Redfish fishing in Texas

The 86th Texas International Fishing Tournament gives South Padre Island and Port Isabel another chance to show why the Lower Laguna Madre remains one of Texas’ most complete saltwater fishing stages. Scheduled for July 29 through August 2, 2026, TIFT brings together bay anglers, offshore crews, junior participants, families, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators in a tournament setting built around both the Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. For … Read the rest

South Padre Island’s new Marisol Laguna Madre Boat Ramp changes more than where boaters can launch. It gives anglers a new free public access point to one of Texas’ most important bay fishing systems after more than three decades without a new public bayside access development on the island. The City of South Padre Island scheduled the grand opening for July 21, 2026, at 1705 Laguna Boulevard, and local coverage … Read the rest

NOAA Fisheries’ proposed blueline tilefish catch-limit increase matters to offshore anglers because it shows how federal fisheries management can change opportunity when updated stock data supports it. On July 13, 2026, NOAA Fisheries requested public comments on a proposed rule for Abbreviated Framework Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. If finalized, the rule would increase total, commercial, and recreational annual … Read the rest

California’s July 4 Free Fishing Day shows why removing one barrier can help create the next generation of anglers, but only when access comes with rules, guidance, and responsibility. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife set Saturday, July 4, 2026, as the first of the state’s two Free Fishing Days for the year, allowing people to fish without a sport fishing license. The second Free Fishing Day falls on … Read the rest

Wyoming’s latest afternoon trout advisory should matter to anglers far beyond the Snake River. In mid-July 2026, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urged anglers in the Jackson Region to avoid afternoon fishing as warm, dry weather, lower flows, and rising water temperatures increased stress on trout and other cold-water species. The warning was not about poor fishing conditions. It was about fish survival. For Texas Sportsmen readers, the advisory … Read the rest

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s new sea turtle stranding role should matter to every coastal angler who fishes piers, jetties, bays, surf zones, passes, marinas, and nearshore Gulf waters. On July 8, 2026, TPWD announced that, as of July 1, it had officially begun hosting the role of State Coordinator for the Texas Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. That change puts the agency at the center of statewide … Read the rest

The 90th Deep Sea Roundup is more than another summer tournament on the Texas coast. It is proof that Port Aransas still holds one of the strongest identities in Gulf Coast sportfishing. Held July 9–12, 2026, with registration and event activity centered at the Port Aransas Civic Center and weigh-ins tied to Roberts Point Park, the Deep Sea Roundup connects offshore competition, bay-surf fishing, junior anglers, tarpon history, billfish releases, … Read the rest

Clear Lake’s latest alligator advisory gives Texas anglers a direct reminder that summer fishing safety is not only about heat, boat traffic, hooks, or weather. It also includes knowing how to share public water with native wildlife. On July 8, 2026, Nassau Bay issued an alligator advisory because of its proximity to Clear Lake and the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, urging residents and visitors to use caution near waterways, bayous, … Read the rest

Toledo Bend Reservoir is already back on the Texas tournament calendar in a major way. Major League Fishing announced on July 7, 2026, that Toledo Bend will host Stage 4 of the 2027 Bass Pro Tour from April 1–4, with the event launching from Sabinetown Recreation Area and hosted by Visit Sabine County and the Sabine River Authority of Texas. For Texas tournament anglers, the date matters even now because … Read the rest

Caddo Lake’s Fishin’ Fridays show why the next generation of Texas anglers does not have to start with a bass boat, tournament entry fee, or expensive tackle setup. In July 2026, Caddo Lake State Park scheduled recurring Fishin’ Friday programs on July 10, July 17, July 24, and July 31, giving beginners a simple way to borrow gear, fish from the pier, and learn basics from a ranger. For Texas … Read the rest