire on the bulkheads if you're using fresh-caught shad.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out Allen's Bite and Super Flat, where the big tides are pouring in from the Gulf bringing fresh recruits. Shadrock Cove and Corpus Christi Bay have been producing well with all that water pushing onto the shallow flats. For flounder enthusiasts, the bios and guts on the South Shore of West Bay have been productive, especially early morning as those flatties pull up shallow.

Bait-wise, live shrimp and finger mullet have been the ticket, but if you're targeting those monster black drum or bull reds, try using crab. For artificial enthusiasts, GULP under a popping cork has been deadly, along with Bass Assassins, Down South Lures, and MirrOlure Lil' Johns. Texas custom Corkies and mirror softs along the sand and grass have been scoring trout up to 5 pounds.

For wade fishermen, the grass beds along the south shoreline of West Matagorda Bay hold clean water when the south wind kicks up above 15 knots, but don't overlook those dingy water areas - that's where most of the fish are hiding.

That's your report for today, May 4th, 2025. This is Artificial Lure reminding you to always wear your kill switch and take care of our waters. Tight lines, y'all!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Saturday fishing report for the Texas Gulf Coast, May 3rd, 2025.

We’re rolling into May with spring patterns holding strong, and the bays are coming alive after those heavy rains in April. Water temperatures are sitting pretty in the mid to upper 70s, ideal for stirring up feeding activity. Expect partly cloudy skies and a mix of spotty showers through the weekend, so pack your rain jacket just in case and check the forecast before heading out. Today’s sunrise was right around 6:35 AM and sunset will be about 7:55 PM, so you’ve got a full day to get on the bite.

Let’s talk tides. We’re seeing some good movement with alternating two to four tide swings this week, which should keep fish active, especially right after a tide change and during those early morning and late evening windows.

Recent catches have been solid all around. Speckled trout are showing up in strong numbers across Galveston, East Matagorda, and the upper coast bays. There’s word of big trout being caught in East Matagorda Bay, especially around Brown Cedar Flats and Raymond Shoals. Wading those grass beds and sandy guts on the south shoreline is producing, particularly when the water’s a little off-color. Wade fishing from the dike in Texas City continues to be a reliable option.

Redfish are cruising the shorelines, especially around the Galveston Jetties and in the marsh cuts. The bull reds are still hot at the Galveston Jetties and can be caught on live finger mullet or big chunks of crab. Black drum are hanging around deeper structure and piers, and the sheepshead are sticking close to pilings and rock formations. Catfish are on fire up the rivers and bayous if you’re looking for a change of pace.

For bait, live shrimp under a popping cork is the ticket for most species right now, but those working artificial lures aren’t left out. GULP! swimming mullet, Bass Assassins, Down South Lures, Hogie’s, and MirrOlure Lil’ Johns are all putting fish in the boat. Lipless crankbaits and Texas-rigged grubs are working for bass up river too. If you want to chase a monster black drum or bull red, throw out a hunk of crab or cut bait.

Hot spots to try today: East Matagorda Bay around Brown Cedar Flats, wading the south shoreline grass beds, and the Galveston Jetties for those bull reds and drum. For shoreline and easy access, wade the levee or anywhere along the Texas City dike.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be another strong spring day on the water. Good luck out there, keep an eye on the weather and tides, and remember to handle those big trout with care if you’re lucky enough to catch one.

Tight lines from Artificial Lure!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your Gulf of Mexico Texas fishing report for Friday May 2nd 2025. The sun rose at 6:39 AM and will set around 8:01 PM today giving everyone a nice long window on the water. With water temps running in the mid to high 70s most bays and nearshore areas are prime right now.

Recent rains have pushed some fresh water into the bays and up the rivers but the east and coastal side of most bays remains salty and productive. Tidal activity is up riding two to four tide swings this week which always boosts fish movement and bite patterns. Cloudy skies and patchy rain are in the mix so check the latest updates before launching. Winds have been from the southeast bringing some good current flow especially in guts and channels.

Fishing action has been strong across the Galveston complex down through Port Mansfield and into the Lower Laguna. Best reports are coming on speckled trout redfish and black drum. In Texas City anglers have been scoring daily on speckled trout and reds right from the dike and nearby wade spots. Sheepshead are tight to structure like piers and jetties. The occasional sand trout and croaker are mixed in and there have been some big gafftop and bull reds if you soak bigger baits.

Live shrimp and finger mullet are the go to baits for trout and reds. Fresh caught shad is dynamite for catfish up the rivers and crab will tempt a big drum or bull red. Artificial lures are working too with soft plastics on light jigheads and topwaters producing at first light or on overcast mornings. Try a bone or chartreuse Super Spook for explosive trout action and switch to darker paddle tails once the sun is high.

Hot spots to circle on your map today include the levee and dike at Texas City for a mixed bag wade the north shoreline of East Bay for trout and reds or hit the guts east of Port Mansfield where fresh and salty water meet and current is strong. Sabine Lake is putting out a fair catch though water is a bit off color. Redfish Bay is another good bet with steady action on trout and reds as temps hover around 76.

Overall spring fishing is rolling strong in Texas and now is the time to get in on the action. Stay safe out there keep an eye on changing weather and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Gulf Coast Texas fishing report for this fine Wednesday morning, April 30th, 2025.

Let me tell y'all, the fishing has been steady despite them pesky winds we've been dealing with. Water temps are sitting pretty at about 75-77 degrees all along the coast, which is just right for some excellent action.

The weather today is showing scattered rain with cloudy conditions. We've been seeing alternating tide patterns with some days having two tides and others having four. Those high activity days with weather changes have been Thursday and Friday, so keep that in mind if you're planning a weekend trip.

Redfish have been holding strong in the back bays. If you're looking to hook into some reds, I'd recommend heading to the Texas City area along the levee or anywhere from the dike. Wade fishing has been particularly productive from beginning to end of the dike.

Speckled trout action remains good, with black drum also biting well. Folks are also pulling in some sand trout, gafftop, and some mighty fine croakers as a bonus. If you're structure fishing, them sheepshead are hanging around piers and other structures.

For bait, live shrimp and finger mullet have been the ticket for most species. If you're after them monster black drum or bull redfish, try using crab. That's been working wonders.

For you artificial enthusiasts (my namesake, after all!), try frogs, lipless crankbaits, and Texas-rigged grubs in the back lakes. The largemouth have been snapping at those presentations.

Hot spots this week:

1. Texas City Dike - wade fishing here has been absolutely on fire

2. The jetties for redfish if you can handle a bit of chop

3. Back lakes for largemouth bass action

For you brave souls wanting to head far offshore into the Gulf, there's been reports of swordfish for the taking, but you'll need to travel a good ways out.

Catfish action is heating up on the bulkheads using fresh caught shad. That bite is literally on fire right now.

Just a friendly reminder, with all these winds, be safe out there and always wear your kill switch!

That's all for now, anglers. Remember, a bad day fishing still beats a good day at work. This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

This is Artificial Lure coming to you with the latest fishing report for April 23, 2025, from the Texas Gulf Coast. We've got prime spring fishing underway, and it's shaping up to be a great week for anglers hitting the water from Galveston down to the Coastal Bend.

Weather at sunrise this morning was mild, starting in the mid-60s with temperatures expected to rise into the mid-70s by afternoon. Skies are mostly clear, and a steady southeast wind is giving a nice drift over both the flats and deeper bay waters. Sunrise was at 6:56 AM, and sunset will roll in at 7:47 PM, so you've got plenty of daylight to put those lines out[5].

Today’s tidal schedule around Galveston has a low tide at 3:42 AM and a high tide peaking at 11:12 AM, then another low at 5:13 PM before a late high at 7:54 PM[5]. Expect the strongest fish activity to coincide with those incoming tides, especially around reefs, jetties, and grass flats.

Fishing action is lively in most bays—East Galveston Bay's water clarity is good, especially on the south shoreline, with shell beds in 2 to 3 feet of water holding solid numbers of speckled trout, along with a mix of redfish and flounder. Redfish Bay and San Antonio Bay are both reporting strong bites, with water temps running from the upper 60s to 80 degrees[1][2][3].

Speckled trout and redfish have been reliably caught wade fishing along the Texas City dike and the Bolivar Peninsula. Live shrimp and finger mullet are top baits, but for those working artificial, small topwater plugs and twitchbaits are getting the job done, especially around grass or sand pockets near the shoreline[1][2][3][4]. The Sand Eel soft plastic in dark with a bright tail is an old standby that’s performed well lately[3]. If you’re targeting the jetties, sheepshead are gathering and hitting live shrimp around structure, and black drum action has also picked up[2][5].

Other notable catches include pompano, jack crevalle, and even a few early sharks reported around the jetties. Catfish are active up the rivers and creeks, especially on fresh shad, and gar are plentiful as well[2].

For hot spots today, try the shell beds along the south shoreline in East Galveston Bay and the Texas City dike for a mix of trout, reds, and black drum[1][2]. The jetties are also solid for sheepshead and redfish, with occasional runs of big drum and sharks[2][5].

Overall, it's a great time to be on the water. Best bets are live shrimp, finger mullet, and topwaters or twitchbaits early and late in the day. Tight lines and good luck out there!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Gulf of Mexico, Texas fishing report for Monday, April 21, 2025.

Sunrise hit at 6:48 AM and sunset is expected at 7:56 PM, so you have a good stretch of daylight for chasing your favorite catches. We’re enjoying typical April weather along the coast with temperatures ranging from cool mornings in the upper 60s to highs around the mid-70s by afternoon. Winds have been up this week, which has dropped water levels a bit and pushed fish into deeper pockets. Water temperatures are holding steady in the low to mid-70s depending on your bay, with readings from 70 degrees in East Galveston Bay and South Padre to about 77 in Port Mansfield[1][5].

Tidal movement today is moderate and paired with the winds, you’ll want to target color changes and structure with 2-3 feet of depth, especially near scattered grass and sand bottom where trout and redfish are staging[1].

The bay systems are turning on right now. Good numbers of speckled trout are coming off the edge of the intercoastal around Three Islands, Gas Well Flats, and north of the causeway in the lower Laguna Madre and South Padre area. Redfish are thicker behind the islands and in similar flats. The south jetties are holding bull reds, and the end of Brownsville Channel is giving up excellent mangrove snapper, mixed in with black drum and sheepshead[1].

East Galveston Bay has seen moderate clarity and trout are more active, especially near deeper holes and on the flats over shell. Redfish have been a bit scarce in the super skinny marshes, but you can still pick some up around the drains with patience[5].

On the artificial side, Ball Tail Shads worked slow and steady along the bottom are catching both trout and reds in Port Mansfield. In Galveston Bay, light-colored imitation shrimp lures or Rat Tail soft plastics under popping corks, with a pop and slow reel retrieve, are producing the majority of strikes for trout and the occasional red[1][5]. Deadly Dudley Rat Tails, WacAttack Flukes, and any natural shrimp imitation are strong bait choices right now[5].

If you’re looking for action hot spots, try the following:

- Gas Well Flats and Three Islands area for trout and slot reds in South Padre/Port Isabel

- The edge of intercoastal and north of the causeway for consistent trout bites

- Flats over shell and deeper holes in East Galveston Bay for trout and a mixed bag, especially during incoming tide

With the warming trend, fish activity should keep picking up in the days ahead. Good luck and tight lines from your local expert, Artificial Lure.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.