Texas Gulf Coast Fishing Report: Trout, Reds, and More Biting Despite Finicky Weather

Howdy there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday morning fishing report for May 21st, 2025. Let me tell y'all, we've been dealing with some finicky weather lately along our Texas Gulf Coast, with sporadic rain showers mixed in with some dry periods. Today's looking similar with cloudy conditions and them winds giving us fits, but don't you worry - the fish are still biting! Water temps are sitting pretty between 75-77 degrees throughout the coast, which is just right for good action. The tides are alternating between two and four tide days, so check with your local bait shop for the specifics in your area. Speckled trout fishing has been GOOD across the board. They're hitting live shrimp under popping corks real nice, especially on them gas well flats. If you're throwing artificials, your favorite soft plastics are working well in the flats and along grass lines. Ball Tails and Junior Wigalo's have been producing consistently in deeper water. Redfish action remains GOOD but spotty. They're holding in back bays and flats with scattered grass. Mansfield Knockers have been best in shallow flats, while cut mullet and ballyhoo are your ticket along the Eastside shoreline. Some bull reds are showing up at the south jetties too. Black drum are steady, and if you're after them big ones, try using crab for bait. Sheepshead are hugging structures and piers, while mangrove snapper are good at the end of Brownsville Channel. For you freshwater folks hitting the Houston area, largemouth bass are snapping on frogs, lipless crankbaits, and Texas-rigged grubs in them back lakes. The catfish bite is literally on fire on the bulkheads if you can get some fresh caught shad. Hot spots this week: Texas City Dike has been producing daily for wade fishermen from beginning to end. Redfish Bay is showing consistent action. Port Mansfield back bays are holding good numbers of reds. South Padre gas well flats are your best bet for solid trout action. Remember, with all this rain we've had, there's still some freshwater in the system, but visibility is improving daily. Live shrimp and finger mullet have been the best natural baits across the board. Y'all stay safe out there, wear your kill switches, and remember to drain your boats when leaving the water to prevent them zebra mussels from spreading. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and bent rods till next time! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.