Good morning, anglers! This is Artificial Lure bringing you your Monday fishing report for the Texas Gulf Coast on May 5th, 2025.
Folks, we've got a mixed bag of weather today with cloudy skies and sporadic rain showers, but don't let that keep you off the water! Between those rain bands, we've got some prime fishing windows. Water temperatures are sitting right around 70-76 degrees across most bay systems, creating ideal conditions for our spring patterns.
Tides are alternating between two and four tide days, and these weather changes are triggering high fishing activity. Water levels are above normal in many areas, pushing fresh recruits of fish from the Gulf into our bay systems through those channels.
Redfish action remains GOOD throughout Redfish Bay with water temps at 76 degrees. Over at San Antonio Bay, fishing is GOOD with water at 80 degrees. Sabine Lake is FAIR at 67 degrees, while Bolivar is GOOD at 70 degrees. Trinity Bay is running FAIR at 76 degrees.
Speckled trout fishing has been exceptional, especially in East Matagorda Bay where anglers are connecting with some true trophies. Remember, those big mama trout are precious resources - snap a photo and let 'em swim! The east end around Brown Cedar Flats is holding more fish when tides are high, while the west end near Raymond Shoals has been producing bigger specks during low tide periods.
Hot spots to check out: Allen's Bite and Super Flat have been holding quality fish lately. Shadrock Cove and Corpus Christi Bay are producing well with all this new water pushing onto shallow flats. For wade fishermen, the grass beds along the south shoreline of West Matagorda Bay are holding clean water, though don't overlook those dingy water areas - that's where most fish are hanging.
Flounder action is picking up in the bayous and guts on the South Shore of West Bay. Best flounder fishing has been early morning as they move into shallow water overnight.
For largemouth bass, recent rains have drawn down some muddy water, but the back lakes are still producing. They're snapping on frogs, lipless crankbaits, and Texas-rigged grubs.
Bait and lure report: Live shrimp under a popping cork is the go-to producer, with finger mullet also working well. For artificial lovers, GULP, Bass Assassins, Down South Lures, Hogies, and MirrOlure Lil' Johns have all been effective. Early morning topwater action has been steady on the flats. If you're after big drum or bull reds, grab some crab.
That's it for today, folks. Remember to wear your kill switch, take care of our fishery, and I'll catch y'all on the water!