Date: May 28, 2025 Overall Conditions: Weather in late May is typically warm and humid, with water temperatures continuing to rise. Winds can vary, so always check the marine forecast before heading out, especially for offshore trips. Tides are a crucial factor; consult local tide charts for optimal fishing times.
Inshore Fishing Report
Overview: The inshore bite around Port Aransas, including areas like Redfish Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Lydia Ann Channel, should be active. Warmer waters generally mean more active fish.
Target Species & Tactics:
- Redfish: Expect good numbers of redfish on the flats, around oyster reefs, and along mangrove shorelines. Sight-casting opportunities can be excellent on calmer days.
- Baits: Live shrimp under a popping cork, cut mullet, menhaden, or crab.
- Lures: Soft plastics (paddle tails, shrimp imitations) in natural colors, gold spoons, and topwater plugs during early morning or late evening.
- Speckled Trout: Trout will be found over seagrass beds, in channels, and around jetties. Early mornings and late afternoons are often prime times.
- Baits: Live shrimp (free-lined or under a cork), croaker, and pinfish.
- Lures: Soft plastics on jig heads, topwaters (like Skitter Walks or Super Spooks), and suspending twitch baits.
- Flounder: Look for flounder around channel edges, drop-offs, and near the jetties. They are often ambushing baitfish.
- Baits: Live mullet, mud minnows, or fresh shrimp dragged slowly along the bottom.
- Lures: Gulp! swimming mullets or shrimp on a jig head, worked slowly.
- Black Drum: Can be found in deeper channels and around structure.
- Baits: Peeled shrimp, crab, or sea lice.
Hot Spots to Consider:
- North & South Jetties: Hold a variety of species.
- Lydia Ann Channel: Good for trout and redfish, especially on moving tides.
- Shamrock Cove & Estes Flats: Popular for redfish and trout.
Offshore Fishing Report (Gulf of America)
Overview: The offshore scene out of Port Aransas can be very productive in late May, with calmer seas allowing for longer runs. Always ensure your vessel and safety gear are up to par for Gulf conditions.
Target Species & Tactics:
- King Mackerel (Kingfish): Should be plentiful around nearshore rigs, shrimp boats, and any significant structure.
- Baits: Live baits like hardtails (blue runners), ribbonfish, or Spanish sardines.
- Lures: Trolling with spoons, diving plugs (like Nomad DTX Minnows), or duster/cigar minnow combos.
- Red Snapper:IMPORTANT:The recreational Federal Red Snapper season is typically NOT open in late May. Always verify current NOAA regulations for season dates, bag limits, and size limits before targeting. If the season happens to be open (check!), they’ll be on reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs.
- Baits: Squid, cigar minnows, pinfish.
- Lures: Heavy jigs.
- Mahi Mahi (Dolphin): Often found around weed lines, sargassum patches, or any floating debris further offshore.
- Baits: Ballyhoo, squid, cigar minnows.
- Lures: Trolling with skirted lures, feathers, or small chuggers. Casting jigs or live bait to fish spotted near debris.
- Wahoo: Can be a prized catch, often found along weed lines, temperature breaks, or around deeper structure. High-speed trolling is a common technique.
- Lures: Dark-colored, high-speed trolling lures (Yo-Zuri Bonita, Braid Marauder).
- Cobia (Ling): May be found around buoys, rigs, and shadowing larger marine life like rays or turtles.
- Baits: Live pinfish, eels, or crab.
- Lures: Large jigs or bucktails, plastic eels.
- Tuna (Blackfin & Yellowfin): Blackfin are more common closer in, often around shrimp boats. Yellowfin are typically a much further offshore venture, often requiring overnight trips to reach drilling rigs or deepwater structures.
- Baits/Lures: Chunking with bonita or blackfin, trolling with spreader bars or “Green Machine” style lures for yellowfin. Jigs and poppers can also be effective.
General Offshore Notes:
- Look for temperature breaks, current rips, and weed lines, as these often concentrate bait and predator fish.
- Pay attention to working shrimp boats (cull attracts fish), but maintain a safe distance.
General Reminders & Tips:
- Licenses & Regulations: Ensure everyone on board has a valid Texas fishing license with the appropriate saltwater endorsements. Be familiar with current TPWD and Federal (for offshore) size and bag limits.
- Safety First: Check weather and sea conditions before and during your trip. File a float plan. Ensure all safety equipment is operational (life jackets, flares, radio, EPIRB for offshore).
- Bait & Tackle: Visit local Port Aransas bait shops for the freshest bait and the latest hot lure recommendations. They are an invaluable resource!
- Sun Protection: The Texas sun is strong. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and stay hydrated.
Tight Lines!