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Fishing around Brownsville
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyBrownsville Fall Fishing: Redfish, Spotted Seatrout & Tarpon in the Laguna Madre
What's biting
Redfish (Red Drum)
Where: Laguna Madre flats, shallow bays, and grass beds; also the Lower Rio Grande Valley canals and resacas.
Early fall is prime redfish season in the Laguna. Work shallow flats (0.3–1.2 m / 1–4 ft) on incoming tide with live mullet, shrimp, or topwater plugs; sight-cast to tailing fish in clear water. Windy conditions this week will churn the water—fish the lee banks and deeper channels (1.5–2.4 m / 5–8 ft) where redfish retreat.
Caution: Check TPWD for current size and bag limits; regulations change seasonally.
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)
Where: Deeper channels, drop-offs, and grass-line edges in the Laguna Madre; also in the Lower Rio Grande Valley bays.
Trout school in 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) of water during fall. Use live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics (3–4 inch / 7.6–10 cm) rigged on light jigs; early morning and late afternoon are most productive. The waning moon and calm water periods will concentrate feeding.
Caution: Spotted seatrout are regulated; confirm minimum size and daily limit with TPWD before fishing.
Tarpon
Where: Laguna Madre channels, the Lower Rio Grande, and coastal passes; also in deep holes and tidal creeks.
Fall tarpon are still present but moving through. Fish dawn and dusk with large live mullet (15–25 cm / 6–10 in) or crabs in channels 2–4 m (6–13 ft) deep; the new moon on Sept 11 may trigger feeding. Expect explosive strikes and long runs.
Caution: Tarpon are catch-and-release only in most Texas waters; verify regulations and handle with care to avoid injury to the fish.
Spanish Mackerel
Where: Nearshore waters, jetties, and the mouth of the Rio Grande; also in open bays during fall migration.
Spanish mackerel are abundant in September as they move south. Cast small silver spoons, shiny plugs, or live mullet from shore or boat in 1.2–3 m (4–10 ft) of water. Fast retrieve and active lures trigger strikes.
Caution: Check TPWD for size and bag limits; Spanish mackerel are regulated.
Sheepshead
Where: Jetties, pilings, bridge supports, and rocky structure in the Laguna Madre and Rio Grande mouth.
Sheepshead are year-round residents and excellent eating. Fish small pieces of live shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles tight to structure; they bite best on slack tide. Use light tackle and set the hook hard—their hard mouths require a firm strike.
Caution: No special caution, but confirm current regulations with TPWD.
Best times
Early morning (5:30–8:00 am) and late afternoon (4:00–dusk) are most productive. The new moon on Sept 11 may enhance feeding. Fish incoming tides and slack water; avoid the hardest wind periods (Sept 11–13) by targeting lee banks and deeper channels. Calm mornings before wind picks up are your best bet this week.
Waters to try
- Laguna Madre (the primary fishery from Port Isabel south), Lower Rio Grande Valley bays and resacas, Rio Grande mouth and jetties, Port Isabel area, Boca Chica area, South Bay.
Regulations
Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) sets all size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures. Visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/ to confirm current regulations before you fish. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in most Texas waters. Always carry a valid Texas fishing license.
Texas Parks & Wildlife ↗The fishing note for Brownsville, every week
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