Trophy Trout. Bull Redfish. One of the Most Legendary Bays in Texas.
The Reason to Come to Kingsville
Twenty minutes south of Kingsville lies Baffin Bay — one of the most storied fishing destinations in the state of Texas. Anglers have been making the pilgrimage here for decades in pursuit of trophy speckled trout and bull redfish, and the bay keeps delivering. If you're serious about saltwater fishing in South Texas, Baffin Bay is the reason to come to Kingsville.
Why Baffin Bay Is Different
Baffin Bay isn't like other Texas bays, and that's exactly the point. Unlike most coastal bays, Baffin has no major freshwater inflows and no open passes to the Gulf of Mexico. The result is a higher-than-average salinity level that creates ideal conditions for growing large fish — particularly speckled trout, which reach trophy sizes here that are rare anywhere else along the Texas coast.
The bay is also geologically unique: its rocky shoreline is formed by ancient Serpulid Rock Worm reef formations — the only structures of their kind in Texas. These underwater rock formations create the structure and habitat that make Baffin Bay's fishing so consistently productive, and give it a visual character unlike anything else on the Gulf Coast.
Texas Monthly has called Baffin Bay a place where "pulling a big trout out of the vaunted waters requires the dogged determination and patience of a true fisherman." That reputation is well-earned — and well-rewarded.
What You'll Catch
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Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)
Baffin Bay's signature species. The bay has consistently produced some of the largest speckled trout in Texas, with "gator trout" pushing 30 inches or more not uncommon. Most of the top trophy trout in the state's CCA STAR Tournament have come from these waters. Winter through early spring is prime time, as trout feed aggressively ahead of the spring spawn.
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Redfish (Red Drum)
Bull redfish topping 40 inches are a real possibility here. The bay's shallow flats and rocky structure make it excellent wade fishing territory for redfish year-round. A 60.5-inch catch-and-release record redfish was recorded in Baffin Bay in 2011 — one of the largest in TPWD records.
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Black Drum
A hard-fighting target species in Baffin Bay, particularly in the shallower areas along the rocks and grass flats.
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Also Present
Flounder · Ladyfish · Tripletail · Crevalle Jack · Gafftopsail Catfish
How to Fish Baffin Bay
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Wade Fishing
The preferred method for many serious anglers. Baffin Bay's shallow flats and rocky structure are tailor-made for wading — allowing you to get into fish that boat traffic would spook. Captain Sally Black, one of several experienced local guides, specializes in wade fishing the Baffin flats on light tackle and fly.
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Drift Fishing
Drifting over the grass flats and rock structures in a boat is an effective and productive way to cover water, particularly for trout and redfish. Most guide services offer drift fishing as a primary option.
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Fishing from Shore & Piers
Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park offers a lighted fishing pier directly on Baffin Bay — one of the most accessible entry points for anglers without a boat. The pier is well-maintained, and the surrounding mudflats and wetlands hold fish throughout the year. The park also has a boat launch for those trailering in.
Fishing Guides & Charters
Baffin Bay supports a robust community of experienced fishing guides. Hiring a guide is strongly recommended for first-time visitors — knowledge of the rock structures, seasonal movement, and tide conditions makes an enormous difference on Baffin Bay.
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Gilbert's Guide Services
Captain Gilbert Barrera has been running charters out of Baffin Bay, Laguna Madre, and the Land Cut since 1993. One of the most experienced guides in the area.
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Baffin Bay Hunting and Fishing
Captain Mark Franklin and a team of five guides with over 100 years of combined experience. Full and half-day charters targeting trout, redfish, and black drum. Based in Riviera, TX.
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Captain Sally Black
Specializes in wade fishing and fly fishing on Baffin Bay's shallow flats. Light tackle trophy trout and redfish.
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Paradise Guide Services
Full guide service with all-inclusive lodging packages on Baffin Bay. A good option for groups or multi-day trips.
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Baffin Guide Service
Wade and drift fishing with Captain Lance Self. Specializes in Baffin Bay and the Laguna Madre.
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Best Times to Fish
Speckled trout: winter through early spring is prime, as trout feed aggressively ahead of the spring spawn.
Redfish: excellent year-round on the shallow flats and rocky structure.
Black drum: reliable in the shallower areas along the rocks and grass flats.
Migration periods (spring & fall): especially productive around Drum Point for both fish and birds.
Licenses & Regulations
A valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required to fish Baffin Bay. Licenses are available online through Texas Parks & Wildlife or at local retailers in Kingsville.
Plan Your Trip
Baffin Bay is roughly 20 minutes south of Kingsville. The nearest services — gas, bait, and groceries — are in Riviera or Kingsville before you head out. Brown's Convenience Store near Riviera Beach sells ethanol-free fuel (important for boat motors), bait including live shrimp, mullet, and squid, and basic supplies.
For lodging, several fishing lodges and rental properties sit directly on Baffin Bay. See our Lodging page → for options in Kingsville if you prefer to stay in town.
Kingsville Visitors Center · 📍 1501 N. Highway 77 · 📞 (361) 592-8516 — stop in for local fishing information, maps, and current reports.
A Texas Fishing License is required. All anglers must comply with TPWD size and bag limit regulations. Check tpwd.texas.gov for current rules before your trip.