The Texas Slam: Catching Redfish, Trout, and Flounder in Port O’Connor
For many coastal anglers in Texas, few achievements are more satisfying than completing a Texas Slam—catching a redfish, speckled trout, and flounder all in the same day. Port O’Connor, Texas, is one of the best places to attempt this challenge, thanks to its diverse fishery, expansive bay systems, and ideal access to shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh drains.
With the right conditions, proper strategy, and guidance from someone who knows the area—like Captain Wes Bodden of Lured Out—anglers stand an excellent chance at landing all three prized species in a single trip. In this article, we’ll break down how to approach each catch, where to fish, and what tactics work best for securing the Texas Slam in Port O’Connor.
What is the Texas Slam?
The Texas Slam refers to catching the following three species in one day:
Red Drum (Redfish)
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)
These are the “big three” of inshore Gulf Coast fishing and represent the variety of techniques, habitats, and fish behavior that makes Texas fishing so unique.
Step 1: Start with Speckled Trout
Why Start Here?
Speckled trout are most active early in the morning, especially during warmer months. They feed aggressively around first light, making this the perfect way to start your Slam attempt.
Where to Go:
Shell reefs in Matagorda Bay
Deeper cuts in Espiritu Santo Bay
Flats near Powderhorn Lake at sunrise
Tactics:
Topwater plugs early
Soft plastics on jig heads over structure
Live shrimp under a popping cork
Gear Tip:
Use a 7’ medium-light spinning rod with a 2500-size reel and 10–12 lb test braid. Fluorocarbon leaders help when targeting trout in clear water.
Step 2: Hunt for Redfish
Why Now?
As the sun gets higher and the tide changes, redfish become more active in the mid-morning to early afternoon. They feed along marsh edges, flats, and grassy potholes—prime time for sight-casting.
Where to Go:
Shoalwater Bay and nearby marshes
Grass flats around Big Bayou
Drainage cuts and sandy shorelines
Tactics:
Weedless spoons and paddle tail plastics
Sight casting with live shrimp or gold spoons
Cut mullet or crab near deeper marsh cuts
Pro Tip:
Look for signs of redfish activity—wakes, mud boils, and tailing fish—especially on a falling tide.
Step 3: Finish Strong with Flounder
Why Save for Last?
Flounder tend to feed best during tidal movements, especially in the late morning or early afternoon, as the tide goes out. They hide along sandy bottoms and marsh drains, waiting to ambush bait.
Where to Go:
Marsh drains near Powderhorn Lake
Sandy channels around Little Mary’s Cut
Edges of jetties or deep pockets along ICW
Tactics:
Slowly drag soft plastics or gulp baits along the bottom
Carolina rigs with mud minnows
Live shrimp bounced slowly near current breaks
Tip for Hooksets:
Flounder often hit lightly with a tap-tap, then reposition the bait. Don’t set the hook immediately—wait a few seconds to ensure a solid bite.
Bonus: How to Plan Your Slam Day
Achieving a Texas Slam is part skill, part luck, and part strategy. Here are a few tips to improve your odds:
1. Know the Tides
Tidal movement is essential for all three species. Plan your trip around incoming or outgoing tides for best results.
2. Be Ready to Move
Don’t stay in one spot too long. If the trout bite slows, head for redfish territory. If redfish are scattered, move to a flounder drain.
3. Bring a Variety of Gear
You’ll need different lures, leaders, and setups. Bring at least two rods: one for artificial lures and one for live or cut bait.
4. Use the Right Boat or Guide
Shallow-draft boats give you access to marshes and flats. Booking with a guide like Captain Wes Bodden ensures you’re fishing the most productive areas.
5. Time it Right
Spring and fall are the best times to complete the Slam, thanks to mild temps and active feeding behavior.
Local Expertise Makes All the Difference
While it’s possible to complete a Texas Slam on your own, working with a seasoned guide like Captain Wes at Lured Out drastically improves your chances. Wes tailors each trip to your goals, monitors tide and wind conditions, and knows exactly where each species is feeding based on season, water temperature, and bait movement.
Many anglers attempt the Slam, but few do it consistently. With the right captain, even first-timers can join the Texas Slam club.
Conservation Matters
Redfish, trout, and flounder are carefully managed in Texas. Always follow TPWD regulations:
Redfish: Slot 20–28″, one over 28″ with tag
Trout: Slot 15–25″, one over 25″
Flounder: 15″ minimum, seasonal closures apply
Catch and release is encouraged for large breeder trout and oversized reds. Flounder populations benefit from careful harvest, especially during fall migration.
Final Cast: The Slam is Within Reach
Few things compare to the thrill of completing a Texas Slam in one of the most fish-rich environments on the Gulf Coast. Port O’Connor’s mix of shallow flats, deep channels, reef systems, and marsh drains makes it a prime location to chase all three targets in one unforgettable day.
Whether you’re casting a topwater at dawn, hunting reds under a midday sun, or dragging plastics for flounder on the outgoing tide, the experience is all the more rewarding when the stars align.
Book your next Slam attempt with Lured Out and Captain Wes Bodden, and discover why Port O’Connor is a Texas Slam hotspot.
Let me know if you’d like me to keep going with Article 5, or I can continue all the way through Article 10 in sequence.
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