You say you want to catch only trophy-sized black drum, without lots of little fish getting in the way? These fish get rather huge, and if you want to target the mammoths among them, put these tips to good use. […]
Targeting Mammoth Black Drum Read More »
Saltwater fishing can be incredibly rewarding, but salt is brutal on your gear. Without proper care, your reels can corrode, seize up, or suffer irreversible damage. Cleaning your reels after every saltwater trip is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide on
Seven Steps To Cleaning Saltwater Reels Read More »
We’ve heard some wild tag recapture stories over the years, but this one might take the cake.In May 2025, a 22-inch yellowfin tuna was tagged off Venice, Louisiana, by our longtime friends at the LA-Tex Tournament. Just a couple of
Tagged Tuna Found In Marlin! Read More »
A federal investigation is threatening to derail one of the most respected and effective state-run fisheries monitoring programs in the country. On May 23, 2024, NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement and Office of Protected Resources launched a formal inquiry
TPWD Suspends Gillnet Sampling Program Read More »
When anglers talk about fishing the Texas coast, certain species dominate the conversation: speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and maybe even tarpon. But every so often, a different kind of predator shows up in Texas waters — one with razor-sharp teeth,
Targeting Texas Bluefish Read More »
Need an easy redfish recipe? Here’s one that’s super easy and tastes great. Pan-Seared Redfish with Lemon Butter Ingredients: 2 redfish fillets (skin on or off) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 lemon (juice + zest) 2 cloves
Pan-Seared Redfish Recipe Read More »
When Texas coastal anglers discuss trout, they almost always mean speckled trout (Cynoscion nebulosus). However, another member of the drum family quietly shares many of the same waters: the sand trout (Cynoscion arenarius). While typically smaller and less targeted than
Ever Heard of Giant Sand Trout? Read More »
When most anglers hit the Texas coast for redfish, they reach for the usual suspects — spoons, popping corks, and paddle tails. But sometimes, especially on pressured waters or tough weather days, the usual tricks just don’t cut it. That’s
Obscure Lure Tips For Catching Redfish Read More »
The Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, TX is getting ready for a special event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws — and to teach visitors about real great white sharks in the Gulf. On June 21,
Free Event To Focus On Gulf Great White Sharks Read More »
If you’ve ever walked a Texas beach and seen a large, flat shadow glide through the shallows, chances are you’ve seen a stingray. Stingrays are fascinating creatures are abundant along the Gulf Coast, and with the right approach, they can
How To Catch Stingrays In the Surf Read More »
There’s no better feeling than pulling up on a flat, taking a peek at the sidescan, and watching a horde of redfish or speckled trout appear within casting distance. Sidescan is a vital tool for one simple reason: it helps
Using Sidescan on Shallow Flats Read More »
Sheepshead in the shallows? You’ve got that right! When most people imagine catching convicts, it’s fishing in relatively deep water around structure like a bridge or jetty. But believe it or not, these pseudo-black-drum with teeth are likely hanging out
Sheepshead in the… Shallows? Read More »
Fishing from piers along the Texas coast is a favorite pastime for anglers of all skill levels, offering easy access to productive waters without the need for a boat. From the bright lights that draw in speckled trout at night
Fishing The Piers of Coastal Texas Read More »
There’s nothing better than watching a big redfish hunt down a soft plastic or explode on a popper. While redfish aren’t particularly picky fish, there are still certain lures that will produce more bites and land more fish than others—especially
The Best Artificial Baits for Bull Redfish Read More »
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that high-water temperatures, extended cloudy weather and storms may lead to inland (freshwater) and nearshore marine fish kills in waterways across the state. Fish kills should be reported to the
Louisiana Concerned Over Fish Kills Read More »
Fifty years ago, a 25-foot mechanical shark named Bruce forever changed the ocean. When Jaws hit theaters in June 1975, it became the first true summer blockbuster, grossing over $470 million worldwide—a staggering amount at the time—and turning beachgoers into
“Jaws” 50th Anniversary and A Special Tribute Read More »
If you’ve never explored the backwaters of a winding marsh, you’re missing out on some of the best fishing Texas has to offer. While it may be a bit daunting looking at miles of maze-like marsh, just like a lake
How to Read the Marsh Read More »
Bonefishing is more than just a sport—it is a storybook of memories, traditions, healthy competition, and importantly, change. But what happens when the only data we have to understand these changes are just the stories themselves? How do we track
Florida Bonefish Survey Released Read More »
Optimal surf trout fishing conditions occur when the water is clear and green to the beach, with calm seas and light winds. These conditions often follow several days of stable weather. Early mornings, especially during an incoming tide, are ideal
Target Surf Trout Now Read More »
The Gulf Council will meet at the Council Office, in Tampa, Florida located at 4107 W Spruce Street, Suite 200, Tampa, Florida on June 3 – 4, 2025. The meeting will convene each day at 8:30 AM, EDT and is
Spanish Mackerel On Gulf Council Agenda Read More »
