5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Redfish And Drum Fishing In Port Isabel
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fivehour private flats fishing trip targeting redfish and drumExpert guide provides bottom fishing and drift fishing techniques2024 Shallow Sport boat accommodates up to two guests
Nothing beats getting out on the water at first light with a local captain who knows every grass bed and oyster bar in the Lower Laguna Madre. This 5-hour private charter kicks off at 7 AM sharp, giving you and one other angler the entire 2024 Shallow Sport 24 Classic to yourselves. Captain Leo runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to put you on fish. The flats around Port Isabel are some of the most productive inshore waters on the Texas coast, and this trip puts you right in the heart of it all.
You'll launch into the Lower Laguna Madre before most folks have had their morning coffee, which is exactly when you want to be fishing these flats. The 24-foot Shallow Sport draws less than a foot of water, so Captain Leo can get you into skinny water where the big reds and drum like to cruise. This isn't a cattle boat operation - with just two anglers max, you get personal attention and prime fishing spots all to yourselves. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to a full tackle selection. You'll cover a lot of water during these five hours, hitting different structure and depths depending on what the fish are doing that day.
This charter mixes up the action with three proven techniques that consistently produce fish in these waters. Bottom fishing is your bread and butter for black drum - you'll be working live and cut bait around shell beds and structure where these bruisers like to feed. Popping is where things get visual and exciting, especially when reds are tailing in shallow water. You'll learn to work topwater plugs and create just enough commotion to trigger aggressive strikes. Drift fishing rounds out the arsenal, letting you cover water efficiently while presenting baits naturally in the current. Captain Leo reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the morning, so you're always fishing the most productive method for the situation.
"Great fishing trip highly recommended" - Jesus. "My family & I had a great time on our first fishing trip. Capt. Leo was great, we learned a lot from him. We will be booking another trip soon. I highly recommend." - Beatriz. "My husband and I had an awesome day out.. most definitely booking again" - Linda.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas flats fishing, and the Lower Laguna Madre grows them big and aggressive. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20 to 30 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized bulls pushing the 40-inch mark. Reds feed year-round here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're actively cruising the flats. What makes them so special is their willingness to eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut mullet, or topwater plugs all get their attention. When you hook into a slot red, expect multiple runs and plenty of head-shaking drama. The shallow water amplifies every move they make, and watching a big red peel line off in two feet of water never gets old.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and your patience. These bottom-huggers can reach impressive sizes in the Laguna Madre system, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They're structure-oriented fish that love to hang around oyster reefs, channel edges, and any hard bottom they can find. Winter months often produce the biggest drum, though they bite consistently throughout the cooler months. What anglers love about drum fishing is the deliberate, powerful fight - no flashy jumps or surface antics, just raw pulling power that makes your drag sing. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or blackened fillets.
Captain Leo's morning trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the bite is hot. This private charter format means you get the full attention of an experienced local guide who's been working these flats for years. The 2024 Shallow Sport is a top-tier platform that gets you to fish quickly and comfortably, while the early start puts you on the water when fish are most active. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to flats fishing or want to target some quality reds and drum without the crowds, this 5-hour trip delivers consistent action in one of Texas's premier fishing destinations. Don't wait until prime dates disappear - book your Port Isabel fishing adventure and experience why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters season after season.
The Shallow Dream is your ticket to prime redfish and drum action on the Lower Laguna Madre's productive flats. This brand-new 2024 Shallow Sport 24 Classic cuts through the shallows with authority, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you there all day. Built specifically for bay fishing, she's equipped with everything you need – a quality fish finder to locate those drum schools, GPS to hit the sweet spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during longer runs between fishing areas. With room for up to 2 guests, you'll have plenty of space to work the water without crowding. Whether you're bottom fishing for big black drum, working topwater for aggressive reds, or drifting for speckled trout, this modern bay boat handles it all. The shallow draft design lets your guide access those hard-to-reach flats where the biggest fish hide, while the smooth ride ensures you stay comfortable during the 5-hour adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, and spring is when they really shine here in the Laguna Madre. These bruisers typically range from 10-40 pounds, with some monsters pushing 60+. They're bottom feeders with powerful crushers that demolish oysters and crabs. You'll find them around shell beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths during their spawning runs from February through April. What's cool is they actually make drumming sounds you can hear underwater. The fight is pure power - no jumping, just steady pulling that'll test your drag. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big breeders get tough. My go-to trick is fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig right on the bottom near oyster reefs. Be patient - they're methodical feeders.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Lower Laguna Madre flats. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches here, with that signature black eyespot near the tail. They love cruising super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mud bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up and get aggressive. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and that drum-like sound they make when hooked. The meat is fantastic - firm and mild. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your shrimp or soft plastic about three feet ahead and let it sink to the bottom. They'll usually pick it up on the way down.
5.0 out of 5.0Great fishing trip highly recommended
My family & I had a great time on our first fishing trip. Capt. Leo was great, we learned a lot from him. We will be booking anoth...
My husband and I had an awesome day out.. most definitely booking again
Port Isabel, TX