Texas Gulf Coast Fishing Report: Trout, Reds, and More on the Bite

Howdy there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning fishing report for May 17th, 2025. Let's get right to what's biting around our beautiful Texas Gulf Coast.

Weather's looking decent today after those fronts we had this past week. Water's a bit stirred up, but the fish sure don't mind! Temperatures are sitting at a comfortable 76 degrees, which has got the fish mighty active. We've got light winds this morning, perfect for hitting the water early.

The trout bite has been absolutely on fire lately! East Galveston Bay is producing consistent trout action, especially around shell structure in 2 to 4 feet of water. Keep your eyes peeled for bait flipping on the surface - that's your sign the fish are nearby. If you don't see bait activity, best to move on after a few casts.

For tackle, I'm recommending lighter jig heads (1/16 to 1/4 oz) depending on wind and current. Those Wac Assassin's in Purple Haze without paddles have been performing mighty fine. Fish Smack Popping corks with a 1-2 foot leader above an artificial shrimp have been our top performers, getting about 70% of our bites. Give it a hard pop, wait 5-8 seconds, and hang on!

The topwater bite has also been excellent during early mornings and late afternoons. If you enjoy throwing walking baits, now's your perfect time to get out there.

For you surf anglers, the trout bite in the surf has been absolutely smoking the last few days. If you like wading with artificials, get out there and make it happen!

Down south at Port Mansfield, redfish are holding nicely in those back bays and flats with scattered grass. Mansfield Knockers have been producing consistently for those reds.

Hot spots to try this weekend: The Galveston jetties are good for sheepshead along the rocks with live shrimp. The beachfront surf is showing the first catches of speckled trout. Texas City Dike has been productive from beginning to end - you can catch speckled trout, redfish, and black drum, with occasional sand trout, gafftop and big croakers mixed in.

Live shrimp and finger mullet have been the best baits, but if you're aiming for those massive black drum or bull redfish, try using crab. The sheepsheads are showing up around structures too.

For you fellas heading to South Padre and Port Isabel, the trout are hitting good on those gas well flats. Live shrimp under a popping cork is your ticket there.

Spring is here, folks, and fishing will only get better as the water warms up. So grab your family and friends, beat the crowds, and get out on the water. Until next time, this is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and God bless Texas!