Half Day Redfish & Trout Fishing in Texas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and troutCaptain Efrain provides all gear, instruction, and fish cleaning servicesEarly morning departure with complimentary drinks and handson guidance included
Looking to get started with inshore fishing but not sure where to begin? Captain Efrain's half-day trip out of Arroyo City and Port Mansfield is hands-down the best way to cut your teeth in these legendary Texas waters. This isn't some rush-job where you're thrown a rod and left to figure it out – we're talking about a proper 6-hour learning experience where you'll actually understand what you're doing by the time you head back to the dock. The Lower Laguna Madre has been putting smiles on new anglers' faces for decades, and there's a reason Captain Efrain keeps his calendar packed with repeat customers and their friends.
Your day kicks off at 6:30 a.m. when the flats are glassy and the fish are waking up hungry. Captain Efrain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every grass bed, every drop-off, every structure that holds fish. You'll be working the shallow waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, either drifting with the current or getting your boots wet wade fishing the prime spots. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything's provided, from quality rods and reels to the soft plastics that redfish and trout can't resist. The beauty of this trip is the pace. There's no pressure to be the next fishing champion. Captain Efrain takes the time to show you proper casting techniques, how to work your lures, and most importantly, how to read the water so you can spot productive areas. By 12:30 p.m., you'll be heading back with a cooler full of fish that Captain Efrain has already cleaned for you, plus the knowledge to book your next trip with confidence.
This is all about soft plastic fishing – the bread and butter of Texas inshore angling. You'll be throwing paddle tails, shrimp imitations, and other proven lures that trigger aggressive strikes from hungry reds and specks. Captain Efrain will teach you the subtle art of working these baits: the slow, steady retrieve that drives trout crazy, and the aggressive twitching action that gets redfish fired up. When you're wading, you'll learn how to move quietly through the shallows, reading grass beds and looking for nervous water that signals feeding fish below. The drift fishing segments give you a chance to cover more water and learn how current and wind affect your presentation. All rods are spooled with appropriate line weights for the conditions, and Captain Efrain carries backup tackle so you're never sitting idle if something breaks off on a big fish. The boat stays stocked with complimentary water and Gatorade because staying hydrated in the Texas sun isn't optional – it's part of fishing smart.
The Lower Laguna Madre system around Arroyo City and Port Mansfield delivers some of the most consistent redfish and speckled trout action on the entire Texas coast. Redfish here are true bruisers – these copper-colored bulldogs average 20 to 28 inches and fight like they're twice that size. They cruise the shallow grass flats in small schools, tailing and pushing water when they're really feeding hard. What makes reds so addictive for new anglers is their aggressive nature. When they want your lure, there's no mistaking it – they'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands. Fall through early spring tends to be peak season, but Captain Efrain finds them year-round by adjusting his approach with the seasons. Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the finesse fish of the pair. These beautiful spotted predators require a bit more technique to hook consistently, but they're absolutely worth the learning curve. Specks in this system run from slot-sized 15-inchers up to genuine wall-hangers pushing 25 inches. They're ambush predators that love to lurk around structure and grass edges, waiting to smash an unsuspecting baitfish – or your perfectly presented soft plastic. Spring and fall see the best trout action, though summer dawn and dusk bites can be lights-out good when you time it right.
Here's the bottom line: if you've been thinking about getting into inshore fishing, this trip with Captain Efrain checks every box. You get expert instruction, top-notch gear, and access to some of the most productive redfish and trout waters in Texas. The 6-hour format gives you enough time to really learn without feeling rushed, and the 2-person capacity means you're getting personalized attention throughout the day. Add in the fish cleaning service and complimentary drinks, and you're looking at exceptional value for a world-class fishing experience. These morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around hoping for availability. Captain Efrain's reputation for putting beginners on fish while teaching proper techniques has made this one of the most sought-after trips along this stretch of coast. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or finally learn what all the fuss is about with Texas inshore fishing, this is your chance to do it right from day one.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our dependable 21' Shallow Master, perfectly sized for navigating the skinny waters around Arroyo City and Port Mansfield. This motorboat handles the Lower Laguna Madre's shallow flats with ease, getting you to those prime redfish and trout spots that bigger boats can't reach. With room for up to three anglers, there's plenty of space to move around while casting or learning new techniques from Captain Efrain. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those warm Texas mornings, while the GPS ensures we stay on the fish throughout your 6-hour trip. Whether you're drifting over grass beds or making your way to wade-fishing spots, this shallow-running boat gives you access to the best inshore action the area has to offer. Built for these coastal waters, she's your ticket to hooking into some serious speckled trout and bull reds.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the bread and butter of our Laguna Madre fishery. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range 20-35 inches in our waters. They love super shallow flats - sometimes you'll see their backs out of water as they tail in 1-3 feet. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. What guests love about reds is their powerful fight and that satisfying thump when they take your lure. They're also fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. Best fishing is during moving tides when they're actively hunting. Pro tip: when you spot a red tailing or cruising shallow, cast your soft plastic well ahead of them and let it sink to the bottom, then twitch it slowly as they approach.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable targets in the Lower Laguna Madre. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit soft plastics - they're not as spooky as some species, making them perfect for beginners. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, count to two before setting the hook. Trout have soft mouths, so they need a moment to fully take the bait. Their fight isn't the strongest, but they're consistent biters and great confidence builders for new anglers.
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