Family Fishing Fun in Corpus Christi Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day family charter accommodates all experience levelsScenic route through King Ranch shoreline to Gladis HoleExpert guides provide instruction at iconic Texas fishing spot
There's nothing quite like watching your kids light up when they feel that first tug on their line. Captain Traci Rhodes has been guiding families through these Texas coastal waters for years, and she knows exactly how to make your day special. This full-day charter isn't just about catching fish—it's about creating those memories that stick with your family long after you've dried off. Whether you're dealing with a first-timer who's never held a rod or grandpa who thinks he knows everything about fishing, Traci's got the patience and know-how to make sure everyone has a blast.
Your adventure kicks off with a scenic cruise through the Intercoastal Waterway, where you'll spend about 45 minutes soaking in views of the King Ranch shoreline. This isn't just travel time—it's part of the experience. Kids love spotting dolphins and birds while you're making your way to the fishing grounds. The destination is Gladis Hole, and if you've been fishing the Texas coast for any length of time, you know that name carries some serious weight. This legendary spot has been producing quality fish for generations, and there's good reason it's become a must-hit location for serious anglers and families alike. The water structure here holds baitfish, which means predators aren't far behind. Captain Traci keeps things relaxed and educational, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories about the area's fishing history while you cruise.
Don't worry about bringing your own gear—everything's provided and ready to go. Traci sets everyone up with appropriate tackle for the day's conditions and target species. For inshore fishing like this, you'll typically be using medium-action spinning rods with reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line. The techniques are straightforward enough for beginners but effective for catching fish. You might be drift fishing with live or cut bait, working soft plastics along the bottom structure, or casting topwater lures if conditions are right. Traci's great at adjusting the approach based on who's on board—if you've got young kids, she'll set them up with simple bottom rigs that are hard to mess up. More experienced anglers might get to work some artificial lures and learn about reading water and structure. The beauty of Gladis Hole is its variety—you can fish different depths and structures all in the same area, which keeps things interesting throughout the day.
Summer Flounder are the flatfish that'll test your skills and put some serious bend in your rod. These guys are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by. What makes them so fun to catch is their fight—they don't give up easy and will make several strong runs before coming to the net. Flounder in these waters typically run anywhere from keeper size at 15 inches up to some real doormat-sized fish pushing 20+ inches. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with summer months being especially productive. Kids get a kick out of how flat and weird-looking these fish are, and they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as locals call them, are probably the most reliable fish you'll encounter on this trip. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders and relatively easy for beginners to catch, making them perfect for family charters. They school up in good numbers around Gladis Hole, especially during moving tides. Specks are active year-round in Texas waters, but they really turn on during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. A good speckled trout will pull drag and jump a few times before coming in, giving everyone on board something to get excited about. They're also one of the best-eating fish in the Gulf, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry back home.
Redfish are the heavyweight champions of Texas inshore fishing, and when one picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately. These copper-colored bruisers are built like tanks and fight like they've got something to prove. Reds are year-round residents in these waters, but late summer and early fall are prime time when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special isn't just their power—it's their attitude. A big redfish will make long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming and test your angling skills. They're also beautiful fish with their bronze sides and distinctive black spots near the tail. Many anglers consider catching their first bull red a rite of passage, and the slot-sized fish make for excellent table fare.
This charter maxes out at two guests, which means your family gets Captain Traci's full attention throughout the day. No fighting for rod time or competing with other groups—just quality fishing and quality time together. The trip includes all tackle, bait, and ice for your catch, so all you need to bring is sun protection, snacks, and drinks for the day. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Corpus Christi's inshore fishing is productive year-round, but booking in advance ensures you get the date you want, especially during peak family vacation times. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing or just want a relaxed day on some of Texas' most productive waters, this charter delivers exactly what you're hoping for. Give Captain Traci a call and get your family trip on the calendar—these summer dates fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on fishing one of the Gulf Coast's most legendary spots.
This sleek 25-foot Majek center console is built for serious bay fishing around Corpus Christi's legendary waters. The 2024 model packs a powerful Suzuki 350HP engine that'll get you and one other angler to the productive spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 58 knots when conditions are right. Perfect for exploring the Intercoastal Waterway and hitting prime fishing areas like the famous Gladis Hole along the King Ranch shoreline. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working structure or shallow flats where big reds and trout like to hang out. GPS navigation ensures you'll never miss those honey holes, and the center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access with plenty of room to move around when fighting fish. This boat handles the choppy bay waters with ease while providing a stable platform for casting and landing your catch.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Texas coast—bronze beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most of what we catch runs 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ pounds and give you a workout. These fish love shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grassy areas where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special is that powerful, bulldogging fight and the way they'll crush topwater lures in skinny water. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's what works: sight-fish them in 2-3 feet of water using gold spoons or topwater plugs. When you spot one tailing, cast well ahead and work your lure past their nose. They spook easy in shallow water, so keep noise down and long casts up.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them down here, are silver beauties with black spots scattered across their sides. These fish typically run 14-24 inches and pack a decent fight for their size. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring are prime time when water temps are just right. What guests love most is how willing they are to hit artificial lures—makes for great action with kids and beginners. The meat is white, flaky, and delicate—perfect for a family fish fry. Here's a local trick: fish plastic shrimp under a popping cork early morning over grass beds. Work it slow with gentle pops, and when that cork goes under, set the hook quick. They've got soft mouths, so don't horse them.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are unique flatfish that lie sideways on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. These "chameleons of the sea" change color to match their surroundings, making them master ambush predators. Most run 15-20 inches, but we've seen some push 26 pounds around here. They love deeper channels and drop-offs near structure, especially during fall months when the bite really heats up. What makes them special is that sideways fight—totally different from any other fish you'll hook. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best table fare in the Gulf. Pro tip: use live mullet or croaker on a circle hook and fish it right on bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook—they bite sideways and need time to turn the bait.
Corpus Christi, TX