Mansfield Report: September 2025

Greetings from Port Mansfield! Our daily winds finally began to calm during late-July and early-August. This was expected in late June but for whatever reason never occurred until recently. As this started to unfold you could just tell fishing was going to get better. Simply put, the change in the wind provided opportunity to target areas that were just unfishable since early spring, with only isolated exceptions. Now that we have more opportunities, it is time to execute.

With light and variable winds, I will be working on what used to be windblown spoils and shorelines, targeting small groups of redfish and isolated big trout that frequently cruise those zones. Recently, we were working a point that transitioned onto an ultra-shallow grass flat, and as the water was fading from the flat big trout between 26-30 inches were holding in sand pockets right on the ridge. Every now and again you would see a huge wake push shallow in just inches of water where they were chasing the small bait fish that were also coming off the flat. I stood in one spot and made several attempts to get a strike but only one trout followed my Wig-A-Lo for about two seconds and then turned away. I think what it boiled down to was that they simply were not eating at that moment. It was like they wanted to eat but would not.

When encountering schools of redfish, it’s easy to get excited and toss your topwater or soft plastic right into the middle of them. Sure, you will likely hook one, but you have probably also “blown out” the rest of them, leaving yourself just that one shot. I would like to point out instead; consider tossing your lure on the outer perimeter of every group of redfish you find. Two things – you may very well catch a monster trout that often cruises the outer edge of these small schools – you may also be able to hook a red and pull it away from the group, giving you opportunity to catch one or two more before they break up completely. I know I have mentioned this in the past but friendly reminders never hurt.

Snook have also started to show themselves along with a few tarpon. Recently, I just happened to be watching a pod of mullet near the East Cut when out of nowhere a three-foot tarpon exploded and went airborne right through the middle of the mullet school. We were lucky enough to have been looking at the right place at the right time. Just in case you were wondering, I immediately tossed my soft plastic in the spot but no such luck…this time…

Floating grass has become more manageable since the winds have backed down and we are still taking care of business on Mansfield Knockers. Even in the middle of the day we are finding success. Topwaters also tell you a few things; it will be pretty clear if they are eating, and secondly, if they are not eating and just swirling or slapping the lure you can quickly shift gears and get busy with plastics. Between “tops” and “tails” you should be able to make something happen.

Water levels are relatively low, which is normal this time of year, and the water quality is excellent. As of late we have fantastically clear water flowing in from the gulf which is adding to our salinity and overall water quality. I have also noticed more grass growing in areas that used to just have patches here and there. That is a good thing for sure.

Small and large schools of redfish will be showing themselves along the flats as we move deeper into August. The greatest concentrations will be closer to the East Cut. Flounder activity will also increase along drains and ditches, and as of late I have kicked up some big flounder along sandy spoil islands.

Topwater action will undoubtedly start to fire up, especially after the first hint of fall. That said, I will be excited to witness many blowups as we move through September. Another thing worth noting is the fish will start to roam shallower which is good news for those of us who wade. In closing, this fall season is shaping up nicely so prepare yourselves accordingly.