5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Drift Fishing Trip - Texas Coast
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum speciesCaptain Fern provides all essential fishing equipment and tackleFive-hour drift fishing adventure accommodates two guests comfortably
When you're looking for a fishing trip that delivers both quality time on the water and solid catches, Captain Fern's 5-hour drift fishing adventure hits the sweet spot. Operating out of the Texas coast's prime fishing waters, this trip puts you right where the fish are biting. You'll spend the day targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species while drift fishing through productive areas that locals have been working for generations. Captain Fern handles all the heavy lifting – tackle, bait, and navigation – so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat and enjoying time with your fishing partner.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. With just two anglers aboard, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. Captain Fern knows these Texas coastal waters like the back of his hand, especially around Mat Bay, where he's been guiding anglers to consistent catches for years. The 5-hour timeframe gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, and if the fish are cooperative in one area, you'll have the flexibility to stay put and capitalize on the action. The boat is set up specifically for drift fishing, meaning you'll be covering water efficiently while presenting baits naturally to cruising fish. All you need to bring is your Texas saltwater fishing license, some snacks, and drinks – everything else is provided. If you've got a group larger than two, additional anglers can join for $100 per person, with the boat comfortably handling up to four people total.
Drift fishing along the Texas coast is all about reading the water and letting the current do half the work for you. Captain Fern positions the boat over productive structure and lets the natural drift carry you through fish-holding areas. This technique is particularly effective for targeting multiple species in a single trip since you're covering different depths and bottom types as you move. The tackle setup typically involves medium-action rods paired with spinning reels, loaded with enough line to handle the occasional bull red that might crash your party. Live bait and cut bait are the go-to options, with selections varying based on what's working best for the conditions and target species. The beauty of drift fishing is that it keeps things active – you're constantly moving through new water, adjusting your presentation, and staying engaged with the fishing rather than anchored in one spot hoping for the best.
Previous anglers have been consistently impressed with both Captain Fern's knowledge and the results he delivers. "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. The boat and service quality stand out too, as one recent customer noted: "Awesome guide and put us on the fish fast. Great boat! Highly suggest." - Meador. Perhaps the best testament to the experience comes from Brandon, who had this to say about his half-day trip: "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.
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders that respond well to both live and artificial baits, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They typically run 14-20 inches, with larger specimens pushing into the 25+ inch range. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some of the biggest fish of the year when they school up in deeper holes. What makes trout so appealing is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – they're hands down one of the best eating fish in these waters.
Redfish are the workhorses of the Texas flats and nearshore waters, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches, but the real excitement comes when you hook into a bull red over 30 inches. They feed year-round, though summer and early fall tend to produce the most consistent action. Reds are notorious for their ability to strip line and test your drag system, making every hookup a memorable battle. They're also incredibly versatile feeders, taking everything from live shrimp to cut mullet, which makes them a reliable target species on drift fishing trips.
Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the Texas coast, lying in wait on sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish typically range from 14-18 inches, with doormat-sized fish occasionally topping 20 inches. Fall is prime time for flounder as they begin their migration toward deeper waters, though they're catchable year-round for anglers who know where to look. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the anticipation – their bite is often subtle, requiring good feel and timing to set the hook properly. When prepared right, flounder fillets are among the most prized table fare the Gulf has to offer.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this group, with mature fish capable of reaching impressive sizes that test both tackle and angler endurance. Young drums, often called puppy drum, provide excellent action in the 16-24 inch range, while the larger specimens can stretch well into the 30+ inch category. These fish are bottom dwellers that feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and other shellfish, making them particularly responsive to fresh cut bait presentations. Spring and fall migrations bring the best opportunities, though black drum can be targeted throughout much of the year. Their powerful, sustained runs make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate a fish that fights as hard on the surface as it does in the depths.
Captain Fern's motorboat is your ticket to prime Texas coastal waters where speckled trout and redfish are waiting. This reliable fishing platform comes equipped with GPS navigation to hit the best drift spots along the coast. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without tangling up. Built for these Gulf waters, she'll get you out to productive fishing grounds and keep you steady while you're working the drift. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times. Perfect for couples or small groups looking to target flounder and black drum in Texas coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters - these bruisers average 10-20 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds. They're bottom-feeders with crushing jaws, hanging around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they hunt crabs and shellfish. Spring is magic time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that croaking sound they're famous for. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones get tough. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a Carolina rig, and be patient. When they pick it up, they'll mouth it before committing to the bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing - bronze-colored beauties with that signature black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-30 inches in our waters and fight like freight trains. These fish love super shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds, often in water so skinny their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall is outstanding when they school up. What sets them apart is their power - they'll drag you around the boat and never give up. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The key is staying quiet and making long casts. They spook easy in shallow water. Try a gold spoon or soft plastic on a light jighead, and work it slow along the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Texas coast fishing - beautiful silver fish with distinct black spots running 14-20 inches on average. They patrol grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. These fish are scrappy fighters with great table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They school up in winter in deeper channels, making for fast action. They're also one of the most willing biters we target. My go-to trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and that natural presentation seals the deal. Work it slow and steady.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms, changing color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-18 inches, but we've pulled some beauties up to 25 inches off the Texas coast. They're ambush predators that love shallow bays, estuaries, and near-shore waters, especially around structure. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're moving between inshore and offshore waters. What makes them special? They fight hard for their size and the meat is outstanding - sweet, white, and flaky. Here's the trick: when you feel that subtle tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds, then set firm.
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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