Mansfield Report: March 2026
Greetings from Port Mansfield! With one of the best months for catching big trout approaching, I find myself thinking back to the day my clients and I landed our all-time heaviest specimen. Over the years, we’ve had an eleven-pounder in January, two ten-pounders in March, and a ten-pounder in April…but zero double digits coming in the fabled month of February. I’m not saying it couldn’t happen; it just hasn’t happened for me—yet! Based on my limited experience with double-digit trout, it is my opinion there is likely no wrong month between January and April.
I base a majority of the “recipe” on the weather. The stars must align exactly right, and there are so many little variables that can play a role. From cold snaps, bait, tides, fishing pressure, and being in the right place at the right time…and maybe a smidgeon of luck?
The best definition of luck is when opportunity meets preparation. That is pretty much how I view it. My intention in mentioning this is to encourage anglers to consider the multitude of minor factors that could improve their chances of landing “the one.”
As far as this trophy trout season goes, and as of this writing, 9.5 pounds at 31.25 inches is the best we have done. No complaints, though, because that is a real fish right there—although still a half-pound shy of the coveted 10-pound mark. To further bolster the claim that we’re having a solid year, we have also encountered a few nine-pounders and several more in the 6- to 8-pound range. Our fishery is in really great shape—albeit with the sprinkling of slow days you’ll always have to deal with.
As Port Mansfield rises as the top fishing spot along the Texas coast, I quickly discovered that news of where big fish are staging in the Lower Laguna Madre spreads rapidly to every angler that owns a rod and reel. Just recently, we have seen small areas of the LLM become jam-packed with dozens of anglers and no room for another boat. I have seen it before, but not like this. Some are even leaving the dock hours before sunup in the bitter cold just to get to the spot and then “wait it out” all day. There is something to be said about the dedication and drive of anglers like that, and I tip my hat accordingly. Those days still live within me; I just pick my best option based on the scenario.
Now, not complaining, but this level of motivation has pushed me to simply find other areas within the 255 square miles of the Lower Laguna Madre to locate fish. It is a strategic play out there, and I have come to realize that to catch big trout, the absolute best thing to accomplish is to first be on big fish. Then, refrain from blasting it all over social media and cherish your zone for as long as you can. It may last a few days, a week, or two at best, but it sure is nice while it lasts. If you are lucky, the fish will fade away and you can take notes as to when and why they were there, then repeat the process the next time those same variables align. If word gets out, your best strategy will be to be the first seeking the next best spot.
As winter marches on, I am still playing the topwater game—so much so that I continue to learn more about water temperatures during which trout will willingly attack a surface lure. I am now reporting big trout (and little ones) eating topwaters in 56-degree water. That said, it seems best when the temperature is rising, not falling. I used to claim 60–62 degrees as the cold-water limit, but not anymore. If the conditions are right and the water temperature is on the increase from 56 degrees, I will at least be trying a topwater.
As March approaches, we can expect excellent heavyweight opportunities. It is time to capitalize on warming trends and low-lying depressions in the bay floor that have reliable current. This time of year, you can bet on wind-driven current almost daily.
Our best fish of late have come on Mansfield Knockers, Ball Tail Shad, and the Wig-A-Lo. For the record, that 31.25-incher came on a Mansfield Knocker. For soft plastics, use Plum/Chartreuse in tinted water and Bone Diamond in clear or trout green.
Until next time, fresh is better than frozen.
