Lower Laguna Madre Afternoon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour afternoon charter targeting redfish and speckled troutPrivate trips accommodate up to four guests with reduced boat trafficAll fishing equipment, tackle, bait, and refreshments included
Captain Lee's SPI Fishing Charters offers this top-rated 5-hour afternoon inshore fishing trip that kicks off at 1:30 PM on the legendary Lower Laguna Madre. This private charter accommodates up to two guests, making it perfect for couples, father-son duos, or fishing buddies who want a personalized experience without the crowd. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Snook, Flounder, Black Drum, and Mangrove Snapper depending on what's running hot that day. The afternoon timing isn't just convenient – it's strategic, taking advantage of warming water temps and lighter boat traffic when fish are more willing to bite.
The Lower Laguna Madre is a world-class fishery that stretches along the Texas coast, known for its shallow flats, winding channels, and productive grass lines. This body of water stays relatively calm compared to open Gulf waters, which means you'll spend more time with lines wet instead of fighting rough seas. Captain Lee knows every productive spot from the back-country flats where Reds cruise in skinny water to the deeper channels where Trout stack up during tide changes. The afternoon start time works in your favor – by the time you're hitting prime fishing spots, the water has warmed up from morning sun, activating baitfish and triggering feeding patterns. You'll fish a mix of structure including oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where different species set up to ambush prey. The beauty of this charter is the variety – one cast might produce a tailing Redfish in two feet of water, while the next could hook into a hefty Speckled Trout suspended over a channel edge.
Everything you need is provided, from quality spinning rods and reels spooled with appropriate line to a full selection of lures, live bait, tackle, ice, and bottled water. Captain Lee runs both artificial and live bait depending on conditions and target species. You might be throwing topwater plugs at first light over grass flats, switching to soft plastics when working structure, or dropping live shrimp under popping corks near oyster bars. The shallow nature of the Lower Laguna Madre means you'll often sight-cast to fish you can actually see – watching a Redfish's back fin cut through the surface before making your presentation. Techniques vary from slow-rolling paddle tails along bottom contours to working suspending baits through the water column for Trout. The captain reads conditions constantly, adjusting locations and methods based on tide movement, wind direction, water clarity, and fish activity. This isn't just casting and hoping – it's strategic fishing where every spot has a purpose and every lure choice is intentional.
Snook are the glamour fish of South Texas inshore waters, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These ambush predators love structure like docks, mangroves, and channel edges where they can dart out to crush baitfish. Snook are temperature sensitive, so afternoon warming trends often trigger feeding activity. They hit both live bait and artificials hard, making that distinctive gill-rattling jump when hooked. Most fish run 20-30 inches with occasional slot busters that'll test your drag system.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats, offering pure pulling power once hooked. These bottom feeders cruise shallow water looking for crabs and shrimp, often betraying their presence by mudding up the bottom as they feed. Spring and fall see the best Black Drum action, with fish ranging from schoolie-size "puppy drum" to heavyweight bulls pushing 30+ pounds. They're not flashy fighters but they'll wear you out with steady, determined runs toward structure.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout) are the bread-and-butter species of Texas inshore fishing, schooling up in good numbers and providing consistent action. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides prefer grass beds and soft bottom areas where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Trout are active throughout the water column, sometimes hitting topwater lures aggressively, other times requiring finesse presentations near bottom. They're excellent table fare and fight with quick bursts rather than long runs.
Redfish are arguably the most popular inshore gamefish in Texas, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built for the shallows, cruising flats with their backs almost breaking the surface. Reds are opportunistic feeders that'll eat everything from live shrimp to large swimbaits, often providing heart-stopping visual encounters when you spot them before casting. They fight dirty, using their broad sides to leverage against angler pressure while making determined runs toward structure. The Lower Laguna Madre holds both smaller "rat reds" and oversized bulls that can stretch your tackle to its limits.
This customer favorite afternoon charter combines the best of Lower Laguna Madre fishing with the convenience of a later start time. You're getting a renowned captain who knows these waters intimately, quality gear, and access to some of the most productive inshore fishing on the Texas coast. The 1:30 PM departure means you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still experience prime afternoon fishing when conditions are often at their best. With everything included except your fishing license, all you need to bring is sun protection and your enthusiasm for catching fish. Captain Lee's private charters book up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. Don't wait – secure your spot for this world-class inshore fishing experience and get ready to bend some rods on the legendary Lower Laguna Madre.
Captain Lee's 21-foot Shallow Sport is purpose-built for the skinny waters of Lower Laguna Madre, where redfish and speckled trout love to feed along grass lines and muddy flats. The 200HP Yamaha SHO gets you to productive spots quickly while running whisper-quiet in shallow areas where fish spook easily. This flats boat design lets you access those hard-to-reach backwater pockets where bigger fish hide during afternoon heat. The open deck gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, while the livewell keeps your bait frisky all day. GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish, plus there's an icebox for drinks and your catch. Built tough for Texas saltwater fishing with radar backup when weather rolls in.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our shallow water fishing, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some reaching 50+ pounds. These bruisers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they root around for crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love is the dogged, bulldogging fight they put up. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating. My go-to technique is fishing fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom. Use enough weight to stay put - these fish won't chase your bait if it's bouncing around in the current.
Scomberomorus CavallaWhile we primarily target inshore species, kings occasionally show up along deeper channels and passes of the Lower Laguna Madre, especially when baitfish are thick. These speedsters typically weigh 10-30 pounds and are built for one thing - speed. They have razor-sharp teeth and hit baits with violent strikes. Kings prefer deeper water around 20-60 feet but will chase bait into shallower areas. Best action comes during warmer months when they're actively feeding. What makes them popular is that lightning-fast initial run and their tendency to jump. They're decent eating when smaller. If you hook into one, use a wire leader - their teeth will cut through mono instantly. Keep your drag smooth because that first run will be blistering fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our Lower Laguna Madre flats, running anywhere from 18-35 inches with that copper-bronze color and signature black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy flats where they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action, but they bite year-round here. What guests love is watching them cruise in skinny water and that powerful, sustained fight when hooked. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent table fare. My favorite technique is sight-casting with gold spoons or paddle tails to fish you can actually see. Approach quietly and cast well ahead of cruising fish - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter species here on the Lower Laguna Madre. Most run 14-20 inches with those beautiful spotted sides and soft mouths that earned them their nickname "weakfish." They cruise grass flats, channel edges, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Peak action happens in spring and fall, but they bite year-round. What anglers love is their willingness to hit artificials and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're consistent biters. Pro tip: use a loop knot with soft plastics and work them slowly. Trout have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them - you'll pull the hook right out.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized catches here in the Lower Laguna Madre. These sleek fish typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water where they ambush prey. What makes them special is their explosive strike and hard fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with firm, white flesh. Best fishing is during warmer months when water temps rise, especially around dawn and dusk. Here's a local tip: when casting to snook near structure, use a loop knot with your lure. It gives the bait more action and triggers more strikes from these finicky feeders.
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