5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Drift Fishing Trip
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black DrumFivehour drift fishing adventure with Captain FernAll fishing gear provided, accommodates up to four anglers
When you're looking for a solid day on the Texas coast, Captain Fern's got you covered with a 5-hour drift fishing adventure that'll have you targeting some of the Gulf's best inshore species. This isn't your typical crowded charter - you'll have the boat to yourself and one other angler, giving you plenty of room to work and the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great one. We're talking about prime waters where the Speckled Trout bite consistently, Redfish cruise the shallows, and you've got a real shot at boxing some keeper Flounder and Black Drum.
Captain Fern runs a clean operation out of the Texas coast, focusing on the productive waters around Mat Bay where he's spent years learning every drop-off, grass bed, and structure that holds fish. You'll be drift fishing, which means covering water efficiently while presenting baits naturally to suspended and bottom-hugging species. The boat handles the Gulf chop well, and there's enough space for two anglers to fish comfortably without tangling lines or getting in each other's way. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes included - just grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and show up ready to fish. If you want to bring a couple more people, Captain Fern can accommodate up to four total anglers for an extra $100 per person, making this a top-rated option for small groups or families who want a personalized fishing experience.
Drift fishing is an art form that Captain Fern has dialed in perfectly for these Texas coastal waters. Instead of anchoring up and waiting, you'll be constantly moving with the current and wind, covering fresh water and keeping your baits in the strike zone. This technique works particularly well for Speckled Trout that suspend in the water column and Redfish that patrol the grass flats. You'll be using a variety of presentations - live shrimp under popping corks for the trout, cut bait on the bottom for Black Drum, and both live and artificial baits depending on conditions and what the fish are showing you. The captain reads the water like a book, adjusting drift patterns based on wind direction, tide movement, and fish activity. You'll learn to feel the difference between a Redfish pickup and a Trout bite, and how to work different depths as you drift through prime feeding areas.
"Fern knows the Mat Bay and is a pro angler and guide. He made fishing easy and fun and we had a time on his boat." - George
"Awesome guide and put us on the fish fast. Great boat! Highly suggest." - Meador
"Took a half day with Fern and by far best experience we have had with a guide. Very knowledgeable, personable and friendly, not just there to make money, he cares about making sure you have a great time! Each person limited on trout and got a 38" bull red all on a short time." - Brandon
Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing, and these fish are why anglers keep coming back to these waters. Also called Sea Trout, they're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with authority. You'll find them schooled up over grass beds and sandy potholes, typically ranging from 14 to 20 inches with occasional 3-4 pound gator trout mixed in. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter fishing can produce some of the biggest specimens. When a Speckled Trout hits your bait, you'll know it - they strike hard and make several strong runs before coming to the net. The fight combined with excellent table fare makes them a customer favorite on every trip.
Redfish are the heavyweight champions of the Texas flats, and catching one on these waters is always a rush. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow grass beds and drop-offs, feeding aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Most of the Reds you'll encounter run between 20 to 30 inches, with the occasional bull red over 35 inches providing that once-in-a-lifetime fight. They're year-round residents, though fall months typically produce the most consistent action as schools move through the area. A big Redfish will strip drag and make multiple powerful runs, testing your tackle and skills. Their distinctive black spot and bronze coloration makes them one of the most photogenic catches you'll boat.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise on these coastal flats, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing prey. These flatfish are prized for their sweet, flaky meat and the challenge they present to locate and hook. Most keeper Flounder range from 15 to 20 inches, though the Texas coast produces some real doormat fish exceeding 5 pounds. Fall migration from September through November offers the best shot at bigger specimens as they move toward deeper water. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right presentation - they often mouth bait gently before committing, so you'll learn to detect subtle pickups and set the hook at the right moment.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay system, using their powerful bodies and crushing jaws to feed on crabs, oysters, and other bottom-dwelling prey. These fish range from smaller 2-3 pound specimens perfect for the dinner table up to massive 20+ pound bulls that will test every component of your tackle. They're most active during cooler months, particularly in late fall and winter when they school up in deeper channels and around structure. A big Black Drum fight is all about power - long, sustained runs and head-shaking battles that'll leave your arms burning. Their distinctive black stripes and ability to grow to impressive sizes makes them a world-class
Captain Fern's motorboat cuts through Texas coastal waters with precision, equipped with GPS navigation to find the best drift fishing spots where Speckled Trout and Redfish feed. This reliable fishing platform handles the shallow flats and deeper channels with ease, giving you stable casting room for two anglers. The boat's design lets you drift naturally with the current while working lures through prime structure where Black Drum and Flounder hang out. GPS keeps you on productive water and safely back to port. Perfect size for focused fishing without feeling crowded - you'll have plenty of deck space to fight fish and move around comfortably. Captain Fern knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning the boat where the fish are biting along the Texas coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Texas inshore fishing, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90 pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster reefs, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - a unique croaking sound they make during courtship. They're strong fighters that test your drag and patience. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom with just enough weight to hold position. Black drum are cautious biters, so when you feel that subtle tap-tap, resist the urge to set immediately - let them take it and run first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches, but these bruisers can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges. Spring through fall offers the best action, though they bite year-round here. Reds are incredible fighters that make long, powerful runs and never give up easy. The meat is firm with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. You can sight-fish them in skinny water or target them blind around structure. Here's my secret: when you see tailing reds in shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook them and they're gone for good.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas coast fishing, running 14-24 inches with distinctive black spots covering their silvery sides. These beautiful fish hang around grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during dawn and dusk, especially in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. Specks are aggressive strikers that put up a solid fight for their size, making them perfect for light tackle. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They school up during winter in deeper channels. My go-to trick: work soft plastics or topwater lures over grass beds early morning. When you find one speck, slow down and work the area thoroughly - they usually travel in groups and you can often catch several from the same spot.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of camouflage that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters throughout the Texas coast. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that distinctive "googly-eyed" look that makes them fun to catch. They bite best during cooler months when they're more active, especially around structure like oyster reefs and grass flats. The meat is white, flaky, and excellent eating. Pro tip: when drift fishing, let your bait hit bottom and stay patient - flounder will often mouth the bait before fully committing, so give them time to swallow before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Fern knows the Mat Bay and is a pro angler and guide. He made fishing easy and fun and we had a time on his boat.
Awesome guide and put us on the fish fast. Great boat! Highly suggest.
Took a half day with Fern and by far best experience we have had with a guide. Very knowledgeable, personable and friendly, not j...
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