Spring has fully sprung across the Gulf Coast, and the bite is turning on inshore, nearshore, and offshore. With warming waters and longer days, April delivers prime action across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida’s Gulf side. Whether you’re wading a flat or heading offshore, it’s time to get after it – below is your fishing guide for the Gulf Coast in April! To read what’s biting now in the Northeast – check out our previous post.
Regional Breakdown
Texas Coast (Galveston to South Padre)
🎣 Target Species:
- Speckled trout – Excellent bite in grassy bays and drop-offs, especially in early morning.
- Redfish – Cruising shorelines and back lakes; tailing action possible on calmer days.
- Black drum – Schooling in deeper cuts and channels.
- Flounder – Starting to make a comeback in the bays and estuaries.
🧭 Notes:
- April is a top month for sight-fishing redfish.
- Trout are staging pre-spawn—look for them near oyster reefs and points.
Louisiana & Mississippi
🎣 Target Species:
- Redfish – Thick in marshes and bayous; great action around grassy points.
- Speckled trout – Steady bite near marsh drains and deeper channels.
- Sheepshead – Still around structure and bridges, especially near the coast.
- Black drum – Good numbers around shell bottoms and river mouths.
🧭 Notes:
- Shrimp and baitfish are moving back in—follow the bait for consistent bites.
- April is also a sleeper month for big trout near Lake Pontchartrain and Breton Sound.
Alabama & Florida Panhandle
🎣 Target Species:
- Pompano – Running strong along the beaches; surf fishing is 🔥.
- Spanish mackerel – Active near piers and just outside the surf.
- Cobia – Migrating along the beaches and visible near surface rays—time to sight-cast!
- King mackerel – Heating up just offshore.
- Redfish & Trout – Solid inshore action in Mobile Bay and around the Apalachicola area.
🧭 Notes:
- Bring a long rod for pompano on the beach; use sand fleas or shrimp-tipped jigs.
- Look for cobia on calm mornings and have a live eel or jig ready to throw.
Sustainability + Regulations
- Cobia: Know your size limits—Gulf states vary and the slot has tightened in recent years.
- Flounder & Trout: Check local regs in Texas and Florida; bag limits and sizes continue to change.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overhandling your catch—especially trout. Use rubber nets and wet hands to preserve slime coat and increase survival on releases.
Bite Intensity Meter
| Species | Region | Bite Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Speckled Trout | TX/LA/MS Inshore | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Redfish | Entire Gulf Coast | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Cobia | FL Panhandle | 🔥🔥 |
| Pompano | FL Panhandle Beaches | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Spanish Macks | AL-FL Nearshore | 🔥🔥 |
Catch & Cook: Pompano
Flavor Profile: Delicate, buttery, and clean—perfect for whole roasting or grilling.
April Recipe Pick: Baked whole pompano with lemon and butter
April on the Gulf Coast is one of the most exciting times to fish—migrations are in motion, inshore life is buzzing, and offshore trips are back on the calendar. Don’t miss out—tie on your favorite lure and hit the water!
📥 Got a bite report, local secret, or monster catch photo? Tag us on Instagram or comment below with #WhatsBitingNow!
