Full Day Fishing Trip in Corpus Christi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private inshore fishing charter in Corpus Christi bay systems.Captain David provides all equipment and guides beginners through experts.Modern 24foot Mamba boat accommodates up to four guests comfortably.
When you're looking for a world-class inshore fishing experience that gives you real time to work the water, Captain David's full day trip is exactly what you need. This isn't some rushed half-day deal where you're barely getting your sea legs before heading back to the dock. We're talking about a solid 8 hours on Corpus Christi's legendary bay systems, giving you the chance to chase redfish, trout, and whatever else is biting in these productive waters. You'll be fishing from a top-rated 24' Mamba that's built for the shallow flats and protected bays where the big fish like to hang out, and Captain David provides all the gear you need to make it happen.
This trip is all about taking your time and fishing it right. Captain David knows these bay systems like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to move around to find the action. Some days that means working the grass flats for speckled trout, other days you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is that you've got the flexibility to adjust to whatever Mother Nature throws at you. The 24' Mamba is powered by a Mercury 400, so you can cover serious water when you need to, but it's also designed to get skinny and work those backwater spots where the fish feel safe. Captain David handles all the navigation and fish-finding, while you focus on what you came here for – putting fish in the boat. The base rate covers up to 2 anglers, but there's room for 4 total if you want to bring the whole crew.
Captain David comes prepared with quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your valid Texas fishing license. The approach here is all about reading the conditions and matching your technique to what the fish want. On calm mornings, you might be throwing topwater plugs at first light, watching redfish blow up on the surface. When the wind picks up, it's time to switch to soft plastics and work them slow along the bottom structure. The boat's rigged with everything from light spinning tackle for trout to heavier gear when you need to muscle a big red away from the oyster bars. Captain David's got the local knowledge to put you on fish, but he's also happy to teach you the tricks that work in these specific waters. Whether you're a beginner who needs help with the basics or a seasoned angler looking to learn some new local techniques, this trip adapts to your skill level.
The variety of species in Corpus Christi's inshore waters is what keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. Redfish are the crown jewel of these bay systems, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round in the shallows, and they fight like they mean it. You'll typically find them ranging from 20 to 30 inches, with some real bulls pushing 40-plus inches during the fall months. What makes redfish so special here is that you can often sight-fish for them in clear water, watching them cruise the flats or tailing in the grass. There's nothing quite like the visual excitement of watching a red inhale your bait.
Speckled trout, or sea trout as the locals call them, are another customer favorite that keeps the action steady throughout the trip. These fish are scattered throughout the bay system but tend to concentrate around grass beds, drop-offs, and shell reefs. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, when they're actively feeding and putting on weight. They're excellent table fare and provide great light-tackle action, typically running 14 to 18 inches with some real slabs pushing over 20 inches during the cooler months.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and your patience. These bottom-dwellers are most active during the spring spawning runs when they move into the shallows. You'll find them around structure like jetties, reefs, and bridge pilings, and they can range from smaller puppy drum to massive 30-pound-plus fish that will make your arms ache. The bigger drum are catch-and-release, but the smaller ones make excellent eating.
Summer flounder add another dimension to the trip, especially during the warmer months when they're actively feeding in the bay. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and require a different approach – slow presentations along sandy bottoms and drop-offs. They're fantastic table fare and provide a fun change of pace from the more aggressive redfish and trout. Sheepshead round out the target species list, and these black-and-white striped fish are notorious bait thieves with incredible bite detection skills. They're typically found around structure like piers, jetties, and oyster reefs, and they require sharp hooks and quick hooksets to connect consistently.
A full day trip with DSJ Fishing Charters gives you the complete Corpus Christi inshore experience without feeling rushed or shortchanged. You're getting 8 solid hours with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on fish, quality gear that's maintained and ready to go, and access to multiple bay systems that most anglers never get to explore on their own. This is the kind of trip that creates lasting memories and teaches you techniques you'll use for years to come. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a more personalized fishing experience. Don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before you head out – Captain David can point you toward where to get one if you need it. Book now and get ready to experience why Corpus Christi's inshore fishing scene has such a renowned reputation among serious anglers.
Hit the shallow waters of Corpus Christi aboard this 24' Mamba, a serious fishing machine built to get you into the redfish and trout action. With a Mercury 400 pushing it up to 65 mph, you'll cover plenty of water in search of the best bite. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the flats, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in the deeper pockets. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the Texas heat, and the livewell ensures your catch stays fresh. This bay boat handles like a dream in skinny water where the big reds love to cruise, giving you and one fishing buddy plenty of room to cast without getting tangled up. GPS navigation means more time fishing and less time wondering where you are in the maze of back bays.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These gray bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll have your best shot at multiple hookups. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make, plus they're genuine bulldogs once hooked. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near structure. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, give it a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Corpus Christi flats, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most "slot" fish run 20-28 inches, but we also target those big bull reds that can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. Guests love the visual aspect of sight-casting to tailing fish and that powerful run they make once hooked. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range. Here's my go-to approach: look for nervous water or actual tails sticking up, then cast a gold spoon or topwater plug just ahead of where they're moving. Let it sit a second before starting your retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi inshore fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with those beautiful spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they come up to feed. These fish are most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite and their excellent table fare - tender, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. Night fishing under lights can be phenomenal when they're chasing shrimp and baitfish. My best local tip: work soft plastics like paddle tails over the grass beds early morning or late evening. Keep your retrieve steady but not too fast - they like to track the bait before committing to the strike.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Corpus Christi with their distinctive black and gray stripes, but what really gets people's attention are those human-like teeth. These guys typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any kind of structure - docks, bridges, jetties, anywhere with barnacles to munch on. Spring brings the best action when they gather in big schools to spawn around channel passes and reefs. They're notorious bait thieves with incredibly light bites, which makes landing one a real accomplishment. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My local trick: use small pieces of fresh shrimp on a small circle hook, get as close to the pilings as possible, and watch your rod tip like a hawk. When you see that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard - their bony mouths require some authority to get a good hookset.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are our local "chameleons of the sea" - these flatfish can actually change color to match the bottom they're lying on. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some real doormat-sized fish pushing 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sandy bottoms around inlet mouths and deeper channels, waiting to nail passing baitfish. Fall fishing from September through November is when they're most active and easier to target. Guests love them because they fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, white meat. Both eyes are on one side of their head, which always gets a laugh from first-timers. Here's the key: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or minnow, and work it slow along the bottom. They bite sideways, so give them time to turn the bait before setting.
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