Full Day Corpus Christi Redfish and Speckled Trout Charter
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Eight-hour charter targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder2023 23-foot Shoalwater boat accesses shallow flats and deep watersAll tackle, rods, reels, and fish cleaning services included
If you're looking to get serious about flats fishing in South Texas, this full-day charter is where it's at. We're talking eight solid hours on some of the most productive waters along the Texas coast – the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay systems. These waters are legendary for holding big redfish and fat specks, and when you add in the bonus shots at flounder, you've got yourself a recipe for an epic day on the water. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been chasing fish for decades, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
We kick things off bright and early at 7:00 AM – trust me, the fish are most active in those morning hours, and you'll want every minute of this eight-hour adventure. You'll be fishing from a 2023 23' Shoalwater, which is hands-down one of the best shallow water boats you can get on. This rig lets us slide into those skinny flats where the big reds cruise, but it's also stable enough to handle the deeper honey holes where the trout stack up. The boat's got a shallow draft that opens up water most guides can't reach, giving you access to some seriously fishy spots that see less pressure. We're talking about a private charter here, so it's just you and your crew – no strangers, no waiting around, just pure fishing time. The whole setup is designed around putting you on fish, whether that means poling the flats for tailing reds or anchoring up on structure for trout.
Forget about dragging your own tackle – we've got you covered with high-end rods and reels that are perfectly matched to these waters. We're talking about quality gear that can handle everything from finicky trout on light tackle to bruiser bull reds that'll test your drag system. The tackle box is loaded with everything we need: soft plastics for working the grass flats, topwater plugs for those explosive morning bites, and live bait when the fish get picky. In the Upper Laguna Madre, we'll work a mix of techniques depending on conditions. Some days it's all about slow-rolling paddle tails through the grass beds, other days we're throwing topwater at first light and watching reds blow up on the surface. Baffin Bay opens up different opportunities – we can target deeper structure with jigs or work the edges of the flats where trout ambush baitfish. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is having time to adjust tactics and find what's working. Professional fish cleaning is included, so you can focus on fishing while we handle the messy work afterward.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These Upper Laguna Madre reds are some of the healthiest, hardest-fighting fish you'll find anywhere on the Gulf Coast. We're targeting fish in the 20-30 inch range mostly – these are prime eating size but still have plenty of fight in them. The cool thing about reds is their versatility; some days we'll find them tailing in six inches of water, other days they're schooled up in three feet working baitfish. They hit everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics, and when you hook one in shallow water, get ready for a drag-screaming run that'll test your skills. Speckled trout fishing here is world-class, especially during the cooler months when big females move into the bays. These aren't your typical 14-inch trout – we're talking about chunky fish that pull drag and know how to use structure to their advantage. They're ambush predators that love to hang around grass edges and drop-offs, and when you find a school of good ones, the action can be non-stop. Southern flounder add an element of surprise to every trip. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They're excellent table fare and provide a different kind of fight – more bulldogging than speed, but they'll keep you honest with their ability to wrap you up in structure.
Redfish in this system are active year-round, but fall and winter months offer some of the most consistent action. These copper-colored bruisers can push 30+ inches and have an attitude to match their size. What makes them special here is the variety of water they use – from barely wet flats to deeper channels, you never know where you'll find them. The Upper Laguna Madre's grass flats are perfect redfish habitat, providing both food and cover. When they're feeding aggressively, reds will hit almost anything you throw at them, but when they're spooky, it takes finesse and the right presentation to get bit. The fight is what keeps people coming back – that initial run when a big red realizes it's hooked is pure adrenaline, especially in shallow water where you can watch the whole battle unfold.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing, and these waters hold some genuine hawgs. Fall through spring is prime time when bigger trout move into the bays to feed heavily before spawning. These fish are structure-oriented, relating to grass beds, shell reefs, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. A quality speck in the 20+ inch range is a fish of a lifetime for many anglers, and this system produces them regularly. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. What makes trout fishing exciting is their unpredictability – they can be aggressive one moment and finicky the next, requiring constant adjustments in technique and presentation.
Southern flounder might be the wildcard species, but they're a welcome addition to any day's catch. These flatfish are most active during their fall migration
Our 2023 23' Shoalwater Bay Boat is built specifically for chasing redfish and speckled trout through Corpus Christi's shallow flats. This center console runs on a powerful 300HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the fish fast, then cruise quietly through skinny water where the big reds like to feed. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on wary trout without spooking them, while our GPS and fish finder help locate those productive honey holes in the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay systems. With room for three anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space on the deck. The stable platform handles choppy bay water with ease and drafts shallow enough to reach those back-country spots where most boats can't go.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in Corpus Christi. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches and pack serious power when hooked. That distinctive black spot near their tail isn't just for show - it's what makes them unmistakable. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. They're year-round residents but really fire up during spring and fall transitions. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat almost anything - from topwater plugs to live bait. The meat is mild and sweet, perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - they spook easily but can't resist a well-placed offering.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets in these waters, and for good reason. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though we see some nice ones pushing heavier. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow areas, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. They're aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with authority. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat - perfect table fare if you don't overcook it. My local tip: work your lure slowly along grass edges at dawn or dusk. These fish are spooky in clear water, so keep your approach quiet and your casts accurate for the best results.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder might not win beauty contests, but they're masters of disguise and fantastic eating. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, which looks odd but helps them ambush prey from sandy and muddy bottoms. They're opportunistic predators that nail mullet, shrimp, and smaller baitfish. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward deeper water for winter. Guests enjoy the challenge of targeting these bottom-dwellers and their sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat fried up fresh. My go-to technique: drift with live bull minnows or mullet on a light jig head near structure transitions. Keep it slow and let the bait work just off the bottom.
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