Extended Half Day Fishing Trip in Corpus Christi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 6-7 hour private inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and troutProfessional 24' Mamba bay boat equipped with Mercury 400 engine powerAll tackle, rods, reels and bait provided for complete fishing experience
Captain David's extended half day charter gives you the time you really need to fish the legendary waters around Corpus Christi. This isn't your rushed 4-hour trip where you're heading back just as the fish start biting. With 6-7 hours on the water, you'll work multiple spots across the flats and back lakes, dial in your technique, and really get into the rhythm of these productive inshore waters. Whether you're chasing your first keeper redfish or you're a seasoned angler looking to put some serious bends in the rod, this trip delivers the extended action that makes Corpus Christi Bay famous among Texas anglers.
Your day starts aboard Captain David's 24-foot Mamba bay boat, powered by a Mercury 400 that gets you to the fish fast and runs whisper-quiet through skinny water. This rig is built for the shallow flats and protected bays where the best inshore action happens. The extended timeframe means you're not stuck in one area – if the trout bite slows down on the grass flats, you'll move to structure for some sheepshead action, or slide into the back lakes where the big reds cruise. Captain David knows these waters like his backyard, and with 6-7 hours to work with, he can really show you why Corpus Christi consistently ranks as one of Texas' top inshore fishing destinations. All your tackle, rods, reels, and bait are handled, so you just show up with your Texas fishing license and get ready to fish. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, though the base rate covers 2 guests for a more personalized experience.
Inshore fishing around Corpus Christi is all about reading the water and matching your approach to the conditions. You'll work everything from topwater plugs over shallow grass beds at first light to soft plastics bounced along drop-offs when the sun gets high. Captain David runs quality spinning gear that handles the variety of techniques you'll use – whether you're working a spoon through a redfish school or finessing a gulp shrimp under a popping cork for trout. The extended time on the water means you'll really master these local techniques instead of just getting a quick taste. You might start the morning throwing topwater for trout in 3 feet of water, then move to deeper structure for black drum using fresh shrimp, and finish the day sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows. The Mercury 400 keeps you mobile between spots, and the Mamba's shallow draft opens up areas that bigger boats can't reach. This is hands-on fishing where you'll learn to read the signs – nervous bait, working birds, color changes in the water – that separate the fish-catchers from the fish-lookers.
Redfish are the backbone of Corpus Christi inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your drag system. Most slot reds here run 20-27 inches and have shoulders on them from feeding in these nutrient-rich bays. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter often produce the most consistent action as they school up in predictable areas. What makes redfish so addictive is their attitude – they'll crush a topwater plug in 18 inches of water or suck down a dead shrimp like they haven't eaten in weeks. You'll find them tailing in the shallows, cruising the drop-offs, and stacked up around structure when the weather turns.
Sea trout are the other bread-and-butter species that keeps anglers coming back. These spotted beauties are abundant throughout the Corpus Christi bay system, with good numbers of 15-20 inch fish and plenty of opportunities at trophy trout pushing 25+ inches. Spring and fall offer the most consistent trout fishing, but even summer produces steady action if you adjust your timing and locations. Trout are perfect for anglers who like variety – they'll hit soft plastics, topwater plugs, live shrimp, or spoons depending on conditions and mood.
Black drum add some serious pulling power to your mix, with fish ranging from 3-4 pound "puppy drum" to 20+ pound bulls that'll make you question your knot-tying skills. They're bottom feeders that love fresh shrimp and blue crab, making them perfect targets when you want to slow down and really feel every tap and pickup. Winter months often produce the biggest black drum as they stage for spawning.
Summer flounder bring a different kind of challenge – these flat fighters are ambush predators that require patience and the right presentation. The extended trip time gives you the chance to really work flounder spots properly, dragging baits slowly along bottom structure where these masters of camouflage wait to pounce. Most Corpus Christi flounder run 14-18 inches, with occasional doormat fish that make the cooler heavy.
Sheepshead round out the mix with their legendary bait-stealing abilities and surprising power. These convict-striped fish hang around structure and pilings, using their crushing jaws to work crabs and shellfish loose. They're the ultimate technique-testing species – light bites that require concentration, but once hooked, they'll use every piling and rock to try breaking you off.
Captain David's extended half day trip gives you what most charters can't – enough time to really experience the diversity and productivity of Corpus Christi's inshore waters. Instead of feeling rushed or limited to one or two spots, you'll have the luxury of following the fish and adjusting to conditions as they change throughout the day. This is the trip for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water without committing to a full day charter. With all tackle included and a captain who knows where the fish live
The 24' Mamba bay boat cuts through Corpus Christi's shallow waters like it was built for these exact flats – because it was. With a Mercury 400 pushing this rig up to 65 mph, you'll cover serious ground between honey holes without burning daylight. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when stalking redfish in knee-deep water, while the fish finder helps locate those deeper trout haunts along channel edges. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and the catch fresh during those longer runs. GPS navigation ensures you never miss that productive back-lake spot, even when the afternoon haze rolls in. Built tough for Texas bays, this boat handles everything from open water runs to skinny-water sight fishing with equal confidence.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love muddy flats, oyster beds, and around structure in our brackish waters. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for crabs and shellfish, so fresh crab or cut mullet works best. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. My go-to trick is using just enough weight to keep your bait on bottom near oyster beds, and when you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - they've got tough mouths and will test your drag.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put Texas on the fishing map - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. They run 20-35 inches in our waters, cruising shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marshy areas in just 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and strong fights in shallow water. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. These fish eat almost anything - live shrimp, crabs, mullet, or artificials like spoons and topwater plugs. The secret here in Corpus Christi is working the grass flats on incoming tides early morning or late evening. Watch for tailing fish and make long, quiet casts ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Texas coast, running 14-24 inches with that beautiful spotted pattern. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good water movement, especially during dawn and dusk. Spring through fall gives consistent action, but winter can be great when they school up in deeper holes. What guests love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table fare - tender, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with numbers and eating quality. My best advice is to work soft plastics or live shrimp around grass edges on moving water. Don't horse them - their mouths are soft, so steady pressure works better than aggressive hooksets.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the craftiest fish in our waters, earning their "convict fish" nickname from those distinctive black stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing shellfish and are notorious bait thieves. Spring months during spawning season offer the best action when they school up near jetties and channel passes. Despite being tricky to catch, they're prized for their sweet, white meat that rivals snapper. Fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp work best, but here's the trick - get as close to structure as possible without spooking them, keep your bait pinned tight to the hook, and when you feel them nibbling, set that hook aggressively. They've got strong jaws and will test every knot.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder might not be common in our Texas waters, but when they do show up, they're worth targeting. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-20 inches, though bigger ones can push 26 pounds. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at finding them in deeper channels and near structure. What makes them special is their unique sideways bite and excellent eating quality - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators, so live minnows or mullet work great. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom and being patient - they'll study your offering before committing, so don't rush the hookset when you feel that first tap.
Corpus Christi