Ready to wet a line in the rich waters of Corpus Christi? Captain Allen's got you covered with this full-day charter that's perfect for newcomers to the fishing scene. We'll spend a solid 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to get your sea legs and hopefully land some impressive catches. This trip is all about introducing you to the thrill of inshore fishing, targeting some of the most sought-after species in Texas waters.
We'll kick things off bright and early at 6:30 AM - that's when the fish are most active, and the water's usually calm as glass. You'll be fishing the inshore waters, which means we'll stick close to the coastline, navigating bays, estuaries, and grass flats. These spots are prime real estate for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Flounder. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before; Captain Allen's got years of experience and patience to spare. He'll show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to setting the drag on your reel.
All the fishing gear you'll need is provided on this trip. We're talking quality rods and reels that'll give you the best shot at landing the big one. When conditions are right, we'll use live bait - nothing beats the real thing for enticing those wary fish. As for food, this is a BYO situation. Pack a cooler with plenty of water, some sandwiches, and snacks to keep your energy up. And if you want to enjoy a cold one while you're waiting for a bite, that's fine by us. Just keep it in moderation and leave the glass bottles and hard stuff at home.
Corpus Christi's waters are teeming with fish year-round, but each season brings its own stars. In the warmer months, Redfish and Speckled Trout are the headliners. As the water cools down, you might find yourself battling a hefty Black Drum or reeling in a tasty Flounder. Part of the fun is not knowing exactly what you'll catch - that's why they call it fishing, not catching, right? But rest assured, Captain Allen knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish.
Let's talk about some of the fish you might encounter on this trip. Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties can grow up to 40 inches long and put up one heck of a fight. They love to hang out near structures and in shallow water, often revealing their location with their trademark tail sticking out of the water - we call that "tailing." Redfish are most active in the fall, but you can catch them year-round in Corpus Christi.
Speckled Trout, or Specks as we like to call them, are another favorite. These silvery fish with dark spots are known for their delicate flavor and their tendency to school up. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, which is why we start our trips at the crack of dawn. Specks love to hang around seagrass beds and oyster reefs, so we'll be sure to hit those spots.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests with their gray coloration and whisker-like barbels, but they sure are fun to catch. These cousins of the Redfish can grow to over 40 pounds, providing an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. They're bottom feeders, so we'll use techniques like bottom fishing to target them.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters. These flat fish can change their color to match the bottom, making them nearly invisible. But don't worry, Captain Allen knows all their hiding spots. Flounder fishing picks up in the fall when these fish start their migration to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, are a unique catch. They're known for being bait stealers, so catching them requires some finesse. But when you do hook one, you're in for a tasty treat - they're considered one of the best eating fish in the area.
Fishing in Corpus Christi isn't just about what you catch - it's about the whole experience. As you're casting your line, you might spot dolphins playing in the distance or pelicans diving for their breakfast. The sunrise over the water is something you've got to see to believe. And there's nothing quite like the rush you get when you feel that first tug on your line. Whether you're reeling in your first fish or your hundredth, that excitement never gets old.
So, are you ready to get out on the water and see what Corpus Christi fishing is all about? This full-day trip is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing. With Captain Allen's expert guidance, top-notch equipment, and the rich fishing grounds of Corpus Christi at your fingertips, you're in for a day you won't forget. Whether you're looking to land your first Redfish or just want to spend a relaxing day on the water, this trip has got you covered. Don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before you come, and we'll take care of the rest. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Let's make some fishing memories!
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of Corpus Christi's inshore waters. These cousins of redfish can grow huge – 30 to 40 pounds isn't uncommon, with some old-timers pushing 90 pounds. You'll find 'em in brackish areas, especially around oyster beds and other structure. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so listen for their distinctive drumming sound. Spring's the hot time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight these big boys put up, but for eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds – better flavor and texture. When targeting drum, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Here's a local trick: Chum with crushed oyster shells to get them fired up.
Redfish are the rock stars of Corpus Christi fishing. These copper-colored beauties, with their trademark black spot near the tail, typically run 20-30 inches in the bays. You'll find 'em in super shallow water, often tailing in less than a foot of water around grass flats and oyster reefs. Fall is prime time when big schools hunt bait in the shallows. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds and the powerful fights they put up. Their mild, firm meat is great on the grill too. When targeting reds, use gold spoons or soft plastics that mimic mullet or shrimp. Here's a pro tip: Watch for pushed water or "nervous" bait – that often means redfish are on the hunt.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em here, are a Corpus Christi favorite. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-20 inches and love shallow grass flats and deeper channels. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure and bait schools. Fall and spring are prime seasons when they're actively feeding. Anglers prize sea trout for their sporty fight and excellent table fare. They've got soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. When targeting trout, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics worked slowly. Here's a local secret: On calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances – that's often trout feeding on bait.
Sheepshead are the convicts of Corpus Christi waters, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structure – docks, bridges, and jetties are prime spots. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crunching barnacles and crabs off pilings. Spring's the best time to target them as they move in to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching these bait-stealers, and their white, flaky meat is delicious. When fishing for sheepshead, use small hooks with live fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a pro tip: When you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook – they're notorious for stealing bait.
These flatfish are a real treat to catch in Corpus Christi. Typically 15-18 inches long, they're masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll find 'em in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Southern flounder are ambush predators, so they love structure – look around oyster beds, pier pilings, and grass flats. Fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Anglers prize 'em for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. When fishing, use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics right along the bottom. My pro tip: Watch for subtle bites – flounder often grab baits sideways and hold on, so set the hook when you feel weight, not necessarily a tug.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250