Texas Gulf Coast Fishing Report - April 19, 2025: Trout, Reds, and More Biting Steady

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your fresh-off-the-water fishing report for Saturday, April 19th, 2025, along the Texas Gulf Coast. We kicked off the day with sunrise at 6:53 AM and can expect sunset tonight at 7:57 PM. The weather is shaping up to be favorable for fishing, as high winds earlier this week have started to ease off, allowing for some clearer water in the bays and along the beachfront. Tide-wise, the recent pattern has fish holding deeper as water levels are a bit lower than last week, so focus your efforts in that 2-to-3-foot depth range near prominent grass and sand transitions. Ball Tail Shad and similar soft plastics are producing best when bumped slowly close to the bottom, especially around color changes where bait is gathering[1]. In the Lower Coast around South Padre, Port Isabel, and Port Mansfield, the water temperature is hovering around 70 to 77 degrees. Trout are plentiful right now, especially on the edges of the Intracoastal near Three Islands, Gas Well Flats, and north of the causeway. Redfish are feeding good behind Three Islands and Gas Well Flats, with bull reds stacking up by the south jetties. Mangrove snapper action is excellent at Brownsville Channel, mixed in with smaller black drum and sheepshead. Flounder are beginning to show up as well, a good sign for those drifting soft plastics or tossing Gulp near the bottom[1]. Heading up to the midcoast, reports around Texas City and Freeport indicate mixed bags this week. Several trips have yielded over 20 fish, primarily black drum, with a few slot reds and scattered trout making an appearance. While not every trip is loaded with trophies, persistence is paying off, especially for those willing to bounce live shrimp or cut bait along channel edges and marsh drains[4]. Best baits right now are natural colors and live or fresh dead shrimp, especially around jetties and deeper bay holes. Soft plastics and paddle tails in new penny, chartreuse, and white have pulled solid bites in clearer water. For redfish and drum, cut mullet or crab is still a winner, while trout are keying in on small shad imitations[1][4]. If you’re looking for hot spots, try: - Gas Well Flats and Three Islands near South Padre for steady trout and red bites. - The south jetties for bull reds and mixed snapper. - Texas City Dike for a shot at big drum and occasional slot reds, with flounder starting to show. The bite should stay steady as the water warms, but be mindful of the shifting tides and wind direction. Keep an eye on those deeper grass edges and take your time; fish are a little scattered but stay persistent and you’ll find a bend in your rod. That’s your April 19th update from the Texas Gulf—tight lines and good luck out there![1][4] This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.