Epic Trophy Trout Adventure in Corpus Christi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targeting trophy trout at Gladis HoleScenic boat ride through Intercoastal Waterway past King Ranch shorelineExpert guide service with maximum capacity of two guests
Picture this: you're heading out on a world-class fishing adventure that takes you to the legendary waters of Gladis Hole without the long drive to Port Mansfield. Capt. Traci Rhodes Guide Service makes it happen with this top-rated 8-hour charter that's got anglers talking all over the Texas coast. We'll cruise along the stunning King Ranch shoreline for about 45 minutes via the Intercoastal Waterway, giving you front-row seats to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery you'll find anywhere. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your shot at landing trophy speckled trout in waters that consistently produce fish of a lifetime.
This customer favorite starts early, and for good reason. We're talking about accessing some of the most renowned fishing grounds on the Texas coast, and timing is everything. The boat ride itself is part of the magic – you'll watch the sun come up over miles of pristine coastline while we make our way to Gladis Hole. This famous fishing spot has earned its reputation for producing monster trout, and once you're there, you'll understand why guides have been bringing clients here for decades. The water structure, baitfish populations, and protected location create perfect conditions for big fish. You're looking at 8 solid hours of fishing time, which gives us plenty of opportunity to work different areas and adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us that day.
We'll be running primarily artificial lures on this trip, which is hands-down the best way to target trophy-sized speckled trout in these waters. Soft plastics rigged on jigheads are our bread and butter – think Bass Assassins, Norton Sand Eels, and similar baits that mimic the shrimp and small baitfish these big trout feed on. We'll also have topwater plugs ready to go, especially during those magic hours when trout are busting bait on the surface. The technique here is all about working the grass lines and drop-offs where these fish stage up to ambush prey. I'll show you how to read the water, identify productive structure, and work your lure at the right speed and depth. Wade fishing is often part of the program here, so be ready to get your feet wet and experience the rush of hooking a big trout in knee-deep water over grass flats.
Speckled trout are the main event on this trip, and Gladis Hole consistently produces fish in the 20 to 28-inch range, with plenty of keepers mixed in. These fish are most active during cooler parts of the day and love to hang around grass beds where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. What makes catching a big trout so special is their fight – they'll jump, make long runs, and test your drag like you wouldn't believe. The best action typically happens from fall through early spring when the big female trout move into these protected waters to feed up before the spawn.
Redfish are another target species that call these waters home year-round. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized fish around 20-27 inches up to bull reds that can push 35 inches or more. Reds are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fight – they'll head straight for the nearest grass bed or structure to try and break you off. The great thing about redfish is they're aggressive feeders and will hit the same lures we're throwing for trout. You'll find them cruising the shallows, especially during warmer months, and they're absolutely beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots and bronze coloring.
Summer flounder add another exciting element to this fishing adventure, particularly during their peak season from late spring through early fall. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 inches being real trophy catches. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the way they hit – you'll feel that telltale thump-thump as they grab your bait, and then it's game on. They like to bury up in sandy areas near structure, and once hooked, they'll use their flat body shape to fight you every inch of the way to the boat. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh flounder on the dinner table after a successful day on the water.
This 8-hour charter to Gladis Hole represents the best of Texas inshore fishing without the hassle of driving to Port Mansfield. With space for just 2 anglers, you're getting a personalized experience that larger boats simply can't match. The combination of scenic boat ride, world-class fishing grounds, and expert guiding makes this trip a standout choice for serious anglers looking to target trophy trout. Whether you're after your personal best speckled trout, a slot redfish for the dinner table, or a doormat flounder to mount on the wall, these waters consistently deliver. The fishing here speaks for itself, and the memories you'll make cruising past the King Ranch and battling big fish at Gladis Hole will last a lifetime. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and every angler on the coast wants in on the action.
Hit the water in style aboard our 2024 Majek 25-footer, the perfect fishing machine for chasing trophy trout in Corpus Christi's prime waters. This center console bay boat packs serious power with a Suzuki 350HP engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 58 knots. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on those wary fish without spooking them, while GPS navigation keeps you on the hot spots. Built for serious anglers, this boat handles the bay waters like a dream and gives you plenty of room to fight those big trout. Whether you're working the shallows or heading to deeper structure, this Majek delivers the performance and reliability you need for a successful day on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water predator and one of our most popular targets. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love cruising 1-4 foot flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds where their backs sometimes show above water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer peak action when they school up. What guests love most is watching them crush topwater baits in skinny water - it's pure adrenaline. They fight hard and taste great too, with mild, sweet meat. These fish will eat almost anything, from live shrimp to large plugs. Here's a local secret: look for "tailing" reds with their heads down feeding. Approach quietly from upwind and cast past them, then work your bait into their path. Patience pays off big time.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing. These silvery beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and love our shallow grass flats and oyster reefs. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning and evening produce the best bites. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and the distinctive drumming sound they make. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious when handled right. These fish are sight feeders, so clear water helps. During winter, they school up in deeper channels but move shallow to feed. Local trick: try a pink or chartreuse soft plastic under a popping cork around dawn. Work it slow and let the cork do the calling - that popping sound drives them crazy in our area.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish blend perfectly with sandy bottoms using their chameleon-like color changes. Running 15-20 inches typically, they're ambush predators that bury themselves and wait for baitfish to swim by. You'll find them on mud and sand flats in 10-40 feet of water, especially around structure. Fall months from September through November give you the best action when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. What makes them special is that sideways bite - they grab prey from left to right due to their unique skull structure. Guests love the surprise factor and excellent table fare. Pro tip: use a circle hook with live minnows or sea worms, and give them extra time to fully take the bait before setting the hook. Their bite feels different than other fish.
Corpus Christi, TX