Target Redfish and Trout on Corpus Christi Bay Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting speckled trout and redfishExpert captain provides guidance and topquality fishing equipmentSmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests
Looking for some serious action on the water? This 6-hour inshore fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Corpus Christi Bay's best fishing grounds. Captain and crew at Booty Runner Fishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish from the moment you cast off. With space for just 2 anglers, you're getting a personal, focused experience that lets you really dial in on technique and presentation. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or looking to add some quality specks to the cooler, these productive waters consistently deliver the goods.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock, ready to hit prime fishing hours when the fish are most active. Corpus Christi Bay offers some of the most diverse inshore fishing in Texas, with grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs that hold different species throughout the day. The shallow water fishing here is legendary - you'll be working depths from 2 to 8 feet most of the trip, which means you can actually see the structure and cover you're fishing. The captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly, whether that means working the grass lines for trout or hitting the shell pads for redfish. With top-shelf tackle provided, you'll have everything needed to handle whatever bites, from finicky trout that require finesse presentations to bull reds that'll test your drag system.
Inshore fishing in Corpus Christi Bay calls for versatility, and the crew has you covered with multiple approaches depending on what's biting. You'll likely start with live bait - croaker and shrimp are local favorites that produce consistent results across multiple species. Artificial lures play a big role too, especially soft plastics rigged on jig heads for working grass flats and structure. Topwater action can be phenomenal during low-light periods, so don't be surprised if you're throwing poppers and spooks early in the trip. The tackle setup is typically medium to medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 15-20 pound braid, giving you the sensitivity to feel light bites while having enough backbone for larger fish. Drift fishing over shell reefs and structure is a primary technique, but you'll also do some anchor fishing when conditions and fish activity call for it. The beauty of this fishery is the variety - you might be sight-fishing tailing reds one hour and bottom bouncing for flounder the next.
Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi Bay, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders that respond well to both live and artificial baits. Prime trout fishing happens over grass flats in 3-6 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. A quality trout here runs 15-20 inches, with occasional specimens pushing 25+ inches that locals call "gator trout." They're structure-oriented fish that relate to grass lines, drop-offs, and shell bottom, making them predictable once you understand their patterns. The fight is classic - initial runs followed by head-shaking jumps that'll test your hook sets.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Corpus Bay holds some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in the slot, with the occasional oversized bull that'll smoke your drag and leave you shaking. Reds are year-round residents that feed aggressively in shallow water, often tailing in less than 2 feet over grass flats and mud bottoms. They're ambush predators that love structure - oyster reefs, dock pilings, and grass points are all prime real estate. The fight is pure power, with long runs that showcase why redfish are considered premier gamefish.
Southern Flounder provide excellent table fare and a different fishing challenge altogether. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Peak flounder action typically happens during their fall migration when they move toward deeper water to spawn. They average 14-18 inches but can reach impressive sizes over 20 inches. Flounder require patience and technique - slow presentations along bottom structure and drop-offs are key. When hooked, they fight like a wet towel initially, then surprise you with powerful runs once they realize they're in trouble.
Black Drum are the heavy hitters of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from slot-sized specimens to massive bulls over 30 pounds. These bottom feeders are found around oyster reefs and hard structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful pharyngeal teeth. They're incredibly strong fish that make bulldogging runs and test your tackle to the limit. Smaller drum provide excellent eating, while the big bulls are typically released to maintain the fishery.
Grey Snapper add some variety to the mix, typically found around structure in slightly deeper water. These scrappy fighters are excellent table fare and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. They're year-round residents that respond well to bottom fishing techniques with both live and cut baits. Their aggressive nature makes them fun to catch, and they're perfect for anglers looking to bend the rod consistently throughout the day.
Corpus Christi Bay fishing delivers year-round action, but every season brings something different to the table. This intimate 2-angler setup means you're getting personalized instruction and prime positioning throughout the trip. The crew's local knowledge combined with quality tackle and proven techniques puts the odds in your favor for a successful day on the water. Whether you're looking to put fish in the cooler or just enjoy some quality time casting lines, this 6-hour adventure covers all the bases. The fishery here is world-class, the guides know their stuff, and the variety of species means there's always something b
This 2013 Majek bay boat is your ticket to productive inshore fishing around Corpus Christi Bay. The 250HP Yamaha engine gets you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting speeds up to 60 knots when you need to chase the bite. Once you're on the fish, the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet so you won't spook those finicky speckled trout and redfish. The GPS navigation system helps pinpoint those productive flats and structure, while the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to work the shallow waters where the big reds cruise and the trout stack up. This bay boat handles the choppy waters of Corpus Bay with ease and gets you into those skinny-water honey holes where the action really heats up.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Corpus Christi Bay, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These powerful fish average 5-30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds - real shoulder-burners. They're bottom-feeders with crushing jaws built for shellfish and crabs, hanging around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and shallow bay areas. Spring is prime time, especially February through April when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. What makes them special is their incredible pulling power and that distinctive croaking sound they make. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones are better released. They're surprisingly adaptable, found in everything from creek mouths to 100-foot depths. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. When they pick it up, don't jerk - let them run with it a bit before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these bruisers.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as locals call them, are smart fish that'll test your patience and skill. These copper-red beauties typically run 10-14 inches inshore, weighing 1-3 pounds, but open water can produce fish up to 20 pounds. They love structure - docks, piers, rock piles, and mangrove roots where they can ambush prey. Being nocturnal hunters, they're most active during low light conditions, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring through fall offers the best action in our waters. What guests love is their excellent eating quality - white, flaky meat that's restaurant-grade. They're also wary fighters that demand finesse. These opportunistic feeders will take live shrimp, mud minnows, and small crabs. Here's my go-to technique: use a 4/0 hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom near structure, then lift it just off the bottom. Keep movement minimal - they spook easily but the reward is worth the wait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Corpus Christi shallow water fishing - bronze-backed beauties with that signature black spot near the tail. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches and weigh 5-15 pounds, though we catch some real bulls pushing 40+ pounds in deeper bay areas. They love super shallow water, often feeding in 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Year-round action keeps them popular, but spring and fall see the best numbers when they're actively feeding. What guests love is their powerful runs and that sweet, mild-flavored meat that's hard to beat on the table. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Here's my favorite approach: use a gold spoon or topwater walk-the-dog lure early morning over shallow grass. When you see their backs or tails breaking the surface, cast past them and work your lure back slowly. The strike will wake you up every time.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi Bay fishing, and for good reason. These silvery beauties with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though we see some pushing 8+ pounds in deeper water. They love grass flats, shallow bay areas, and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but they really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare - tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're active feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials. During winter, they form large schools in 15-20 foot depths, making for fast action. Here's a proven technique: use a 1/4-ounce jig head with a plastic shrimp or tail, work it slowly along grass edges during moving water. The bite often happens on the fall, so stay alert when your lure drops.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are one of the most unique fish you'll target in Corpus Christi Bay - they're flat as a pancake with both eyes on one side of their head. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms, waiting to strike at passing shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we occasionally see some pushing 20+ pounds. They love shallow bay waters, especially around grass flats and oyster reefs where bait congregates. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper channels. What makes them special is their excellent table fare - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing, use a Carolina rig with live shrimp and bounce it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, don't set the hook right away - let them mouth it for a second before a gentle hookset.
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