Expert Guided Inshore Fishing on Texas Gulf Coast Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, drum, snapper, and flounder inshoreFish open bays and shallow backwaters with experienced guideCovers West Matagorda, Espiritu Santo, and San Antonio Bay systems
Captain Collin knows these Texas waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his 23' Shoalwater Cat, you're getting more than just a fishing trip – you're getting decades of local knowledge packed into one solid day on the water. Whether you're chasing reds in the shallows or working deeper structure for trout, this top-rated inshore experience puts you right where the fish are biting along West Matagorda, Espiritu Santo, and San Antonio Bays.
Your day starts with Collin reading the conditions – wind, tide, barometric pressure – all the factors that separate the pros from the weekend warriors. His Shoalwater Cat is built for this coast, drawing just inches of water so you can slip into backwater honey holes that bigger boats can't touch. But don't think you're limited to skinny water fishing. When conditions call for it, you'll run the open bay or even hit the surf for a completely different bite. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work without tangling lines or stepping on each other's casts. Collin provides all the tackle you'll need, from topwater plugs for early morning reds to soft plastics for finicky trout. The game plan changes based on what Mother Nature serves up, but that's what makes each trip unique and keeps the fish guessing.
Collin's approach to inshore fishing is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. In the shallows, you'll work sight-casting with topwater baits, watching for nervous water or actual fish cruising the flats. The Shoalwater's poling platform gives him the elevation to spot fish before they see you, and that quiet approach often makes the difference between a good day and a great one. When you're working deeper structure, the tactics shift to bouncing soft plastics along oyster reefs or drifting live bait near drop-offs where predators stage up. The boat's electronics help locate schools of baitfish, but it's Collin's eye for reading water that puts you on the productive spots. He'll have you switching between spinning gear and conventional setups depending on the target species and conditions. The rod selection ranges from lightweight outfits for trout to beefier tackle when the drum are running thick. Don't worry if you're new to inshore techniques – Collin breaks down each method as you go, explaining why certain lures work in specific situations.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-28 inches in these bay systems, with bigger bulls pushing 30+ inches when you find them in the deeper cuts. Reds feed year-round but really turn on during fall months when they school up for their spawn run. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll blow up on topwater baits in spectacular fashion, especially in shallow water where you can watch the whole show unfold.
Spotted sea trout might not fight as hard pound-for-pound as reds, but they're arguably the most challenging to consistently catch. These silvery beauties are moody, and what worked yesterday might not produce today. They average 14-18 inches in these waters, with keeper trout over 15 inches being the goal. Spring and fall offer the best trout action, particularly around grass beds and shell reefs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. The excitement comes from their unpredictability – one cast might produce nothing, and the next could hook a gator trout over 20 inches.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds in these bay systems. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallow water to feed on crabs and mollusks around oyster reefs. What makes drum fishing exciting is the sheer power – when you hook a big one, it's going to test your drag and your patience. These fish don't jump, but they'll bulldoze toward structure and make long, determined runs that can humble any angler.
Red snapper might seem like an offshore species, but juvenile snappers frequent the deeper bay areas and nearshore reefs, especially during summer months. These smaller snapper, typically 12-16 inches, provide excellent table fare and fight harder than their size suggests. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around anything that provides cover – old oil rigs, artificial reefs, or natural hard bottom areas.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in these shallow bay systems. These flatfish lie buried in sand or mud, ambushing prey that passes overhead. They're most active during their fall migration when they move from the bays toward the Gulf to spawn. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you'll work soft plastics slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive tap that signals a flatfish has engulfed your bait. A good flounder runs 16-20 inches and provides some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
This renowned Texas Gulf Coast fishing experience delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – variety, challenge, and the chance to learn from a captain who's put in his time on these waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new techniques or someone who wants to experience world-class inshore fishing with expert guidance, Collin's got you covered. The combination of his local knowledge, quality boat, and these productive bay systems makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – in Collin's hands, every day on the water offers its own opportunities. Book your trip now and get ready to see why Texas inshore fishing has such a loyal following among anglers who know what real fishing is all about.
Collin's 23' Shoalwater Cat is built for serious inshore action along the Texas Gulf Coast. This shallow-draft catamaran cuts through choppy bay water and slides into skinny backwater spots where big reds love to hide. The boat's ice box keeps your catch fresh while the fish finder helps locate schools of trout and drum in West Matagorda, Espiritu Santo, and San Antonio Bays. GPS navigation and radar ensure safe runs in fog or low light, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. The multimedia system provides tunes between hookups. Whether you're sight-casting in knee-deep grass flats or working structure in open bay water, this cat handles it all. When gulf conditions cooperate, Collin runs it through the surf for bull reds and big trout. Four anglers fish comfortably with plenty of room to work lures and land fish without tangling lines.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay systems, ranging from schoolie 5-10 pounders up to bruisers pushing 40+ pounds. These grey-black tanks love crushing oysters and crabs with their powerful jaws, so you'll find them around oyster reefs, shallow flats, and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you can get into some serious action. They're famous for that drumming sound they make, especially the big ones. While the smaller fish eat great, anything over 15 pounds gets pretty tough and fishy. The fight is what people remember though - these things are pure muscle and will test your drag. Best approach is fresh or live crab on a Carolina rig around structure. Here's the key: when you feel that first thump, resist setting the hook immediately. Let them pick it up and start moving before you lean into them.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper around here mostly show up as juveniles in our shallow bay waters, usually running 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure like oyster reefs, old pilings, and rocky bottom in 10-30 feet of water. The bigger adults live offshore, but these smaller ones make great table fare with that sweet, flaky white meat everyone loves. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps hit that 60-70 degree sweet spot. They're scrappy fighters that'll try to wrap you around any structure nearby, so keep steady pressure once hooked. My go-to tip: use fresh cut squid or live pinfish on a knocker rig, and don't be afraid to bounce bottom - that's where they're feeding. The meat quality on these bay fish beats the deep water giants every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and signature black spots near the tail. Most range from 20-30 inches, though we catch plenty of "bull" reds over 35 inches that'll really test your tackle. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are sticking out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and shoreline structure. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What gets people hooked is watching these bruisers crush topwater lures in 18 inches of water, plus they're strong fighters that make long runs. The smaller slot fish are excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Best tip I can give: look for nervous water, mud trails, or actual tailing fish. When sight fishing, cast well ahead of them and let your lure sink before starting a slow retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are probably our most consistent inshore target. They typically run 14-20 inches and 2-4 pounds, with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. You'll find them over grass flats, around drop-offs, and near structure in 3-8 feet of water. They love cooler months when bait schools are thick, making fall through spring your best bet. What draws people to trout fishing is the variety - they'll hit topwaters at dawn, soft plastics mid-day, and live shrimp anytime. The meat is outstanding too, flaky white fillets that are perfect for the table. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and great eating quality. My local trick: work a soft plastic slowly over grass flats on moving water. The key is keeping it just above the grass tops where they're ambushing baitfish.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oddball-looking fish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our bay systems. Most run 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, though we catch some pushing 8-10 pounds in deeper channels. Both eyes sit on their left side, making them unmistakable once you see one. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving through our bays heading to spawn offshore. What makes them fun is the surprise factor - you never know when that "stick" on bottom suddenly comes alive. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we target, with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The trick is fishing slow with live mud minnows or soft plastics right on bottom. Don't set the hook too quick when you feel that subtle tap - let them turn the bait first, then stick 'em.
Port O'Connor, TX