Half Day Corpus Christi Family Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fourhour family fishing charter targeting redfish and speckled troutPrivate boat accommodates up to four guests with beginnerfriendly approachAll equipment and professional fish cleaning services included
Captain JB Gooding's family-friendly charter puts you right in the sweet spot of Corpus Christi's top-rated inshore fishery. This 4-hour adventure takes you into the calm, productive waters where the Upper Laguna Madre meets Corpus Christi Bay – prime real estate for redfish and speckled trout. Whether you're getting the kids their first taste of saltwater fishing or looking for a relaxed morning on the water, this charter delivers without the pressure. You'll fish from JB's stable 2023 23' Shoalwater, perfectly rigged for families and beginners who want to focus on catching fish, not fighting seasickness.
Your day kicks off with either a 7:00 AM or 1:00 PM departure, giving you flexibility to work around family schedules. Captain JB knows these flats like his backyard – every grass bed, oyster reef, and drop-off that holds fish. The Upper Laguna Madre's shallow, clear waters make it perfect for sight fishing, while the deeper pockets in Corpus Christi Bay system offer consistent action when the bite gets tough. This isn't a cattle boat experience; with just three anglers max (plus one add-on), everyone gets personal attention and plenty of casting room. JB's approach is all about building confidence, especially for first-timers and kids who might be intimidating by the whole saltwater scene. He'll put you on fish, help with hooksets, and make sure everyone leaves with stories to tell.
JB provides all the gear – quality spinning rods and reels spooled with the right line for these waters. You'll be throwing everything from soft plastics under popping corks to topwater plugs, depending on what the fish want that day. The beauty of fishing these flats is the variety of presentations that work. Some days the reds are cruising skinny water where you can sight cast to individual fish, other times you're working deeper grass beds with paddle tails and scented baits. The 23' Shoalwater draws minimal water, letting JB get you into spots bigger boats can't touch. Its stable platform means kids can move around safely, and the layout gives everyone clear casting lanes. JB handles the net, coaching, and all the little details that turn missed opportunities into landed fish. Best part? He cleans your catch at the dock, so you head home with fillets ready for the dinner table.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in Corpus Christi Bay, with plenty of slot fish that fight like freight trains. Reds feed year-round here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're schooled up in the shallows. What makes them so exciting for families is their aggressive nature – they'll eat almost anything you throw at them, from live shrimp to artificial lures. When a red hits, there's no mistaking it. They make long, powerful runs that get kids screaming with excitement, then dig deep with that characteristic head-shaking fight that tests your drag.
Speckled trout bring a different kind of challenge to the mix. These popular gamefish are abundant in the bay system, typically running 14-18 inches with occasional specimens pushing 20-plus. Specks are more finicky than reds, often requiring lighter tackle and more subtle presentations, which makes them perfect for teaching proper fishing technique. They love structure – oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring spawning runs bring the biggest concentrations, but you'll find keeper specks throughout most of the year. Their delicate mouths mean you've got to play them right, and there's real satisfaction in landing a chunky trout on light tackle.
Southern flounder round out the slam possibilities, and these flatfish are pure fun on light gear. Corpus Christi's muddy bottoms and grass flats provide perfect habitat for flounder up to 18-20 inches. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand or mud, exploding on baits that drift by. Fall brings the best flounder fishing as they move toward the passes, but you'll encounter them throughout the warmer months. Kids love the surprise factor – one minute you think you're hung up on the bottom, next minute a nice flatfish is jumping at the boat. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families looking to bring dinner home.
This world-class family fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak seasons when the weather's perfect and schools are on the move. At $600 for three people (add a fourth for $100), you're getting a private charter with a seasoned captain who knows exactly how to put fish in the boat. Remember to grab your Texas fishing licenses before you hit the water – everyone 17 and older needs one. JB's patient teaching style and the stable, family-friendly boat make this the perfect introduction to Corpus Christi's renowned inshore fishery. Whether you're starting a new family tradition or just looking for a relaxed day away from the crowds, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters year after year.
Get ready to fish the flats with our brand new 2023 23' Shoalwater Bay Boat, built specifically for Corpus Christi's shallow waters. This center console powerhouse runs on a 300HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the best fishing spots fast while keeping the ride smooth for the whole family. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this boat handles the Upper Laguna Madre and Corpus Christi Bay system like a dream. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on redfish and speckled trout without spooking them, while our GPS and fish finder help locate where they're biting. Whether you're teaching the kids to cast or hoping to land your personal best, this stable platform gives everyone the best shot at success in these productive Texas waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Corpus Christi flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines year-round, though fall and spring offer the best action. Reds fight hard with strong runs and head shakes that get everyone excited. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's a local trick: look for nervous water or "pushes" on calm days - that's often a red tailing in inches of water. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets here in Corpus Christi Bay. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them around grass flats and shallow structure, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. They feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish, making them perfect for families since they bite readily on live shrimp or soft plastics. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - just don't overcook it. Pro tip: work your bait slow along the bottom near grass beds during moving tides. When they're feeding, you can often catch several from the same spot.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our bay system. These flat, oval-shaped fish blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms, ambushing prey with lightning-fast strikes. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some nice ones pushing 5+ pounds. They're found throughout our shallow bays and channels, especially around drop-offs and structure changes. Fall migration brings the best fishing when they move toward deeper water. Families love catching flounder because they're unique-looking and make outstanding table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to method is drifting live shrimp or mullet on a light jighead along bottom transitions. Keep your bait moving slowly and be ready for that subtle tap.
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