Half Day Redfish And Trout Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and speckled troutAll fishing gear provided with complimentary drinks and catch cleaningSmall group experience with maximum three guests per trip
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in the crystal-clear shallows of Lower Laguna Madre at sunrise, watching the water come alive as redfish cruise the grass flats and speckled trout start their morning feeding frenzy. That's exactly what you'll get with Captain DLS and the crew at 956 Salty Waders. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience some of the most productive inshore waters on the Texas coast, where trophy fish are more than just a possibility.
Your day kicks off at 6:30 AM sharp from the Arroyo City / Port Mansfield area, putting you right in the heart of Lower Laguna Madre's best fishing grounds. Captain DLS, a veteran guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand, will have you on fish before the sun gets too high. The beauty of this 6-hour adventure is the flexibility – depending on conditions and what the fish are doing, you'll either be drifting the deeper pockets or wading the shallow flats. Both approaches have their magic, and Captain DLS reads the water better than most. You'll be targeting redfish and speckled trout using soft plastic lures, specifically Wicked Paddle Tails that have proven deadly effective in these waters. The best part? Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even catch cleaning at the end of the day. Plus, you'll stay hydrated with complimentary water and Gatorade while you're putting fish in the boat.
The Lower Laguna Madre is famous for its shallow, clear water that averages just 2-4 feet deep across massive flats. This creates perfect conditions for sight fishing and working soft plastics that mimic the abundant baitfish these predators feed on. The Wicked Paddle Tail lures you'll be throwing have that perfect action that drives both reds and trout crazy – the tail kicks just right on a slow retrieve, and when you work it with little pops and pauses, it looks exactly like a wounded shrimp or small fish. When you're wading, you'll learn to read the water for nervous baitfish, muddy spots where reds are rooting around, and those telltale wakes that give away a cruising fish. Drifting lets you cover more water and work different structures like drop-offs, grass lines, and shell bars where fish congregate. Captain DLS will position the boat perfectly so your lures work through the strike zone naturally. The key is learning to feel the difference between your lure bumping bottom, hitting grass, and that unmistakable thump of a fish picking it up.
Redfish are the stars of the show in Lower Laguna Madre, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range anywhere from 20 to 35+ inches, with the bigger fish offering fights that'll test your drag system and your arms. What makes reds so special here is how they behave in the shallow water – you'll see them tailing in inches of water, their backs and dorsal fins breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp. When a red eats your lure in skinny water, the explosion is something you'll never forget. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest fish as they bulk up before moving to deeper water for spawning. The slot fish (20-28 inches) make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls are pure adrenaline and perfect for photos before release.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the other half of this dynamic duo. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots can range from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to trophy-class fish pushing 6-7 pounds. Specks are ambush predators that love to hang around grass beds, drop-offs, and areas with good current flow. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding and will absolutely crush a well-presented soft plastic. The best part about trout fishing here is the numbers – it's not uncommon to boat 20-30 fish on a good day. Spring and early summer tend to produce the most consistent action, while fall brings the chance at those wall-hanger trout that everyone dreams about. Their delicate mouths mean you need to stay sharp with your hooksets, but once you dial in the technique, you'll be hooking up regularly.
This top-rated half-day trip offers everything serious anglers want: productive waters, expert guidance, and the chance to tangle with some of Texas's most sought-after gamefish. Captain DLS has built his reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, and his USCG license (8519915) means you're in safe, professional hands. With only 3 spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or someone wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing for the first time, this trip delivers. The combination of Lower Laguna Madre's renowned fishery, proven techniques, and a captain who lives and breathes these waters makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what many consider the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer – book your spot with 956 Salty Waders today.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are what dreams are made of out here in the Laguna Madre. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-35 inches in our shallow waters, with those distinctive black spots near their tails. They cruise the skinny water from 6 inches to 4 feet deep, hunting around grass beds, drop-offs, and muddy bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter bring the best action when they school up heavy. What gets anglers hooked is their bulldogging fight - they'll make screaming runs and test your drag like no other inshore fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Local secret: watch for nervous water or actual backs showing in the shallows. When you spot feeding reds, cast past them and work your bait back through their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of these Texas flats. Most fish run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones definitely swim these waters. They love our shallow grass flats and drop-offs around 2-8 feet deep, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. Spring and fall fishing is prime time - they're more active and feed aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their delicate white meat that's perfect for the dinner table, plus they put up a decent fight on light tackle. They're also pretty predictable once you learn their patterns. Pro tip: when working our grass flats with soft plastics, slow your retrieve way down and let that paddle tail do the work. Trout here are notorious for short strikes, so don't set the hook at the first tap.
Texas