If you're fishing the Texas Gulf Coast — from Galveston to Port Isabel — you've got access to one of the most exciting and diverse saltwater fisheries in the U.S. Whether you're after redfish, speckled trout, flounder, or jack crevalle, success comes down to location, timing, and having the right gear.
This guide will break down:
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✅ Best saltwater fishing spots in Texas
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✅ Must-have saltwater lures
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✅ Rigging tips and seasonal strategies
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✅ Recommended gear from Reely’s Tackle
Let’s get after it.
📍 Best Saltwater Fishing Spots in Texas
1. Galveston Bay System
Ideal for: Speckled trout, redfish, flounder
✅ Try wade fishing the flats around East Bay or kayaking near the marshes.
2. Matagorda Bay
Ideal for: Redfish, sheepshead, specks
✅ Look for oyster reefs and shallow backlakes—prime ambush points.
3. Port Aransas / Corpus Christi
Ideal for: Jack crevalle, trout, redfish, snook
✅ The jetties and surf here are on fire in the spring and fall.
4. Laguna Madre
Ideal for: Trophy trout, snook
✅ Fish grassy flats with topwater or slow-sinking soft plastics.
🎣 Best Saltwater Lures for Texas Fishing
🎯 1. Mulltrix™ Soft Bait
✅ Why it works: Imitates mullet perfectly.
✅ When to use: Clear water, early morning, light wind.
✅ How to rig: Weightless or on a 1/8 oz jig head. Twitch-pause-twitch.
🐟 2. Paddle Tail Swimbait
✅ Why it works: Kicks naturally on steady retrieve.
✅ Species: Redfish, trout, flounder
✅ Tip: Match the color to the water — darker for muddy, pearl/silver for clear.
🌊 3. Topwater Walker (Morning/Evening)
✅ Why it works: Loud, erratic, irresistible.
✅ Great for: Schooling trout, reds pushing bait.
✅ Retrieve: Walk-the-dog with pauses near bait pods.
🦐 4. Shrimp Imitation (Under Popping Cork)
✅ Perfect for: Calm marshes and backlakes.
✅ Technique: Let the cork sit, pop occasionally, and wait for the thump.
💡 Pro Tip: Always bring a backup rig — one for soft plastics, one for topwater — so you’re never wasting time retying during a bite window.
🧰 Rod & Reel Setup for the Coast
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Rod: 7’ Medium Fast Action
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Reel: 2500–3000 spinning reel
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Line: 10–15 lb braid + 20 lb fluorocarbon leader
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Tackle Box Must-Haves:
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Mulltrix™
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3" paddle tails
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Jig heads
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Topwater plugs
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Hook remover
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Pliers
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Sunscreen (trust us)
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🗓️ Seasonal Tips
| Season | Tip |
|---|---|
| Spring | Fish shallows + flats. Reds & trout feed hard. Use paddle tails and topwater. |
| Summer | Go early or late. Fish deeper channels mid-day. Use slow-sink plastics. |
| Fall | BEST SEASON. Fish schooling bait. Use flashy baits like Mulltrix™. |
| Winter | Downsize baits. Fish slowly. Work muddy flats for warmth. |
🛒 Shop the Gear You Saw Here
Want to fish the setups from this guide? Here’s what we recommend:
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Texas Inshore Combo Kit (Coming soon – stay tuned)
📬 Final Thoughts
Texas saltwater fishing is some of the most rewarding inshore fishing in the country. With the right lures, rig, and knowledge, you can consistently hook up and build confidence on the coast.
🎣 If you’re ready to upgrade your tackle game — or try new gear built for Texas anglers — head over to ReelysTackle.com and check out our top picks.