Half Day Advanced Redfish And Drum Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fivehour advanced trip targeting trophy redfish and black drumExpert techniques including popping and precision drift fishing methodsSmall group experience with maximum two guests per charter
If you're tired of basic bay fishing and ready to test your skills against some serious gamefish, Captain Leo Cavazos has exactly what you need. This isn't your typical morning charter – it's a 5-hour deep dive into the Lower Laguna Madre's most productive waters, designed specifically for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to push their limits. Starting at first light (7:00 AM sharp), you'll be aboard Leo's 24ft Shallow Sport bay boat, built to handle the shallow flats and deeper channels where the big reds and drum like to hang out. With only 2 spots available, this world-class fishing experience gives you the personal attention and elbow room needed to really focus on technique and strategy.
Captain Leo doesn't mess around when it comes to finding fish. You'll be working the prime flats and channel edges of the Lower Laguna Madre, where structure changes and current breaks create perfect ambush points for trophy redfish and black drum. The morning starts early for good reason – these fish are most active in the cooler hours, and Leo knows exactly which spots fire off at dawn. His 24ft Shallow Sport is the perfect platform for this type of fishing, giving you the ability to get skinny in 18 inches of water while still having the stability and space to fight big fish properly. The boat's layout lets both anglers work different techniques simultaneously, whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working deeper structure for drum. Leo's been guiding these waters for years, and his local knowledge shows in every spot selection and every piece of advice he shares throughout the day.
This trip is all about stepping up your game with proven advanced techniques that produce bigger fish. You'll master the art of popping – using surface plugs to create aggressive strikes from hungry redfish cruising the flats. Leo will show you the subtle differences in retrieve speeds and cadences that turn follows into explosive hookups. Precision drift fishing is another key technique you'll refine, learning to read current, wind, and structure to present baits in the strike zone longer. The captain provides top-rated tackle suited for the conditions, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own setups. You'll work with everything from topwater plugs and spoons to soft plastics and live bait, depending on what the fish are demanding. Leo's approach focuses on reading the water and adapting tactics in real-time – skills that will make you a better angler long after you leave Port Isabel.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Lower Laguna Madre fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs can push 30+ inches in these waters, with their broad shoulders and powerful tails making every fight memorable. Reds here are aggressive feeders, especially during the cooler morning hours when they move shallow to hunt baitfish and crustaceans. What makes targeting them so exciting is their willingness to eat topwater plugs – there's nothing quite like watching a big red explode on a surface lure in 2 feet of water. Fall through early spring offers the best action for larger fish, though quality reds are caught year-round. These fish are renowned for their fighting ability and their tendency to make long, powerful runs that test your drag and technique.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to pure pulling power. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can exceed 40 inches and often weigh more than their redfish cousins. Drum are structure-oriented fish that love oyster reefs, channel edges, and areas with good current flow. They're primarily bottom feeders with a preference for crabs, shrimp, and cut bait, making them perfect targets for precision drift fishing techniques. What gets anglers hooked on drum fishing is their incredible stamina – these fish don't jump or make flashy runs, but they pull steady and hard, often taking you well into your backing. Winter months tend to produce the biggest drum as they school up in deeper areas, but spring offers excellent action as they move shallow to spawn.
Captain Leo's advanced redfish and drum trip represents the best of Port Isabel's world-class fishing scene. With only 2 anglers per trip, you get the personalized instruction and prime fishing real estate that makes the difference between a good day and an outstanding one. This customer favorite fills up quickly, especially during peak season when the big fish are most active. Whether you're looking to sharpen your technique, explore new waters, or simply enjoy fast-paced action with trophy potential, this 5-hour adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers are seeking. Don't wait to secure your spot – the Lower Laguna Madre's best fishing grounds are calling, and Captain Leo has the keys to unlock them.
Captain Leo's 2024 Shallow Sport cuts through the Lower Laguna Madre's flats like a dream, getting you to the hottest redfish and drum spots fast. This 24-footer packs serious punch with its 250HP Yamaha, hitting 55 knots when you need to chase the bite. The shallow draft design lets you work those skinny waters where big reds love to cruise. Onboard fish finder keeps you on top of the action while the GPS marks your productive drifts. Ice-cold drinks stay ready in the icebox during those intense popping sessions. Built for serious anglers who know their stuff - this boat handles the technical drifts and precision casts that separate trophy fish from the rest. Two anglers max means plenty of room to work your technique without bumping elbows.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, and they'll give you a workout. These bruisers typically range 10-30 pounds around Port Isabel, though we see plenty pushing 40-50 pounds during peak season. They love muddy bottoms near oyster beds and structure where they can crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear them "drumming" underwater. What draws anglers back is the sheer power of these fish combined with their challenging nature. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait since it stays on the hook better than shrimp. Here's the key: use just enough weight to hold bottom but let your bait move naturally with the current. Drum are smart and spook easily from heavy tackle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Lower Laguna Madre flats. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-28 inches here, with those distinctive black spots near their tails that help fool predators. You'll find them cruising the shallow grass flats in 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster reefs and drop-offs. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and test your skills. The meat is excellent eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you spot tailing reds on the flats, cast ahead of their direction and let your bait settle. They're feeding head-down and won't see anything dropped right on top of them.
Port Isabel, TX