How, When and Where of Saltwater’s Big 3 — a redfish, speckled trout, and flounder all caught during a single session.

Story and photography by Danno Wise

Of all the things inshore anglers in the Lone Star State hope to accomplish in their angling life, the iconic Texas Slam ranks right near the top. For those unfamiliar, this feat entails amassing each species of the Saltwater Big 3 — a  redfish, speckled trout, and flounder all caught during a single session. Many a saltwater fishermen has never been able to do it, while a good many are able to achieve it with relative frequency. Regardless of how often – or not – one has caught a slam, each time it happens it adds a certain bit of “magic” to the trip.

While catching a Texas Saltwater Slam is technically possible throughout the year, late summer begins to concentrate the three species in same or nearby area more often. Hence, making it all the more likely to be able to catch them all in a single outing. As a result, now through early fall is the ideal time to set your sights on securing a Saltwater Slam.

From border to border the “Texas Slam” is exactly the same – the Big 3 in a single session. However, adding a fourth species to make it a “Grand Slam” is also possible.

There are regional variations of that fourth species from bay to bay or region to region. In Deep South Texas – the Lower Laguna Madre in particular – anglers often attempt the South Texas Grand Slam, which includes the Big 3 plus a snook. For the most part, the rest of the coast goes for the traditional Texas Grand Slam, which utilizes black drum as the fourth species.

Adding a fifth species to it – typically a tarpon – can make it a super grand slam. However, for now let’s focus on obtaining the foundation of the slam – the Big 3 – during late summer.

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