The Fisherman’s Guide to Fishing in Palacios, TX
Looking to get away and spend some time outdoors? Kick back and relax with a day of fishing in Palacios, Texas.
Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, Palacios is an angler's paradise. It offers a huge variety of fish, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back vibe. Whether you're a seasoned fisherman or an out-of-towner, this guide will help you with everything you need to know to make your Palacios fishing adventure a success.
Why Palacios?
Why Choose Palacios for Fishing?
Palacios is a small coastal town where the calm waters of Tres Palacios Bay meet the famous Matagorda Bay on the Gulf Coast of Texas. This creates a diverse ecosystem full of different species, making it a hot spot for both inshore and offshore fishing.
Common Fish Species to Catch in Palacios
You’ll find these fish species off the coast of Palacios:
- Redfish
- Speckled trout
- Flounder
- Black drum
- Sheepshead
- Spanish mackerel (warmer months only)
Planning
Tips for Planning Your Palacios Fishing Trip
Here's some of our favorite tips for planning a great fishing trip that anglers of all ages can enjoy.
Best Time to Go Fishing in Palacios
Fishing in Palacios, TX, is excellent year-round. You can usually always catch redfish and speckled trout, but fall is the best time to catch flounder, and summer is the best time for catching Spanish mackerel.
Always check the weather before heading out to fish. Though you can successfully fish at any time throughout the day, sunrise, sunset, and periods around the tide changes are usually prime times to catch the most fish.
Where to Get Bait and Tackle in Palacios
Stock up on live bait (shrimp are a favorite!), lures, and terminal tackle at local bait shops like Grassy Point Bait and Blackie’s Shrimp Shack in Palacios. You can also get your fishing license at these shops.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Pack the essentials before a fishing trip in Palacios:
- Rods
- Reels
- Bait
- Variety of lures (crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics)
- A cooler with ice to keep your catches fresh
- Sun protection (we recommend sunscreen and a hat)
Palacios Fishing License and Regulations
A Texas fishing license is required for all adult anglers. You can easily get a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website or at most bait shops.
Bag limits depend on the species and time of year, but most anglers can catch up to five fish per day. Read the most up-to-date information on fishing regulations, bag limits, and gear restrictions for different species before a fishing trip to Palacios.
Fishing Spots
Top Fishing Spots Around Palacios
Several places in and around Palacios are great for fishing. Check out this map for a deeper dive into every spot for fishing in Matagorda Bay, but in the meantime — here are a few of our favorites!
Matagorda Bay is a famous fishing hotspot near Palacios that draws anglers from all over the state. The west side of the bay is a prime spot for shallow water and kayak fishing. Be sure to look for fish in the grass lines and marsh areas.
East Matagorda Bay offers a mix of protected coves and flats and is full of redfish and speckled trout, especially during the spring and fall. Anglers can also target black drum and sheepshead around the jetties and oyster reefs of East Matagorda Bay.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of the wind direction. The waters in East Matagorda Bay can sometimes be choppy.
Considered the crown jewel of Palacios fishing, Tres Palacios Bay is a small bay stemming off Matagorda Bay. Target redfish and trout along the grass flats or bottom fish for black drum and sheepshead around the jetties. This sheltered bay is perfect for both experienced anglers and families with small children.
Southwest of Tres Palacios Bay, Turtle Bay offers a mix of shallow water channels and marshlands. This area is best for kayak fishing and allows you to explore hidden coves and stalk redfish and trout in their natural habitat. Be sure to keep an eye out for blue crabs!
This shallow-water lake between Tres Palacios Bay and Matagorda Bay is great for catching redfish, trout, and flounder and is perfect for drift fishing and kayak anglers. Oyster Lake Park has launch points for boats on both Oyster Lake and Matagorda Bay.
Fishing Tips
Best Fishing Methods in Palacios
Wondering how to catch fish in Palacios? Here are some popular ways to fish in and around Matagorda Bay:
Fishing Piers — Several 400-foot lighted fishing piers extend into the bay around the Palacios area, like the pier at Palacios Bay Beach. These piers are a great option for families with young children or anyone looking for a relaxed place to cast a line.
Kayaking — Tres Palacios Bay's calm waters and protected coves are perfect for exploring by kayak. Paddle through the backwaters and catch redfish and trout in the shallows. Several local shops offer kayak rentals and guided tours.
Shore Fishing — Find excellent shore fishing at Palacios Bay Beach or venture slightly outside of town to reach several other beaches along the bay known for shore fishing, such as Magnolia Beach or Matagorda Beach.
Boat Ramps — Palacios has three public boat ramps, making it easy to access Matagorda Bay and Tres Palacios Bay. The most popular ramps are Clem Wilson Boat Ramp and the Palacios Harbor Boat Ramp.
Palacios Fishing Charters and Guides
Alternatively, if you don't have your own boat or prefer a guided experience, book a full-day or half-day trip on a fishing charter in Palacios. Charter options in Palacios are widely available for every budget, fishing style, and target species.
Some popular charter trips are:
- Inshore Charters — Inshore charters typically target redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum in the calmer waters and flats of East Matagorda Bay and Tres Palacios Bay. These charters are family-friendly and perfect for beginners.
- Offshore Charters — Offshore charters typically target trophy redfish, amberjack, and king mackerel. They're a bit more adventurous than inshore charters and are recommended for experienced anglers looking for a memorable and challenging fishing trip.
Popular Fishing Techniques in Palacios
You can try catching fish in Palacios using one (or more!) of the following techniques:
Artificial Lure Fishing
Artificial lures come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and are designed to imitate fish's natural prey. Experiment with different lures to see what works best for your desired catch. For redfish, try topwater lures that create movement on the surface.
Live Bait Fishing
There's a reason live bait is a classic technique. It’s effective! Shrimp are a universal favorite for redfish and speckled trout. You can use live croaker or mullet for larger fish near Palacios, like black drum.
Drift Fishing
Drift fishing is a popular technique in Palacios because it lets fishermen cover a large area in a short time. This technique allows your boat to drift with the current while your bait or lure trails behind. Adjust your weights and lure depths depending on the target species.
Wading
Wade fishing is another effective fishing technique in Palacios, especially in the shallow waters of Matagorda Bay. By stepping directly into the water with only waders, a rod, and tackle, you can explore shallow flats and get up close to the fish. Make sure your wading boots have a good grip on them. This technique is great for redfish and speckled trout.
Bonus Tips
Bonus Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip in Palacios
Talk to the Locals
Don't be afraid to start a conversation with bait shop owners or charter captains. They'll have the latest scoop on what's biting (and where to find it!).
Fishing Reports
Check out recent Palacios fishing reports online to see what others are catching and what techniques work best before planning a fishing trip to Palacios.
Make the Fishing Paradise of Palacios Your “Home Away from Home” with Beachside
Palacios has excellent fishing spots for anglers of all skill levels. With the right gear, preparation, and guidance, you will undoubtedly have a memorable fishing trip in Palacios!
And while fishing may be one of the star attractions in Palacios, you can enjoy tons of other activities in this quaint coastal town. Explore the charming shops downtown, eat fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, or take a birdwatching tour through the nearby wildlife refuges.
Palacios offers an escape from the hustle and a chance to reconnect with nature. If you fall in love with the beauty and slow-paced lifestyle in Palacios as much as we have, we hope you’ll consider touring our build-ready homesites to make this coastal fishing paradise your new home away from home!