Winter Fishing Special - Gulf Coast Flats
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Winter fishing special targets redfish, trout, drum, sheepsheadFivehour flats trip accommodates maximum three anglersPricing starts at $150 per angler plus live bait
Looking for some of the best fishing action of the year? Winter might just be your secret weapon on the flats. Captain Corks and Croakers is offering something special this season - a targeted approach to winter inshore fishing that puts you right where the fish are feeding. This isn't your typical crowded summer trip. Winter fishing means fewer boats, more focused fish, and if you can handle a little chill in the air, some of the most productive fishing you'll find all year.
This 5-hour charter is designed for serious anglers who know that winter fish fight harder and feed more predictably than their warm-weather counterparts. We're talking about a maximum of 3 anglers, so you're not fighting for rod space or prime casting spots. The pricing structure is straightforward - $150 for a solo trip, $300 for two anglers, or $450 for three, with live bait running extra but worth every penny when you see how these fish respond to the real thing. Your captain will reach out directly with launch details since winter conditions can shift the best fishing spots from day to day. That flexibility is exactly what separates the fish-catching trips from the fish-looking trips. The meeting location changes based on tides, weather, and where the fish are setting up, so you're always starting from the most productive launching point rather than some fixed dock that might be miles from the action.
Winter flats fishing is all about precision and patience. The water's clearer, the fish are spookier, but they're also hungrier and more willing to commit once they decide to eat. We'll be working with live bait primarily - and trust me, the extra cost for live shrimp, finger mullet, or mud minnows pays for itself when you're watching a big red slam your offering instead of just following it around. The approach changes with winter conditions too. We're talking about longer drifts, more methodical presentations, and reading water temperature breaks that can make or break your day. Your captain knows how to work the grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where these fish stage up during cooler months. The gear stays medium-light to light tackle because winter fish often require a more finesse approach, but don't worry - these fish still have plenty of fight in them when the water's cool. We'll adjust techniques based on what we're seeing that day, whether it's sight-fishing cruising reds in skinny water or working deeper pockets where the trout are holding.
Redfish are the stars of winter flats fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love cooler water and become incredibly predictable in their feeding patterns once you know where to look. Winter reds often school up in bigger numbers than you'll see during summer, and they're less scattered across the flats. They'll range anywhere from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to those bruiser bull reds that can stretch past 40 inches and give you a workout that'll leave your arms sore the next day. What makes winter redfish so special is their willingness to eat - they're fattening up and feeding heavily, which means more aggressive strikes and less picky behavior around your presentation.
Speckled trout fishing in winter is absolutely world-class if you know what you're doing. These fish move to deeper grass beds and creek channels when the temperature drops, but they feed more consistently than during the hot summer months. Winter specks average bigger too - you're looking at fish in the 15-20 inch range regularly, with plenty of opportunities for those 3-4 pound gator trout that make for great photos and even better table fare. They'll hit live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom, and once you find a school, they're often willing to stick around and keep eating.
Black drum are the underrated winter warriors of the flats. These fish love cooler water and will move shallow to feed on oyster bars and grass flats throughout winter months. They're not the flashiest fighters, but a big black drum - and we're talking fish that can push 5-10 pounds regularly - will test your drag and give you that deep, powerful fight that keeps your rod bent for minutes at a time. They're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits, and they're often the most cooperative fish when other species are being finicky about the weather.
Sheepshead fishing peaks during winter months, making this the absolute best time to target these convict-striped bait thieves. They school up around structure - docks, pilings, oyster bars - and while they're notorious for stealing bait, winter sheepshead are more aggressive and easier to hook consistently. These fish are prized for their white, flaky meat that rivals any inshore species for eating quality. They require a different technique with lighter tackle and smaller hooks, but landing a 3-4 pound sheepshead on light gear is more fun than most anglers expect.
Winter fishing isn't for everyone, but it's absolutely perfect for anglers who appreciate quality over quantity and understand that some of the year's best fishing happens when most people are sitting inside complaining about the cold. This charter puts you in position to catch multiple species in a single trip, with a captain who knows exactly where these fish set up when the temperature drops. The 3-angler maximum keeps things personal and productive, while the flexible launch location means you're always starting from the best possible position. Live bait makes the difference between a good day and a great day, and the 5-hour trip length gives you time to work different areas and adjust to what the fish want that particular day. If you're serious about fishing and don't mind bundling up for what could be the best fishing action of the year, this winter special with Corks and Croakers delivers exactly what dedicated anglers are looking for.
Pogonias CromisThese powerhouse fish are the biggest in the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds, though some giants push 90. You'll find them cruising shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use those crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Winter's actually prime time since they school up and get more predictable. What makes them fun is that deep, stubborn fight - they'll dig hard toward structure once hooked. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you're fishing bottom with crab, keep that bait pinned right to the shell - these guys are notorious for stealing soft bait off hooks.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down one of the most exciting fish we target, especially in the shallows where you can sight-fish them. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 20-35 inches and love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds. They're year-round residents but winter concentrates them in predictable spots. What guests love most is watching them cruise in water so shallow their backs break the surface, then seeing that explosive strike on topwater lures. They fight hard and make solid table fare too. My go-to tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your bait sit still - they spook easy but can't resist a well-placed offering.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable winter targets, especially when they school up in deeper channels during cold snaps. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats and shallow bays. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastics, making them perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The fight's decent but what really makes them popular is the excellent eating - tender, white meat that's hard to beat. Winter fishing can be outstanding when they pack together in 10-20 foot depths. Best tip: fish them slow and low during cold fronts, and don't be afraid to downsize your lure when they get finicky.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusKnown as "convict fish" for their black stripes, sheepshead are famous for two things: human-like teeth and being master bait thieves. They typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging tight around any structure - docks, pilings, reefs. Winter spawning season is your best shot when they stack up in big schools. What guests love is the challenge - these fish will nibble your bait clean without you knowing. Once hooked though, they make excellent eating with sweet, white meat. The key trick is getting aggressive with your hookset the moment you feel weight. Don't wait for a big pull - by then your bait's gone. Fresh fiddler crab hooked through the shell works best.
Galveston