Falfurrias, TX Artificial Lure Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target prized species in Lower Laguna Madre Bay watersLearn artificial lure techniques from experienced local guidesSmall group inshore fishing for up to 2 guests
Ready to test your skills with artificials in some of Texas' most productive inshore waters? This artificial lure trip with Laguna Flats Fishing Guide Service puts you right in the heart of Lower Laguna Madre Bay, where the fishing is as good as it gets. You'll be targeting redfish, southern flounder, brook trout, and black drum using nothing but lures – no live bait needed. It's just you, your technique, and the fish, which makes every hookup that much sweeter. The shallow flats and grass beds around Falfurrias offer perfect hunting grounds for sight fishing and working structure, and with a top-rated guide showing you the ropes, you'll learn techniques that'll serve you well long after this trip ends.
Lower Laguna Madre Bay is a world-class fishery that stretches for miles, offering everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channels and drop-offs. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will position you over the most productive spots based on tide, wind, and season. With just two anglers max, you'll get personalized instruction on lure selection, retrieval techniques, and reading the water. The bay stays relatively protected, so even when it's breezy, you can usually find fishable water. Mornings often start calm with glass-smooth conditions perfect for sight fishing, while afternoons might pick up a breeze that helps break up the surface and triggers aggressive feeding. Pack your sun protection because you'll be out there soaking up rays, plus bring your own snacks, drinks, and don't forget that Texas fishing license – it's required.
Artificial lure fishing in Lower Laguna Madre requires finesse and variety. Your guide will have you throwing soft plastics rigged on jig heads for working the grass beds and sand pockets where redfish and trout love to ambush prey. Spoons work magic when fish are scattered and you need to cover water quickly, especially over the deeper grass flats. Topwater plugs shine during low-light periods and when you spot fish pushing water in the shallows – nothing beats the visual excitement of a surface strike. The key is matching your presentation to conditions and fish behavior. In shallow water, you might be sight casting to individual fish, while in deeper areas, you'll work structure methodically. The grass beds hold baitfish, which draw in predators, so learning to fish the edges and openings is crucial. Your guide will teach you how to feel the difference between a bite and grass, plus when to switch up your retrieve speed and cadence.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Lower Laguna Madre and the reason many anglers keep coming back. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20 to 30 inches in these waters, with some real bulls pushing the slot limits. They're year-round residents but fish best from spring through fall when they're actively feeding in the shallows. Reds are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often heading straight for the nearest grass bed or structure. What makes them special here is how they respond to artificials – they'll crush a well-presented spoon or soft plastic with aggressive strikes that'll test your drag system.
Southern flounder are the sneaky ambush predators that many anglers overlook, but they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush passing prey. Fall months are prime time when they're fattening up for their offshore migration, and they'll readily take soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. A good flounder will give you a surprising fight with head shakes and powerful runs, plus they're fantastic table fare. The trick is fishing them slow and low, letting your lure bump bottom while staying alert for that subtle pickup.
Brook trout in Lower Laguna Madre are actually spotted seatrout, and they're the bread and butter species that keeps action steady throughout the trip. These silvery speedsters typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with some real slobs pushing 25 inches or better. They school up over grass beds and are suckers for a properly worked soft plastic or suspending plug. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Trout have soft mouths, so you'll need to keep steady pressure without horsing them, and their aggressive nature makes them perfect targets for artificial presentations.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay, offering raw power and endurance that'll test your arms and your tackle. These bottom-dwellers typically run larger than the other species, with fish in the 20 to 40-inch range common. They're most active during cooler months and will readily take crabs, shrimp patterns, and darker-colored soft plastics worked near structure. When you hook a big drum, get ready for a grinding fight with multiple runs and plenty of head shaking. They're not the prettiest fish in the bay, but pound for pound, they'll give you one of the toughest battles you'll encounter in these waters.
This artificial lure trip offers everything you want in a quality inshore fishing experience – productive waters, expert guidance, and the satisfaction of fooling fish with nothing but skill and the right lure presentation. Whether you're looking to improve your technique or just want to fish some of Texas' best inshore waters, Laguna Flats Fishing Guide Service has you covered. The two-angler limit means you'll get plenty of personalized attention and coaching, while the focus on artificials will make you a more complete angler. Lower Laguna Madre Bay produces fish year-round, so whenever you're ready to get on the water, the fish will be there waiting. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best guides in popular fisheries like this stay booked up, especially during peak seasons.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bruisers of the bay, typically weighing 10-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50-plus. These bottom-feeders patrol oyster reefs, mud flats, and creek mouths using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring spawning season from March through May offers prime fishing when they school up in shallow water. You'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater during this period. Anglers love the strong, steady fight they provide, though smaller fish under 15 pounds taste much better. Fresh cut crab or live shrimp on bottom rigs work best. Local secret: target them during incoming tides around oyster beds - the moving water brings fresh scent and gets them actively feeding along structure edges.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook Trout aren't native to our Texas waters, but when we do encounter them in stocked ponds or cooler tributaries, they're a treat. These colorful char typically measure 8-15 inches with beautiful olive backs, red spots circled in blue, and distinctive wavy patterns. They need cold, clean water below 68°F and prefer areas near cover like fallen timber or undercut banks. Early morning and late evening during cooler months offer the best chances. Anglers appreciate their spirited fight and delicate flavor. Small spinners, flies, or live worms work well, but presentation is key. Local tip: approach these spooky fish quietly and cast upstream, letting your lure drift naturally with the current - they'll reject anything that looks unnatural.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Lower Laguna Madre, typically running 20-30 inches with those signature black spots near the tail. You'll find them cruising 1-4 feet of water around grass beds and muddy flats, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. These copper-colored fighters give a strong initial run and taste great on the table with mild, flaky meat. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and spoons readily. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where it's moving and work your lure slowly - they spook easily but the strike is worth the patience.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms throughout the bay system. Most run 15-18 inches, though we occasionally hook keepers up to 25 inches. These flat fish are masters of camouflage with both eyes on their left side, waiting to strike passing baitfish. Fall and early winter provide the best fishing as they move toward deeper water. Anglers love the challenge of sight-fishing them on clear days and they're outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. Drift fishing with live shrimp or bull minnows works best, but soft plastics dragged slowly on bottom produce too. Key trick: use a light jighead and let it sit motionless after hitting bottom - that's when they usually strike.
Falfurrias, TX