π£ Fishing the West Bay Blackjack Fishing Tournament & Fundraiser?
West Bay Blackjack Fishing Tournament & Fundraiser - Fishing Game Plan (Best Spots, Times & Strategy)
West Bay Blackjack Fishing Tournament & Fundraiser
Galveston Bay / West Bay, TX β’ Apr 17, 2027
Administrator score table
| Time | Tide | Solunar | Species | Wind | Combined | Tide Ξ |
|---|
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.
β¬οΈ Scroll down for today's Best Starting Spot and Suggested Tournament Rotation.
β Best Starting Spot
Starvation Cove Shorelines
geo: 29.2609,-94.9109
Score: 78/100
— Approx.
6.8 nm from launch
Why This Spot Is Ranked #1 Today:
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)
Excellent marsh drains with cruising redfish; protected from most winds except SE.
π Suggested Tournament Rotation
-
Starvation Cove Shorelines
(geo = 29.2609,-94.9109)
Why ranked here today:— Approx. 6:00 AM β 8:00 AM
- β Good match for target species: redfish, flounder.
- β Moderate run from launch with good upside.
Score: 78/100 — ~ 6.8 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: Falling | Species: redfish, trout, flounder -
San Luis Pass β Surfside Sand Cuts
(geo = 29.0829,-95.1036)
Why ranked here today:— Approx. 8:00 AM β 10:00 AM
- β Good match for target species: redfish, flounder.
- β Moderate run from launch with good upside.
Score: 73/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: incoming | Species: redfish, trout, flounder -
Fat Rat Pass
(geo = 29.3509,-94.8209)
Why ranked here today:— Approx. 10:00 AM β 12:00 PM
- β Good match for target species: redfish, flounder.
- β Longer run, but conditions still support the spot.
Score: 66/100 — ~ 13.8 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: Incoming | Species: redfish, trout, flounder -
GISP Marsh Lakes & Drains (Bay Side)
(geo = 29.2409,-94.9182)
Why ranked here today:— Approx. 12:00 PM β 2:00 PM
- β Good match for target species: redfish.
- β Moderate run from launch with good upside.
Score: 65/100 — ~ 5.9 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Species: redfish
Times are approximate based on the selected fishing window and top-ranked spots. Adjust on the water as conditions change.
πΊ Rotation Map
π Complete Spot Rankings
-
Starvation Cove Shorelines
geo: 29.2609,-94.9109
Score: 78/100 — ~ 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, -94.9109Recommended 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. -
Greens Lake Drains
geo: 29.2462,-94.9069
Score: 77/100 — ~ 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, -94.9069Recommended 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. -
San Luis Pass β Surfside Sand Cuts
geo: 29.0829,-95.1036
Score: 73/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.0829, -95.1036Recommended 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 currentsβfish from safe sandbars and avoid wading deep. -
Fat Rat Pass
geo: 29.3509,-94.8209
Score: 66/100 — ~ 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, -94.8209Recommended lures:
Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)Notes:
Redfish on edges; flounder stack on tide changes. -
San Luis Pass Guts & Channels
geo: 29.0829,-95.1036
Score: 65/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
Structures: reef, channel | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.0829, -95.1036Notes:
Strong tidal exchange between Gulf and West Bay. Work guts, sandbars and channel edges on moving tide for trout, reds and flounder. -
GISP Marsh Lakes & Drains (Bay Side)
geo: 29.2409,-94.9182
Score: 65/100 — ~ 5.9 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish | GPS: 29.2409, -94.9182Recommended 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. -
San Luis Pass South Shoreline Gut
geo: 29.0829,-95.1036
Score: 61/100 — ~ 8.3 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S, SW | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.0829, -95.1036Recommended 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. -
Greens Lake / Offatts Bayou Outflow
geo: 29.2462,-94.9069
Score: 61/100 — ~ 6.5 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2462, -94.9069Recommended 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. -
Swan Lake / Mud Lake Marsh Drains
geo: 29.3539,-94.8239
Score: 61/100 — ~ 13.8 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.3539, -94.8239Recommended 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. -
West Bay South Shoreline Pockets
geo: 29.2402,-94.9067
Score: 60/100 — ~ 6.4 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2402, -94.9067Recommended 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. -
Dana Cove Grass Flats
geo: 29.2469,-94.9152
Score: 60/100 — ~ 6.2 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: Incoming | Winds: N, NE, SW, W, NW | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2469, -94.9152Recommended 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. -
West Bay South Shoreline Pockets
geo: 29.2402,-94.9067
Score: 58/100 — ~ 6.4 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2402, -94.9067Recommended 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. -
Dana Cove / Snake Island Cove
geo: 29.2469,-94.9152
Score: 58/100 — ~ 6.2 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2469, -94.9152Recommended 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. -
Swan Lake Shorelines
geo: 29.3539,-94.8239
Score: 56/100 — ~ 13.8 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: Incoming | Winds: N, NE, E, W, NW | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.3539, -94.8239Recommended lures:
Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)Notes:
Protected marsh lake with consistent redfish action on flies. -
Confederate Reef
geo: 29.2689,-94.9183
Score: 51/100 — ~ 6.7 nm from launch
Structures: reef | Best tide: Moving | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: trout, flounder | GPS: 29.2689, -94.9183Recommended lures:
Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
Soft Plastic Shrimp Glow (Amazon)Notes:
Trout and flounder structure; productive with baitfish fly patterns. -
Titlum-Tatlum Bayou
geo: 29.4509,-94.8209
Score: 51/100 — ~ 18.3 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: Falling | Winds: N, NE, E, W, NW | Species: redfish, flounder | GPS: 29.4509, -94.8209Recommended lures:
Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)Notes:
Tight marsh drains with shallow redfish; excellent fly water. -
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, -94.9409Recommended 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. -
Campbell's Bayou Drain Fan
geo: 29.3832,-94.9281
Score: 50/100 — ~ 12.0 nm from launch
Structures: drain, channel | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish | GPS: 29.3832, -94.9281Recommended 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. -
Pepper Grove Reef / Cove
geo: 29.2739,-94.9132
Score: 49/100 — ~ 7.1 nm from launch
Structures: reef | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2739, -94.9132Notes:
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. -
North Deer Island Reef Edge
geo: 29.2689,-94.9183
Score: 48/100 — ~ 6.7 nm from launch
Structures: reef | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.2689, -94.9183Notes:
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. -
Causeway Bridge Pilings (Ship Channel)
geo: 29.3019,-94.8539
Score: 47/100 — ~ 10.6 nm from launch
Structures: channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 29.3019, -94.8539Recommended 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. -
Christmas Bay β 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, -95.2136Recommended 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. -
Texas City Dike Channel Edge
geo: 29.3899,-94.8499
Score: 37/100 — ~ 14.5 nm from launch
Structures: channel | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S, SW | Species: trout, flounder | GPS: 29.3899, -94.8499Recommended lures:
Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)Notes:
Deeper water along the ship channel drop near the dike. Trout and flounder stage on the ledge when tide is pushing in. Vertical presentations, heavier jigheads, or suspending baits work well. -
Oyster Creek Outflow β Freeport Channel
geo: 28.9499,-95.3449
Score: 37/100 — ~ 22.7 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9499, -95.3449Recommended 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. -
Causeway Bridge Pilings (Ship Channel)
geo: 29.3019,-94.8539
Score: 36/100 — ~ 10.6 nm from launch
Structures: channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.3019, -94.8539Recommended 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. -
Bluewater Hwy Shoreline β Drum Bay Edge
geo: 28.9492,-95.2689
Score: 36/100 — ~ 19.9 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.9492, -95.2689Recommended 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. -
Surfside Marina Channel & Bridge
geo: 28.9439,-95.3442
Score: 30/100 — ~ 22.9 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9439, -95.3442Recommended 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. -
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, -94.9172Notes:
Classic Galveston Bay reef country accessible from Eagle Point. Trout stack on shell edges; redfish roam the shallower sections when bait is present. -
Surfside Jetty (Main Rocks)
geo: 28.9412,-95.2967
Score: 25/100 — ~ 21.3 nm from launch
Structures: reef, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: NE, E | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9412, -95.2967Notes:
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. -
Cold Pass Bridge Drop-off
geo: 28.9592,-95.2139
Score: 23/100 — ~ 17.7 nm from launch
Structures: channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.9592, -95.2139Recommended 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. -
Rollover Bay Marsh Drains
geo: 29.4537,-94.6289
Score: 21/100 — ~ 25.5 nm from launch
Structures: drain, shoreline | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: S, SW, W | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.4537, -94.6289Recommended 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. -
Surfside Beach Surf (Bars & Guts)
geo: 28.9402,-95.2919
Score: 20/100 — ~ 21.1 nm from launch
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.9402, -95.2919Recommended 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. -
Dollar Reef Shell Humps
geo: 29.5089,-94.7352
Score: 11/100 — ~ 23.8 nm from launch
Structures: reef | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.5089, -94.7352Notes:
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. -
Dollar Reef Shell Humps
geo: 29.5089,-94.7352
Score: 10/100 — ~ 23.8 nm from launch
Structures: reef | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: NE, E, SE | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 29.5089, -94.7352Notes:
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.
π Gear for This Tournament Gameplan
These lures cover every recommended presentation in todayβs plan:
π Tournament Day Conditions - Tide & Solunar Outlook
Summary: Wind unavailable
Note:
NWS: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Click For Weather, Solunar Fishing And Tides Table
Location: 29.2, -95.02
Date: 2027-04-17 — Lines in: 06:00β14:00
Tide Highs/Lows:
- H 4:24 AM β 0.86 ft
- L 11:10 AM β 0.31 ft
- H 5:34 PM β 0.78 ft
- L 11:16 PM β 0.41 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, speckled trout, flounder
Spot radius: 35.0 nm from tournament location.
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