Full Day Fishing Trip in Corpus Christi
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day private inshore fishing targeting redfish and troutProfessional captain provides all equipment and local expertiseAccommodates beginners and experienced anglers up to 4 guests
Captain David's full-day inshore fishing charter gives you eight hours to really get into the groove of Corpus Christi's legendary bay fishing. This isn't one of those rushed half-day deals where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Instead, you'll have plenty of time to work different spots, adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws at you, and actually enjoy being out on the water without constantly watching the clock. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, this top-rated charter delivers the kind of relaxed, productive day that keeps anglers talking long after they've cleaned their catch.
Your day starts aboard a 24-foot Mamba that's been rigged specifically for the shallow bays and grass flats around Corpus Christi. Captain David's boat runs on a Mercury 400, so you'll cover water efficiently and get to spots where other boats can't follow. The shallow draft design means you can slip into those back-bay honey holes where the big reds like to cruise. You won't need to bring anything except your Texas fishing license, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks if you get hungry – all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided. The boat comfortably handles up to four people, though the base rate covers two guests. Captain David knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the flexibility to move around based on tides, wind, and where the fish are biting that particular day.
Inshore fishing in Corpus Christi is all about reading the water and matching your approach to the conditions. Captain David runs a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what's working. You might be throwing topwater plugs early in the morning when the trout are busting shrimp in the shallows, then switching to live croaker or shrimp when you're working the deeper drop-offs for redfish. The tackle is sized perfectly for these inshore species – medium-action rods with spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid. Nothing too heavy that takes the fight out of a good trout, but strong enough to muscle a bull red away from the structure. Captain David will show you how to work soft plastics along the grass lines, how to read bird activity to find feeding fish, and when to switch up your retrieve based on water temperature and clarity. Eight hours gives you time to really dial in these techniques instead of just going through the motions.
Redfish are the backbone of Corpus Christi inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters cruise the shallows year-round, though fall and winter often produce the biggest specimens. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, with plenty of slot-size fish perfect for the dinner table. What makes them so popular is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight – once hooked, they'll make powerful runs toward whatever structure they can find. You'll often spot them tailing in inches of water or see their backs cutting through the surface as they push baitfish into the shallows.
Spotted sea trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are the other crown jewel of these bays. Spring and early summer are prime time, when the bigger females move into the shallows to spawn. A good trout will go 20-25 inches and put up a spectacular fight with lots of head shaking and jumping. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters. Trout are more finicky than reds, often requiring a subtle presentation and the right bait at the right depth, but that's what makes catching them so satisfying.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bruisers that will test your tackle and your patience. These bottom-dwellers can push 20-30 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active in the cooler months and love areas with oyster reefs and hard bottom. Drum have powerful pharyngeal teeth that they use to crush shellfish, so you'll hear them crunching away when you get them to the boat.
Summer flounder, also known as fluke, are the chameleons of the bay system. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy areas and ambush prey, making them a fun challenge to target. They're most active during the warmer months and can reach impressive sizes in Corpus Christi's fertile waters. Landing a "doormat" flounder – one over 20 inches – is a real trophy catch that many anglers specifically target.
Sheepshead are the bait thieves of the inshore world, famous for their human-like teeth and their ability to steal your shrimp without getting hooked. But when you do connect with one, they're excellent table fare and surprisingly strong fighters for their size. They hang around structure like piers and jetties, making them a fun species to target when you're working those areas for other fish.
Eight hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows every productive spot from the Laguna Madre to Redfish Bay – that's what sets this charter apart from the quick trips that barely scratch the surface. Captain David's approach gives you the best shot at experiencing what makes Corpus Christi one of Texas's premier inshore fishing destinations. The boat's equipped for success, the captain's got the local knowledge, and you'll have the time to really enjoy the process instead of feeling rushed. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler, learn some new techniques, or just spend a quality day on the water, this full-day charter delivers the complete Corpus Christi fishing experience. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Your fishing platform for the day is a 24-foot Mamba built specifically for Corpus Christi's shallow bays and grass flats. This boat gets you into those skinny-water spots where redfish cruise and trout hang out, powered by a Mercury 400 that'll run up to 65 mph between fishing areas. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom changes. There's a livewell to keep your catch fresh, an icebox for drinks and snacks, plus GPS to navigate the bay systems efficiently. The shallow draft design means you can access backwater areas that bigger boats can't reach, giving you more productive water to work. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or drifting over trout structure, this setup handles the diverse inshore fishing Corpus Christi offers.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90 pounds. These powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the best action. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater, which is pretty cool. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait works best. Here's the key: get your bait right on the bottom and be patient. When they hit, set the hook hard because those big ones will test your drag. Keep fish under 15 pounds for eating - the meat gets tough on the big ones.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-28 inches, but we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love super shallow flats, often in water so skinny their backs show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action. What makes reds special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make long runs and test your drag. The meat on slot fish is excellent, firm and mild. Gold spoons and topwater plugs are favorites, plus live shrimp never fails. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats. Approach quietly and cast past them, then work the lure back through their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are our bread and butter fish - reliable, fun to catch, and great on the table. They typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. These fish are most active at dawn and dusk, especially during warmer months. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats that surface explosion. The fight is steady without being too tough for kids or beginners. Soft plastics and live shrimp are go-to baits, but topwater plugs at first light create the most excitement. Here's a local tip: look for slicks on calm water where they're feeding underneath. Work your lure slowly through the grass, and don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft and you'll pull it right out.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are their human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, though we've seen 20-pounders around the jetties and bridge pilings. They're year-round residents but spring brings the best fishing when they spawn around structures. These fish are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble your offering clean off the hook. Fresh shrimp or small crabs work best. The meat is some of the finest eating you'll find, sweet and flaky. My advice: get as close to structure as possible and keep your bait pinned on tight. When you feel them picking at it, don't wait - set that hook aggressively or they'll rob you blind.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish change color to match the bottom perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some nice ones up to 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at them. What makes flounder fishing fun is watching them fight sideways - it's a different kind of battle. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Live minnows or mullet work great, but here's my trick: hook the bait through the eye on smaller fish, lips on bigger ones. Use a circle hook and let it sit on bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, wait a second before setting the hook.
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