Port Mansfield Inshore Fishing with Captain Ty
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5-hour inshore charter targeting five premium speciesMorning or afternoon departures accommodate flexible scheduling preferencesCaptain Ty provides expert guidance for all skill levelsPort Mansfield sits right at the heart of some of Texas's most productive inshore fishing waters, and Captain Ty knows every grass flat, drop-off, and oyster reef where the fish like to hang out. This 5-hour private charter gives you and one buddy the chance to work the shallow waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, targeting five of the coast's most sought-after species. With morning trips launching at 7 AM and afternoon runs starting at 2 PM, you can pick the time that works best for your schedule and the fish's feeding patterns.
Captain Ty runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. The boat's built for the skinny water fishing that makes Port Mansfield famous – we're talking about drifting over grass beds in two feet of water where you can see redfish tailing and trout slurping bait off the surface. The 5-hour window gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, and with just two anglers maximum, everyone gets personalized attention and prime fishing real estate on the boat. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your technique or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new water, Captain Ty adjusts the approach to match your skill level and interests. The morning trips often start with topwater action as the sun comes up, while afternoon charters let you sleep in and still catch the evening bite.
Port Mansfield inshore fishing is all about adapting to conditions and what the fish are telling you. We'll be using light spinning tackle that's perfect for the clear, shallow water – think 3000-series reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. Depending on what's working, you might be throwing soft plastics on 1/8-ounce jig heads, working topwater plugs over grass beds, or bouncing live shrimp under popping corks. Captain Ty provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. The boat's rigged with a shallow-draft hull and a quiet trolling motor that lets us sneak up on fish without spooking them. We'll be sight-fishing when conditions allow – there's nothing quite like watching a 28-inch redfish inhale your bait in three feet of crystal-clear water. The captain reads the tides, wind, and water temperature to put you on the most productive spots throughout the trip.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Port Mansfield fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what most anglers dream about. They range from schoolie reds around 20 inches up to bull reds pushing 40 inches and 30 pounds. Fall and winter months are prime time when big schools of reds move through the area, but you can catch them year-round. They're aggressive fighters that make long runs and use their broad sides to pull hard against your drag. What makes them special here is how you can sight-fish for them in shallow water, watching them cruise the flats and tail in the grass.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish can grow over 20 inches and provide a completely different fishing experience – they hit with a subtle thump rather than a hard strike, and the fight is more about steady pressure than explosive runs. The best flounder fishing happens from late fall through early spring when they move toward the passes. Captain Ty knows the specific contours and drop-offs where they like to set up, and there's real satisfaction in fooling these smart, structure-oriented fish.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the flats, with mature fish reaching 30-40 pounds and providing arm-burning fights. They travel in schools and feed heavily on crabs and shrimp around oyster reefs and shell pads. Spring brings the biggest drum into the shallows for spawning, and you'll hear them drumming underwater before you see them. These fish test your tackle and your technique – they're strong enough to break you off if you're not ready, but they're also spooky enough that you need a quiet approach.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's skill, with their human-like teeth designed to steal bait and their habit of hanging around structure. They're most active in cooler months when they school up around jetties, piers, and oyster reefs. Landing a quality sheepshead requires quick hook sets and steady pressure to keep them away from barnacle-covered rocks. They're excellent table fare and a customer favorite for anglers who enjoy technical fishing challenges.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most consistent biters and the bread-and-butter species of Texas inshore fishing. They school up over grass beds and soft bottoms, feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing, with fish ranging from 15-inch school trout up to gator trout over 25 inches. They're perfect for learning proper inshore techniques since they're willing biters but still require some finesse to consistently catch the bigger ones.
Port Mansfield's reputation as a world-class inshore fishing destination keeps growing, and Captain Ty's private charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to work some of Texas's most productive waters with a guide who lives and breathes these flats. The 5-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of the fishing and try different techniques and spots. With all tackle provided and a maximum of just two anglers, you're getting a personalized experience that beats crowded party boats every
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These bruisers typically range from 5-30 pounds, but we see plenty of 40+ pounders that'll test your tackle. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, so you'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when the action really heats up. What makes them special is their raw power and the drumming sound they make underwater. The smaller ones are great eating, but anything over 15 pounds is better released. Here's the key: get your bait right on the bottom with fresh crab or cut bait, and when you feel that steady pull, set the hook hard and hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, and they'll give you an adrenaline rush like no other. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots run anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ inch bulls that can peel drag for days. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and sometimes so shallow their backs are showing. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights these fish deliver. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. The meat is mild and sweet with a firm texture that's perfect for grilling. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then make long, quiet casts with topwater plugs or soft plastics to avoid spooring them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silvery beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle action. You'll find them over grass flats, around drop-offs, and near structure in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during spring and fall when water temps are comfortable, and dawn or dusk fishing can be dynamite. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic table fare with tender, flaky white meat. Don't overcook them though, or they'll get mushy. The key to consistent trout is working your lure slow and steady over the grass beds with soft plastics or topwater plugs during low light periods.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the craftiest fish in our waters, earning their nickname as "convict fish" from those black and gray stripes. These 1-8 pound tricksters have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off dock pilings and bridge structures. You'll find them tight to any hard structure - the closer you can get your bait to the pilings, the better your chances. Spring months are best when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love about sheepshead is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require quick reflexes. The payoff is worth it though, as they're some of the best eating fish around with sweet, white meat. My secret: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp, keep your bait pinned tight, and set the hook the moment you feel weight.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that'll test your skills as an angler. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some pushing 20+ pounds in our waters. What makes them special is how they bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. You'll find them in our shallow bays, around structure, and near drop-offs where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavy before their offshore spawn. Guests love the challenge - they're sneaky biters and put up a solid fight once hooked. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. My tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or finger mullet on a Carolina rig, and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite.
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