Get ready to chase some of the hottest inshore action Corpus Christi has to offer with Captain Allen. We'll be hitting the flats and back bays for a half-day trip targeting redfish, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to hone your skills, this trip is perfect for anglers of all levels. We'll get you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
We'll meet up bright and early at 6:30 AM to catch that prime morning bite. Over the next 6 hours, we'll work the shallow waters of Corpus Christi Bay, using a mix of artificial lures and live bait (when available) to entice those inshore gamefish. I'll show you the best spots for redfish tailing in the grass flats and trout hanging around oyster reefs. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll teach you everything you need to know to start hooking fish like a pro.
No need to stress about tackle - I've got you covered with all the rods, reels, and lures we'll need for a successful day. We'll be using light to medium spinning gear, perfect for casting to wary fish in shallow water. When conditions are right, we'll sweeten the deal with some live shrimp or mullet to really get those fish fired up. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before the trip. And don't forget the essentials - sunscreen, hat, snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated out there.
While redfish and speckled trout are our main targets, Corpus Christi's inshore waters are home to a variety of gamefish. We often hook into black drum, which put up a great fight on light tackle. Flounder are another prized catch, especially in the fall when they start their annual migration. And if we're lucky, we might even tangle with some hard-pulling sheepshead around structure. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what might decide to bite next!
There's something special about sight-casting to a tailing redfish or watching a trout explode on a topwater lure at dawn. It's the kind of fishing that gets in your blood. Many of my repeat customers tell me they can't get enough of the variety and action Corpus Christi offers. Whether it's your first time wetting a line or you're a seasoned angler, these waters have a way of surprising you with each trip.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive tail, redfish love to cruise the shallow flats in search of crabs and baitfish. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when schools of bull reds move into the bays. Nothing beats watching a red's tail sticking up as it roots around in skinny water - it's sight fishing at its finest.
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Trout are ambush predators, often hanging around structures like oyster reefs and drop-offs. They're suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or topwater lure. The best part? A big trout over 25 inches (we call 'em "gator trout") is always a possibility in these waters.
Black Drum: Often overlooked by visiting anglers, black drum can provide non-stop action when you find a school. These cousins of the redfish grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 30 pounds. They love to hang out over sandy or muddy bottoms, using their barbels to root out crabs and shrimp. When you hook a big one, hold on tight - they pull like a freight train!
Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're one of the tastiest fish in the bay. Flounder are ambush predators, lying camouflaged on the bottom waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. We target them around drop-offs and creek mouths, especially during their fall run. A flounder's bite is subtle, but once hooked, they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive set of teeth, sheepshead are a unique catch. These structure-loving fish are experts at stealing bait, earning them the nickname "convict fish." We find them around jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs. While they can be tricky to hook, sheepshead fight hard and make excellent table fare.
Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer? This Corpus Christi charter is perfect for families, friends, or solo anglers looking to bend a rod and fill a cooler. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's a great way to share the excitement of hooking into some hard-fighting gamefish. Remember, kids 12 and under fish free with an adult, so it's an ideal opportunity to introduce the next generation to the joys of fishing.
Don't miss out on your chance to create some lasting memories on the water. The fish are biting, and Captain Allen is ready to put you on them. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of non-stop inshore action in beautiful Corpus Christi Bay. Trust me, once you feel that first redfish on the line, you'll be hooked for life!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically 5-30 pounds but can reach a whopping 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds and structure. Spring's the hot time as they school up to spawn. Anglers dig Black Drum for their strong fight and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They make a distinctive croaking sound, earning them the nickname "Big Uglies." To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. These guys have powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy hooks. Here's a local trick: chum with crushed oyster shells to draw them in. Just remember, the big ones can be tough and less tasty, so consider releasing those bruisers.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. They typically range from 20-35 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in 1-4 feet deep flats, around oyster reefs, and in coastal marshes. Fall is prime time as they school up. Anglers love Reds for their hard-fighting spirit and that signature tail spot. They're also excellent table fare. To catch 'em, use live bait like mullet or crabs, or artificial lures like gold spoons and topwater plugs. Sight-fishing for tailing Reds in shallow water is a heart-pounding experience. Here's a local secret: on hot days, look for them in deeper channels near the flats where they go to cool off. When you find one, there's often more nearby.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure and drop-offs. Winter's a great time as they school up in deeper holes. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're known to hit topwater lures, making for exciting fishing. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics and jerk baits. Work the edges of grass flats and oyster bars. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for them "slicking" - leaving oily patches on the surface as they feed. That's your cue to cast nearby.
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a unique catch. They usually run 1-8 pounds but can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around structure - docks, bridges, and reefs with barnacles. Spring's prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait stealers, known for their human-like teeth and ability to strip a hook clean. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, white meat. To catch 'em, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Fish right up against the structure, that's where they feed. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead often need to adjust the bait in their mouths, giving you a better chance to hook 'em solid.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, often buried in sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they move to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They're not known for long fights, but landing one takes skill. To catch 'em, use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Work it slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive "thump" when a flounder strikes. My local tip: focus on drop-offs and channel edges where flounder wait to ambush prey moving with the tide. Patience is key - give 'em time to take the bait before setting the hook.
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