Freeport/Surfside Land-Based Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
12hour shore fishing trip targets redfish, shark, and black drumCaptain provides surf setups, drone bait placement, and handson instructionBeach fishing adventure accommodates up to 8 guests of all levels
Captain Jeffrey Millet knows the Texas coast like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Freeport and Surfside are absolute gems for surf fishing. This isn't your typical charter boat trip – you'll be planting your feet in the sand and casting lines directly from some of the most productive beaches along the Gulf. With up to 12 hours of fishing time starting at 7:30 AM, you'll have plenty of opportunities to tangle with redfish, sharks, black drum, and whatever else is prowling the surf. Jeffrey welcomes up to 4 anglers per trip, but families are encouraged to tag along and enjoy the beach day atmosphere.
This trip runs at a comfortable pace that lets you soak up the Gulf Coast vibe while staying focused on the fishing. Jeffrey will set you up with proper surf rods and tackle, then guide you to the most promising spots based on tide movement and surf conditions. The beauty of beach fishing here is the variety – you might hook into a bull redfish one minute and have a blacktip shark screaming drag the next. Jeffrey's got years of experience reading these waters, so he'll position you where the fish are feeding. When conditions are right, he'll even deploy his drone to place baits in prime feeding zones that are tough to reach from shore. Don't worry if you're new to surf fishing – Jeffrey provides hands-on instruction for casting through the waves, setting up bottom rigs, and fighting fish in the surf.
Jeffrey runs a variety of surf fishing techniques depending on what's biting and where. You'll primarily fish with heavy surf rods that can punch baits through the waves and handle the bigger fish that cruise these waters. Bottom rigs are the bread and butter here – simple, effective setups that keep your bait in the strike zone while withstanding the wave action. When the surf is manageable, Jeffrey breaks out the drone for precision bait placement. This high-tech approach lets you drop fresh bait right where the fish are holding, often in deeper water beyond the breakers where the big reds and sharks patrol. Fresh bait is key, so come prepared with cut mullet, shrimp, or whatever Jeffrey recommends based on recent bite patterns. The sandy bottom and varied structure along this stretch of coast create perfect ambush points for feeding fish.
Florida Pompano are the crown jewel of Texas surf fishing, and these waters produce some beauties. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Pompano love sandy bottoms and are often found feeding in the first and second gut behind the waves. They're most active during warmer months and prefer smaller baits like sand fleas or small pieces of shrimp. What makes pompano special is their incredible table fare – many consider them the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the surf, with fish ranging from smaller "puppy drum" around 5-10 pounds up to massive bulls that can tip the scales at 40+ pounds. These bottom feeders have crushing jaws designed for cracking shellfish, so they'll absolutely hammer cut bait or fresh shrimp. Black drum are year-round residents but tend to be most active during cooler months. When you hook a big drum, get ready for a slugging match – they don't make long runs but they'll use their weight and power to test your tackle.
Sea Trout cruise the deeper waters just beyond the surf line, typically in the 2-5 pound range with occasional larger specimens. These spotted beauties are most active during dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets for this all-day format. Trout prefer live or fresh dead bait and can be finicky feeders, but when they're on, the action can be fast and furious. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action when other species are being temperamental.
Redfish are the ultimate surf fishing prize along the Texas coast. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-sized fish around 20-28 inches up to oversized bulls that can stretch over 40 inches and weigh 30+ pounds. Reds are ambush predators that love to patrol the surf looking for crabs, mullet, and other prey stirred up by the waves. They're incredibly strong fighters that will use the surf and current to their advantage, often making blistering runs parallel to the beach.
Blacktip Shark add serious excitement to any surf fishing trip. These athletic sharks typically run 20-50 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. Blacktips love to jump and spin when fighting, putting on a show that'll get everyone's attention on the beach. They're most active during warmer months and often feed close to shore, especially around dawn and dusk. While they're catch-and-release only, the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
This top-rated surf fishing experience offers something you won't find on every charter – the chance to fish prime Texas waters without leaving dry land. Jeffrey's local knowledge and relaxed teaching style make this perfect for families, beginners, or experienced anglers looking to try something different. Remember to bring your Texas fishing license, plenty of food and drinks for the long day, and sun protection. The 12-hour timeframe gives you the best shot at multiple species as tides and conditions change throughout the day. With only 4 fishing spots available per trip, these dates fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book your beach fishing adventure with 3rd Coast Fishin Charters and get ready to experience some of the best surf fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our surf fishing trips, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These powerful fish cruise shallow flats, oyster beds, and around structure where they crush shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What guests love about drum fishing is the serious pull these fish deliver. They're bulldogs that will test your drag and give you a real workout. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Bigger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. For success, stick to the bottom with fresh crab or cut mullet on a fish-finder rig. The key is patience - drum take their time inspecting bait before committing.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for those spectacular jumps when hooked. Most run 4-6 feet, but we see bigger ones pushing 8 feet and 100+ pounds. They patrol our nearshore waters year-round, especially around baitfish schools and structure. Summer brings the most consistent action when water temps climb and prey fish are thick. What makes blacktips special is their aerial show - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. They're also relatively safe to handle compared to other shark species, making them perfect for photos before release. These sharks are pure adrenaline on the line with long, powerful runs. For success, use heavy tackle with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or cut mullet. My tip: keep a steady chum line going to draw them in, and be ready for explosive strikes.
Trachinotus CarolinusPompano are one of the most sought-after fish along our Texas coast, and for good reason. These silvery beauties typically run 1-3 pounds with their distinctive yellow fins and deeply forked tail. You'll find them cruising the surf zone where they feed on sand fleas, small crabs, and mollusks. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them, especially when the water warms up and baitfish are active. What makes pompano special is their incredible table fare - that buttery, flaky meat commands top dollar at restaurants. They're scrappy fighters too, using that flat body to their advantage in the current. My local tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or sand fleas, and fish the second gut where the waves break. These fish have small mouths, so downsize your tackle and let the bait do the work.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Texas legends with that bronze back and signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches along our beaches, though you might hook into a real bruiser pushing 40-plus. These copper-colored fighters love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around grass beds, oyster reefs, and sand bars where they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall brings the best surf action when big schools move through chasing baitfish. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise in inches of water and the powerful runs they make when hooked. They're also fantastic eating in the slot size range. Reds will eat almost anything, from topwater plugs to cut bait. The secret is being quiet - they spook easily in shallow water. Cast beyond where you see them and work your bait back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a mainstay of Texas coastal fishing, usually running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats and shallow bays where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but you can catch them year-round if you adjust your approach. During winter, they move to deeper channels and school up tight. What makes trout fishing so popular is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - soft, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for beginners since they're aggressive feeders. The trick is matching your lure to the conditions - topwater plugs at dawn and dusk, soft plastics during midday. Work your baits slowly and be ready for that distinctive trout strike that often feels like a gentle tap.
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