Saltwater fishing is at its best during fall. Most anglers will be keying on red drum, or redfish as they are known in Texas. As the weather cools, redfish begin schooling up in the bays, preparing to migrate into the beachfront waters of the Gulf of Mexico for their annual spawn.
Although this schooling activity occurs in every Texas bay system, the most popular areas for fall flats fishing are Port O’Connor and Rockport on the mid-coast and Port Mansfield, Port Isabel, and South Padre Island along the lower Texas coast.
As fall wears on, big, mature redfish – known as bull reds – will be commonplace in passes and beachfront waters from Port Arthur to Boca Chica Beach. Fall is also the best time of year to tangle with a tarpon or snook along the lower Texas coast.
Of course, all of the angling action won’t be on the coast. Lakes across Texas will also be seeing increased activity as the weather and water cools. All of Texas’ top bass lakes will be giving up good numbers of large fish as bass begin to move shallower during the fall. Some of the very best lakes to visit during fall are Lake Fork, Falcon Lake, and Choke Canyon Reservoir. In short, if you like fishing – freshwater or salt – you should make time to visit Texas in the fall. The Lone Star State offers world-class fishing year around, but fall is when it is truly at its best.
