Gulfcast Fishing Report: Trout, Reds, and Drums Biting Hot on the Texas Coast

Howdy there, fishin' folks! Artificial Lure here with your Gulf Coast Texas fishin' report for this fine Sunday morning, May 18, 2025.

Let me tell ya, the action's been hotter than a jalapeno on a Texas summer day! Water's a bit stirred up from those fronts we had last week, but the fish don't seem to mind none. We're seein' water temps around 70-76 degrees, which is just perfect for what's bitin' right now.

The trout bite has been on fire, especially in East Galveston Bay where they're hittin' hard on shell structure in 2 to 4 feet of water. Keep your eyes peeled for bait flippin' on the surface - that's your dinner bell right there! If you don't see activity, best move on after a few casts.

For tackle, go light with your jig heads - 1/16 to 1/4 ounce dependin' on wind and current. Tails without paddles are performin' best, with Wac Assassin's in Purple Haze bringin' in consistent action. But I'll tell ya what's really been the ticket - them Fish Smack Poppin' corks with a 1-to-2-foot leader above an artificial shrimp. Give it a hard pop, wait 5 to 8 seconds, and hang on!

Early birds and sunset chasers, don't forget your topwater baits. The walkin' baits are crushin' it during those magic hours. And if you like throwin' your line in the surf, grab them artificials and get to wadin' - the trout are practically jumpin' into folks' coolers!

Over Texas City way, the Galveston jetties are good for sheepshead along the rocks with live shrimp. The beachfront surf is startin' to produce them speckled trout, and oversized black drum are still being caught at the jetties and Texas City Dike on live halved crab.

Hot spots? Y'all gotta try the surf right now - it's been on fire the last few days. For wade fishin' with artificials, hit the Texas City levee or anywhere along the dike from start to finish. Portal Connor area continues to shine for trout, and those back lakes are comin' alive with the higher tides we're seein'.

Redfish and black drum are showin' up nice in Galveston, Trinity, and East Bay. Most folks are usin' live shrimp fished on or near bottom over shell or hard bottom. If you're after them massive bull reds or big ugly drum, switch to crab.

The flounder action's been good in the bayous and guts on the Southshore West Bay while wadin' with Gulps - best action's early mornin' as those flatties pull up shallow overnight.

So grab your gear and get out there, folks! The spring bite is just gettin' warmed up, and there's plenty of fish to go around. This is Artificial Lure signin' off - tight lines and God bless Texas!