Redfish Fishing in Crystal Beach, Texas

Redfish Are King on the Upper Texas Coast

If you ask a Crystal Beach angler what they're fishing for, the answer is redfish about 80% of the time. Red drum are the most popular game fish on the Bolivar Peninsula. They're strong fighters, they're good eating, and they live in every type of habitat the area has to offer. Bay flats, oyster reefs, surf, channels. Reds are everywhere.

They're also relatively cooperative. Redfish are aggressive feeders and not as leader-shy as trout. A live shrimp on the bottom will catch a red almost any day of the year. That makes them perfect for anglers of all experience levels.

Where to Find Redfish

East Bay grass flats are the top spot for redfish. Wade out from the north side of the peninsula into knee-deep water and look for fish tailing on the flats. Tailing means their tail pokes out of the water as they root along the bottom for crabs and shrimp. Seeing a red tail in skinny water gets your heart going.

Oyster reefs in East Bay hold redfish year-round. The shells provide habitat for crabs and small fish that reds feed on. Fish the edges of the reef rather than right on top of it to avoid snagging your gear.

The Gulf surf produces big bull redfish, especially in fall. These are oversized fish, 30 inches and up, that cruise the first sandbar. They're catch and release only above the slot limit, but the fight is worth it.

Best Baits and Lures

Live shrimp is the all-around best bait for redfish at Crystal Beach. Fish it under a popping cork on the flats or free-lined near structure. When shrimp aren't available, cut mullet on the bottom works. Fresh is better than frozen.

For artificial lures, gold spoons are the classic choice. A Johnson Silver Minnow in gold is a redfish magnet on the flats. Soft plastics in natural colors (rootbeer, pumpkinseed, chartreuse) on 1/4-ounce jigheads also produce. Topwater plugs at dawn can trigger explosive strikes from reds in shallow water.

Slot Limits and Regulations

Texas has a slot limit for red drum: 20 to 28 inches. You can keep 3 fish per day within the slot. Anything under 20 or over 28 inches must go back. One oversized red drum per year is allowed with a special tag, but you need to check current TPWD rules on that.

Measure your fish carefully. Game wardens patrol Crystal Beach and the bays regularly, especially on weekends and holidays. A fish that looks like it might be 20 inches often isn't. Carry a measuring device.

Seasonal Patterns

Spring (March through May) is prime time on the flats. Warming water pushes redfish into the shallows to feed aggressively. This is when you'll see the most tailing fish. Sight casting to tailing reds on a calm spring morning is about as good as inshore fishing gets.

Fall (September through November) brings the bull redfish run in the surf. Big fish stage along the beach before heading to the Gulf to spawn. It's also a strong time in the bay as fish feed heavily before winter.

Summer fishing is best done early and late in the day. Reds move deeper when water temps hit the 80s. Winter produces good fishing on warm-up days after cold fronts, especially around deeper structure in the bay.

Tailing Redfish: How to Spot and Stalk Them

Tailing is what separates redfish from most other inshore species. When reds feed in water less than a foot deep, they tip forward and their copper-colored tails break the surface. On calm mornings, you can see tails from 50 yards away. It's a visual game at that point.

Approach slowly. Keep your shadow behind you. Cast past the fish and bring your bait or lure into its line of sight. A feeding red is focused on the bottom and may not notice a bait that lands behind it. Gold spoons and live shrimp are the two best options for tailing fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Stay in Crystal Beach

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