Corpus Christi Fishing Charters for Skilled Anglers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday charter targets legendary Gladis Hole fishing groundsAdvanced techniques and local strategies for experienced anglersScenic 45minute ride through King Ranch shoreline waterway
If you're serious about fishing and want to test your skills against some of the Gulf Coast's toughest targets, this charter with Capt. Traci Rhodes is exactly what you've been looking for. We're not talking about a basic bay fishing trip here – this is a full-day adventure to the legendary Gladis Hole, one of Texas' most productive and challenging fishing grounds. After a scenic 45-minute cruise along the King Ranch shoreline through the Intercoastal Waterway, you'll find yourself in waters that separate the weekend warriors from the real deal. This isn't about lucky catches or beginner's luck – it's about putting your angling skills to work in some of the most rewarding waters near Corpus Christi. With room for just two anglers, you'll get the personalized attention and advanced techniques that serious fishermen crave.
The day starts with that beautiful ride through the Intercoastal, giving you time to talk strategy with Capt. Traci while taking in those stunning King Ranch views. But once we hit the Gladis Hole, it's game time. This isn't your typical inshore fishing spot – the structure here holds fish year-round, but it demands respect and skill to fish it right. You'll be working with live bait, artificial lures, and whatever the conditions call for. The water can change throughout the day, and that's where experience pays off. We'll adjust our approach based on tide movement, wind direction, and what the fish are telling us. Expect to cover water, make precise casts, and really focus on reading the signs. The payoff? Some of the most satisfying catches you'll make on the Texas coast. This is where patient, skilled anglers separate themselves from the pack, and where a good day can turn into something you'll be talking about for years.
Fishing the Gladis Hole isn't about throwing out a line and hoping for the best. We're talking about precision casting to specific structure, understanding how the tide affects fish movement, and knowing when to switch up your presentation. Capt. Traci focuses on teaching advanced techniques that work in these waters – everything from working topwater lures over grass beds to bouncing soft plastics along drop-offs. You'll learn to read the water like a local, spotting the subtle signs that mark productive areas. The tackle selection matters here too. We'll match your setup to the conditions and target species, whether that means going with heavier jigs for redfish holding in deeper structure or switching to finesse presentations when the trout get finicky. The key is staying adaptable and understanding that these fish have seen plenty of lures. It takes skill, patience, and local knowledge to consistently put fish in the boat, and that's exactly what this charter delivers.
Summer flounder are one of the most rewarding targets in these waters, and the Gladis Hole consistently produces quality fish. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush bait. What makes them so exciting to catch is their aggressive strike – when a flounder hits, you know it. They typically range from 15 to 25 inches here, with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 30 inches or better. Fall through early winter tends to be prime time, when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. The key is working your bait slow along the bottom and being ready for that distinctive thump when they inhale your offering.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and this area holds some beauties. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, relating to grass beds, drop-offs, and shell bars throughout the Gladis Hole. What anglers love about specks is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a scrappy fight that's pure fun on light tackle. The best fish typically run 18 to 24 inches, with trophy specks over 25 inches always a possibility. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though skilled anglers can find them year-round by adjusting techniques and locations based on water temperature and conditions.
Redfish are the bruisers of the inshore world, and the structure around Gladis Hole holds some serious bulls. These copper-colored fighters are known for their bulldogging runs and stubborn resistance – they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off. Reds here typically range from 20 to 35 inches, with some genuine monsters pushing 40 inches and beyond. What makes redfish so special is their year-round presence and their willingness to eat a variety of presentations. Whether you're working live bait around structure or throwing artificials over shallow flats, these fish provide the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back. Summer and early fall tend to produce the largest fish, when big bulls cruise the deeper edges looking for easy meals.
This charter isn't for everyone – it's designed specifically for anglers who want to challenge themselves in some of the most productive waters on the Texas coast. With Capt. Traci's expertise and the legendary fishing at Gladis Hole, you're looking at a day that could redefine what you expect from inshore fishing. The personalized attention you get with just two anglers means you'll learn techniques and strategies that will make you a better fisherman for years to come. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to the experience. But if you're serious about your fishing and want to test your skills against some of the Gulf Coast's finest targets, this is the charter that delivers. Book your spot and get ready to see what separates good anglers from great ones in the waters off Corpus Christi.
This sleek 25-foot Majek center console is built for serious anglers who know their way around Texas waters. The 2024 bay boat cuts through the Gulf with its powerful Suzuki 350HP engine, hitting speeds up to 58 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on fish without spooking them, while the GPS navigation system keeps you on track during that scenic 45-minute run to Gladis Hole. With room for up to 2 guests plus your guide, there's plenty of space to work your lines and land trophy fish. The center console design gives everyone clear casting lanes and easy access to tackle. This boat handles the Intercoastal Waterway like a dream and has the shallow draft needed for those productive flats near the King Ranch shoreline. Whether you're sight casting or working structure, this Majek gives you the platform to fish like a pro.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of our Texas coast and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches and love shallow water so much you'll sometimes see their backs breaking the surface. We find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and around structure in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the biggest schools. What makes reds special is their raw power—once hooked, they'll make drag-screaming runs that test your skills. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. They'll hit topwater lures, live shrimp, and cut bait equally well. The key trick I share with clients: watch for those telltale copper flashes and wakes in shallow water. When you spot a tailing red, cast well ahead of where it's moving and work your bait slowly back toward them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our bread-and-butter species here in Texas waters. These silvery fighters average 14-24 inches and love our grass flats and shallow bays, especially around 2-6 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods—dawn and dusk fishing can be phenomenal. What gets people hooked is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their excellent table fare. The meat is delicate and mild, perfect for the dinner table. Trout school up in deeper channels during winter, making them easier to locate. They'll hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastics, but here's what works consistently: fish popping corks with live shrimp about 18 inches below a float. The sound of that cork popping draws them in from distance, and when they hit, you'll know it.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise—these flatfish blend perfectly with sandy bottoms using their natural camouflage. They typically run 15-20 inches, but we've seen some beauties pushing 26 pounds. You'll find them lying on structure and drop-offs in 20-40 feet of water, especially around the productive grounds we fish. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're actively feeding before winter. What makes flounder special is their ambush style—they'll hammer live bait like mullet or croakers without warning. The meat is absolutely top-notch, white and flaky. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder bite sideways and need time to turn the bait around. Most folks set too early and miss them.
Corpus Christi, TX