Mansfield Report: July 2026
Greetings from Port Mansfield. Summer is already in full swing, and fall will be here before you know it. We still have a few hot months ahead, but it is hard to believe that somehow July is already here.
July brings a few things to mind, especially a crowded bay system that has me focused more on enjoying time on the water and catching quality fish. Of course, we still aim for big fish, and I position my groups each day in areas that believe give us the best opportunity, but heavy boat traffic and fishing pressure can definitely affect our choices and our chances.
The best approach to July fishing is starting a little earlier in the calf-deep, and then as the day progresses, you simply follow the fish toward belly-deep water. It’s an easy pattern, and a proven one at that. With wind on the lighter side, I like to hit shorelines and windward points early, and you can bet topwaters will be my first choice. As the day unfolds, I typically switch to a KWigglers Wig-A-Lo if I’m still fishing shallow and will eventually end up chunking a Ball Tail Shad if I end up deeper. Keep in mind, if I am catching fish on topwaters early and the bite remains steady, I will likely stay with the surface lures all day. Never force a change just to change if you are catching fish. I have seen anglers many times wanting to move just to say they did, despite being in fish.
Winds should also be on the lighter side in the mornings, and undoubtedly water clarity will be nearly pristine. I cannot help but point out deep water grass lines in 3-5 feet of water will also hold quality “box” trout, along with the occasional “kicker” trout. Anglers who elect to remain in the boat and drift-fish and those who like wading neck deep can and will catch fish, but that is just not my game anymore. Shallow water fishing is what I enjoy the most.
Snook will also be a targeted species this month and with a little luck we will be able to have a few shots at them. Every year is a little different as I have been tracking them now going on for seven years. Just when I think I have figured out where they will be, they shift patterns for reasons I cannot explain. Generally speaking, they do not move too far and often they can be right around you and you don’t even know it. Patience and years of fishing for them are key, with patience being by far the most important component. I have also learned that once located they will hold in the same area for a week or so and then will move on to stage in another area. The opportunity is brief, so when it comes you need to make the most of it. Last season we had between thirty and forty hookups with about half of those resulting in landings. Biggest last season was a ten pounder but most averaged 3-6 pounds.
Speaking of snook, this month’s cover photo is Mrs. Catie Davis showing off her best snook to date, and you guessed it, a Mansfield Knocker was the lure that did the trick. Catie really does not know any other lure, as she explains that a topwater is like a bobber with hooks. Congratulations to my bride for landing a nice south Texas Snook.
As this month progresses into the next, expect hot conditions across the bay, with water temperatures nearing 90°. As noted earlier, the best approach is to start early in shallow water and then move deeper as the day wears on. This tried-and-true pattern should continue to produce reliable results.
In closing, I will be heading to ICAST in Orlando this month with my good friends from Fishing Tackle Unlimited and the owners of this fine magazine. FTU meets with manufacturers to learn what is coming next in the fishing industry, from rod components and reels to sunglasses and apparel. You can count on them to find and order the latest products for their stores in Houston and Katy, Texas. I will share more as I learn it.
Until next time, remember fresh is better than frozen.
