First Cast Species

Offshore species

Showing 24 of 80 fish profiles. Reminder-only regulation cards are used when exact TPWD limits are not confidently sourced.

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Spotted Seatrout

Cynoscion nebulosus

An ambush predator that keys on glass minnows and shrimp along current seams, grass lines, and sandy potholes.

Where: Grass lines, Sandy potholes

Gear: Medium-light spinning rod, Suspending twitchbait

SaltwaterGrass linesSandy potholesCurrent seams

Gear: 7' medium-light spinning rod, 2500-3000 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Baits/Lures: Live shrimp, Croaker, Suspending twitchbait, Paddle tail jig

Location guidance

Grass lines, Sandy potholes, Current seams, Shell pads near Galveston Bay, Baffin Bay, Port Mansfield.

WadePierBoatKayak

Look for current seams, bait flickers, slicks, and clean water over grass or shell.

Season / conditions

Low-light topwater windows are best in warm months; cold fronts push fish toward deeper drains and channels.

Bag limit: 3 fish per day

Length: 15 - 20 in

One spotted seatrout over 28 inches may be retained per license year with a properly completed Spotted Seatrout Tag; one additional oversized fish requires a Bonus Spotted Seatrout Tag.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

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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

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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

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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

Yellowfin Tuna

Thunnus albacares

Yellowfin Tuna is a bluewater species that depends on boat access, bait, current, floating structure, and offshore water conditions.

Where: Offshore rigs, Deep blue water

Gear: heavy offshore spinning or conventional setup, Trolling lures

SaltwaterOffshore rigsDeep blue waterShrimp boats

Gear: heavy offshore spinning or conventional setup

Baits/Lures: Chunk bait, Live bait, Trolling lures, Poppers

Location guidance

Offshore rigs, Deep blue water, Shrimp boats, Weed lines near Gulf bluewater yellowfin tuna grounds, offshore rigs, weed lines and current breaks.

BoatOffshore

Run to offshore structure or bluewater signs before choosing trolling, jigging, popping, or bait tactics.

Season / conditions

Look for current, baitfish, birds, weed lines, color changes, or floating structure.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Blackfin Tuna

Thunnus atlanticus

Blackfin Tuna is a bluewater species that depends on boat access, bait, current, floating structure, and offshore water conditions.

Where: Offshore rigs, Deep blue water

Gear: medium-heavy offshore spinning or conventional setup, Small jigs

SaltwaterOffshore rigsDeep blue waterShrimp boats

Gear: medium-heavy offshore spinning or conventional setup

Baits/Lures: Chunk bait, Live bait, Small jigs, Trolling feathers

Location guidance

Offshore rigs, Deep blue water, Shrimp boats, Weed lines near Gulf bluewater blackfin tuna grounds, offshore rigs, weed lines and current breaks.

BoatOffshore

Run to offshore structure or bluewater signs before choosing trolling, jigging, popping, or bait tactics.

Season / conditions

Look for current, baitfish, birds, weed lines, color changes, or floating structure.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

King Mackerel

Scomberomorus cavalla

A fast toothy pelagic found around nearshore and offshore bait, rigs, jetties, passes, and reefs.

Where: Nearshore reefs, Offshore rigs

Gear: 7' medium-heavy saltwater rod, fast reel, braid, and short wire leader., Spoons

SaltwaterNearshore reefsOffshore rigsJetties

Gear: 7' medium-heavy saltwater rod, fast reel, braid, and short wire leader.

Baits/Lures: Live bait, Ribbonfish, Spoons, Trolling plugs

Location guidance

Nearshore reefs, Offshore rigs, Jetties, Passes near Galveston jetties, Port Aransas jetties, nearshore Gulf rigs.

PierJettyBoat

Look for bait pushed around jetties, passes, rigs, and nearshore color changes.

Season / conditions

Wire leader helps with toothy strikes; bait schools are the starting point.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Cobia

Rachycentron canadum

A structure and sight-casting target that follows buoys, rigs, jetties, rays, floating debris, and nearshore edges.

Where: Buoys, Rigs

Gear: Medium-heavy spinning or conventional setup with strong leader., Bucktail jigs

SaltwaterBuoysRigsJetties

Gear: Medium-heavy spinning or conventional setup with strong leader.

Baits/Lures: Live bait, Crabs, Bucktail jigs, Eel-style plastics

Location guidance

Buoys, Rigs, Jetties, Rays near nearshore Gulf buoys, Port Aransas jetties, offshore rigs.

PierJettyBoat

Keep a bait or jig ready around buoys, rays, floating debris, and rig legs.

Season / conditions

Sight-casting around structure and rays can be excellent when water is clean.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Tripletail

Lobotes surinamensis

A floating-structure fish that hangs near crab trap buoys, channel markers, weed lines, and debris.

Where: Crab trap buoys, Channel markers

Gear: Medium inshore or nearshore spinning setup., Small jigs

SaltwaterCrab trap buoysChannel markersFloating debris

Gear: Medium inshore or nearshore spinning setup.

Baits/Lures: Live shrimp, Small baitfish, Small jigs, Popping corks

Location guidance

Crab trap buoys, Channel markers, Floating debris, Weed lines near Matagorda Bay markers, Galveston Bay buoys, nearshore weed lines.

BoatKayak

Idle buoy lines and pitch shrimp or small jigs to visible fish.

Season / conditions

Look before you cast; fish often hold tight to floating structure.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Red Snapper

Lutjanus campechanus

Red Snapper is a structure-oriented reef, rig, wreck, or hard-bottom fish that should be approached with bottom-focused tactics.

Where: Red Snapper reef structure, Rigs

Gear: medium-heavy offshore bottom setup, Red Snapper bottom rigs

SaltwaterRed Snapper reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: medium-heavy offshore bottom setup

Baits/Lures: Squid, Shrimp, Red Snapper bottom rigs, Small jigs

Location guidance

Red Snapper reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf red snapper structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Lane Snapper

Lutjanus synagris

Lane Snapper is a structure-oriented reef, rig, wreck, or hard-bottom fish that should be approached with bottom-focused tactics.

Where: Lane Snapper reef structure, Rigs

Gear: medium bottom setup, Lane Snapper bottom rigs

SaltwaterLane Snapper reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: medium bottom setup

Baits/Lures: Squid, Shrimp, Lane Snapper bottom rigs, Small jigs

Location guidance

Lane Snapper reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf lane snapper structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatNearshoreOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Vermilion Snapper

Rhomboplites aurorubens

Vermilion Snapper is a structure-oriented reef, rig, wreck, or hard-bottom fish that should be approached with bottom-focused tactics.

Where: Vermilion Snapper reef structure, Rigs

Gear: medium offshore bottom setup, Vermilion Snapper bottom rigs

SaltwaterVermilion Snapper reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: medium offshore bottom setup

Baits/Lures: Squid, Shrimp, Vermilion Snapper bottom rigs, Small jigs

Location guidance

Vermilion Snapper reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf vermilion snapper structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Gag Grouper

Mycteroperca microlepis

Gag Grouper is a structure-oriented grouper found around offshore reefs, rock piles, wrecks, rigs, and hard bottom.

Where: Gag Grouper reef structure, Rigs

Gear: Medium-heavy to heavy offshore bottom fishing setup., Vertical jigs

SaltwaterGag Grouper reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: Medium-heavy to heavy offshore bottom fishing setup.

Baits/Lures: Live bait, Cut bait, Vertical jigs, Heavy bottom rigs

Location guidance

Gag Grouper reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf gag grouper structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Red Grouper

Epinephelus morio

Red Grouper is a structure-oriented grouper found around offshore reefs, rock piles, wrecks, rigs, and hard bottom.

Where: Red Grouper reef structure, Rigs

Gear: Medium-heavy to heavy offshore bottom fishing setup., Vertical jigs

SaltwaterRed Grouper reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: Medium-heavy to heavy offshore bottom fishing setup.

Baits/Lures: Live bait, Cut bait, Vertical jigs, Heavy bottom rigs

Location guidance

Red Grouper reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf red grouper structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Gray Triggerfish

Balistes capriscus

Gray Triggerfish is a structure-oriented reef, rig, wreck, or hard-bottom fish that should be approached with bottom-focused tactics.

Where: Gray Triggerfish reef structure, Rigs

Gear: medium bottom setup, Gray Triggerfish bottom rigs

SaltwaterGray Triggerfish reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: medium bottom setup

Baits/Lures: Squid, Shrimp, Gray Triggerfish bottom rigs, Small jigs

Location guidance

Gray Triggerfish reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf gray triggerfish structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Atlantic Spadefish

Chaetodipterus faber

A structure-oriented schooling fish around rigs, jetties, pilings, reefs, and nearshore structure.

Where: Rigs, Jetties

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod with small strong hooks and light leader., Small jigs

SaltwaterRigsJettiesPilings

Gear: 7' medium spinning rod with small strong hooks and light leader.

Baits/Lures: Small pieces of shrimp, Clam, Small jigs

Location guidance

Rigs, Jetties, Pilings, Reefs near Galveston jetties, Port Aransas jetties, nearshore rigs.

PierJettyBoat

Fish tight to pilings, jetty rocks, rigs, and visible schools.

Season / conditions

Small hooks and light leader often help around clear structure.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Creolefish

Paranthias furcifer

Creolefish is a structure-oriented reef, rig, wreck, or hard-bottom fish that should be approached with bottom-focused tactics.

Where: Creolefish reef structure, Rigs

Gear: medium offshore spinning or conventional setup, Creolefish bottom rigs

SaltwaterCreolefish reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: medium offshore spinning or conventional setup

Baits/Lures: Squid, Shrimp, Creolefish bottom rigs, Small jigs

Location guidance

Creolefish reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf creolefish structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

Sailfish is a bluewater species that depends on boat access, bait, current, floating structure, and offshore water conditions.

Where: Offshore bluewater, Weed lines

Gear: Heavy offshore trolling gear., Trolling skirts

SaltwaterOffshore bluewaterWeed linesColor changes

Gear: Heavy offshore trolling gear.

Baits/Lures: Ballyhoo, Pitch baits, Trolling skirts, Teasers

Location guidance

Offshore bluewater, Weed lines, Color changes, Bait schools near Gulf bluewater sailfish grounds, offshore rigs, weed lines and current breaks.

BoatOffshore

Run to offshore structure or bluewater signs before choosing trolling, jigging, popping, or bait tactics.

Season / conditions

Billfish are best treated with catch-and-release handling practices; check current rules before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Mahi Mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Mahi Mahi is a bluewater species that depends on boat access, bait, current, floating structure, and offshore water conditions.

Where: Weed lines, Floating debris

Gear: Heavy offshore spinning or trolling setup., Trolling skirts

SaltwaterWeed linesFloating debrisCurrent edges

Gear: Heavy offshore spinning or trolling setup.

Baits/Lures: Ballyhoo, Pitch baits, Trolling skirts, Feathers

Location guidance

Weed lines, Floating debris, Current edges, Offshore structure near Gulf bluewater mahi mahi grounds, offshore rigs, weed lines and current breaks.

BoatOffshore

Run to offshore structure or bluewater signs before choosing trolling, jigging, popping, or bait tactics.

Season / conditions

Look for current, baitfish, birds, weed lines, color changes, or floating structure.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Wahoo

Acanthocybium solandri

Wahoo is a bluewater species that depends on boat access, bait, current, floating structure, and offshore water conditions.

Where: Offshore rigs, Weed lines

Gear: Heavy offshore spinning or trolling setup., High-speed trolling lures

SaltwaterOffshore rigsWeed linesColor changes

Gear: Heavy offshore spinning or trolling setup.

Baits/Lures: Rigged ballyhoo, High-speed trolling lures, Diving plugs

Location guidance

Offshore rigs, Weed lines, Color changes, Deepwater current edges near Gulf bluewater wahoo grounds, offshore rigs, weed lines and current breaks.

BoatOffshore

Run to offshore structure or bluewater signs before choosing trolling, jigging, popping, or bait tactics.

Season / conditions

Look for current, baitfish, birds, weed lines, color changes, or floating structure.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Blue Marlin

Makaira nigricans

Blue Marlin is a bluewater species that depends on boat access, bait, current, floating structure, and offshore water conditions.

Where: Offshore bluewater, Weed lines

Gear: Heavy offshore trolling gear., Trolling skirts

SaltwaterOffshore bluewaterWeed linesColor changes

Gear: Heavy offshore trolling gear.

Baits/Lures: Ballyhoo, Pitch baits, Trolling skirts, Teasers

Location guidance

Offshore bluewater, Weed lines, Color changes, Bait schools near Gulf bluewater blue marlin grounds, offshore rigs, weed lines and current breaks.

BoatOffshore

Run to offshore structure or bluewater signs before choosing trolling, jigging, popping, or bait tactics.

Season / conditions

Billfish are best treated with catch-and-release handling practices; check current rules before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

Gulf Flounder

Paralichthys albigutta

A bottom-oriented flatfish that ambushes bait near drains, passes, channel edges, sandy or muddy drop-offs, grass edges, and lights.

Where: Marsh drains, Sandy drop-offs

Gear: Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Combo, Reaction Tackle Fluorocarbon Leaders

SaltwaterMarsh drainsSandy drop-offsChannel edges

Gear: Medium-light or medium inshore spinning setup.

Baits/Lures: Live mud minnows, Shrimp, Soft plastics on jigheads, Bucktail jigs

Location guidance

Marsh drains, Sandy drop-offs, Channel edges, Grass edges near Galveston channels, Port Aransas passes, Sabine marsh drains.

ShorePierBoatKayak

Drag or hop baits along bottom near drains, channel lips, sandy edges, and pier lights.

Season / conditions

Slow bottom presentations and moving water are key; check current TPWD rules before keeping fish.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup

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Rock Hind

Epinephelus adscensionis

Rock Hind is a structure-oriented grouper found around offshore reefs, rock piles, wrecks, rigs, and hard bottom.

Where: Rock Hind reef structure, Rigs

Gear: Medium-heavy to heavy offshore bottom fishing setup., Vertical jigs

SaltwaterRock Hind reef structureRigsWrecks

Gear: Medium-heavy to heavy offshore bottom fishing setup.

Baits/Lures: Live bait, Cut bait, Vertical jigs, Heavy bottom rigs

Location guidance

Rock Hind reef structure, Rigs, Wrecks, Hard bottom near Gulf rock hind structure, offshore rigs, wrecks and reefs.

BoatOffshore

Hold bottom near hard structure, rig legs, wrecks, ledges, and bait marks.

Season / conditions

Bottom fish around hard structure; verify current seasons and limits before harvest.

Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.

Source: TPWD

Recommended Setup