By: Dianté Marigny
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
What’s biting this month?
As South Padre Island heads into December, anglers are finding that the late-summer and fall fishing patterns are still holding strong…at least for now. With a recent cold front pushing through the Gulf, conditions could shift in the coming days, but for the moment, the Island’s waters are producing steady action for both casual and experienced fishermen.
Water temperatures are hovering around 70 degrees, keeping bait active and game fish feeding across the Lower Laguna Madre and surrounding channels.
Bay Action: Trout, Reds and
Drum Holding Shallow
In the bay, speckled trout and redfish remain reliable targets in shallow water: as little as two feet or less. Anglers are having success drifting or wading with topwater lures, especially during calm mornings, or switching to Gulp! plastics under a popping cork when fish are holding a bit deeper.
Deeper channels are also producing. According to Capt. Glenn Harrison of Double Mermaid Outdoors, good numbers of redfish, trout and black drum are hitting cut or live bait, giving anglers plenty of variety in the cooler pockets of the Laguna Madre.
Jetty Bite Still Strong
For those looking to tangle with something larger, the jetties remain the hot spot. Bull redfish are biting consistently, offering one of the most powerful fights currently available along the Island.
Ship Channel Highlights:
Snapper & Snook
The Port Brownsville Ship Channel is proving especially productive this week. Anglers are reporting solid catches of mangrove snapper and the occasional snook, a prized species for South Texas fishermen. The mix of structure and moving water continues to make the ship channel an attractive option through late fall.
South Bay Heating Up
Guides working South Bay are bringing in steady stringers of black drum, healthy redfish, and early-season sheepshead. With the sheepshead bite “on the verge of exploding,” winter should offer even more opportunity for anglers targeting these thick, striped fighters.
One bright note for bait fishermen: live shrimp availability has improved now that the recent jellyfish bloom has faded, making it easier to stock up at local bait stands before heading out.
Weather & Holiday Outlook
Warm conditions and lighter winds have made for ideal fall fishing, particularly for those hoping to squeeze in a trip before winter fully settles in. Capt. Cliff Fleming of Crystal Flats Guide Service says guides are hopeful for a strong holiday turnout.
“For anyone thinking about a trip — come on down and make a cast,” Fleming said.
Whether you’re drifting the flats, fishing the jetties, or exploring the island’s maze of back bays, early December is delivering plenty of action for anglers on South Padre Island.
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