Gulf of Mexico Fishing Report: Redfish, Trout, and More Biting Strong as Spring Heats Up

Good morning anglers! Here's your latest fishing report for April 13, 2025, covering the Gulf of Mexico around the Texas coast. The weather this morning is starting cool, with temperatures in the mid-60s, but expect highs to climb into the mid-70s by afternoon. Winds remain steady from the southeast, which should give anglers a consistent drift over the flats and bays. Sunrise was at 6:56 AM, and sunset will be at 7:47 PM, making for a full day of fishing opportunities. The tide schedule around Galveston shows a low tide at 3:42 AM and a high tide peaking at 11:12 AM. A second low tide will occur at 5:13 PM, followed by a high tide at 7:54 PM. These tidal changes should bring strong feeding periods, particularly near reefs, jetties, and grass flats. Fishing activity is heating up as we move deeper into spring. Redfish are biting well along shallow flats, with cut bait and live shrimp proving effective. Trout have been active in 3 to 4 feet of water, especially when drift-fished with live shrimp under popping corks. The jetties are productive too, with sheepshead and slot redfish readily hitting live shrimp. Anglers along the jetties are also reporting catches of pompano, jack crevalle, and even a few sharks. In Galveston Bay, black drum and sheepshead are being caught along old pier pilings and spoil islands using live bait. Hot fishing spots include the Galveston jetties and Umbrella Point, where trout and redfish have been actively feeding near reefs and shell beds. Waders targeting West Galveston Bay and Trinity Bay have also had success with artificial lures, such as soft plastics in peppered pumpkin or natural hues. Another promising area is Matagorda Bay, where smaller baitfish schools have been attracting trout and reds, especially near shorelines with submerged grass. For lures, try Flats Buggs in natural colors like Gotcha or Rust for shallow flats, and soft plastics such as Texas Trout Killers or Down South Burner Shads in silver flash near areas of bait activity. Early in the morning, topwater lures like Skitterwalks or Super Spook Juniors in bone or Speckled Trout colors are great for targeting active redfish and trout. Gold or copper spoons, such as the Johnson Silver Minnow, are also excellent for redfish in murky waters or along jetty rocks. Live shrimp remains the top bait, backed by years of anglers’ success, and it’s versatile enough to target everything from trout and redfish to sheepshead and flounder. You can also mix in cut bait, such as mullet, to attract bull reds and other bottom feeders. With warming waters, steady tides, and active fish, today promises to be a great day to get out and reel in a few trophies. Tight lines! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.