A Seasonal Guide to Bay Fishing in Coastal Texas
Bay fishing in Texas offers anglers a full calendar of opportunities. From the warming waters of spring to the trophy hunts of winter, each season brings its own patterns, target species, and techniques. Whether you’re fishing out of Port O’Connor, Rockport, or Matagorda, understanding seasonal changes can make a big difference in your catch rate. More about Fishing Guides in Port O’Connor
Spring is when the bays come alive. As water temperatures rise, baitfish return and predator species begin feeding heavily. Redfish move onto grassy flats, speckled trout gather near deeper guts and oyster reefs, and black drum begin their spawning activity in bay passes.
During March and April, trout are often found near the mouths of rivers and in deeper channels. Live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics on jig heads are effective. Redfish tend to school on warm mud flats and marsh drains. Target them with gold spoons or paddle tail lures worked slowly along the bottom. Spring is also a great time to wade, especially during calm mornings with incoming tides.
In May, the action heats up. Flounder begin showing up along sandy drop-offs and back lakes. Anglers should focus on marsh drains, where outgoing tides push bait out into feeding lanes. Live mud minnows or gulp baits on jig heads are a good bet for catching flounder during this time.
Summer brings long, hot days and a shift in behavior for many inshore species. Trout move toward deeper, cooler water, especially during midday hours. Early mornings and late evenings become prime times for topwater action. Walk-the-dog style plugs like the Super Spook Jr. can draw explosive strikes from trout and redfish during first light.
Redfish continue to cruise the shallow grass flats and edges of marshes. Look for tailing fish or wakes in skinny water and cast soft plastics rigged weedless or live shrimp under corks. Flounder are still around but can be more scattered, often holding near structure or drop-offs where bait gathers.
Due to high temperatures, July and August can be challenging, so anglers should prioritize low-light conditions, strong tidal movement, and deeper water. Fishing near the Intracoastal Waterway, passes, and deeper reefs can yield solid trout and drum. Drift fishing over shell bottom with soft plastics or live croaker can be especially productive.
Fall is considered by many to be the best time for bay fishing in Texas. Water temperatures cool, baitfish schools grow thick, and game fish go into feeding mode ahead of winter. Redfish begin schooling in large numbers, especially near passes and tidal lakes. This is the time for epic battles with bull reds near jetties or shallow flats.
Speckled trout numbers increase, and many larger fish return to shallower waters, especially during early fall cold fronts. Topwaters and suspending twitch baits are excellent choices. Flounder fishing also peaks during fall as they prepare for their Gulf migration. Outgoing tides near marsh drains, channels, and sandy flats become flounder highways.
October and early November are prime time for targeting the Texas Slam—catching a redfish, trout, and flounder in one outing. Anglers using soft plastics, live shrimp, and scented jigs have the best chance of achieving this coveted catch.
Late fall also brings excellent black drum fishing near deeper bay channels. These fish are less aggressive but respond well to dead shrimp or cut bait fished on the bottom.
Casual anglers can overlook winter, but it offers some of the best chances at trophy trout and consistent redfish action. Big trout often stage in deeper holes, channels, and warm water outflows. Fish slowly and low with suspending baits, soft plastics, or live mullet near structure.
Redfish remain active, particularly on sunny days when they move onto muddy flats to warm up. Midday sight fishing can be productive when the water is clear and the wind is calm. Flounder become scarce due to migration, but black drum and sheepshead are available around shell piles, pilings, and jetties.
Weather becomes more of a factor during winter, and cold fronts can quickly shift fish locations. Targeting protected areas with stable water temperatures is key to finding fish during these months.
Each season in Texas bays brings its own challenges and rewards. Successful anglers know how to adjust their strategy based on weather, tide movement, water clarity, and seasonal fish behavior. Staying flexible and observing current conditions will always beat relying on outdated patterns.
Booking a guided trip with a local expert is the best way to fast-track your seasonal fishing success. Captain Wes Bodden of Lured Out in Port O’Connor, Texas, knows how fish behave in every month of the year. Whether it’s topwater trout in the spring, redfish on the flats in summer, or flounder runs in the fall, Wes helps anglers make the most of every trip.
Call Captain Wes Bodden today at (325) 315-8345 to plan your seasonal bay fishing charter and experience the best that coastal Texas has to offer—no matter the month.
