5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Port Isabel Redfish & Trout Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full 8-hour inshore charter targeting seven different speciesExpert guides provide access to prime flats fishing locationsSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
When you're talking about world-class inshore fishing on the Texas coast, Port Isabel sits right at the top of the list. This full-day charter with Austin's Fishing & Hunting Guide Service puts you in the heart of some of the most productive shallow water fishing in the Gulf. We're talking about an 8-hour adventure that kicks off at 6:30 AM, giving you prime time access to the flats and inshore structure where redfish, trout, and sheepshead love to hang out. With room for just two anglers, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
Captain Austin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge shows from the moment you step aboard. The Lower Laguna Madre system around Port Isabel offers some of the most diverse inshore fishing you'll find anywhere along the coast. We'll be working everything from grass flats to oyster reefs, drop-offs to back lakes, depending on what the fish are telling us that day. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we've got time to move around and find the action. Maybe we start the morning working topwater over shallow grass for trout, then move to structure for redfish as the sun gets higher. Port Isabel's unique position where the Laguna Madre meets the Gulf gives us access to multiple fisheries in a single trip. Don't be surprised if we're sight-casting to tailing reds one hour and working deeper water for black drum the next.
We fish light and smart down here. Most of our work happens with spinning gear in the 6-8 weight range, perfect for the mix of species we're targeting. Soft plastics are the bread and butter - think paddle tails on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigheads for working grass flats and sandy potholes. When we're sight-fishing redfish in skinny water, we'll drop down to even lighter jigs to keep from spooking fish in 18 inches of water. Topwater action can be lights-out good, especially early morning when trout are feeding aggressively over grass beds. Live bait definitely has its place too - croaker and shrimp work magic on sheepshead around structure, and nothing beats a live mullet for big reds. The key is reading conditions and adjusting throughout the day. Water clarity, wind, tide movement - they all factor into what presentation works best. Captain Austin handles all the gear, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging.
"Took my dad and new to be father in law, to break in the ice ! The guide put us on fish and caught our limit in trout really fast ! Both left with smiles on their face and now will be fishing partners for the years to come ! Will definitely be booking with Captain Austin again !" - Dante
Redfish are the rock stars of Port Isabel's flats, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in our waters, with plenty of oversized fish pushing 30+ inches mixed in. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, but summer brings sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart racing. Nothing beats watching a red's back come out of the water as it crushes a topwater plug in two feet of water. They fight dirty too - using their broad tail and stubborn nature to test your drag system. What makes Port Isabel reds special is their willingness to feed in extremely shallow water, often with their tails sticking up as they root around oyster bars.
Speckled trout are the numbers fish that keep rods bent all day long. Our local trout run from schoolie 14-inchers up to legitimate 4-5 pound gator trout that'll make you think twice about your drag setting. Peak season runs October through March when cooler water temperatures stack fish in predictable patterns. They love grass flats with good tidal flow, especially areas where deeper water meets shallow flats. Trout are aggressive feeders, making them perfect for topwater presentations early and late in the day. The satisfaction of a trout blow-up on a She Dog or Skitter Walk never gets old.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that separates good anglers from great ones. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any hard structure - docks, pilings, rock piles, oyster reefs. They've got human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, which makes them notorious bait stealers. But land a good sheepshead in the 3-5 pound range and you've earned serious bragging rights. Winter months from December through February offer the best action when they school up in deeper water near passes and channels. Live or fresh dead shrimp fished tight to structure is the ticket, but you need quick reflexes and a sensitive rod to feel their subtle bite.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats - not the prettiest fish, but they'll test your tackle and technique. Port Isabel's drum fishery includes both smaller "puppy drum" in the 2-5 pound range and true giants that can push 20-30 pounds or more. They're bottom feeders with a keen sense of smell, making fresh cut bait and live crabs top choices. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest numbers, often in schools that'll keep you busy for hours. Big drum fights are all about endurance - they don't jump or make blazing runs, but they use their weight and the current to wear you down.
Snook represent the exotic factor in Port Isabel's fish mix. These tropical gamefish are right at the northern edge of their range here, making every hookup special. They're structure-oriented predators that love ambush points - bridge pilings, dock lights, mangrove shorelines. Summer and early fall offer the
Hit the waters of Port Isabel aboard our 2020 Majek 23-footer, a serious fishing machine built for chasing redfish, sheepshead, and whatever else is biting in these productive Texas waters. This center console runs on a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising at 30 knots when you need to cover water quickly. The open layout gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around the boat comfortably. Whether you're working the flats for tailing reds or targeting structure for sheepshead, this boat handles the shallow inshore waters like a champ. Perfect setup for serious anglers who want a solid platform to fish from all day long.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of the flats - powerful fish that'll give you a serious workout. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we catch plenty in the 20-30 pound range. They cruise shallow mud flats and oyster beds, using those crusher jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during mating season - it's wild. These fish fight hard and steady, not flashy but they'll wear you out. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with firm, white meat. Bigger ones get tough and fishy. Best bait is fresh blue crab or live shrimp fished right on the bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle weight on your line, don't hesitate - set the hook hard. They'll spit it quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing here - copper-colored bruisers with that signature black spot near the tail. They run anywhere from 18-35 inches, with the slot fish around 20-28 inches being perfect for the table. These fish love super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, cruising mud flats and grass beds hunting crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is outstanding when they school up. What makes reds special is that explosive topwater bite and the way they peel drag on long runs. Plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. Gold spoons and topwater plugs are classics, but live shrimp never fails. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows. Approach quiet, make long casts, and when they eat topwater, wait a beat before setting the hook - let them turn down with it first.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing - beautiful fish with spots all over and that distinctive speckled pattern. Most run 14-20 inches, but we catch plenty of "gator trout" over 24 inches that really get folks excited. They love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime, especially when they school up in deeper channels. Trout hit hard and make good runs, plus they're outstanding table fare with tender, flaky meat. Just don't overcook them or they get mushy. Soft plastics on light jigheads work great, along with topwater plugs early and late in the day. Here's a local trick: work your lure slow and steady over grass beds during low light. When you feel that thump, resist the urge to jerk hard - they've got soft mouths that tear easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the pickpockets of the bay with those human-like teeth and prison stripe pattern. These crafty fish hang tight around any structure - dock pilings, bridges, jetties - picking off barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we see some monsters pushing 8-10 pounds. Winter through early spring is best when they're thick around structure before spawning. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling until your hook is clean. But land one and you've got some of the best eating fish in the bay - sweet, flaky white meat that's worth the effort cleaning those tough scales. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs work best. Here's the key: use a small hook, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel that subtle tick-tick-tick, set hard immediately. Wait too long and they'll steal your lunch.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after inshore species around Port Isabel. These sleek fighters typically run 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them around structure - docks, mangroves, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. They love brackish water and can handle both salt and fresh environments. Best fishing happens during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is white, flaky, and excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: when fishing near structure, use a weedless soft plastic and work it slow. Snook are smart and will inspect your bait, so patience pays off when that line goes tight.
5.0 out of 5.0Took my dad and new to be father in law, to break in the ice ! The guide put us on fish and caught our limit in trout really fast ...
Port Isabel