Half Day Beginner Redfish Trip in Port Isabel
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fivehour beginnerfriendly trip targeting redfish and black drumCaptain Leo provides handson coaching with drift fishing techniquesSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
If you've been thinking about getting into inshore fishing but don't know where to start, Captain Leo Cavazos has you covered. This 5-hour morning trip out of Port Isabel is built specifically for folks who are new to the game or want to brush up on the basics without any pressure. You'll launch at 7 AM aboard a well-equipped 24ft Shallow Sport bay boat that's perfect for navigating the productive flats and channels around Port Isabel. Leo keeps groups small at just 2 anglers, so you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and won't feel rushed learning the ropes. The focus here is on building confidence while putting fish in the boat using straightforward techniques that actually work.
Captain Leo runs a relaxed operation where learning comes first and the pressure stays on shore. You'll start the day with a quick rundown of basic gear and safety, then head out to some of his favorite shallow water spots where Redfish and Black Drum like to hang out. The boat is set up with quality rods, reels, and tackle - no need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you want to. Leo specializes in teaching drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques that are easy to pick up but deadly effective on these inshore species. He'll show you how to read the water, feel the bites, and handle fish properly once you hook up. The whole vibe is about having fun and gaining skills you can use on future fishing adventures, whether you're with a guide or striking out on your own.
The beauty of this trip lies in the simplicity of the techniques you'll master. Drift fishing lets the boat move naturally with the current while you work live or cut bait near structure and drop-offs where fish are actively feeding. Leo will teach you how to control your line, detect subtle bites, and set the hook with confidence. Bottom fishing around the Port Isabel area means dropping rigs to the sandy and muddy flats where Black Drum root around for crabs and shrimp. You'll learn to tie basic rigs, select the right weights for different conditions, and position your bait where hungry fish are most likely to find it. Both techniques are beginner-friendly but incredibly productive - perfect for building skills while staying busy with steady action.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port Isabel's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run anywhere from 18 to 28 inches in these waters, with the occasional bull red pushing over the slot limit. They're aggressive feeders that will hit live shrimp, cut mullet, or artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. What makes Reds so popular with beginners is their willingness to bite and their predictable fighting style - strong runs but nothing too crazy that'll intimidate a new angler. You'll find them year-round in the Port Isabel area, but they're especially active during the cooler morning hours when this trip runs. The satisfaction of landing your first redfish is something every angler remembers.
Black Drum might not get the same press as their red cousins, but they're absolute bruisers that'll test your drag and teach you patience. These bottom-dwellers can range from smaller puppy drum around 14-16 inches up to massive fish that can tip the scales at 30+ pounds. They're masters at using their powerful bodies and that distinctive drumming sound to try and throw the hook. Black Drum are perfect for beginners because they bite consistently on simple bottom rigs with cut bait, and they fight hard enough to make every hookup memorable. During spring and fall, they school up in the shallow flats around Port Isabel, making them a reliable target for this type of fishing trip.
This beginner-friendly redfish trip strikes the perfect balance between learning and action that's hard to find elsewhere. Captain Leo's patient teaching style and the productive waters around Port Isabel give you the best shot at success, whether you're casting a line for the very first time or just want to improve your inshore game. The 7 AM start time puts you on the water during prime feeding hours when fish are most active and the weather is typically at its best. With only 2 spots available, you won't get lost in a crowd or feel like you're not getting enough attention. Book now to secure your spot on what could be the trip that gets you hooked on inshore fishing for life.
The Shallow Dream is your perfect fishing companion for learning the ropes in Port Isabel's productive waters. This brand-new 24-foot Shallow Sport bay boat cuts through the flats with authority, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish quickly and quietly. Built specifically for shallow water fishing, she's ideal for targeting redfish and drum in those skinny waters where the big ones like to feed. Captain Leo keeps things simple aboard this well-equipped sportfisher. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the GPS ensures you hit all the productive spots. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh throughout the 5-hour trip. With comfortable seating for your small group and a multimedia system for those moments between bites, the Shallow Dream balances serious fishing capability with beginner-friendly comfort. Her shallow draft design lets you access those prime feeding areas that bigger boats can't reach.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 40+ pound bulls that'll test your drag. These dark, barrel-shaped fish with chin whiskers love brackish areas around oyster beds and muddy bottoms where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier targets. They're bottom feeders, so you'll want fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the structure. Smaller drums under 15 pounds are great table fare, while the big ones are better released. They fight different than reds - more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle. Pro tip: use circle hooks and fresh blue crab - it stays on better than shrimp and the drums can't resist it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in Port Isabel. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches and put up a solid fight that's perfect for beginners. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. They hit just about anything - live shrimp, topwater plugs, or soft plastics work great. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially on moving tides. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. My local tip: watch for nervous water or "wakes" in the shallows - that's usually a redfish pushing bait around the flats.
Port Isabel, TX