November 2025 — South Padre Island: Flounder migration, trophy trout building in Laguna. November is a late fall month with water in the 66-74°F range — flounder peak; seatrout in deeper grass; first cold fronts. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — November 2025
Primary targets this month: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead.
Redfish
Peak fall redfish action. Target the Lower Laguna Madre flats, the Land Cut, the Arroyo Colorado, Cullen’s Bay, the South Bay, and the shorelines of Padre Island National Seashore. Bull reds (28″+) push into passes and inlets during the mullet run. Cut mullet, finger mullet, gold spoons (Johnson Sprite), and soft plastics on jigheads all produce.
Speckled Trout
Trout gathering in the Lower Laguna Madre (some of the best trout fishing in Texas), Baffin Bay (just north), the Land Cut, Mexiquita Flats, and the spoil islands. Larger fish (gator trout 20″+) hold in deeper potholes. DOA CAL Shads, MirrOlure Lil John, MirrOdine suspending baits, and live shrimp under popping corks. Slow the retrieve in cooler water.
Flounder
Peak flounder migration. Fish staging at the Brazos Santiago Pass, the South Bay channels, the Arroyo Colorado, and the surf in fall before pushing out to spawn. Bucktail jigs (1/2 oz, white, chartreuse) tipped with Berkley Gulp! 4″ swimming mullet or live mud minnows. Drag baits SLOW along bottom. Inlet and pass mouths on outgoing tides.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are stacked for the winter/early-spring spawn. Target the Brazos Santiago Pass jetties, the bridge structure, and the bay channels. Fresh fiddler crabs and live shrimp on a #1 or #1/0 octopus hook with minimal weight. Bites are subtle — set on the slightest tap. Vertical jigging tight to structure produces best.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 66-74°F. Flounder peak; seatrout in deeper grass; first cold fronts. South Padre tides are minimal (typically 1 foot or less) — wind dominates the Lower Laguna Madre. South winds push water in and concentrate bait on the windward flats; north winds drop water and concentrate fish in the deeper holes. The Brazos Santiago Pass moves real tidal current and fishes best on outgoing tide.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Mullet run. Massive bait migrations trigger feeding frenzies — every predator follows. Target inlets, passes, and beach troughs.
- Topwater dawn. Fall coolness extends the topwater window — walk-the-dog baits produce explosive strikes.
- Front timing. 24 hours before a cold front is typically lights-out; the day after is often slow as fish reset.
November Outlook
Late fall — final striper runs, flounder migration peaks, first sustained cold fronts.
Regulations Reminder
Redfish: 18-27″ slot, one per angler per day (verify FWC zone-specific rules). Seatrout/Speckled Trout: FL: 15-19″ slot, 3 per day (verify zone). TX: 15-25″ slot, 3 per day. LA: 12″ minimum, 15 per day (verify current). Sheepshead: 12″ minimum, 8 per day (FL). Flounder: 14″ minimum, 5 per day (FL). State-specific elsewhere. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: South Padre Bait & Tackle, Jim’s Pier (South Padre — bait & guide service), Sea Ranch Marina pro shop, El Capitan (Port Isabel).
Public Boat Ramps: Jim’s Pier (South Padre), Sea Ranch Marina, South Padre Convention Center ramp, Brownsville Yacht Basin, Port Isabel Marina.
Charter Fishing: $450-$700 inshore (Lower Laguna flats); $700-$1,000 nearshore/jetties; $1,400-$2,500 offshore (rigs, deep snapper).
More South Padre Island Resources
South Padre Island Fishing Guide · South Padre Island Seasonal Calendar · All South Padre Island reports →
Reports updated every Thursday on fishing.digital.