Trophy Trout Fishing at Gladis Hole
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing charter targeting trophy trout at Gladis HoleScenic boat ride through Intercoastal Waterway along King Ranch shorelineExpert guide service with maximum capacity of two guests
If you've been hearing about the legendary fishing at Port Mansfield but can't make that long haul down south, Captain Traci Rhodes has the perfect solution. This 8-hour charter takes you right to the heart of some of the best speckled trout water in Texas without leaving Corpus Christi. You'll cruise through the Intercoastal Waterway for about 45 minutes, watching the famous King Ranch shoreline roll by, before arriving at Gladis Hole - a name that makes every serious angler's ears perk up. This isn't your typical bay fishing trip. We're talking about targeting trophy-class sea trout in water that consistently produces fish that'll have you calling your buddies before you even get back to the dock.
This charter is built for serious anglers who want to focus on quality over quantity. With just two spots available, you're getting personalized attention from Captain Traci and won't be fighting for elbow room or prime casting spots. The scenic boat ride to Gladis Hole isn't just pretty - it's strategic. You'll be crossing some of the most productive inshore waters along the Texas coast, and Captain Traci knows exactly where the fish stack up depending on tide, wind, and season. Once we reach the famous hole, you'll understand why anglers drive from all over Texas to fish these waters. The structure and depth changes create perfect ambush points for big trout, and the baitfish concentrations here are legendary. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license - all tackle, bait, and gear are provided, though you're welcome to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky stick.
Gladis Hole demands a different approach than your typical shallow water bay fishing. We'll be working deeper structure with both live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish are telling us. Captain Traci specializes in reading the electronics to locate schools of trout holding near drop-offs and structure changes that make this spot so productive. You'll learn how to work soft plastics along the bottom contours, present live shrimp in moving water, and recognize the subtle strikes that big trout are famous for. The water here can be 8-12 feet deep in spots, so we're using heavier jigheads and learning to feel bottom contact - skills that'll make you a better angler anywhere you fish. When the trout are active, we'll also work topwater plugs early and late in the day. The guide provides everything from tackle boxes full of proven lures to a selection of live bait that's guaranteed fresh.
Sea trout are the main attraction at Gladis Hole, and these aren't your average keeper-size specks. We're talking about fish in the 20-25 inch range regularly, with legitimate trophy potential every cast. These trout feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish that get funneled through the area by tidal movement. Spring and fall offer the best trophy potential, but summer fishing can be phenomenal early and late in the day. What makes catching big trout so addictive is their fight - they'll make long runs, jump, and use every trick in the book. Plus, a 4-pound speckled trout on the right tackle is about as fun as fishing gets.
Redfish patrol these same waters and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere on the Texas coast. These copper-colored bulldogs range from slot-size fish around 20-27 inches up to genuine bull reds that'll test your drag system. Reds feed year-round and aren't as finicky as trout about weather conditions. They'll crush both live bait and artificials, and their initial run when hooked is legendary among inshore anglers. The structure around Gladis Hole provides perfect redfish habitat, with oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy flats all within casting distance.
Summer flounder add another dimension to this fishery that many anglers overlook. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large in Texas waters, with fish over 20 inches not uncommon. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sandy bottom areas, waiting for baitfish or shrimp to pass overhead. Flounder require a different presentation - slow, methodical bottom bouncing that triggers their predatory instincts. They're excellent eating and provide a nice change of pace from the more aggressive strikes of trout and redfish. The deeper waters around Gladis Hole offer perfect flounder habitat, especially during their fall migration to the gulf.
This charter represents everything great about Texas inshore fishing - world-class fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and the chance to catch fish that'll be swimming through your dreams for months afterward. Captain Traci Rhodes has built a reputation on putting clients on fish at Gladis Hole, and the intimate 2-person charter format means you're getting guide service that's usually reserved for much more expensive trips. Whether you're a local angler looking to step up your trout game or a visiting angler who wants to experience legendary Texas fishing without the drive to Port Mansfield, this 8-hour adventure delivers on every level. The combination of scenic beauty, top-tier fishing, and personalized instruction makes this charter a standout choice for anyone serious about catching big fish. Book now and get ready to experience why Gladis Hole has earned its reputation as one of the premier fishing destinations along the entire Texas coast.
Ready to chase trophy trout without the long drive to Port Mansfield? Our 25-foot 2024 Majek center console bay boat gets you there in style with a powerful Suzuki 350HP engine that cruises at 58 knots. Perfect for serious anglers, this sleek fishing machine handles the choppy waters of the Intercoastal Waterway with ease while you enjoy views of the King Ranch shoreline. The wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly through prime fishing spots like the legendary Gladis Hole without spooking the big ones. GPS navigation keeps us on target for the hottest bite locations. With room for just 2 guests, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and land that wall-hanger speckled trout. This boat is built for the serious angler who wants comfort and performance on Texas waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the quintessential shallow water game fish around Corpus Christi. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tail typically run 20-30 inches, but trophy bulls can hit 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow bays in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They bite year-round here, but fall and spring offer the hottest action. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight in shallow water. Plus, slot-sized fish make outstanding table fare with firm, mild flesh. The thrill factor is huge when you sight-cast to tailing reds on the flats. Local secret: throw your lure ahead of cruising fish and let it sink to the bottom before starting a slow retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and love our shallow grass flats around Corpus Christi Bay. They're most active during cooler months and early morning or evening hours when they move into 2-6 feet of water to feed. Trout are known for their delicate mouth, so they provide a finesse fight that keeps you on your toes. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. What guests love most is how responsive they are to topwater lures at dawn - nothing beats that explosive strike on the surface. Pro tip: use a lighter drag setting and keep steady pressure rather than jerking. Their soft mouths tear easily, so let the rod do the work.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Around Corpus Christi, you'll find them in 10-30 feet of water near structure and drop-offs. They run 15-20 inches typically, but bigger ones push 4-5 pounds. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. What makes flounder fishing special is watching them inhale your bait - they're ambush predators that strike fast. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find. My go-to trick: use a circle hook with live croaker or mullet, and give them a few seconds to fully take the bait before setting. They bite sideways, so patience pays off.
Corpus Christi, TX