Top Saltwater Fish to Catch This Fall on the Texas Coast

When fall arrives on the Texas coast, everything changes—cooler temperatures, cleaner tides, lower fishing pressure, and a massive push of baitfish flooding the bays. For saltwater anglers, it’s one of the most productive seasons of the year. Whether you're wading shallow flats, drifting open bays, or booking a guided trip through BirdDog, fall fishing in Texas is as good as it gets.

Below are the top inshore saltwater species to target this fall and the gear, tactics, and locations that consistently produce.

Redfish (Red Drum): The Texas Coast Fall Favorite

If there’s one species that defines fall along the Texas coast, it’s redfish. During this season, reds begin to school up, push shallow, and aggressively feed before their annual migration.

Why Fall Redfish Are Special

• Schooling redfish create sight-casting opportunities
• Tailing reds feed heavily in marsh grass
• Cooler water boosts activity throughout the day

Best Baits & Tactics

• Gold spoons
• Soft plastics (paddle tails, shrimp imitations)
• Topwater plugs in low-light hours
• Fly fishing with crab or shrimp patterns

With BirdDog coastal access, anglers can connect with top-tier guides or find private shoreline and marsh access where fall reds thrive.

Speckled Trout: Big Fish, Shallow Water

Fall is prime time for speckled trout, especially larger females that move back onto shallow grass flats, reefs, and bay shorelines.

Where to Find Fall Trout

• Grass lines and potholes
• Shell reefs
• Drains on outgoing tides
• Shallow bay systems early and late

What to Throw

• Live shrimp under popping corks
• Soft plastics (rat tails, paddle tails)
• MirrOlure suspending baits
• Topwaters at sunrise

Trout fishing peaks as water temperatures drop into the 60s, and BirdDog coastal outfitters track these movements daily for clients.

Flounder: Fall Migration Frenzy

Fall marks one of the most anticipated events on the Texas coast: the flounder run. As cooling temperatures signal migration toward the Gulf, flounder stack up near:

• Passes
• Channels
• Marsh drains
• Jetties
• Docks and drop-offs

Best Ways to Catch Flounder

• Jigging soft plastics along the bottom
• Live finger mullet
• Mud minnows or shrimp
• Guided gigging trips at night

BirdDog partners offer flounder gigging experiences, giving anglers access to a unique, high-success fall tradition.

Black Drum & Sheepshead: Underrated Fall Superstars

While redfish and trout get most of the attention, fall is a fantastic time to chase black drum and sheepshead—two species that become more accessible as water clears up and temperatures settle.

Where to Target Them

• Bridge pilings
• Oyster reefs
• Rock jetties
• Marsh structure

Best Baits

• Live or dead shrimp
• Fiddler crabs
• Cut bait for drum

Both species offer steady action and excellent table fare, making them a great add-on during a BirdDog-guided trip.

Plan Your Fall Saltwater Adventure With BirdDog

Whether you prefer DIY wade fishing or want a fully guided day on the water, BirdDog connects anglers to the best saltwater experiences on the Texas coast. With vetted outfitters, private access opportunities, and seasonal insight, we help you fish smarter—not harder.

With BirdDog You Get:

• Access to premier coastal guides
• Property listings near elite saltwater fisheries
• Local insight on redfish, trout, flounder, and drum
• Seasonal timing recommendations
• Curated trips for groups, families, or solo anglers

Fall is one of the best times of year to fish the Texas coast—don’t miss it. Book today with BirdDog!