Redfish Fishing Lighthouse Lakes, TX | Redfish Republic Charters

Lighthouse Lakes sits behind Mustang Island, a network of shallow flats, grass beds, and shell bars where redfish hold year-round. The water runs clear over sand and scattered grass, and when conditions line up, you can sight-cast to tailing fish in less than two feet. Redfish Republic Charters works these flats and the cuts connecting them to Aransas Bay, water the captain has poled for fourteen years.

The Water and How It Fishes

Lighthouse Lakes is protected water. The flats average eighteen inches to three feet, with deeper cuts running between the lakes and out to the bay. Grass beds hold baitfish, and redfish cruise the edges looking for shrimp and mullet. Oyster bars and shell ridges create ambush points, especially on moving water.

The bottom is mostly sand with patches of turtle grass and widgeon grass. When the tide drops, fish push into the cuts or hold tight to structure. When it floods, they spread across the flats. Wind matters here. A south or southeast wind pushes clean water in and makes for good visibility. A strong north wind can muddy things up and push fish into deeper pockets.

Redfish Republic Charters runs inshore trips, fly trips, and wade trips depending on conditions and what you want to do. The captain grew up wading these flats and knows the cuts, the grass lines, and where fish move with the tide.

Best Time of Year for Redfish

Redfish feed in Lighthouse Lakes every month, but the fishing changes with the seasons. Spring brings warming water and aggressive fish. March through May, redfish are active on the flats, especially as baitfish move in. Sight-casting picks up as the water clears and fish start tailing in the shallows.

Summer is consistent. June through August, redfish are spread across the flats in the early morning and late evening. Midday heat pushes them to deeper cuts or under grass mats. Topwater bites are strong at first light.

Fall is the best window. September through November, redfish school up and feed hard before winter. The bull reds move through in October and early November, and slot fish are thick on the flats. Water temps drop into the seventies, and fish stay active all day.

Winter slows things down but does not shut them off. December through February, redfish hold in deeper cuts and around structure when cold fronts push through. Between fronts, they move back onto the flats during warm afternoons. You will not see as many tailers, but the fish that eat are solid.

What to Expect on a Trip

Redfish Republic Charters offers half-day and full-day inshore trips, plus a sunrise fly trip for anglers who want to throw a fly rod. The captain poles the flats, reads the water, and puts you on fish. He has been guiding these bays full-time since 2010, and there is not a cut or grass line out here he has not worked.

You will fish with artificial lures or flies depending on the trip. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons are standard for conventional gear. Fly anglers throw Clousers, shrimp patterns, and small poppers. Wade trips are available when conditions allow, and the captain will get in the water with you.

Trips launch from Port Aransas. The run to Lighthouse Lakes is short. You can review the available trips to see what fits your schedule and style of fishing.

Book a Trip

If you want to fish Lighthouse Lakes for redfish with a guide who knows the water, reach out to Redfish Republic Charters. Fourteen years on these flats means the captain knows where fish hold, how they move, and what they eat.