5.0(3 Reviews)Half-Day Redfish and Trout Fishing Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5-hour morning charter targets redfish and speckled troutCaptain Doug provides all equipment plus expert fishing instructionSunrise departure ensures optimal conditions on Laguna Madre waters
Captain Doug Allen knows these Corpus Christi waters like the back of his weathered hands, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 5-hour morning charter on the legendary Laguna Madre is pure Texas coast fishing at its finest. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique or a family wanting to create some lasting memories, Doug's got the patience and expertise to make it happen. You'll launch at sunrise when the fish are most active, hitting prime flats and structures where redfish cruise and speckled trout stack up. With all gear provided and a captain who genuinely loves what he does, this isn't just another fishing trip—it's your gateway to understanding why Corpus Christi consistently ranks as one of Texas's top-rated inshore destinations.
Doug runs a tight but relaxed operation that feels more like fishing with a knowledgeable buddy than a formal charter. You'll meet at sunrise and head straight to his preferred spots on the Laguna Madre, that magical stretch of shallow bay water that's produced trophy fish for generations of Texas anglers. The morning bite is when these fish feed most aggressively, and Doug times everything perfectly to maximize your hook-ups. He provides quality rods, reels, and all terminal tackle—no need to worry about whether your drag is set right or if you've got the right hook size. Doug handles the technical stuff so you can focus on reading the water, perfecting your cast, and feeling that telltale thump when a redfish inhales your bait. The boat comfortably handles two anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work without tangled lines. This is prime time fishing when conditions are ideal and the fish are hungry.
Doug's approach combines old-school knowledge with modern techniques that consistently produce results in these waters. You'll primarily work with live and cut bait—shrimp, croaker, and mullet—presented on circle hooks that hook fish in the corner of the mouth for better survival rates. Depending on conditions and fish behavior, you might also throw some soft plastics on light jig heads, working them slowly along grass beds and drop-offs where predators ambush baitfish. The key in the Laguna Madre is reading the subtle signs: nervous bait, slight color changes in the water, or that barely perceptible swirl that signals a redfish tailing in knee-deep water. Doug's got an eye for these details and he'll teach you what to look for. The tackle is perfectly matched to the species—medium action rods with smooth drags that can handle a bull red's initial run without breaking you off. No heavy-handed techniques here; finesse and patience win the day in these clear, shallow waters.
"Would give 10 stars if I could. He is very passionate, patient, and attentive to what is going on. The best part is his fish-side manner like (bedside manner :))). He is very pleasant to be around. Highly recommend." - Becky
"Great trip Doug got us on the fish quick, almost limited out on trout and caught a 33" 13.6 lb red fish it was quite a fight. Would recommend capt. Doug" - David
"Tremendous trip with my family for my birthday. Captain Doug put us on the fish and was extremely patient with us as we are novice fishermen! Would recommend and can't wait to go again!" - Scott Gathright
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and the Laguna Madre system produces some absolute tanks. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20 to 35 inches in these waters, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus inches and 20 pounds. Reds are structure-oriented fish that love shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster fish when cold fronts push bait into deeper pockets. What makes redfish so special is their fighting ability—they make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to pull drag. When you hook into a good red, you'll know it immediately from that head-shaking, bulldogging fight that tests your tackle and technique.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi fishing, and these waters consistently produce quality fish in the 15 to 25-inch range. Specks are ambush predators that relate to grass beds, drop-offs, and shell bars where they wait for unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during low-light periods—dawn and dusk—when they move shallow to feed. Spring spawning season brings the biggest females up into the shallows, offering your best shot at a true trophy. What anglers love about trout fishing is the technique required; these fish can be finicky, demanding precise presentations and subtle lure action. When everything clicks, though, you can load the boat with keeper-sized specks that provide excellent table fare and fighting fun on light tackle.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim within striking distance. These flatfish typically range from 14 to 20 inches in local waters, with fall migration periods producing some true doormat-sized fish pushing 5 to 8 pounds. Flounder fishing requires patience and a different mindset—you're often fishing structure transitions where sand meets grass or shell. The bite is subtle, often feeling like you've snagged bottom until the fish starts moving. What makes flounder special is their excellent eating quality and the challenge they present to anglers who must learn to detect their light bite and set the hook at just the right moment.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore world, with mature fish commonly exceeding
Your fishing platform for this Corpus Christi adventure is a reliable Shoalwater Cat 23, perfectly suited for navigating the shallow waters of Laguna Madre. This motorboat handles the inshore flats with ease, getting you to those prime redfish and trout spots without spooking the fish. The boat comes equipped with a fish finder to locate schools and structure, plus GPS navigation to hit Captain Doug's proven honey holes. VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and updates on fishing conditions. The shallow draft design lets you access backcountry areas where bigger boats can't reach, putting you right where the speckled trout feed and redfish cruise the grass beds. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. This cat boat design provides a stable platform for sight fishing and wading opportunities when the fish are shallow.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the bay - thick-bodied, powerful fish that can really test your drag. They typically run 5-15 pounds in our waters, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 30+ pounder. These fish have crushing jaws designed for eating oysters and crabs, making them perfect for our oyster-rich areas. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, especially March through May. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. What guests love most is the fight - they pull hard and steady, making that drag sing. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too, with firm white meat. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab or cut shrimp on the bottom, and when you get a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a few seconds first - they're notorious for dropping baits if you rush them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing - bronze-backed bruisers with that distinctive black spot near their tail. Around Corpus, most reds run 20-28 inches, but we regularly see fish in the 30+ inch range that'll really test your tackle. They cruise our flats in 1-4 feet of water, often so shallow their backs break the surface. Look for them around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is spectacular when big schools move through. What hooks anglers is their power - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the bay. Plus, slot-sized fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight fishing - watching a big red cruise up to your bait in crystal clear water. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle. These fish spook easily, but if you're patient and quiet, they'll reward you with an epic fight.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Laguna Madre fishing - beautiful silver fish covered in black spots that fight way above their weight class. Most of our trout run 14-20 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing 25+ inches and 5-6 pounds. They love our grass flats and drop-offs in 3-12 feet of water, especially where current meets structure. Spring through fall are best, with early morning and evening being prime feeding times. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make long runs. They're also some of the best eating fish in the bay, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The secret is working soft plastics or live shrimp around grass beds with a popping cork. Keep your drag loose - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you horse them. A gentle, steady pressure is all you need.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - flat, oval-shaped fish that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can actually change colors to match the bottom. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but we catch some pushing 25+ inches in deeper water. They love our shallow bays, especially around structure like oyster reefs and channel edges in 2-8 feet. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through on their way offshore. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong for their size and put up a good scrap. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using live shrimp on a Carolina rig and working it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to fully take the bait.
5.0 out of 5.0Would give 10 stars if I could. He is very passionate, patient, and attentive to what is going on. The best part is his fish-side ...
Great trip Doug got us on the fish quick, almost limited out on trout and caught a 33” 13.6 lb red fish it was quite a fight. Woul...
Tremendous trip with my family for my birthday. Captain Doug put us on the fish and was extremely patient with us as we are novic...
Corpus Christi, TX