Weekend Fishing Charter Port Mansfield
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targeting redfish, black drum, and troutCaptain Bill provides all equipment and guides in Laguna MadrePrivate weekend trip accommodates up to three guests maximum
Captain Bill knows the Lower Laguna Madre like the back of his hand, and this 6-hour weekend charter puts you right in the sweet spot for some of Port Mansfield's best inshore action. Starting at 7:00 AM when the fish are most active, you'll have the entire morning and early afternoon to work the flats and channels where redfish, black drum, and speckled trout love to hang out. At $600 for up to three anglers, this private trip gives you the flexibility to fish your way without dealing with crowds or rushed schedules that come with bigger boats.
The Lower Laguna Madre is legendary among Texas anglers for good reason - it's shallow, clear, and loaded with structure that holds fish year-round. Captain Bill will adjust the game plan based on what's working that day, whether that means sight-fishing the grass flats with artificial lures or dropping live bait near channel edges and drop-offs. The beauty of this charter is that it works for everyone, from first-timers who need help with casting basics to experienced anglers looking to dial in their technique on these specific waters. You'll cover a lot of ground in six hours, hitting multiple spots to maximize your chances of connecting with quality fish. All your gear is handled - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and cooler space for your catch - so you just need to show up with your Texas saltwater license and whatever snacks or drinks you want for the day.
Port Mansfield fishing is all about reading the water and adapting to conditions. Captain Bill runs both artificial lures and live bait depending on what the fish are telling him. On calm mornings, you might find yourself sight-casting soft plastics to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, watching them cruise the grass beds before making your presentation. When the wind picks up or the fish are being finicky, live shrimp under a popping cork can be deadly, especially around structure where black drum and trout like to ambush baitfish. The tackle setup here is typically medium-light spinning gear that gives you the sensitivity to feel light bites but enough backbone to handle bigger reds when they make their runs. You'll learn to work different retrieves - slow rolling paddle tails through deeper channels, twitching topwater baits at first light, or dead-sticking live bait when fish are pressured. The key is staying flexible and letting the fish dictate the approach rather than forcing one technique all day.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port Mansfield inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in these waters and fight like fish twice their size once they feel the hook. Spring through fall are prime time, when they're actively feeding in the shallows and you can often spot them before you cast. What makes reds so special here is their willingness to eat both artificials and live bait, plus they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot limit. Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're one of the most underrated fighters in the bay. These bottom-huggers can range from schoolie-sized 14-inchers to bruiser bulls pushing 30+ pounds, and they'll test your drag system when they decide to make a run. They're most active during cooler months and love to hang around oyster reefs and shell beds where they can crush crabs and shrimp. Speckled trout are the technical challenge of the trio - they can be picky about presentation and often require finesse to consistently hook up. But when you find a good school, especially during their spring and fall feeding periods, the action can be fast and furious. Trout in the 15-20 inch range are common, with the occasional gator trout over 24 inches that'll make your day. They're also some of the best eating fish in the bay, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
This weekend charter hits the sweet spot for Port Mansfield fishing - enough time to really work different areas and techniques, but not so long that you're burnt out by the afternoon heat. Captain Bill's local knowledge combined with top-notch gear and a flexible approach means you're set up for success whether you're looking to learn new skills or just enjoy a solid day on the water. The private boat setup means you're fishing at your own pace without worrying about other groups or time constraints. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. With Port Mansfield's reputation as one of the top inshore destinations on the Texas coast, these weekend slots fill up fast, especially during prime fishing months. Whether you're targeting your first redfish or looking to add some quality drum and trout to your cooler, this charter delivers the complete Lower Laguna Madre experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Captain Bill's 2019 Majek bay boat is perfectly rigged for chasing redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Port Mansfield's shallow waters. This 18-footer cuts through the Lower Laguna Madre with its reliable 115HP Suzuki engine, hitting speeds up to 45 knots when you need to cover water quickly between fishing spots. The center console design gives everyone clear casting room while keeping gear organized and accessible. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days on the flats. GPS navigation helps locate productive structure and marks, ensuring you spend more time with lines wet instead of searching. Built for three anglers plus captain, this bay boat handles the skinny water where big reds lurk while staying stable enough for comfortable fishing in choppier conditions.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the Lower Laguna Madre, running anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 60+. These dark, powerful fish love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with jaws built like a vice. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds if you plan to eat them. The meat on bigger fish gets tough and chewy. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab for bait and keep it right on the bottom. They won't chase anything more than a few inches off the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Port Mansfield flats - bronze-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 20 to 30 inches, but we see plenty of slot-sized fish perfect for keeping. They love super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. These fish fight hard with powerful runs that'll get your heart pumping, and they're fantastic on the table with sweet, firm meat. They'll eat almost anything when they're feeding - topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp all work. My go-to move: sight-cast a gold spoon ahead of cruising fish and work it slow.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Lower Laguna Madre flats, typically running 14 to 20 inches with occasional 4-5 pounders that'll make your day. These silvery fish with black spots love grass beds and drop-offs, especially in 2 to 8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn and dusk fishing really pays off. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live shrimp and artificials, plus they're some of the best eating you'll find. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when working grass flats, use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them up from the grass.
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