What changes through the year
The time of year makes a difference: daylight, heat, wind and water temperature all change. These guides explain what to consider when choosing trip dates. You'll still need the day's forecast and current fishing rules before heading out.
- Spring often calls for flexibility around fronts and changing wind.
- Summer puts heat, sun, thunderstorms, and keeping a catch cold near the top of the list.
- Fall can bring fronts that make the difference between exposed Gulf water and the bay especially important.
- Winter calls for close attention to cold events, wind, comfort, and the route back.
Check the day's water
Use the NWS beach forecast for surf and jetty plans and the NWS marine forecast for the bay, nearshore, or offshore. Conditions at the access point can still be different from what you expected, so change locations or stop when the water no longer suits the outing.
Fishing rules have their own calendar
Seasonal fishing patterns do not tell you whether a fish is legal to keep. Before fishing or keeping a catch, look up the current rule for the species and water in TPWD's fishing regulations. Then use the places and methods guides to finish planning the day.