🎣 Fishing the West Bay Redfish Showdown & Fundraiser?

West Bay Redfish Showdown & Fundraiser - Fishing Game Plan (Best Spots, Times & Strategy)

Tournament Game Plan

West Bay Redfish Showdown & Fundraiser

West Galveston Bay, TX β€’ Oct 10, 2026

Calculating tide, solunar, species, and wind scores…

Every tournament day is different.

Tournament success starts with today's conditions β€” not yesterday's. This personalized Tournament Game Plan analyzes today's tide, wind, solunar activity, tournament hours, local fishing structure, and target species to recommend where to start, when to move, and how to maximize your time on the water.

⬇️ Scroll down for today's Best Starting Spot and Suggested Tournament Rotation.

βœ… Best Starting Spot

GISP Marsh Lakes & Drains (Bay Side) geo: 29.2409,-94.9182
Score: 82/100 — Approx. 5.9 nm from launch

Why This Spot Is Ranked #1 Today:
Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Species: redfish

Recommended lures:
Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)

Notes:
Galveston Island State Park bay-side marsh. Shallow potholes, lakes and drains ideal for sight-fishing redfish on higher incoming water and light onshore wind.

πŸ” Suggested Tournament Rotation

  1. GISP Marsh Lakes & Drains (Bay Side) (geo = 29.2409,-94.9182)
    Why ranked here today:
    • βœ“ NE wind is favorable for this spot.
    • βœ“ Good match for target species: redfish.
    • βœ“ Moderate run from launch with good upside.
    — Approx. 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
    Score: 82/100 — ~ 5.9 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Species: redfish
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
  2. Starvation Cove Shorelines (geo = 29.2609,-94.9109)
    Why ranked here today:
    • βœ“ NE wind is favorable for this spot.
    • βœ“ Good match for target species: redfish.
    • βœ“ Moderate run from launch with good upside.
    — Approx. 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    Score: 82/100 — ~ 6.8 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: Falling | Species: redfish, trout, flounder
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
  3. Fat Rat Pass (geo = 29.3509,-94.8209)
    Why ranked here today:
    • βœ“ NE wind is favorable for this spot.
    • βœ“ Good match for target species: redfish.
    • βœ“ Longer run, but conditions still support the spot.
    — Approx. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Score: 73/100 — ~ 13.8 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: Incoming | Species: redfish, trout, flounder
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
  4. San Luis Pass – Surfside Sand Cuts (geo = 29.0829,-95.1036)
    Why ranked here today:
    • βœ“ Good match for target species: redfish.
    • βœ“ Moderate run from launch with good upside.
    — Approx. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    Score: 65/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: incoming | Species: redfish, trout, flounder
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)

Times are approximate based on the selected fishing window and top-ranked spots. Adjust on the water as conditions change.

πŸ—Ί Rotation Map

πŸ“‹ Complete Spot Rankings

  1. GISP Marsh Lakes & Drains (Bay Side)
    geo: 29.2409,-94.9182
    Score: 82/100 — ~ 5.9 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish | GPS: 29.2409, -94.9182
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Galveston Island State Park bay-side marsh. Shallow potholes, lakes and drains ideal for sight-fishing redfish on higher incoming water and light onshore wind.
  2. Starvation Cove Shorelines
    geo: 29.2609,-94.9109
    Score: 82/100 — ~ 6.8 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: Falling | Winds: N, NE, E, W, NW | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.2609, -94.9109
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Excellent marsh drains with cruising redfish; protected from most winds except SE.
  3. Greens Lake Drains
    geo: 29.2462,-94.9069
    Score: 80/100 — ~ 6.5 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: Falling | Winds: N, NE, E, W, NW | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.2462, -94.9069
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Classic marsh drains with tailing redfish; protected from N and E winds.
  4. West Bay South Shoreline Pockets
    geo: 29.2402,-94.9067
    Score: 75/100 — ~ 6.4 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2402, -94.9067
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Series of coves and pockets along the south shoreline of West Bay. Best with higher incoming water and light to moderate onshore wind. Sight-fish reds shallow and throw topwater for mixed trout and reds.
  5. West Bay South Shoreline Pockets
    geo: 29.2402,-94.9067
    Score: 74/100 — ~ 6.4 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2402, -94.9067
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Grass flats and sand pockets along the south shoreline. Sight-fishing reds and wading for trout on higher incoming water with light onshore wind.
  6. Dana Cove / Snake Island Cove
    geo: 29.2469,-94.9152
    Score: 74/100 — ~ 6.2 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2469, -94.9152
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Protected shallow water with grass and potholes. Excellent for redfish and schoolie trout on incoming tides and light to moderate onshore wind.
  7. Dana Cove Grass Flats
    geo: 29.2469,-94.9152
    Score: 74/100 — ~ 6.2 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: Incoming | Winds: N, NE, SW, W, NW | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2469, -94.9152
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Clear grass flats ideal for sight-casting redfish; best on light SE winds.
  8. Fat Rat Pass
    geo: 29.3509,-94.8209
    Score: 73/100 — ~ 13.8 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: Incoming | Winds: N, NE, S, SW, W, NW | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.3509, -94.8209
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Redfish on edges; flounder stack on tide changes.
  9. Swan Lake Shorelines
    geo: 29.3539,-94.8239
    Score: 71/100 — ~ 13.8 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: Incoming | Winds: N, NE, E, W, NW | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.3539, -94.8239
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Protected marsh lake with consistent redfish action on flies.
  10. San Luis Pass – Surfside Sand Cuts
    geo: 29.0829,-95.1036
    Score: 65/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.0829, -95.1036
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Powerful tide exchange on the Surfside side of San Luis Pass. Deep guts, sandbars and channels concentrate bait and predators. Trout on clearer incoming water; reds and flounder along deeper guts. Extremely strong currentsβ€”fish from safe sandbars and avoid wading deep.
  11. Greens Lake / Offatts Bayou Outflow
    geo: 29.2462,-94.9069
    Score: 64/100 — ~ 6.5 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2462, -94.9069
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Deeper cuts and drains connecting Greens Lake / Offatts area to West Bay. Fish current seams and edges on outgoing tide, especially in colder months.
  12. North Deer Island Reef Edge
    geo: 29.2689,-94.9183
    Score: 59/100 — ~ 6.7 nm from launch
    Structures: reef | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2689, -94.9183
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Shell humps off the north side of Deer Island. Drift the reef edges on an incoming tide with soft plastics and twitchbaits, watching for slicks and nervous bait.
  13. Titlum-Tatlum Bayou
    geo: 29.4509,-94.8209
    Score: 59/100 — ~ 18.3 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: Falling | Winds: N, NE, E, W, NW | Species: redfish, flounder | GPS: 29.4509, -94.8209
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Tight marsh drains with shallow redfish; excellent fly water.
  14. San Luis Pass South Shoreline Gut
    geo: 29.0829,-95.1036
    Score: 58/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S, SW | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.0829, -95.1036
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Shallow sand/grass with a defined first gut. Work topwaters early then switch to paddletails along the drop as light increases, especially on an incoming tide pushing bait onto the shoreline.
  15. Swan Lake / Mud Lake Marsh Drains
    geo: 29.3539,-94.8239
    Score: 54/100 — ~ 13.8 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.3539, -94.8239
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Marsh drains feeding into channels west of Surfside. Outgoing tide pulls shrimp and baitfish from the back lakes; redfish and trout sit on current seams. Flounder often hold right at the drain mouths in fall.
  16. Campbell's Bayou Drain Fan
    geo: 29.3832,-94.9281
    Score: 53/100 — ~ 12.0 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, channel | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish | GPS: 29.3832, -94.9281
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Outgoing water from Campbell's Bayou pushes bait into the bay. Redfish stack on the edges of the drain fan and current seams. Target the color change and edges with paddletails and spoons.
  17. San Luis Pass Guts & Channels
    geo: 29.0829,-95.1036
    Score: 53/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
    Structures: reef, channel | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.0829, -95.1036
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Strong tidal exchange between Gulf and West Bay. Work guts, sandbars and channel edges on moving tide for trout, reds and flounder.
  18. Pepper Grove Reef / Cove
    geo: 29.2739,-94.9132
    Score: 51/100 — ~ 7.1 nm from launch
    Structures: reef | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2739, -94.9132
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Shell and shoreline mix along the East Bay side. Trout hold over shell humps; reds roam the shoreline pockets. Best with bait and decent current.
  19. Moses Lake Gate Outflow
    geo: 29.4052,-94.9409
    Score: 50/100 — ~ 13.0 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, channel | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.4052, -94.9409
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Current pouring out of the flood gate sets up a strong drain effect. Focus on the current seams and slower pockets on a strong outgoing tide.
  20. Bluewater Hwy Shoreline – Drum Bay Edge
    geo: 28.9492,-95.2689
    Score: 49/100 — ~ 19.9 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.9492, -95.2689
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Shoreline and flats along Bluewater Highway near Drum Bay. Often cleaner water than open surf with grass and sand pockets. Redfish cruise the edges on higher incoming tides; schoolie trout roam deeper potholes.
  21. Christmas Bay – Cold Pass Entrance
    geo: 28.9589,-95.2136
    Score: 41/100 — ~ 17.7 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.9589, -95.2136
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Clean, clear water where Cold Pass connects to Christmas Bay. Shallow sand/grass flats for reds and deeper channel edges for trout. Excellent when Gulf water pushes in from San Luis Pass on an incoming tide.
  22. Causeway Bridge Pilings (Ship Channel)
    geo: 29.3019,-94.8539
    Score: 38/100 — ~ 10.6 nm from launch
    Structures: channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.3019, -94.8539
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Bridge pilings along the ship channel with constant current and shade. Year-round mixed bag; fish down-current sides with plastics and twitchbaits.
  23. Causeway Bridge Pilings (Ship Channel)
    geo: 29.3019,-94.8539
    Score: 35/100 — ~ 10.6 nm from launch
    Structures: channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.3019, -94.8539
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Bridge pilings along the ship channel with constant current and shade. Fish the down-current sides of the pilings with plastics and twitchbaits. Good fallback when wind is high or open bay is blown out.
  24. Oyster Creek Outflow – Freeport Channel
    geo: 28.9499,-95.3449
    Score: 27/100 — ~ 22.7 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9499, -95.3449
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Transition zone where Oyster Creek water meets the Intracoastal/Freeport channel. Constant bait and mixing salinity. Reds and trout along edges and breaks; flounder along the bottom near outflow.
  25. Eagle Point / Redfish Reef Edge
    geo: 29.4609,-94.9172
    Score: 25/100 — ~ 16.6 nm from launch
    Structures: reef | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.4609, -94.9172
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Classic Galveston Bay reef country accessible from Eagle Point. Trout stack on shell edges; redfish roam the shallower sections when bait is present.
  26. Surfside Jetty (Main Rocks)
    geo: 28.9412,-95.2967
    Score: 23/100 — ~ 21.3 nm from launch
    Structures: reef, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: NE, E | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9412, -95.2967
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Deep rock jetty with strong current and constant bait. Trout, reds and flounder hold along the rocks and at the jetty tip. Fish edges and eddies on any moving tide; be mindful of swell and safety.
  27. Rollover Bay Marsh Drains
    geo: 29.4537,-94.6289
    Score: 22/100 — ~ 25.5 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: S, SW, W | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.4537, -94.6289
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Marsh drains and bay shoreline near old Rollover area. Outgoing tide pulls bait from the marsh; fish the drain mouths and adjacent shoreline.
  28. Cold Pass Bridge Drop-off
    geo: 28.9592,-95.2139
    Score: 22/100 — ~ 17.7 nm from launch
    Structures: channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.9592, -95.2139
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Deeper funnel where tide rips between West Bay and Christmas Bay. Trout stack on ledges and current breaks; reds work eddies around structure. Best when tide is moving but not extreme.
  29. Dollar Reef Shell Humps
    geo: 29.5089,-94.7352
    Score: 21/100 — ~ 23.8 nm from launch
    Structures: reef | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.5089, -94.7352
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Classic mid-bay shell humps. Best on stronger moving water when bait is pulled across the tops of the shell. Drift or anchor and fan-cast around the high spots.
  30. Surfside Beach Surf (Bars & Guts)
    geo: 28.9402,-95.2919
    Score: 19/100 — ~ 21.1 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.9402, -95.2919
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Sandbars and guts running parallel to the beach. Trout run the guts at first light; reds cruise the first and second bars on higher incoming tides. Best with green, fishable surf and light onshore wind.
  31. Surfside Marina Channel & Bridge
    geo: 28.9439,-95.3442
    Score: 19/100 — ~ 22.9 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9439, -95.3442
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Deeper channel and bridge pilings near Surfside Marina. Shade, structure and current provide a reliable mixed bag. Daytime plastics on bottom; at night, trout and reds around lights when available.
  32. Dollar Reef Shell Humps
    geo: 29.5089,-94.7352
    Score: 18/100 — ~ 23.8 nm from launch
    Structures: reef | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.5089, -94.7352
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Mid-bay shell structure that sets up well on stronger moving water. Drift or anchor and fan-cast around the high spots for trout and slot reds.

πŸŽ’ Gear for This Tournament Gameplan

These lures cover every recommended presentation in today’s plan:

🌊 Tournament Day Conditions - Tide & Solunar Outlook

πŸŒ™ Solunar Activity
Solunar loading...
πŸ’¨ Wind Information:
Summary: NE wind around 5 mph
Note: Light wind β€” more open water options
NWS: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Click For Weather, Solunar Fishing And Tides Table

Location: 29.2, -95.02

Date: 2026-10-10 — Lines in: 06:00–14:00

Tide Highs/Lows:

  • L 1:09 AM β€” 0.75 ft
  • H 6:47 AM β€” 1.03 ft
  • L 1:00 PM β€” 0.41 ft
  • H 8:22 PM β€” 1.20 ft

NOAA station: 8771801

Use these windows with the ranked spot rotation below. Best tournament starts usually happen where moving tide overlaps bait, structure, and a solunar major/minor period.

Target species: redfish

Wind direction (auto): NE

Spot radius: 35.0 nm from tournament location.

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