Half Day Pro-Level Wade Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour wade fishing targeting redfish, trout, and flounderProfessional captain provides strategic guidance for experienced anglersWalk shallow flats with all gear included for groups
If you're serious about inshore fishing and want to test your skills against some of Texas's most prized gamefish, this 5-hour wade fishing adventure with Captain Ben is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a hands-on, boots-in-the-water experience that puts you right in the middle of Corpus Christi's legendary shallow flats. This isn't a leisurely boat ride – you'll be walking the flats, reading the water, and making precise casts to structure and drop-offs where the big fish hunt. Captain Ben has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the reds are staging and when the trout move up to feed. This trip is built for experienced anglers who want to push their skills and land some serious fish in one of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore fisheries.
This wade fishing trip starts early, and for good reason – the fish are most active during those cooler morning hours when the flats are just starting to warm up. You'll meet Captain Ben at the launch, and after a quick boat ride to the prime fishing areas, you're getting wet. We're talking knee to waist-deep water over grass beds, shell bars, and sandy pockets where gamefish love to ambush prey. The beauty of wade fishing in Corpus Christi is the variety – one minute you're working a grass line for trout, the next you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. Captain Ben reads these flats like a book, and he'll position you in spots where the fish are actually feeding, not just hanging around. The water clarity here is typically excellent, especially in the back lakes and protected areas, so you'll often see your target before you cast. This is active fishing at its best – you're covering ground, staying mobile, and adapting to what the fish are doing throughout the morning.
Wade fishing success comes down to stealth, accuracy, and reading the water correctly. Captain Ben provides all the gear you need, including quality spinning rods spooled with braided line for maximum sensitivity and casting distance. We're primarily throwing soft plastics – gulp shrimp, paddle tails, and topwater plugs when conditions are right. The key is matching your presentation to what the fish are feeding on that day. Early morning often means topwater action, especially around structure and grass edges where baitfish are getting pushed up. As the sun gets higher, we'll switch to subsurface baits worked slowly along the bottom or through the water column. Captain Ben knows exactly which colors and sizes work best in different water conditions, and he'll have you rigged up with proven combinations. The wading itself requires good footing and awareness – you're moving quietly through the water, watching for stingrays, and positioning yourself for the best casting angles. It's physical fishing that keeps you engaged and in tune with your surroundings.
Red Snapper opportunities are typically found around deeper structure and ledges accessible from the flats, particularly during their open seasons. These fish are aggressive feeders and put up an amazing fight on light tackle. Snapper in this area average 3-8 pounds, with larger specimens possible around the right structure. They're notorious for their hard runs and head-shaking fights that will test your drag system. Best action usually comes during moving water, especially around dawn when they move up to feed in the shallows.
Black Drum are year-round residents that love the shallow flats and grass beds around Corpus Christi. These fish are perfect for sight fishing – you'll often see their backs or tails breaking the surface as they root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp. They range from 2-20 pounds in these waters, with the bigger fish being incredibly powerful fighters that will take you into your backing. Black drum are particularly active during cooler months and provide consistent action when other species are less cooperative. They're also excellent table fare when kept in the slot limit.
Sheepshead are structure-oriented fish that hang around oyster reefs, pilings, and rock formations throughout the bay system. They're notorious bait thieves with their human-like teeth, but once hooked, they provide a strong, steady fight. Most sheepshead in these waters run 2-6 pounds, though larger fish are common around deeper structure. They're most active during cooler water periods and are considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Finding them requires precise casting to specific structure, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi wade fishing. These fish are found throughout the grass flats and are particularly active during low-light periods. They school up in good numbers and provide consistent action throughout most of the year. Trout here typically run 14-20 inches, with trophy fish over 25 inches always possible. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live and artificial baits, and they fight well on light tackle with impressive jumps and runs.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Corpus Christi's shallow flats are prime habitat. These copper-colored fighters are found in schools or as solitary fish cruising the flats looking for prey. They range from slot-sized fish around 20-28 inches up to bull reds over 35 inches that will challenge any angler. Reds are sight fishing at its best – you'll spot them tailing, cruising, or pushing wakes in shallow water. They're incredibly strong fighters that make long runs and are perfectly adapted to these shallow water environments.
This wade fishing trip with Captain Ben represents some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. You're getting five solid hours with an experienced guide who knows these waters intimately, all the gear you need, and access to some seriously productive fishing grounds. The combination of wade fishing techniques, diverse target species, an
Your fishing platform comes equipped with everything needed to work the shallow flats around Corpus Christi. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet as you position for the perfect cast, while the fish finder helps locate schools of redfish and speckled trout in the grass beds. GPS navigation ensures you can mark productive spots and return to them throughout the trip. The onboard multimedia system lets you stay connected when needed. This setup is built for serious wade fishing - you'll use it to reach prime flats where you can get out and walk the shallows, targeting species that cruise these productive waters. Captain Ben knows these areas well and will position the boat strategically so you can cover maximum water on foot while staying within easy reach of your floating base.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the flats, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. These gray-black bruisers have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, making them perfect targets around oyster beds and muddy bottoms. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and get easier to locate. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - a sound they make to communicate. Guests love the power these fish bring - it's a different fight than reds or trout, more of a bulldogging battle. Keep drum under 15 pounds for the table; bigger ones get tough and stringy. Best bait is fresh crab since it won't get picked off by catfish like shrimp will. My go-to trick is targeting them on incoming tides when they push onto the flats to feed. Use enough weight to stay on bottom.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are deep-water fighters that grow 1-2 feet on average, though trophy fish can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them in 30-620 feet around structure - reefs, rigs, and rocky bottom in the Gulf. They're pink when young, turning bright red as adults with that distinctive pale belly. Best fishing happens during their May-October spawning season when they're more active. Guests love the challenge - these fish are true warriors that'll run straight for cover when hooked, testing your drag and skill. The payoff is worth it though - mild, nutty white meat that's restaurant-quality. Pro tip: keep your bait right on the bottom and set the hook hard when you feel that telltale nibble. They're notorious for stealing bait, so stay sharp and be ready for a real scrap once you hook up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water game, easily spotted by that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-red color. These 20-40 inch fish cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of water, feeding around grass beds and oyster reefs. They're year-round targets here, but fall months are prime when they school up for spawning runs. What guests love most is the visual game - seeing these big fish push wakes in knee-deep water, then watching them crush topwater lures in explosive strikes. They're strong fighters that make long runs and great table fare with firm, mild meat. The key is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. My favorite trick is using gold spoons that flash like fleeing mullet. Work them steady, not too fast, and hold on tight when they hit.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our Texas flats, running 14-24 inches with those signature black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. Winter months see them schooling in deeper water, but spring through fall they're spread across the flats feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their delicate fight and that soft, white meat that flakes perfectly when cooked right. Don't overcook them though - they'll turn mushy fast. Topwater plugs at first light are magic, but soft plastics work year-round. My local tip: look for slicks on calm water where they're feeding below. Those oil slicks from feeding trout will lead you right to them. Work your lure slow and steady.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Texas waters with their black and white stripes and famous human-like teeth. These crafty 1-8 pound fish hang tight to any structure - docks, pilings, jetties - where they munch barnacles and small crabs. They're notorious bait thieves that'll clean your hook without you feeling a thing. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they spawn around structures. Guests get hooked on the challenge - they're finicky but fight hard once hooked, and the white, flaky meat rivals any restaurant fish. The trick is getting your bait right against the structure and setting the hook aggressively the moment you feel weight. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp, keep it tight to the pilings, and be patient. These fish will test your skills, but that's what makes landing one so satisfying.
Corpus Christi