Seasonal Fishing in Texas: What to Target and When

Whether you’re fishing the lakes of East Texas or casting into a coastal bay near Rockport, knowing when to go and what to target is half the battle. This seasonal guide breaks it down for both freshwater and saltwater anglers, so you can fish smarter all year long.

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🌸 Spring: The Spawn is On

Freshwater Targets:

• Largemouth Bass

• Crappie

• White Bass

• Sunfish

Saltwater Targets:

• Speckled Trout

• Redfish

• Sheepshead

• Black Drum

Spring brings life to the water. In lakes and rivers, fish move shallow to spawn. Along the coast, warming waters pull trout and redfish back into the bays. Sheepshead and black drum are thick near jetties and bridges.

Hot Tip:

• Freshwater: Throw soft plastics for bass on beds, or jig minnows for crappie near timber.

• Saltwater: Live shrimp under a popping cork is a killer setup for trout and reds this time of year.

 

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☀️ Summer: Go Deep or Go Early

Freshwater Targets:

• Catfish

• Hybrid Striped Bass

• Deep-Water Largemouth

• Bluegill

Saltwater Targets:

• Redfish

• Speckled Trout

• Shark

• Flounder

Texas heat sends both fish and fishermen looking for cooler water. In freshwater, go deep or fish at night. On the coast, early morning wades or night fishing under lights can be hot—literally and figuratively. Surf fishing for sharks and bull reds is also prime in the summer.

Hot Tip:

• Freshwater: Drift or anchor in deeper holes for catfish with cut bait.

• Saltwater: Wade the flats early or fish the surf with cut mullet for redfish and shark action.

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🍂 Fall: Feeding Frenzy

Freshwater Targets:

• Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth)

• Crappie

• White Bass

• Catfish

Saltwater Targets:

• Redfish (Bull Reds)

• Speckled Trout

• Flounder

• Spanish Mackerel

Fall is feast time. In freshwater, predators chase shad and baitfish into the backs of coves. Along the coast, the Fall Flounder Run is legendary, and bull reds stack up in passes and surf zones.

Hot Tip:

• Freshwater: Use shad-imitating crankbaits and spinners around bait schools.

• Saltwater: Fish tidal drains and cuts with soft plastics or finger mullet. Live bait is deadly during the fall run.

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❄️ Winter: Slower but Still Worth It

Freshwater Targets:

• Catfish

• Deep Water Crappie

• Striped Bass (Below Dams)

Saltwater Targets:

• Redfish (deep holes & power plant outflows)

• Sheepshead

• Black Drum

Winter doesn’t shut down the bite—it just changes the game. On inland waters, deep brush and ledges hold crappie and cats. In saltwater, structure and warm outflows are key. You’ll also find big black drum around bridges and deeper channels.

Hot Tip:

• Freshwater: Slow down with finesse rigs. Vertical jig brush for winter crappie.

• Saltwater: Target deeper channels or outflow areas with crab, shrimp, or cut bait for sheepshead and drum.

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🎣 Year-Round Gear Note

No matter where you fish, adjust your approach with water temps, tides, and weather. Coastal fishing can change with a front or tide swing—just like lake fishing changes with a cold snap or flood.

👉 And when it’s time to cook up your catch? Try a coastal favorite: grilled redfish with lemon butter and a sprinkle of BBQ by Biggs SPG Gold All Purpose Seasoning. It’s clean, smoky, and made for fish.

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Final Cast

Texas offers year-round action from the lake to the gulf. Learn the patterns, fish the seasons, and you’ll be in the sweet spot more often than not. Whether you're tossing a soft plastic for bass or soaking shrimp for reds, there’s always something biting in Texas.

🎣 Got a favorite seasonal spot or fish story? Share it in the comments—I want to hear where and when you’re reeling 'em in!

 

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