First Cast Species

Freshwater species

Showing 37 of 80 fish profiles. Reminder-only regulation cards are used when exact TPWD limits are not confidently sourced.

Open the Field Guide →

Red Drum

Sciaenops ocellatus

A copper-backed inshore bruiser that feeds aggressively across flats, passes, jetties, and marsh drains when tide movement concentrates bait.

Where: Grass flats, Marsh drains

Gear: Medium spinning rod, Paddle tail soft plastic

SaltwaterGrass flatsMarsh drainsOyster reefs

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid, 20-25 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Baits/Lures: Live shrimp, Mullet, Paddle tail soft plastic, Gold spoon

Location guidance

Grass flats, Marsh drains, Oyster reefs, Jetties near Galveston Bay, Port Aransas jetties, Lower Laguna Madre.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Best when tide or wind moves bait across grass, drains, shell, or sandy potholes.

Season / conditions

Spring and fall shorelines can be strong; summer fish often slide to early flats, passes, and deeper edges.

Bag limit: 3 fish per day

Length: 20 - 28 in

One red drum over 28 inches may be retained per license year with a properly completed Red Drum Tag; one additional oversized fish requires a Bonus Red Drum Tag.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

A cover-oriented freshwater predator that keys on grass, timber, docks, creek channels, and shad or sunfish forage.

Where: Grass edges, Creek channels

Gear: Medium casting rod, Texas rig

FreshwaterGrass edgesCreek channelsDocks

Gear: 7' medium-heavy casting rod, low-profile reel, 12-17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid around grass.

Baits/Lures: Craw bait, Shad swimbait, Texas rig

Location guidance

Grass edges, Creek channels, Docks, Brush piles near Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Toledo Bend.

ShoreBoatKayak

Match grass, brush, docks, timber, and wind-blown banks before changing lure style.

Season / conditions

Prespawn fish stage on points and drains; summer fish split between shade, grass, and offshore structure.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

A bronze bass that favors clear rocky structure, current breaks, points, and crawfish-oriented presentations.

Where: Rock piles, Clear points

Gear: Medium casting rod, Ned rig

FreshwaterRock pilesClear pointsCurrent breaks

Gear: 6'10 to 7' medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid to 8-12 lb fluorocarbon.

Baits/Lures: Craw tube, Minnow bait, Ned rig

Location guidance

Rock piles, Clear points, Current breaks, Bluff banks near Lake Texoma, Devils River, Clear Hill Country rivers.

ShoreBoatKayak

Focus on clear rock, gravel, bluff shade, current breaks, and crawfish forage.

Season / conditions

Spring and fall current breaks can shine; summer fish often need shade or deeper rock.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Guadalupe Bass

Micropterus treculii

Texas' state fish, best approached around Hill Country current, limestone ledges, shade pockets, and compact forage.

Where: Limestone ledges, Current breaks

Gear: Medium casting rod, Small swimbait

FreshwaterLimestone ledgesCurrent breaksShade pockets

Gear: 6'6 to 7' light or medium spinning rod, 1000-2500 reel, 6-10 lb line.

Baits/Lures: Craw imitation, Minnow plug, Small swimbait

Location guidance

Limestone ledges, Current breaks, Shade pockets, Riffle edges near Guadalupe River, Llano River, San Marcos River.

WadeShoreKayak

Cast small baits around limestone ledges, shade pockets, riffle edges, and deeper pools.

Season / conditions

Spring through early fall can be productive when flows are safe and clear.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

White Bass

Morone chrysops

A schooling open-water fish that feeds aggressively on shad across points, humps, channels, and seasonal river runs.

Where: Main-lake points, River runs

Gear: Medium casting rod, Slab spoon

FreshwaterMain-lake pointsRiver runsChannel edges

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid or mono.

Baits/Lures: Shad imitation, Inline spinner, Slab spoon

Location guidance

Main-lake points, River runs, Channel edges, Humps near Colorado River runs, Lake Livingston, Cedar Creek Reservoir.

ShoreBoatKayak

Watch birds, bait, current seams, humps, and wind-blown points.

Season / conditions

Spring river runs are a prime pattern; summer fish often school over humps and points.

Bag limit: Check current Texas limits

Length: No slot in most waters

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

A powerful open-water predator that follows baitfish, wind, current, and temperature bands across reservoirs.

Where: Open-water bait schools, Dam faces

Gear: Medium-heavy casting rod, Casting spoon

FreshwaterOpen-water bait schoolsDam facesMain-lake humps

Gear: 7' medium-heavy rod, 3000-4000 reel or casting setup, 20-30 lb braid with leader.

Baits/Lures: Live shad, Large spoon, Casting spoon, Fluorocarbon leader

Location guidance

Open-water bait schools, Dam faces, Main-lake humps, River channels near Lake Texoma, Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Whitney.

BoatGuide boatBank near dam areas

Use electronics or bird activity to locate bait before dropping slabs or casting spoons.

Season / conditions

Summer and winter patterns often revolve around shad schools and depth changes.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Hybrid Striped Bass

Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis

A hard-pulling stocked hybrid that groups around bait, current, wind-blown structure, and deep summer schools.

Where: Main-lake structure, Wind-blown points

Gear: Medium-heavy spinning combo, Slab spoon

FreshwaterMain-lake structureWind-blown pointsTailraces

Gear: 7' medium-heavy spinning rod, 3000-4000 reel, 15-30 lb braid.

Baits/Lures: Shad, Sassy shad, Slab spoon, Swivel and leader kit

Location guidance

Main-lake structure, Wind-blown points, Tailraces, Bait schools near Lake Lewisville, Lake Ray Hubbard, Tawakoni.

BoatShore near tailracesKayak in protected water

Target shad, current, tailraces, wind-blown points, and main-lake structure.

Season / conditions

Schooling windows can be fast; spring and summer wind-blown structure can be productive.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Small baits produce steady action near grass and brush.

Where: Shallow grass, Dock shade

Gear: Light spinning combo, Small aberdeen hooks

FreshwaterShallow grassDock shadeBrush edges

Gear: Light spinning rod or cane pole, 4-6 lb line, small hook, split shot, and float.

Baits/Lures: worms, small jig, Small aberdeen hooks, Slip float rig

Location guidance

Shallow grass, Dock shade, Brush edges, Pond banks near Community fishing lakes, farm ponds, Lake Fork coves.

ShorePierKayak

Fish small baits slowly around grass, brush edges, dock shade, and protected pond banks.

Season / conditions

Late spring and summer beds can be excellent; shade and cover matter when the sun gets high.

Bag limit: Check current Texas limits

Length: No slot in most waters

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Crappie

Pomoxis species

A schooling panfish that stacks around brush, standing timber, bridge columns, docks, and creek-channel edges.

Where: Brush piles, Standing timber

Gear: Light spinning combo, Crappie jig

FreshwaterBrush pilesStanding timberBridge columns

Gear: Light or medium-light spinning rod, 4-8 lb line, small jig or live minnow rig.

Baits/Lures: Live minnow, Tube jig, Crappie jig, Slip float rig

Location guidance

Brush piles, Standing timber, Bridge columns, Creek channels near Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir.

BoatShore near bridgesKayak

Use depth changes, brush, bridge shade, and bait activity to pick a starting depth.

Season / conditions

Spring fish move shallow around cover; summer and winter fish often stack near timber, brush, and channels.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Catfish

Ictaluridae

A scent-driven freshwater target that uses channels, riprap, timber, deep bends, and wind-blown food lines.

Where: Creek channels, Riprap

Gear: Medium-heavy catfish rod, Slip sinker rig

FreshwaterCreek channelsRiprapTimber edges

Gear: Medium-heavy rod, 15-30 lb line, slip sinker or Santee-style rig, and fresh bait.

Baits/Lures: Fresh cut shad, Prepared bait, Slip sinker rig

Location guidance

Creek channels, Riprap, Timber edges, Wind-blown flats near Lake Tawakoni, Trinity River, Cedar Creek Reservoir.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Use scent around channels, riprap, timber edges, current, and wind-blown food lines.

Season / conditions

Warm months are strong for eating-size fish; cold periods can concentrate larger fish near shad and deep edges.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

A scent-driven catfish that uses creek channels, riprap, timber, and wind-blown flats to locate forage.

Where: Creek channels, Riprap

Gear: Medium casting rod, Slip sinker rig

FreshwaterCreek channelsRiprapTimber edges

Gear: 7' medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel or round baitcaster, 15-25 lb mono.

Baits/Lures: Prepared bait, Cut shad, Slip sinker rig

Location guidance

Creek channels, Riprap, Timber edges, Wind-blown flats near Lake Tawakoni, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Guadalupe River.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Use scent around creek channels, timber, riprap, and wind-blown flats.

Season / conditions

Warm months are strong around baited holes, riprap, and wind-blown food lines.

Bag limit: Check current Texas limits

Length: No slot in most waters

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

A big-river and reservoir catfish that tracks shad, current, ledges, and deep wintering holes.

Where: River ledges, Deep holes

Gear: Medium casting rod, Santee rig

FreshwaterRiver ledgesDeep holesWind-blown flats

Gear: 7'6 medium-heavy rod, baitcaster or 5000 spinning reel, 30-50 lb main line.

Baits/Lures: Fresh cut shad, Skipjack, Santee rig

Location guidance

River ledges, Deep holes, Wind-blown flats, Channel drops near Lake Tawakoni, Texoma, Trinity River.

ShoreBoatKayak where safe

Fresh cut bait works around ledges, flats, channel drops, and wind-driven bait.

Season / conditions

Cold-season trophy patterns often track fresh shad and deep-water edges.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Flathead Catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

A structure-loving ambush catfish that favors live bait around logjams, cut banks, boulders, and deep cover.

Where: Logjams, Cut banks

Gear: Medium casting rod, Heavy slip sinker rig

FreshwaterLogjamsCut banksDeep holes

Gear: 7'6 heavy rod, strong baitcaster, 40-65 lb line, heavy leader around wood.

Baits/Lures: Live sunfish, Live shad, Heavy slip sinker rig

Location guidance

Logjams, Cut banks, Deep holes, Boulder fields near Brazos River, Trinity River, Colorado River bends.

ShoreBoatKayak where safe

Use live bait near logjams, cut banks, deep holes, and outside bends.

Season / conditions

Night fishing near warm-season cover is a common flathead pattern.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Alligator Gar

Atractosteus spatula

A primitive apex fish of big rivers, reservoirs, and backwaters that requires specialized tackle and careful handling.

Where: Big rivers, Backwaters

Gear: Medium casting rod, Heavy float rig

FreshwaterBig riversBackwatersDeep bends

Gear: Heavy rod, large conventional reel, heavy braid or mono, and legal gar rigging.

Baits/Lures: Cut carp, Mullet, Heavy float rig

Location guidance

Big rivers, Backwaters, Deep bends, Reservoir flats near Trinity River, Brazos River, Choke Canyon Reservoir.

BoatBank where legal and safe

Target big rivers, backwaters, slough mouths, and deep bends without claiming harvest legality.

Season / conditions

Warm months and calm surface activity can reveal fish, but local rules and ethics matter.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Rainbow Trout is a limited Texas coldwater or stocked opportunity, not a general warmwater reservoir target.

Where: Stocked ponds, Urban lakes in season

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 2-6 lb line., Small spinners

FreshwaterStocked pondsUrban lakes in seasonCold tailwaters

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 2-6 lb line.

Baits/Lures: Trout dough bait, Salmon eggs, Small spinners, Small spoons

Location guidance

Stocked ponds, Urban lakes in season, Cold tailwaters, Clear moving water near TPWD stocked ponds, Guadalupe River tailwater, urban neighborhood lakes.

ShorePierWade

Verify stocking schedules and local rules, then fish small baits with light line.

Season / conditions

Stocked trout opportunities depend on local stocking schedules and cool-water conditions.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brown Trout is a limited Texas coldwater or stocked opportunity, not a general warmwater reservoir target.

Where: Stocked ponds, Urban lakes in season

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 2-6 lb line., Small spinners

FreshwaterStocked pondsUrban lakes in seasonCold tailwaters

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 2-6 lb line.

Baits/Lures: Trout dough bait, Salmon eggs, Small spinners, Small spoons

Location guidance

Stocked ponds, Urban lakes in season, Cold tailwaters, Clear moving water near TPWD stocked ponds, Guadalupe River tailwater, urban neighborhood lakes.

ShorePierWade

Verify stocking schedules and local rules, then fish small baits with light line.

Season / conditions

Stocked trout opportunities depend on local stocking schedules and cool-water conditions.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Rio Grande Cichlid

Herichthys cyanoguttatus

A Texas native cichlid that eats small natural baits around warm streams, canals, rocky edges, vegetation, and slow current.

Where: Clear streams, Rocky edges

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup, cane pole, 4-6 lb line, and small hooks., Small jigs

FreshwaterClear streamsRocky edgesVegetation

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup, cane pole, 4-6 lb line, and small hooks.

Baits/Lures: Worms, Bread, Small jigs, Tiny grubs

Location guidance

Clear streams, Rocky edges, Vegetation, Bridge edges near Lower Rio Grande canals, San Antonio River edges, clear Hill Country streams.

ShoreWadeKayak

Look for rocks, vegetation, bridge shade, and slow current where small fish can hold.

Season / conditions

Warm, clear, low-current edges are usually easier to fish; use small hooks and light line.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Green Sunfish is a beginner-friendly sunfish that eats small baits around vegetation, brush, creeks, pond edges, shade, and reachable cover.

Where: Creek pockets, Brush

Gear: Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit, Ugly Stik GX2 6' Spinning Combo

FreshwaterCreek pocketsBrushPond edges

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 4-8 lb line and small hooks.

Baits/Lures: Worms, Crickets, Small jigs, Tiny spinners

Location guidance

Creek pockets, Brush, Pond edges, Dock shade near community lakes, farm ponds, creek backwaters.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Fish slowly around shade, grass, brush, docks, and protected banks.

Season / conditions

Warm months around cover are usually easiest; small hooks and light line matter.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Redear Sunfish

Lepomis microlophus

A bottom-feeding sunfish that roots around shell, vegetation, and quiet edges for snails, worms, and small invertebrates.

Where: Shell beds, Vegetation edges

Gear: Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit, Ugly Stik GX2 6' Spinning Combo

FreshwaterShell bedsVegetation edgesPond banks

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 4-8 lb line and small hooks.

Baits/Lures: Worms, Crickets, Small jigs, Tiny spinners

Location guidance

Shell beds, Vegetation edges, Pond banks, Quiet coves near community lakes, farm ponds, creek backwaters.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Keep worms close to bottom around shell, grass edges, and quiet coves.

Season / conditions

Warm months around cover are usually easiest; small hooks and light line matter.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Longear Sunfish

Lepomis megalotis

Longear Sunfish is a beginner-friendly sunfish that eats small baits around vegetation, brush, creeks, pond edges, shade, and reachable cover.

Where: Creek edges, Vegetation

Gear: Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit, Ugly Stik GX2 6' Spinning Combo

FreshwaterCreek edgesVegetationRocky banks

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 4-8 lb line and small hooks.

Baits/Lures: Worms, Crickets, Small jigs, Tiny spinners

Location guidance

Creek edges, Vegetation, Rocky banks, Backwaters near community lakes, farm ponds, creek backwaters.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Fish slowly around shade, grass, brush, docks, and protected banks.

Season / conditions

Warm months around cover are usually easiest; small hooks and light line matter.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Warmouth

Lepomis gulosus

A cover-loving sunfish that hits small baits and jigs around brush, timber, backwaters, and swampy low-current edges.

Where: Heavy brush, Backwaters

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 4-8 lb line and small hooks., Small jigs

FreshwaterHeavy brushBackwatersSwampy edges

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 4-8 lb line and small hooks.

Baits/Lures: Worms, Crickets, Small jigs, Tiny spinners

Location guidance

Heavy brush, Backwaters, Swampy edges, Timber near community lakes, farm ponds, creek backwaters.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Pitch small baits tight to brush, weeds, shaded timber, and slow backwater cover.

Season / conditions

Warm months around cover are usually easiest; small hooks and light line matter.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Yellow Bass

Morone mississippiensis

A schooling reservoir bass that follows shad around points, humps, channels, and wind-blown banks.

Where: Main-lake points, Channel edges

Gear: Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit, Ugly Stik GX2 6' Spinning Combo

FreshwaterMain-lake pointsChannel edgesHumps

Gear: Light or medium spinning setup with 6-10 lb line.

Baits/Lures: Minnows, Small shad pieces, Small spoons, Road runners

Location guidance

Main-lake points, Channel edges, Humps, Wind-blown banks near Cedar Creek Reservoir, Lake Livingston, Lake Waco.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Start around bait schools, points, humps, and wind-blown edges.

Season / conditions

Schooling windows depend on shad and current; watch birds and surface activity.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Freshwater Drum

Aplodinotus grunniens

A bottom-oriented freshwater fish that feeds around current, rocks, riprap, channel edges, and deeper flats.

Where: River current seams, Rocky banks

Gear: Medium spinning or casting setup with enough weight to hold bottom., Small jigs

FreshwaterRiver current seamsRocky banksChannel edges

Gear: Medium spinning or casting setup with enough weight to hold bottom.

Baits/Lures: Worms, Crawfish, Small jigs, Bottom rigs

Location guidance

River current seams, Rocky banks, Channel edges, Riprap near Guadalupe River, Lake Texoma, Colorado River.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Keep presentations close to bottom around rocks, current breaks, riprap, and flats.

Season / conditions

Often caught near bottom; current and rock can matter more than lure color.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Common Carp is a cautious bottom or vegetation-oriented fish where stealth, simple bait, and patient presentations beat lure casting.

Where: Muddy flats, Shallow coves

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod with strong line and a simple bait rig., Small bottom rigs

FreshwaterMuddy flatsShallow covesGrass edges

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod with strong line and a simple bait rig.

Baits/Lures: Corn, Dough bait, Small bottom rigs, Float rigs

Location guidance

Muddy flats, Shallow coves, Grass edges, Canals near community lakes, slow rivers, canals.

ShoreBoatKayak

Watch for mud clouds, bubbles, cruising fish, and quiet feeding edges.

Season / conditions

Warm, calm shallows can show feeding fish; avoid spooking them with heavy foot traffic.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Grass Carp

Ctenopharyngodon idella

A wary vegetation-oriented carp often found around grass, canals, and quiet pond or lake edges.

Where: Vegetation, Pond edges

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod with strong line and a simple bait rig., Small bottom rigs

FreshwaterVegetationPond edgesLake edges

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod with strong line and a simple bait rig.

Baits/Lures: Bread, Corn, Small bottom rigs, Float rigs

Location guidance

Vegetation, Pond edges, Lake edges, Canals near community lakes, slow rivers, canals.

ShoreBoatKayak

Stay quiet and present baits naturally near visible vegetation and cruising fish.

Season / conditions

Use stealth and check local rules because some grass carp are stocked or managed.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Smallmouth Buffalo

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth Buffalo is a native bottom-feeding sucker-type fish found around rivers, reservoirs, flats, channels, and current breaks.

Where: Deep flats, River holes

Gear: Medium spinning or casting setup with a patient bottom presentation., Small bottom rigs

FreshwaterDeep flatsRiver holesChannel edges

Gear: Medium spinning or casting setup with a patient bottom presentation.

Baits/Lures: Dough bait, Corn, Small bottom rigs

Location guidance

Deep flats, River holes, Channel edges, Current breaks near Trinity River, Brazos River, large Texas reservoirs.

ShoreBoatKayak

Set up near current breaks, muddy bottom, deeper flats, and channel edges.

Season / conditions

Bottom presentation, patience, and feeding areas matter more than lure action.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Bigmouth Buffalo

Ictiobus cyprinellus

Bigmouth Buffalo is a native bottom-feeding sucker-type fish found around rivers, reservoirs, flats, channels, and current breaks.

Where: Deep flats, River holes

Gear: Medium spinning or casting setup with a patient bottom presentation., Small bottom rigs

FreshwaterDeep flatsRiver holesChannel edges

Gear: Medium spinning or casting setup with a patient bottom presentation.

Baits/Lures: Dough bait, Corn, Small bottom rigs

Location guidance

Deep flats, River holes, Channel edges, Current breaks near Trinity River, Brazos River, large Texas reservoirs.

ShoreBoatKayak

Set up near current breaks, muddy bottom, deeper flats, and channel edges.

Season / conditions

Bottom presentation, patience, and feeding areas matter more than lure action.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Longnose Gar

Lepisosteus osseus

Longnose Gar is a surface-oriented gar of slow rivers, backwaters, bayous, creeks, shallow flats, and warm calm pockets.

Where: Slow rivers, Backwaters

Gear: Reaction Tackle Wire Leaders

FreshwaterSlow riversBackwatersBayous

Gear: Medium-heavy spinning or casting setup with abrasion-resistant leader.

Baits/Lures: Cut bait, Live bait, Rope lures, Small fish imitation lures

Location guidance

Slow rivers, Backwaters, Bayous, Creeks near Trinity River backwaters, East Texas bayous, Brazos River sloughs.

ShoreBoatKayak

Look for surface activity in calm pockets, backwaters, creek mouths, and shallow flats.

Season / conditions

Hard mouths make hooksets and landing slower; check rules before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Spotted Gar

Lepisosteus oculatus

Spotted Gar is a surface-oriented gar of slow rivers, backwaters, bayous, creeks, shallow flats, and warm calm pockets.

Where: Slow rivers, Backwaters

Gear: Reaction Tackle Wire Leaders

FreshwaterSlow riversBackwatersBayous

Gear: Medium-heavy spinning or casting setup with abrasion-resistant leader.

Baits/Lures: Cut bait, Live bait, Rope lures, Small fish imitation lures

Location guidance

Slow rivers, Backwaters, Bayous, Creeks near Trinity River backwaters, East Texas bayous, Brazos River sloughs.

ShoreBoatKayak

Look for surface activity in calm pockets, backwaters, creek mouths, and shallow flats.

Season / conditions

Hard mouths make hooksets and landing slower; check rules before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Shortnose Gar

Lepisosteus platostomus

Shortnose Gar is a surface-oriented gar of slow rivers, backwaters, bayous, creeks, shallow flats, and warm calm pockets.

Where: Slow rivers, Backwaters

Gear: Reaction Tackle Wire Leaders

FreshwaterSlow riversBackwatersBayous

Gear: Medium-heavy spinning or casting setup with abrasion-resistant leader.

Baits/Lures: Cut bait, Live bait, Rope lures, Small fish imitation lures

Location guidance

Slow rivers, Backwaters, Bayous, Creeks near Trinity River backwaters, East Texas bayous, Brazos River sloughs.

ShoreBoatKayak

Look for surface activity in calm pockets, backwaters, creek mouths, and shallow flats.

Season / conditions

Hard mouths make hooksets and landing slower; check rules before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Bowfin

Amia calva

A tough predator that lives around swampy backwaters, weeds, timber, muddy edges, and low-current cover.

Where: Sloughs, Backwaters

Gear: Medium-heavy setup with abrasion-resistant leader., Spinnerbaits

FreshwaterSloughsBackwatersWeeds

Gear: Medium-heavy setup with abrasion-resistant leader.

Baits/Lures: Cut bait, Live bait, Spinnerbaits, Frogs

Location guidance

Sloughs, Backwaters, Weeds, Timber near East Texas backwaters, sloughs, timbered creeks.

ShoreBoatKayak

Work baits close to weeds, timber, shade, and muddy low-current edges.

Season / conditions

Use stout tackle around cover; these fish are strong and hard on gear.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

An ambush predator that uses grass, shallow coves, creek arms, and clear backwater cover.

Where: Vegetation, Shallow coves

Gear: Light or medium spinning setup with light wire or abrasion-resistant leader., Small spinnerbaits

FreshwaterVegetationShallow covesCreek arms

Gear: Light or medium spinning setup with light wire or abrasion-resistant leader.

Baits/Lures: Live minnows, Small spinnerbaits, Spoons

Location guidance

Vegetation, Shallow coves, Creek arms, Clear backwaters near East Texas creeks, vegetated reservoirs, clear backwaters.

ShoreBoatKayak

Cast parallel to grass edges, shade lines, and creek-arm cover.

Season / conditions

Fish edges of grass and cover; pickerel often strike from ambush.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Bullhead Catfish

Ameiurus species

A smaller catfish of ponds, creeks, muddy bottoms, and nighttime feeding lanes where scent-based baits shine.

Where: Muddy pond bottoms, Creek holes

Gear: Texas Bank Fishing Bundle, Texas Bottom Rig Bundle

FreshwaterMuddy pond bottomsCreek holesRiprap

Gear: Light-medium or medium spinning setup with small bottom rigs.

Baits/Lures: Worms, Stink bait, Slip sinker rigs, Small bottom rigs

Location guidance

Muddy pond bottoms, Creek holes, Riprap, Timber edges near farm ponds, community lakes, slow creeks.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Keep small baited rigs near bottom around mud, wood, riprap, and creek holes.

Season / conditions

Night and low-light periods can be productive; scent matters more than lure action.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

White Crappie is a schooling panfish that relates to brush, timber, docks, bridge pilings, and creek-channel edges.

Where: Brush piles, Standing timber

Gear: Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit, Ugly Stik GX2 6' Spinning Combo

FreshwaterBrush pilesStanding timberBridge columns

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 4-8 lb line.

Baits/Lures: Minnows, Crappie jigs, Small tubes

Location guidance

Brush piles, Standing timber, Bridge columns, Docks near Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Use brush, timber, bridge shade, docks, bait, and depth changes to set your starting depth.

Season / conditions

Fish deeper in heat or cold and shallower around spawning cover.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Black Crappie is a schooling panfish that relates to brush, timber, docks, bridge pilings, and creek-channel edges.

Where: Brush piles, Standing timber

Gear: Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit, Ugly Stik GX2 6' Spinning Combo

FreshwaterBrush pilesStanding timberBridge columns

Gear: Ultralight or light spinning setup with 4-8 lb line.

Baits/Lures: Minnows, Crappie jigs, Small tubes

Location guidance

Brush piles, Standing timber, Bridge columns, Docks near Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Use brush, timber, bridge shade, docks, bait, and depth changes to set your starting depth.

Season / conditions

Fish deeper in heat or cold and shallower around spawning cover.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Spotted Bass

Micropterus punctulatus

A rock and current-oriented black bass that favors clear reservoirs, bluff banks, points, seams, and creek-channel structure.

Where: Rocky points, Bluff banks

Gear: Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit, Ugly Stik GX2 6' Spinning Combo

FreshwaterRocky pointsBluff banksClear reservoirs

Gear: Medium spinning or baitcasting setup with 8-12 lb line for finesse presentations.

Baits/Lures: Crawfish imitations, Shad imitations, Finesse worms, Shaky heads

Location guidance

Rocky points, Bluff banks, Clear reservoirs, Current seams near Lake Texoma, clear Hill Country reservoirs, rocky river sections.

ShoreBoatKayak

Start on rock, bluff shade, channel swings, current seams, and baitfish edges.

Season / conditions

More rock and current-oriented than largemouth; adjust depth with water temperature and light.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.

Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Bull Shark is a shark profile where tackle strength, safe handling, legal access, and current protected-species guidance matter.

Where: Surf, Passes

Gear: Reaction Tackle Wire Leaders

SaltwaterSurfPassesBays

Gear: Heavy shark setup with wire or heavy leader and non-offset circle hooks where required.

Baits/Lures: Cut mullet, Ladyfish, Heavy bait rigs

Location guidance

Surf, Passes, Bays, Channels near Texas surf, passes, nearshore bait schools.

ShorePierBoat

Fish around bait schools, passes, channels, jetties, or surf cuts with careful handling plans.

Season / conditions

For sharks, check current rules and protected species guidance before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Shop gear on Amazon Tackle for this fish

As an Amazon Associate, First Cast earns from qualifying purchases.