Full Day Fly Fishing - Corpus Christi Flats
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day fly fishing targets redfish and sea troutCaptain provides gear, guidance, and local expertise includedEighthour inshore trip accommodates one angler maximum
When you're looking for a top-rated fly fishing adventure along the Texas coast, this full-day trip with Capt. Gabe hits all the marks. We're talking eight solid hours on some of the most productive shallow water flats around Corpus Christi and North Padre Island. This isn't your typical rushed half-day deal – you get the time to really dial in your casting, work different areas as conditions change, and experience what makes this stretch of coast a world-class redfish and sea trout destination. Starting at 6:30 AM, we beat the crowds and the heat while targeting fish during their most active feeding periods.
This trip runs as a personalized one-on-one experience with Capt. Gabe, giving you his undivided attention whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or you've been throwing flies for years. The beauty of fishing these Corpus Christi flats is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in knee-deep grass beds, the next you're working a shoreline drop-off where sea trout ambush baitfish. Capt. Gabe reads the water conditions each morning and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Maybe the wind's laid down and we can work the ultra-shallow stuff, or perhaps a front moved through and the fish pushed to deeper pockets. That local knowledge and flexibility is what separates a great day from an average one. You'll spend the day learning to read the water, understanding how these fish behave, and fine-tuning your presentation. The pace stays comfortable – this isn't about rushing from spot to spot, but really working productive water thoroughly.
Capt. Gabe provides quality fly fishing gear suited specifically for these inshore conditions. We're typically throwing 8 or 9-weight rods that can handle the coastal wind and turn over weighted flies without wearing you out over eight hours. The fly selection focuses on proven patterns for redfish and sea trout – think Clouser minnows, spoon flies, and crab patterns that imitate the natural forage in these waters. If you're new to saltwater fly fishing, don't sweat it. The casting technique is different from freshwater, and Capt. Gabe breaks it down step by step. You'll learn to handle wind, make accurate presentations to moving fish, and develop the strip sets that hook these hard-fighting inshore species. For experienced fly anglers, this is your chance to refine your sight-fishing skills and learn the nuances of reading these specific flats. The water clarity around North Padre Island often lets you see fish from 30-40 feet away, turning each cast into a visual chess match.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fly fishing, and these Corpus Christi flats hold some beauties. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in the shallows, with the occasional oversized bull red making an appearance. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs and tails visible as they root around in the grass for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but these fish bite year-round when you know where to look. What makes reds so exciting on fly gear is their initial run – they'll strip line off your reel and head for the nearest structure, testing your drag system and your nerves. Plus, they're not particularly leader-shy, so you can get away with heavier tippet that gives you a fighting chance in the grass.
Sea trout add a different dimension to the day, often showing up in slightly deeper water along grass edges and shell bars. These spotted beauties typically range from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to gator trout pushing 25 inches or better. Peak sea trout action happens during the warmer months, especially early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding on glass minnows and small crabs. What fly anglers love about trout fishing is the aggressive strike – they don't hesitate when they want your fly, often hitting with a sharp thump that telegraphs right up the rod. The fight is different from reds too, with more aerial displays and that classic trout head-shaking that keeps you on your toes. During cooler months, we target them in deeper pockets and channels where they stage during temperature drops.
This customer favorite trip delivers the complete Texas coastal fly fishing experience without feeling rushed or overcrowded. Eight hours gives you time to really connect with the fishery, learn from an experienced captain, and enjoy some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. Whether you're looking to check redfish off your species list, improve your saltwater fly techniques, or just spend a quality day on productive water, this Corpus Christi adventure delivers. Capt. Gabe's hands-on approach means you're not just along for the ride – you're actively learning and improving your skills while chasing some of the most sought-after inshore species in Texas. Don't wait on this one – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's cooperating.
Your fishing platform for the day is a nimble 20-foot Everglades skiff powered by a reliable 150hp Yamaha outboard. This boat was built specifically for working the shallow flats around Corpus Christi and North Padre Island where redfish and sea trout like to hang out. The shallow draft design lets you get into those skinny water spots where bigger boats can't reach, while the stable platform gives you room to cast and fight fish without feeling cramped. GPS keeps you on track between productive areas, and the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish that attract your targets. The setup handles the varied conditions you'll encounter during your 8-hour day on the water, from open bay runs to tight mangrove cuts where the fish hide.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow flats, cruising in 1-4 feet of water with their copper backs and distinctive black spots. These bruisers average 28-33 inches but can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. They love oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. What makes reds special is their power - once hooked, they'll rip line and test your drag like few inshore fish can. They eat well too, with firm, mildly sweet meat. Best fishing is during moving tides when they're actively feeding. Here's a local trick: when you spot a red with its back out of water "tailing," cast your fly 3 feet ahead and let it sink to the bottom before starting your retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are perfect fly fishing targets in our shallow grass flats. These speckled beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love cruising 2-4 feet of water around oyster bars and grass beds. They're aggressive feeders, hitting shrimp patterns and small baitfish flies with authority. What makes them special is their willingness to eat year-round, though cooler months bring the best action as they school up in deeper pockets. The fight is scrappy with good runs, and they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My local tip: work your fly slowly along grass edges during moving water - that's when they're actively hunting and most likely to commit to your presentation.
Corpus Christi