Fishing Report: Trout and Reds Biting Across the Texas Gulf Coast

Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning fishing report for May 23, 2025, straight from the Texas Gulf Coast. If you’re headed out today, you’ve got some good opportunities ahead—let’s break it down. Tides have been running higher than average lately, bringing in lots of fresh Gulf water, and that’s really lighting up the bay systems. This morning’s sunrise came around 6:24AM, and sunset will be right about 8:13PM, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to fish those changing water levels. Water temps are in the mid to upper 70s, which has everything from speckled trout to redfish feeding actively. Winds have been a little up and down with a persistent southerly push, but nothing too rough to scare off a good bite[1][2][4]. Trout action is heating up especially in East Matagorda Bay and down across the mid-coast into Rockport. Anglers are finding solid specks over shell and grass, especially around Brown Cedar Flats and open water reefs. On the flipping tide, look for trout to be sitting off the reefs and shell in four to six feet of water. Early morning topwater bites have been solid—think Spook Juniors and Skitter Walks—but as the sun climbs, switch to soft plastics like Bass Assassins, Down South Lures, and Little Johns. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the deadliest ticket if you can get your hands on some fresh bait[2][5]. Redfish are pushing up shallow in the marsh drains and grass flats, especially around Port Mansfield and the back lakes near Port O’Connor. The outgoing tide pulls shrimp and baitfish through those guts, and reds are waiting to ambush. Cut mullet, ballyhoo, and Mansfield Knockers are producing well. You’re also going to find some nice bull reds and sheepshead working the south jetties if you want to soak some bait off the rocks[4][5]. Flounder are showing up in the guts and bayous, especially early in the morning. Gulps in chartreuse or pink will get that flattie bite when you’re fishing along the south shorelines of West Bay or around the drains in the back lakes[5]. If you’re looking for some hot spots, I’d check out Brown Cedar Flats in East Matagorda Bay for trout, Super Flat near Port O’Connor, and the Port Mansfield back lakes for redfish. Don’t forget Allens Bite and Shadrock Cove if you’re working the Corpus area—those tidal currents are bringing the fish in. Long story short, fishing is steady up and down the coast right now. Bring a few popping corks, a pocket full of plastics, and keep an eye on the moving tides. Remember—the bite’s best as that water moves, so time it right and you’re in for a good day. Tight lines! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.