Advanced Redfish & Drum Trip - Port Isabel
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Five-hour advanced flats fishing targeting trophy redfish and drumCaptain Leo guides experienced anglers using specialized popping techniquesSmall group capacity ensures personalized instruction and prime fishing spots
If you're looking to step up your game and chase some serious fish, Captain Leo Cavazos has exactly what you need. This 5-hour advanced fishing trip launches at 7:00 AM sharp from Port Isabel, putting you right in the heart of the Lower Laguna Madre's most productive waters. We're talking about a world-class fishery where trophy redfish and black drum cruise the flats and channels, just waiting for anglers who know what they're doing. Captain Leo runs a tight 24ft Shallow Sport bay boat that'll get you into the skinny water where the big fish feed, and with space for just two anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip - Captain Leo designed this outing specifically for experienced anglers who want to push their limits. You'll spend five solid hours working the prime spots in the Lower Laguna Madre, from shallow grass flats where redfish tail in inches of water to deeper channels where black drum patrol the bottom. The pace is fast, the fishing is technical, and the rewards are worth every cast. Captain Leo's been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, wind, and seasonal patterns. His 24ft Shallow Sport is perfectly rigged for flats fishing, with a shallow draft that lets you sneak into spots bigger boats can't reach. You'll cover a lot of water, but every move is calculated to put you on fish.
Get ready to sharpen your skills with some serious techniques. We're talking popping corks that'll drive redfish absolutely wild, precise drift fishing that requires perfect timing and boat control, and sight fishing that'll test your casting accuracy. Captain Leo will have you working topwater baits over shallow flats, bouncing soft plastics through channels, and making pinpoint presentations to fish you can actually see. This is hands-on fishing at its finest - you'll learn to read water, understand fish behavior, and execute casts that separate good anglers from great ones. The gear setup is top-notch, with rods and reels matched perfectly to the techniques you'll be using. Whether you're fan-casting to a school of reds or making a surgical cast to a single fish, everything is dialed in for maximum effectiveness.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are built for the shallow water game, with broad tails that let them rocket across flats and enough attitude to make every hookup memorable. In the Lower Laguna Madre, reds range from schoolie fish around 20 inches all the way up to bull reds pushing 40-plus inches and 30 pounds. Spring through fall is prime time, when they're actively feeding in the shallows and responding aggressively to lures. What makes them so exciting is the visual aspect - you'll often see them before you cast, watching their backs break the surface or their tails waving as they root around for crabs and shrimp. When a big red crushes a topwater bait in two feet of water, there's nothing quite like it.
Black drum bring a different kind of challenge to the table. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can grow massive in Texas waters - we're talking fish that can top 50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're not as flashy as redfish, but they're every bit as rewarding to catch. Drum are structure-oriented fish that love shell beds, channel edges, and areas with good current flow. They're primarily bottom feeders, using their barbels to locate crabs, worms, and mollusks, so the fishing techniques are more methodical and patient. But when you hook into a big drum, especially in shallow water, the fight is absolutely epic. They use their broad bodies and powerful tails to dig hard, often making long, determined runs that'll test your drag system and your patience.
This top-rated advanced fishing trip fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best. Captain Leo's reputation for putting experienced anglers on quality fish has made this a customer favorite among serious fishermen who want more than just a casual day on the water. With only two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personalized instruction, prime fishing time, and access to the kind of local knowledge that turns good days into great ones. The early 7:00 AM start time puts you on the water when the fish are most active, and five hours gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques. If you're ready to challenge yourself and chase some of the best redfish and drum on the Texas coast, this is the trip that'll deliver.
Captain Leo's 2024 Shallow Sport cuts through the Lower Laguna Madre flats like a dream, putting you right where the big reds and drum feed. This 24-footer packs serious power with its 250HP Yamaha, hitting 55 knots when you need to chase moving schools or beat other boats to hot spots. The shallow draft design lets you work skinny water where trophy fish patrol, while the fish finder keeps you dialed into structure and baitfish below. Built for hardcore fishing, she's loaded with GPS navigation to mark productive areas, an icebox for cold drinks during long fights, and even a sound system for the ride out. With room for just 2 anglers plus the captain, you get personalized attention and prime positioning for popping corks and drift fishing techniques that produce monster catches in these legendary South Texas waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our bay system - powerful, stubborn fighters that'll test your drag. These chunky fish range from 10-40 pounds around Port Isabel, with some real monsters pushing 50-plus. They love our muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season, which is prime time for targeting big schools. What's cool about drum fishing is the detective work - you're sight fishing to tailing fish or listening for that drumming sound. They put up a bulldogging fight, different from redfish but just as fun. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating - they're excellent table fare. My secret: use fresh peeler crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit still on the bottom. Drum don't chase - they find food by smell.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow flats here in the Lower Laguna Madre. These copper-colored fighters run 20-35 inches on average, with that telltale black spot near their tail. They love cruising our 1-4 foot flats, especially around oyster reefs and grass beds where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. What makes reds special is that explosive topwater strike - nothing beats watching a 30-inch red blow up on a popping cork. They fight hard in shallow water, making long runs and giving you a real workout. The meat's fantastic too - firm white fillets perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in super shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your bait slow. They spook easy in skinny water.
Port Isabel, TX