Mid-Coast Bays: July 2025

Imagine waking early for your fishing trip. Instead of gusty winds it's quiet outside, with only the muffled sounds of night creatures. There is no wind at the moment, allowing sounds that are usually drowned out by the wind to be heard clearly. Summertime fishing patterns are now in full swing on the Mid-Coast. While the spring winds provided relief from rising temperatures they also caused physical exhaustion and limited the areas we could fish. Early summer days are appreciated for their calm conditions on the open waters.

Characterized by its diverse estuary systems, tidal flats and rich marine ecosystems stretching from the Matagorda bays to Corpus Christi, the Texas Mid-Coast offers some of the finest shallow water fishing opportunities in the state. Even with all the Mid-Coast has to offer, San Antonio Bay outshines all others due to the myriad oyster reefs that stretch across its expanses of open water. These natural structures are fish magnets, providing ample forage and shelter for hundreds of marine species as well as ambush points for predators such as redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The reefs themselves are living structure teeming with life.

Fishing oyster reefs and adjacent spoils areas requires an ever-mindful approach. They can be unforgiving with sharp edges and potentially steep drop-offs. Navigational tools such as printed maps and GPS devices are essential for exploring. While most of the reefs are shown on up-to-date GPS programs; the size, depth and shape of reefs can change from year to year due to powerful storms that sweep the region. Use caution if venturing to an area that you are not familiar with. Trolling motors and depth finders are great tools for learning an unfamiliar reef.

Wading allows anglers to get close to fish on shallow reefs. Although reefs may host many schools of trout, wading often works better for finding scattered fish. Dangling live shrimp from popping corks just above the reef often yields great results. Artificial lures worked along the edges of humps and drop-offs can also entice strikes.

I prefer lightweight tackle setups; Waterloo’s HP Lite and Bass Assassin soft plastics for redfish and speckled trout. The HP Lite is designed for the avid artificial anger whose lure selection includes soft plastics, small to medium topwaters and spoons. Built on high-modulus graphite blanks, the HP Lite is suitable for 1/8- to 1/2-ounce lure weights.

The Bass Assassin 3.5-inch Lit’l P&V soft plastics have lately become a top choice due to being scent-infused and their excellent imitation of smaller bait fish and shrimp. Always wade slowly and try to minimize noise. On numerous occasions, steady bites have ceased due to anglers approaching too hastily and causing disturbances through excessive movement and the crunching of shells underfoot.

Wading the reefs in San Antonio Bay is one method, while others may prefer to stay in the boat. Drifting over the reefs and focusing on drop-offs allows anglers to cover a wide area quietly.

Sandy, main bay shorelines are currently producing good catches, particularly larger trout and redfish in sand pockets of solid grassy areas. While these pockets can provide excellent ambush points for game fish, they can also be challenging to fish, because of the surrounding grass. Try a 1/2-ounce weedless spoon or Texas-rigged plastics to negate the grass problem.

July brings long, sunny days and warm waters to the Mid-Coast. Fish tend to seek cooler spots like edges of deeper water during the heat of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are usually the best times as cooler temperatures encourage active feeding.

For all fishing trips this summer I encourage quality, lightweight and breathable clothing, like that from Southerly Fishing Gear. Jellyfish are plentiful, so long pants are advised for wading. Quality eyewear like Costa Del Mar provides enhanced visibility for spotting fish in the shallows. Stay hydrated with plenty of non-alcoholic beverages while on the water. There’ll be plenty of time for a celebratory cold one back at the dock.

I would also like to offer a few words on conservation. The reduction in the trout daily bag limit from five fish to three several years ago is aimed at insuring the sustainability of the fishery for the future. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release, especially if you already have fillets in the freezer.

The Texas Mid-Coast is a treasure trove of shallow saltwater fishing opportunity. Whether you're an experienced fisher or a newcomer to the pastime, come see what the Mid-Coast can offer you.