Lower Laguna Madre

Port Mansfield, TX, United States · Saltwater · Intermediate

A hypersaline lagoon of gin-clear shallows and seagrass, ideal for wade fishing and sight casting. Tailing redfish and trophy speckled trout over sand potholes make this a Texas classic.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: boat
  • Boat ramp: Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp, Padre Island National Seashore: paved ramp with small adjacent dock, gravel launch for paddle craft, and a small pier; the park's only developed boat ramp, on the Laguna Madre
  • Parking: Dedicated trailer and single-vehicle spaces plus accessible spaces; vehicles must use a space designated for their type or may be cited or towed. Overflow parking is at Malaquite Visitor Center, about 4.3 miles away
  • Facilities: Accessible vault toilets, Fish-cleaning tables

The ramp is busy early in the morning, especially at weekends and holidays. A boat-ramp pass is required; it is sold at the entrance station, the visitor center or online through Recreation.gov. Check current Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing licence rules.

Access information source

Species

  • redfish
  • speckled trout
  • black drum

Best times to fish

  • Summer wade fishing at dawn
  • Autumn tailing tides
  • Winter trophy trout

Recommended gear

Essential

  • Medium spin combo (15-20lb braid)
  • Soft plastics and topwaters
  • Wading belt and stingray guards
  • Polarized sunglasses

Optional

  • Shallow-draft skiff
  • 8-weight fly rod
  • Sun hoodie and gloves

Regulations and requirements

  • Texas fishing licence with saltwater endorsement required
  • Redfish and speckled trout slot and bag limits apply
  • Check current TPWD rules — trout limits have changed recently

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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