#9 on this list
Grass Island, Mesquite Bay
Texas, USA
Grass Island in Mesquite Bay is a textbook example of productive back-bay redfish habitat. This large, irregularly shaped island is surrounded by dense, healthy grass flats and features numerous small guts and sand pockets. The entire area benefits from relatively clear water, especially on north winds, and is somewhat protected by the surrounding landmasses. Redfish here are commonly found tailing deep in the grass or cruising the sand potholes, making for excellent sight-casting opportunities. Access is primarily by boat, with the nearest launch often being from Port O'Connor. It's a bit of a run, but the reward is a tranquil environment and often unpressured fish. Fall through spring are prime, with winter cold fronts often concentrating fish. Anglers will need to be patient, stealthy, and able to present flies accurately into tight cover. The remote feel of Mesquite Bay adds to the charm, offering a true escape from more crowded waters. **Highlights** * Dense grass flats provide exceptional redfish habitat * Generally clear water, especially with northerly winds * Good protection from most prevailing winds * Opportunities for tailing redfish in very skinny water * Peaceful, remote environment with less angling pressure **Watch-outs** * Longer boat run from most launch points * Bottom can be soft in some grassier areas, challenging to wade * Mosquitoes and biting insects can be bothersome in warmer months * Navigation requires attention to shallow spots and prop scars
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#10 on this list
Traylor Island, Aransas Bay
Texas, USA
Traylor Island, located in Aransas Bay, offers a diverse and consistently productive environment for redfish. This long, narrow island provides excellent wind protection on its leeward side, creating calm, wadeable flats even when the main bay is choppy. The flats around Traylor are a mosaic of hard sand, scattered shell, and healthy grass beds, all supporting abundant baitfish. Redfish patrol the drop-offs, cruise the sand pockets, and often tail aggressively in the shallow grass during favorable tides. Access is straightforward by boat from Rockport or Aransas Pass. Its accessibility contributes to its popularity, but the island's length ensures there's usually enough room to find solitude. Best fished during fall and spring, though good fishing can be found year-round. Anglers should be adept at reading the water and varying their approach based on wind and tide. The mix of structure provides diverse fishing opportunities, from targeting cruising fish to sight-casting to tailers. **Highlights** * Long island provides excellent wind protection on its lee side * Diverse bottom of hard sand, shell, and grass beds * Consistently holds feeding redfish * Relatively easy access from Rockport/Aransas Pass * Opportunities for both cruising and tailing redfish **Watch-outs** * Can experience heavy boat traffic, especially on weekends * Wakes from passing boats can temporarily disrupt fishing * Some areas can be muddy or silty after heavy rains * Exposed to direct winds on the windward side of the island
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Grass Island, Mesquite Bay | Traylor Island, Aransas Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Mesquite Bay, Texas Middle Coast | Aransas Bay, Texas Middle Coast |
| Target Species | Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) | — |
| Best Season | Fall through Spring | — |
| Access | Boat only, typically from Port O'Connor | Boat from Rockport/Aransas Pass |
| Primary Habitat | Shallow grass flats, sand pockets | — |
| Fishing Style | Sight casting, wading | — |
| Primary Target | — | Redfish |
| Terrain | — | Sand, shell, grass flats |
| Wind Protection | — | Excellent on leeward side |
| Best Seasons | — | Fall, Spring (Year-round potential) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Grass Island, Mesquite Bay
- Consistent opportunities for sight casting to tailing redfish
- Exceptional water clarity under favorable conditions
- Relatively protected from most prevailing winds
- Remote, tranquil environment with reduced angling pressure
- Healthy grass flats indicate a robust ecosystem
- Significant boat run required from nearest launch points
- Soft bottom in some grassier areas challenges wading
- Mosquitoes and biting insects can be severe in warmer months
- Requires careful navigation due to shallow spots and prop scars
Traylor Island, Aransas Bay
- Reliable redfish production on diverse flats
- Excellent wind protection on leeward side for calm wading
- Varied bottom structure supports abundant baitfish
- Relatively easy boat access from major hubs
- Long island provides ample room to spread out
- Can experience significant boat traffic, especially weekends
- Wakes from passing boats can temporarily disrupt fishing
- Certain areas can be soft or muddy after heavy rainfall
- Exposed to direct wind on the windward side of the island
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