5.0(2 Reviews)Premium 8-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in Corpus Christi
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targets redfish, trout, and black drumCaptain Doug provides gear, bait, and personalized fishing instructionEighthour trip explores prime Laguna Madre fishing locations
When you're ready to experience what makes Corpus Christi's inshore fishing legendary, Captain Doug's full-day charter on the Laguna Madre delivers everything you've been looking for. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to work some of Texas' most productive waters with a guide who knows every grass flat, drop-off, and structure where the fish live. You'll spend eight solid hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to dial in the bite and really get into the rhythm that separates good fishing days from great ones.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the morning bite is prime. Captain Doug runs a private charter for up to two anglers, so you're not dealing with crowded boats or waiting your turn to fish the good spots. The Laguna Madre is a massive shallow bay system that holds incredible numbers of redfish, speckled trout, and black drum year-round, plus seasonal southern flounder that move through during their migrations. You'll cover serious water throughout the day, adapting to conditions as they change and following the fish as they move with tides, temperature, and feeding patterns. Doug switches between live bait and artificials depending on what's working, and he'll have you throwing everything from soft plastics to topwater plugs as conditions dictate. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fine-tune your technique or someone just getting into inshore fishing, Doug adjusts his approach to match your experience level and fishing goals.
All your gear, bait, and tackle are included, so you can focus on fishing instead of wondering if you brought the right setup. Doug runs quality rods and reels spooled with appropriate line for inshore work – typically spinning gear in the 2500-3000 range that handles everything from finesse trout fishing to battling bull reds in shallow water. You'll work with both live bait presentations and artificial lures, learning when each approach shines. Live shrimp under popping corks are deadly on trout over grass flats, while cut bait fished on the bottom brings in the bigger drum and flounder. On the artificial side, you'll throw soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations, plus topwater plugs during prime feeding times when fish are busting bait on the surface. Doug focuses on reading water and understanding how fish position themselves relative to structure, current, and bait schools – skills that will make you a better angler long after your trip ends. The Laguna Madre's shallow, clear water means sight fishing opportunities are common, especially for tailing redfish cruising the flats.
"Captain Doug is an outstanding guide. He's personable, knowledgeable and knows the Laguna Madre and surrounding areas well. Even in very tough fishing conditions he put us on fish. Highly recommend." - George McGuire
Redfish are the backbone of Laguna Madre fishing and what most anglers dream about when they think Texas inshore. These copper-colored bruisers range from schoolie reds in the 18-27 inch slot to bull reds pushing 30-40 inches that'll test your drag system and your back. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs and tails exposed as they root around in the grass for crabs and shrimp. They're built for power, not speed, so once you hook one, expect a bulldogging fight with strong runs toward whatever cover they can find. Fall and winter months are prime time when big schools of slot reds move through the area, but you'll find fish year-round if you know where to look.
Speckled trout are the other marquee species that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots are found over grass flats, around shell beds, and near any structure that holds bait. Trout can be finicky feeders, requiring precise presentations and lighter tackle to consistently fool them, but when you find a school feeding aggressively, the action can be non-stop. They average 14-18 inches with plenty of keepers in the mix, plus the occasional gator trout over 25 inches that represents a true trophy in these waters. Spring and early summer offer the most consistent trout action, though they bite year-round when you match the conditions.
Black drum don't get the respect they deserve, but these bottom-dwelling powerhouses provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience inshore. They range from puppy drum under 10 pounds to massive bulls over 30 pounds that look more like small sharks when they cruise the flats. Drum are primarily scent feeders, making cut bait presentations extremely effective, though they'll also hit soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. They're most active during cooler months and can be found around oyster reefs, drop-offs, and anywhere the bottom composition changes. The big ones are surprisingly spooky for such large fish, often requiring long casts and stealthy approaches.
Southern flounder add a seasonal element to the mix, moving through the Laguna Madre during their spring and fall migrations between the Gulf and bay systems. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting for bait to swim within striking distance. They're excellent table fare and provide a different kind of challenge since they require precise bottom presentations and quick hook sets when they pick up your bait. Flounder fishing peaks during their migration periods, particularly in fall when they're staging near passes and channels before heading to deeper Gulf waters to spawn.
Eight hours on the Laguna Madre with Captain Doug gives you the full inshore experience that makes Corpus Christi a top-rated fishing destination. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in a day with someone who
Get ready to fish the productive waters of Laguna Madre aboard a well-equipped Shoalwater Cat 23. This 23-foot motorboat handles the shallow flats and back bays around Corpus Christi with ease, giving you access to prime redfish and speckled trout spots that bigger boats can't reach. The boat comes loaded with GPS navigation to hit the best fishing grounds, VHF radio for safety, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of trout and cruising drum. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Doug knows these waters inside and out, from the grass flats where reds tail in shallow water to the deeper pockets where big trout hang out. The Shoalwater's shallow draft lets you slide right up on feeding fish, while the stable platform gives you solid footing whether you're sight-casting to redfish or working soft plastics along drop-offs. Perfect setup for a serious day of inshore fishing on one of the Texas coast's most productive fisheries.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll test your tackle like nothing else. These bruisers typically run 10-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds in Corpus Christi waters. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they use those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them drumming underwater. What gets anglers hooked is their bulldogging fight and the fact that smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat. The bigger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. Pro tip: fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait. Cut it in half and fish it right on the bottom near oyster beds - they can't resist it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature fish of Texas shallow water fishing, and once you hook one, you'll understand the obsession. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs showing, around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall is peak season when they school up. What hooks anglers is their powerful runs and that heart-stopping moment when they blow up on topwater lures. Plus, slot-sized reds make fantastic table fare. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs all work. Here's what works: when you see them tailing in inches of water, cast well ahead and work your lure slowly past their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas coast fishing, and they're what most folks think of when they picture inshore action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we see some nice 5+ pounders. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes speckled trout so popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're absolutely delicious with tender, flaky meat. They put up a good scrap with those sharp gill plates and head shakes. Local secret: work a soft plastic under a popping cork over grass beds during moving water. The sound draws them in from a distance.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that'll surprise you every time. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and can hit 5 pounds, with both eyes on their left side and amazing camouflage abilities. They bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms throughout Laguna Madre's shallow bays and grass flats, ambushing shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our area heading to spawn offshore. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they grab your bait - plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing over sandy bottom, let your bait sit still for 30 seconds after each drift. Flounder won't chase a moving meal, but they'll hammer something that looks easy.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Doug is an outstanding guide. He's personable, knowledgeable and knows the Laguna Madre and surrounding areas well. Even...
George McGuire, Thank you! Y’all were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Corpus Christi, TX