Redfish and snook window opens as Laguna Madre water cools

What's biting

What's next

Tide timing is the key planning tool this week. At station 8779770 the next high is predicted at about 2:35 AM local time (CDT) on October 20, with the following low near 5:47 PM. Station 8775237 shows a high near 4:12 AM and a low near 5:46 PM. The afternoon low, which falls close to dusk, usually pushes bait out of the shallows and concentrates feeding fish along drop-offs and channel edges, so plan the last light of the day around it.

The moon is at First Quarter, which brings moderate tidal movement. Expect the best flow during the hours on either side of the high and the low, with slack water the slowest stretch. If water temperatures slide a few degrees over the next couple of days, as is typical this time of year, expect fish to feed more steadily through midday as well as at dawn. Per Salt Strong's Advanced Inshore Fishing piece, small details such as lure presentation and timing often decide a trip once you are on the right fish, so refine both before changing spots.

For artificials, Coastal Angler Magazine's October guidance favors working tide changes and structure with a range of retrieves. Start with natural colors in clear water and brighter patterns if the bay is stained.

Context

Late October is typically the heart of fall on the Texas coast. Cooling nights pull water temperatures down from summer highs, baitfish become active along grass edges and channels, and redfish commonly gather in larger groups. Readings in the mid to upper 70s are on the warm side of typical for this stretch but well within the range where fish feed actively. Seasonal rules can change quickly, so check current Texas regulations before harvesting anything.