Lower Laguna Madre Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour afternoon charter targeting redfish and speckled troutPrivate trips accommodate up to four guests with equipment includedReduced boat traffic during afternoon hours improves fishing success
Captain Lee's SPI Fishing Charters delivers a solid 5-hour afternoon fishing experience that starts at 1:30 PM on the renowned Lower Laguna Madre. This private charter accommodates up to two guests, making it perfect for couples, fishing buddies, or anyone wanting personalized attention on the water. You'll target prime inshore species like Redfish, Speckled Trout, Snook, Flounder, Black Drum, and Mangrove Snapper while taking advantage of the strong late-day bite that afternoon fishing is famous for. Captain Lee provides all the gear, tackle, bait, ice, and bottled water so you can focus entirely on getting fish to the boat.
Afternoon charters offer something special that morning trips can't match - reduced boat traffic and hungry fish coming alive as water temperatures climb. The Lower Laguna Madre is a world-class shallow water fishery known for crystal-clear flats, productive grass lines, and deep channels that hold different species throughout the day. You'll work structure that includes oyster reefs, drop-offs, and back-country areas where fish feel comfortable feeding. The timing couldn't be better since many anglers overlook afternoon fishing, giving you access to less pressured spots. Captain Lee reads the water conditions daily and adjusts the game plan based on wind, tide, and seasonal patterns to put you on active fish. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and techniques without feeling rushed.
Captain Lee comes prepared with a full arsenal of rods, reels, and tackle suited for Lower Laguna Madre conditions. You'll fish with both artificial lures and live bait depending on what the fish are demanding that day. Topwater plugs work magic during low-light periods, while soft plastics on jig heads are deadly when working grass flats and structure. Live shrimp under popping corks is a customer favorite technique that consistently produces multiple species. The shallow nature of this fishery means you'll sight-fish cruising Redfish, work the edges of grass beds for Speckled Trout, and cast to structure where Snook and Black Drum hang out. Captain Lee matches the tackle to the conditions - lighter gear when fish are spooky, heavier setups when working thick cover. He'll teach you how to read the water, spot feeding activity, and present baits in ways that trigger strikes from wary inshore gamefish.
Snook are the crown jewel of Lower Laguna Madre fishing and these ambush predators know how to make your drag scream. They average 20 to 28 inches with occasional bruisers pushing 35 inches or more. Snook love structure and will blast topwater plugs worked near docks, mangroves, and channel edges. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so exciting is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight that tests your tackle and technique. Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the flats, with fish ranging from 15-pound "puppy drum" to massive 40-pound bulls that will humble any angler. They're bottom feeders that love live shrimp and cut bait worked slowly near oyster bars and drop-offs. Fall and winter months are prime time, though you'll find them throughout the year in deeper holes and channels.
King Mackerel bring speed and power to the mix when they push into the area during warmer months. These torpedo-shaped predators average 15 to 30 pounds and are known for blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. They're typically found in deeper water near the Intracoastal Waterway and ship channels where they ambush baitfish. Trolling with live bait or flashy spoons is the most effective approach. Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are the bread-and-butter species that keep rods bent throughout the trip. They range from 14 to 20 inches with trophy fish reaching 24 inches or better. These spotted beauties love grass flats, channel edges, and areas with good current flow. They'll hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk, soft plastics during midday, and live shrimp just about anytime.
Redfish are the signature species of Texas inshore fishing and Lower Laguna Madre produces some real giants. Slot-size fish run 20 to 28 inches while oversized bulls can exceed 35 inches and 20 pounds. They're sight-fishing targets on shallow flats where you can watch them cruise and tail in knee-deep water. Reds are aggressive feeders that will crush spoons, soft plastics, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. They fight hard and make multiple runs, especially the bigger fish that seem to have an extra gear when hooked in shallow water.
This top-rated afternoon charter fills up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons when the Lower Laguna Madre bite is at its best. Captain Lee's local knowledge and commitment to putting guests on fish has made this a customer favorite for both experienced anglers and families new to inshore fishing. The private boat setup means you're not sharing space with other groups, and the 5-hour duration gives you real value without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking to check Snook off your bucket list, tangle with oversized Redfish, or just enjoy a productive afternoon on some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer, this charter delivers. Don't wait - afternoon slots book fast and you don't want to miss your chance to experience why Lower Laguna Madre is considered one of the premier inshore fisheries on the Gulf Coast.
Captain Lee's 21' Shallow Sport flats boat is perfectly rigged for working the skinny waters of Lower Laguna Madre. The 200HP Yamaha SHO gives you the power to run between fishing spots quickly, while the shallow draft design lets you access those productive back-country flats where reds and trout love to feed. The open deck layout gives up to four anglers plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, and the livewell keeps your bait frisky all day. GPS and fish finder help locate structure and schools, while the radar keeps you safe when afternoon weather rolls in. The icebox handles your drinks and keeps the day's catch fresh. This setup is built specifically for Laguna Madre's unique fishing conditions - from grass flats to deeper channels where snook and drum patrol. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working soft plastics along drop-offs, this boat puts you in prime position to connect with quality inshore fish during those productive afternoon hours.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the flats, and they put up one heck of a scrap. Most fish we catch run 15-25 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 40-pounder. These bottom-feeders love shallow muddy areas and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're not picky eaters, but fresh crab bait works best. Keep the smaller ones for dinner - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The big ones get tougher, so we usually release those bruisers. Here's the key: keep your bait on the bottom and be patient. When a drum picks up your crab, let them run with it before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that show up in our deeper waters when conditions are right. These silver bullets typically weigh 15-30 pounds and can absolutely scream line off your reel. We find them in 40-100 feet of water, often around structure or bait schools. Summer and early fall are peak times when water temps hit the upper 70s. What makes kings exciting is their blistering runs - they're built for speed with that torpedo body and powerful tail. The meat is rich and flavorful, great for grilling or smoking. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so a wire leader is mandatory. My go-to setup is live bait on a stinger rig - hook through the nose and let a treble dangle near the tail. Kings love to hit baitfish from behind, and that back hook will nail them every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target on these shallow flats. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and are built like tanks with broad shoulders and powerful tails. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being prime time. What sets reds apart is their willingness to eat topwater lures and their bulldogging fight once hooked. That distinctive black spot near the tail makes them easy to identify. The meat is firm and sweet, great on the grill. My secret? Watch for nervous water and "waking" fish, then cast ahead of their path. Use weedless spoons or soft plastics in shallow water, and don't be afraid to make some noise with topwater plugs.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches with some reaching 5+ pounds. You'll find them over grass beds and sandy bottoms in 3-12 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are money time. Trout have soft mouths and fight with quick head shakes rather than long runs. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. They school up in winter, making for fast action when you find them. Best lure? A soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork works magic. Keep steady pressure when fighting them - that soft mouth means lost fish if you horse them. Work the grass edges methodically and listen for feeding activity.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most prized gamefish in South Texas waters. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long with that signature black lateral line running down their silver sides. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and grass lines in 2-8 feet of water, especially where fresh water meets salt. They're ambush feeders that love structure - think bridge pilings and oyster bars. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs that'll test your drag. They're also great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those razor-sharp gill plates will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Cast tight to cover and be ready for that sudden hit.
South Padre Island