The Texas coast is in prime summer form, and the first week of June is rewarding the wade fishermen. Speckled trout have set up on the deeper structure and the outside, redfish are working the flats, and the surf is clean and fishable. Here is the week ahead.
What’s Biting
Speckled trout are the headline, with solid fish holding over the deeper grass, the guts, and around the structure of the bays. Redfish are tailing and cruising the shallow flats and the shorelines. The surf, when it lays down clean and green, is producing trout, reds, and the first tarpon and jack crevalle. Flounder, black drum, and Spanish mackerel round out the mix from Galveston down to Corpus and the Lower Laguna.
Where to Find Them
Wade the deeper grass flats and the guts of the bays for trout — early morning is prime. Reds are on the shallow shorelines and the back lakes. When the surf goes green to the beach, work the guts off the sand for trout and reds. The jetties and passes hold reds, drum, and Spanish on the moving tide.
Tides & Conditions
Light morning winds and clean water are the key — get out early before the sea breeze builds and the surf gets churned. Water is in the low-to-mid 80s. Watch the wind forecast closely; a calm morning can turn the surf into a sight-fishing dream. Afternoons heat up and the bite slows.
Tackle & Tactics
For trout, wade and throw topwater early, then switch to soft plastics on a light jighead or live croaker as the sun climbs. Reds eat gold spoons, soft plastics, and cut bait on the flats. In the surf, work the guts with topwater and soft plastics. Fish the moving tide at the passes for the drum and Spanish.
This Week’s Tip
On a calm summer morning, watch for slicks — small oily spots on the surface where feeding trout have spit up bait. A fresh, grapefruit-sized slick means fish are feeding underneath it right now. Position upwind and work soft plastics through the slick before it dissipates.