The New 2023 TEXAS LAKES & BAYS FISHING ATLAS is the latest edition of this annual book we have been publishing for 35 years.

This new edition includes NEW LAKES NOT PUBLISHED IN LAST YEAR’S EDITION, PLUS THE ENTIRE COAST.

The 2023 edition features maps and fishing spots for 54 freshwater lakes and 21 coastal destinations, with more than 3,500 fishing hotspots. These spots include GPS coordinates and tips for fishing the spot including best time, best baits and best techniques. These tips come from fishing guides who fish the waters professionally.

FRESHWATER LAKE SAMPLE: Lake Conroe

FRESHWATER LAKE SAMPLE: Lake Buchanan

FRESHWATER LAKE SAMPLE: Lake Possum Kingdom

SALTWATER BAY SAMPLE: San Antonio Bay

SALTWATER BAY SAMPLE: Galveston Bay Complex

The maps include detailed contour depths provided by Navionics.

The 2022 edition also includes updated information on boat ramps and facilities such as camping, docks, on-water fuel and food.

FISHING FORECAST THROUGH OCTOBER 2024 FOR THE TEXAS COAST

This edition also includes a Fishing Forecast section with TIDES and SOLUNAR PREDICTIONS for the Upper, Middle and Lower Texas Coast.

IT’S AS IF RAND MCNALLY FISHED!

We have been publishing our annual fishing atlas, aptly titled TEXAS LAKES & BAYS, since 1988. In its earliest editions, TL&B modestly presented maps and profiles of all the major bay systems down the Texas coast, plus a selection of freshwater lakes across the state.

The first couple of annual issues, just like our monthly flagship TF&G back in the early days, were printed on newsprint. As Fish & Game matured into a glossy full color magazine, Lakes & Bays grew with it. The first year we went “slick” with TL&B—the 1991 edition—we also released it on newsstands across Texas. It sold like snow cones outside a sweat lodge.

The old Lakes & Bays offered a lot of good information, and the maps—drawn by Nancy Spivey, the wife of TF&G’s founding editor Marvin Spivey—provided reference points to facilities and general locations for the best fishing. Each location was profiled in an article by one of our contributing writers who was knowledgable about the lake or bay and its unique characteristics. Basic, solid info for the travelling fisherman. An atlas for anglers.

As Lakes & Bays evolved, we tinkered with its content. We added a year-long tide forecast. We added pages, which enabled us to feature more and more lakes.

Then, in 2003, we took a significant turn. That year, we re-formatted the book. We enlarged its physical size—the “trim”—from the standard 8- x 11-inch magazine size to a larger 9 x 11. This let us enlarge all the maps. Using NOAA charts and USGS topographic maps, we built digital versions on which we could then overlay our own information.

We also added a twist that was a game changer. We recruited experienced fishing guides from each area and asked them to submit specific “hot spots” with detailed information including the species, best time of year (since this was an annual book) and the best baits and techniques for fishing each spot. The kicker was that they also gave us the GPS coordinates for each spot.

Every year, we would add new fishing spots, in addition to adding new lakes (we already had every bay). The book grew fatter and more packed with fishing holes for anglers who liked to hit the road and try lakes or bays they might not be familiar with.
In 2011, we made another significant shift—and totally overhauled the maps again. We partnered with Navionics, which enabled us to include depth contours for all the water bodies.

Last year, we implemented another complete map overhaul to make all the information fit… and happily ended up with a more functional presentation.

This edition of Texas Lakes & Bays has more than five dozen freshwater and saltwater maps, loaded with a wealth of fishing information. If you were to purchase a fishing map separately for all these locations—if they were even available for all of them—you would have to spend $600 to $800.
We have it all wrapped up for you in one easy to use package… all for just Twelve Bucks!