What Is a Texas Slam in Fishing? Redfish, Trout, Flounder

What is a Texas slam in fishing? A Texas slam (also called a Texas inshore slam or Texas saltwater slam) means catching three inshore species in the same day: a redfish (red drum), a speckled trout (spotted seatrout) and a flounder. Texas fishing guides describe it as "catching three different species of fish all in the same calendar day." It is a bragging-rights goal, not an official award, and every fish still has to meet the current state bag and length rules.

Below we cover why these three fish make the slam, where and how anglers chase it on the Texas coast, how it compares with other "slams", and how anglers celebrate one. Our personalized fishing shirts include several Texas slam designs.

What is a Texas slam in fishing made of? The three fish

• Redfish (red drum): copper-colored with one or more black spots near the tail; strong fighters in shallow bays and marshes.
• Speckled trout (spotted seatrout): silver-gray with black spots across the back and tail; often found over grass beds and around bait.
• Flounder: a flat fish that lies on the bottom, often near drains, channels and structure where bait moves with the tide.

All three share the same bays and estuaries, which is why landing them in one day is realistic but still takes some planning.

Why is it called a slam?

"Slam" is borrowed from the grand slam idea: completing a full set in one outing. Anglers in other regions have their own versions. In Florida, for example, many anglers talk about an inshore slam of snook, redfish and trout. In Texas the set is redfish, speckled trout and flounder, because flounder are a classic Gulf Coast bay fish.

How do you catch a Texas slam?

1. Fish one area with mixed habitat. Look for a spot where grass flats, a drain or channel and some structure sit close together, so you can target all three without long runs.
2. Start with the hardest fish. Many anglers find flounder the toughest to locate, so they work drains and channel edges on a moving tide first.
3. Use a lure that all three will eat. A soft plastic on a jighead worked slowly near the bottom can draw strikes from redfish, trout and flounder.
4. Hire a local guide for your first try. Guides know which bays are producing that week and can save you a lot of searching.
5. Know the rules. Check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife saltwater bag and length limits before you keep any fish; limits change, and catch and release still counts for the slam.

What should you wear to chase a Texas slam?

A slam day often means hours on the water in strong Gulf Coast sun, so many anglers choose a long sleeve sun shirt. Our Long Sleeve UPF style is 100% polyester, lightweight and breathable, quick-dry and moisture-wicking with UPF sun protection, according to the style description on each product page; the Hooded Long Sleeve UPF version adds neck and head coverage. Sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses are still a good idea. Not sure about sleeve length? Read long sleeve vs short sleeve fishing shirt.

How do anglers celebrate a Texas slam?

Most anglers snap a photo of all three fish, either together or one by one, and share it with their crew. A shirt with the three species and your name on it is a popular way to mark the day, and it makes a good gift for the person who finally landed their first slam. Our Texas slam designs show a redfish, speckled trout and flounder and can be personalized with a name. Looking for more ideas? See our gifts for fishermen guide.

Prices vary by style; the price shown is the lowest option on the product page.

Texas slam vs grand slam: what is the difference?

"Grand slam" is a general fishing term for catching a set of target species in one day, and the species change by region and by type of fishing. The Texas slam is one specific set for Texas bays: redfish, speckled trout and flounder. Redfish lovers who want a single-species shirt can look at the Redfish Puppy Drum Blue Lightning shirt.

Ready to celebrate your slam? Browse all personalized fishing shirts.

FAQ

What is Texas slam fishing?

It is catching a redfish, a speckled trout and a flounder in the same day on the Texas coast.

Does a Texas slam have to be kept fish?

No. Catch and release counts for the slam among anglers. If you keep fish, follow the current Texas Parks and Wildlife bag and length limits.

What is a grand slam in fishing?

A general term for catching a set of target species in one day. The species depend on the region, such as snook, redfish and trout for a Florida inshore slam.

Which Texas slam fish is hardest to catch?

Many anglers say flounder, because they lie on the bottom and are harder to locate than redfish or trout.