Catch Reds, Trout, and More on the Texas Gulf Coast this January 16, 2025

Today, January 16, 2025, if you're planning to hit the waters of the Gulf Coast in Texas, here's what you need to know: ### Tides and Weather Tides are relatively normal to below normal, with a high tide at 1:04 AM and another at 8:08 AM, and low tides at 7:21 AM and 5:06 PM[2]. The weather is expected to be mild and sunny early in the week, with southeast winds ramping up to 15 mph before a front moves in later, bringing north to northeast winds and thunderstorms. By the weekend, it should clear up and be sunny again[1]. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 7:16 AM, and sunset is at 5:45 PM[2]. ### Fish Activity Redfish and speckled trout are active, especially during the early and late parts of the day. Redfish are tailing and podding up on small brown shrimp and sheepshead minnows. You might also catch some black drum, sand trout, and occasional sheepshead and flounder[1][5]. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Anglers are still catching plenty of redfish everywhere, along with some nice speckled trout. The surf is producing lots of reds and black drum, with occasional speckled trout and a few sharks, particularly around Gilchrist and High Island[5]. ### Best Lures and Bait For redfish, try using small hair bugs, gurglers, or poppers. Flats Buggs with double bunny tails or curl tails are highly effective, especially in calm conditions. Use 12' tapered leaders with 12# to 16# fluorocarbon tippet in clear water. Live shrimp and finger mullet are also excellent baits, especially for trout and redfish[1][3]. ### Hot Spots - **Bolivar Peninsula**: This area is on fire with redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. The surf here is particularly productive, especially towards Gilchrist and High Island[5]. - **West Galveston Bay**: Protected areas like Bastrop and Chocolate Bayous, along with the Hitchcock Diversionary Canal, are good spots for speckled trout and redfish[5]. - **East Matagorda Bay**: The Colorado River is holding a consistent bite for trout with artificials or live shrimp. Redfish can be caught wade fishing or drifting with artificials[5]. Remember to ease into the flats and avoid burning shorelines to keep the fish undisturbed. Also, be mindful of duck hunters and decoy spreads, especially during the second split of the Texas Waterfowl season which is open until January 26th[1]. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.