Falfurrias, TX Artificial Lure Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target prized species in Lower Laguna Madre Bay watersLearn proven artificial lure techniques from experienced guidesSmall group experience with maximum two guest capacity
Looking for a solid inshore fishing trip that'll put you on some quality fish? This artificial lure trip with Laguna Flats Fishing Guide Service takes you straight into the heart of Lower Laguna Madre Bay, where the flats fishing is about as good as it gets in South Texas. You'll be working the shallows for redfish, southern flounder, brook trout, and black drum using nothing but artificials – which means you'll really learn how to read the water and work your lures like a pro. This is hands-on fishing at its finest, and you'll walk away with skills that'll make you a better angler no matter where you wet a line.
This top-rated trip keeps things intimate with just two anglers max, so you're getting plenty of one-on-one instruction and prime fishing time. Captain and crew know every inch of Lower Laguna Madre Bay's productive waters, from the grass flats where reds cruise to the deeper pockets where black drum hang out. You'll launch early and spend your day learning to read structure, work different lure presentations, and dial in your technique on each species. The guide provides all the tackle and artificial lures you'll need – everything from soft plastics to topwater plugs that'll get your heart pumping when a big red crashes it on the surface. Just bring your Texas fishing license, plenty of sun protection (trust me on this one), and whatever snacks and drinks you want for the day. The Lower Laguna Madre can be a tough place to hide from the sun, so don't skimp on the SPF and bring a good hat.
Artificial lures are the name of the game here, and there's good reason for that – they produce fish and teach you to really understand how each species feeds. Your guide will have you throwing soft plastics on jigheads for working the bottom structure where flounder and drum like to ambush baitfish. You'll learn the subtle differences in retrieve speeds and how to feel the difference between a fish pickup and bottom contact. For the redfish, expect to throw some topwater plugs during the right conditions – there's nothing quite like watching a slot red blow up on a surface plug in two feet of water. Spoons work great here too, especially when you find fish cruising the flats and need something with flash and vibration. The guide will rotate you through different techniques throughout the day based on conditions, tide, and what the fish are telling you. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid understanding of when to throw what and how to work each lure type effectively.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Lower Laguna Madre, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow grass flats and can be targeted year-round, though fall and spring tend to produce the most consistent action. Slot-sized reds typically run 18-27 inches here and will test your drag when they make those classic bulldogging runs. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from soft plastics bounced along the bottom to topwater plugs worked over the grass. What makes reds so special is their willingness to feed in skinny water where you can actually sight-fish them – watching a red track down your lure in clear, shallow water is world-class fishing.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing baitfish. They're most active during cooler months, typically October through March, and can reach impressive sizes – anything over 20 inches is a solid fish. Flounder require a different approach than other species; you'll need to slow down your retrieve and really work the bottom with soft plastics or small jigs. The bite is often subtle, feeling more like picking up a wet towel than a fish strike. Once hooked, they're scrappy fighters that like to hug the bottom, but the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the bay.
Brook Trout, locally called speckled trout, are abundant in the Lower Laguna Madre system and provide consistent action throughout most of the year. Spring and fall are prime times when they school up and feed aggressively. These spotted beauties typically range from 14-20 inches, with occasional larger specimens pushing the 24-inch mark. They're structure-oriented fish that relate to grass beds, drop-offs, and shell reefs. Brook trout have excellent eyesight and can be picky about lure presentation, making them perfect for honing your artificial lure skills. They'll hit topwater plugs during low-light conditions and soft plastics worked through their preferred depth ranges.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with mature fish commonly exceeding 30 inches and providing serious fights on appropriate tackle. They're bottom feeders that cruise the flats and deeper areas searching for crabs and shellfish. Spring months often produce the best black drum fishing as they move into shallower waters. These fish require patience and the right presentation – usually soft plastics or jigs worked slowly along the bottom. When you hook into a big drum, you'll know it immediately. They're powerful fish that make long, steady runs and will test both your equipment and endurance. The larger specimens are catch-and-release fish, but smaller drum in the 16-30 inch range make excellent table fare.
This artificial lure trip combines education with action, giving you the skills and knowledge that'll pay dividends every time you hit the water. Working with experienced guides who know the Lower Laguna Madre system inside and out means you're not just catching fish – you're learning a fishery that produces year-round. The two-person limit ensures personalized instruction and maximum fishing time for everyone on board. Whether you're looking to improve your artificial lure game or just want to experience some of Texas's best inshore fishing
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavy hitters of our bay system, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These powerful fish have crushing jaws designed for eating oysters and crabs, which is exactly where you'll find them - around oyster reefs, shell beds, and muddy flats. They're darker colored with a gray-black back and those distinctive chin barbels that help them root around the bottom. Spring spawning season from February through April is peak time when they school up and make those drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What draws anglers to drum fishing is the raw power - they'll test your tackle and your arms. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big bulls are better released. They're year-round residents but definitely more active in cooler months. My go-to technique is fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig fished right on the bottom near oyster bars. The key is patience - let them pick it up and run before setting the hook hard.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook Trout aren't native to our Texas waters, but when you find them in stocked ponds or cooler spring-fed areas, they're a real treat. These colorful fish typically run 8-15 inches with those beautiful olive backs, red spots ringed in blue, and wavy lines across their fins. They need cold, clean water below 68°F and prefer areas with cover like fallen logs or undercut banks. Early spring and late fall give you the best chances when water temps drop. What makes brookies special is their stunning colors and willingness to hit small flies and lures. They're excellent eating with delicate, flaky meat. These fish are spooky and require a stealthy approach - they'll dart for cover at the first sign of trouble. Since they're not common in our area, most of our targeting happens in freshwater ponds during cooler months. My advice: use light tackle and small presentations. A tiny spinner or dry fly worked quietly near structure is often the ticket.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Lower Laguna Madre flats. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches here and love cruising the shallow grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spot near the tail and that bronze back that fades to white underneath. They're ambush predators that'll crush topwater lures, especially early morning when they're actively feeding. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they bite year-round in our warm Gulf waters. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they'll peel drag in the shallows. They're also excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. My tip: when you see one tailing in skinny water, cast your lure about three feet ahead and let it sit motionless until the fish gets close, then give it just a gentle twitch.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise on our muddy and sandy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches but can surprise you with specimens pushing 25+ inches. They bury themselves in soft bottom areas, especially around creek mouths and drop-offs where baitfish travel. Fall migration from September through November is prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What guests love about flounder fishing is the challenge - they're subtle biters and require patience. Once hooked though, they put up a solid fight with those powerful runs. The meat is some of the best you'll find - firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table. They prefer cooler water, so overcast days often produce better. Here's my trick: when drift fishing, use a slow retrieve and pause frequently. When you feel that subtle tap or your line goes slack, wait a second before setting the hook - they need time to fully grab the bait.
Falfurrias, TX