Try A Texas Surf Slam

There’s nothing quite like fishing the Texas surf. With just a little planning, families can turn a day at the beach into an exciting multi-species challenge—one that can yield bull redfish, stingrays, sharks, and more. Known by some anglers as the “Texas Surf Slam,” this all-day pursuit rewards patience, variety, and a love for salt spray.

The Heavy Hitters

For the big stuff—bull redfish, sharks, and stingrays—you’ll want to set up long rods with big baits.

  • Rod setup: Use 10–12 ft surf rods with heavy-action reels spooled with 30–50 lb test braid.

  • Bait: Fresh mullet, whiting, or cut bait is ideal. Stingrays also love squid and shrimp.

  • Tactic: Cast or kayak your bait just past the third gut. Secure your rod holders deep in the sand and keep drags loose for safety.

Bull redfish often hit in the same zones where stingrays and small blacktip sharks feed. A steel leader is wise for sharks, but not necessary for reds or rays. Fall is prime time, especially when tides push bait close to shore.

The Light Side

Closer to shore, anglers can chase a lighter version of the slam—speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, and slot redfish—perfect for kids or light-tackle fun.

  • Tackle: Medium spinning combos with 10–15 lb line and 20 lb fluorocarbon leaders.

  • Lures: Try spoons, soft plastics on jigheads, or live shrimp under popping corks.

  • Best zone: First and second guts, especially at dawn or dusk during calm conditions.

Look for bait activity—birds diving or mullet schools flaring up—and work those areas patiently. Mackerel often show up in bursts, while trout and slot reds tend to cruise in and out with the tides.

Tips for Success

  • Timing is key: Early morning and late evening tides are most productive.

  • Use multiple setups: Run heavy gear for big fish and lighter rigs for sportfish.

  • Keep it fun: Bring shade, cool drinks, and let the kids help bait hooks or net fish.

Whether you’re chasing a monster red or helping your kid reel in their first trout, the Texas surf offers an unmatched, family-friendly fishing adventure. With a little prep, you can hook into a surf slam that creates memories as big as the fish.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) { function fixSlickAria() { $('.slick-slide').each(function() { if ($(this).attr('aria-hidden') === 'true') { $(this).attr('tabindex', '-1'); } else { $(this).attr('tabindex', '0'); } }); } fixSlickAria(); $('.uael-grid-gallery').on('afterChange', function(event, slick, currentSlide){ fixSlickAria(); }); });