Premium 5 Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure with Capt. Salty's
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour morning charter targeting redfish and speckled trout inshoreAll equipment and live bait included for up to 4 guestsCaptain Martin provides handson guidance for all skill levels
Captain Martin's 5-hour inshore fishing charter puts you right where the fish are biting in Corpus Christi's productive shallow waters. Starting at 6:00 AM, this top-rated fishing experience targets redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in the prime feeding hours when these species are most active. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for families, small groups of friends, or anyone wanting a focused morning on the water without the crowds. Captain Martin knows these flats like the back of his hand and provides all the gear, bait, and hands-on instruction you need to make it a successful trip, whether you're a first-timer or seasoned angler.
Your morning starts early, but that's when the magic happens in Corpus Christi's inshore waters. Captain Martin meets you at the dock just before sunrise, and you'll be running to the first fishing spot as the sun comes up over the bay. The early start means cooler temperatures, calmer winds, and fish that are actively feeding after the night. You'll be fishing the grass flats, drop-offs, and structure that hold the best concentrations of redfish, trout, and drum in the area. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's a bit choppy outside, you'll be comfortable and able to fish effectively. Captain Martin keeps the group moving to stay on active fish, reading the water conditions, tides, and weather to put you in the right spots at the right times. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed.
This charter covers all the essential inshore techniques that produce fish in Corpus Christi waters. You'll spend time spinning with artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, drifting live bait over grass beds and structure, and bottom fishing in deeper pockets where black drum and larger trout hang out. Captain Martin provides all the rods, reels, and tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except yourself and a fishing license. The boat is rigged with quality spinning gear that's perfect for the 15-25 inch fish you'll be targeting, plus heavier setups if bigger fish show up. Live bait is included – usually live shrimp or small baitfish depending on what's working best that week. Captain Martin adjusts techniques based on conditions and what the fish are doing that day, so you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in shallow water or working deeper channels where the trout are schooled up.
Redfish are the backbone of Corpus Christi inshore fishing and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized "bull red" that'll test your drag system. Redfish feed aggressively in shallow grass flats and around structure, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificials. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods, which is why that early morning start time works so well. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat and their hard-fighting nature – they'll make multiple runs and use their broad sides to pull hard against the rod. Fall and spring are peak seasons, but Captain Martin finds them year-round in different parts of the bay system.
Speckled trout are the other main target and they're arguably the best eating fish you'll catch on this trip. These spotted beauties typically run 14 to 22 inches in Corpus Christi, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 25 inches or better. They're structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, shell reefs, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. Trout are more finicky than redfish and require a bit more technique, which is where Captain Martin's guidance really pays off. They hit both live bait and soft plastics, but presentation matters more with trout than redfish. The best trout fishing happens during cooler months from October through March, when they school up in deeper water and feed more aggressively.
Black drum round out the target species list and they're the heavyweight champions of the inshore waters. These bottom-dwelling fish can range from smaller "puppy drum" around 16 inches up to massive specimens over 30 inches and 20+ pounds. Black drum are primarily bottom feeders that love crabs, shrimp, and worms, so you'll typically target them with cut bait or live shrimp fished on the bottom near structure. They're not the fastest fish, but what they lack in speed they make up for in pure power – a big black drum will test your patience and your tackle. They're available year-round but tend to be more concentrated during their spawning runs in late winter and early spring.
This 5-hour inshore charter strikes the perfect balance between getting serious fishing time and not making it an all-day commitment. Captain Martin's local knowledge and included gear make it a customer favorite for both visiting anglers and locals looking to get on fish without the hassle. The early morning start means you'll be back at the dock by 11:00 AM with time to clean your catch and still have most of your day free. Keep in mind this trip is non-refundable, so make sure your plans are locked in before you book. With space for only 4 anglers, spots fill up quickly during prime seasons. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to add some fresh trout fillets to the freezer, this charter delivers the world-class inshore fishing that makes Corpus Christi a renowned destination for light-tackle fishing.
This 23-footer is your ticket to productive inshore waters around Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Aransas Pass. Built specifically for bay fishing, she handles shallow coastal waters with ease while keeping up to 4 anglers comfortable during those early morning starts. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into redfish territory without spooking the fish, while GPS keeps you on productive spots and safely back to the dock. Quality rods, reels, and tackle are already rigged and ready, so you can focus on working the flats for speckled trout, targeting structure for black drum, or sight-fishing those tailing reds in skinny water. The stable platform gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines, whether you're drifting over grass beds or anchored up on a good bottom fishing spot. Perfect setup for families wanting to learn or experienced anglers chasing their next personal best in Corpus Christi's prime inshore fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bruisers of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These grey-black powerhouses love shallow mudflats and oyster beds where they use their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll actually hear them drumming underwater during mating season. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, but stick with smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table since the big boys get tough and stringy. Pro tip: fresh crab bait on the bottom near oyster reefs is money, and don't be surprised when that rod doubles over - these fish don't mess around.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, averaging 20-35 inches with that distinctive copper color and black eyespot near the tail. These copper rockets cruise ultra-shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of water, hunting around oyster bars and grass beds. They're year-round residents but fall and winter offer the best action when they school up. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight - they'll strip drag and never give up. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The eyespot isn't just for looks either - it fools predators into attacking the wrong end. Here's the deal: when you spot tailing reds in skinny water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. Spook them once and they're gone.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread and butter inshore species, typically running 14-24 inches with some pushing into the 5-pound range. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're active year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up tight. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're also great fighters for their size with acrobatic jumps. Local trick: work a soft plastic shrimp slowly along the grass edges on an incoming tide. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, don't jerk - just lift and reel.
Corpus Christi