Corpus Christi Afternoon Fishing Charter
Captain Allen's afternoon fishing charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality time on the water without burning the whole day. This 3-hour trip launches at 2:00pm and targets the productive inshore waters around Corpus Christi, where redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder, and sheepshead prowl the flats and structure. At $450 for the first angler and $100 for each additional guest (up to 4 total), you're getting a top-rated charter that includes all tackle, lures, and live bait when conditions permit. Kids 12 and under fish free with proof of age, making this a customer favorite for families looking to introduce young anglers to the sport.
What to Expect on the Water
The afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal in Corpus Christi's inshore waters. Captain Allen knows these flats, grass beds, and oyster reefs like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether they're stacked up in the shallows or holding near deeper structure. The boat stays comfortable with a maximum of 4 passengers, so you're not elbow-to-elbow with a crowd. This world-class fishery produces year-round, but afternoon trips often capitalize on the moving tide and cooler temperatures as the sun starts to drop. You'll spend time sight-casting to tailing reds, working soft plastics around grass beds for trout, and maybe bumping some structure for drum and sheepshead. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging. Just bring your valid Texas fishing license, sun protection, snacks, and drinks. Alcohol's fine in moderation, but leave the hard liquor and glass bottles at home.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Captain Allen runs a well-equipped boat with quality spinning gear perfectly matched to these inshore species. You'll likely be throwing everything from topwater plugs and spoons to soft plastics and live bait, depending on what the fish are telling you. The shallow water around Corpus Christi calls for finesse - light leaders, natural presentations, and reading the water for signs of life. When the trout are schooled up, you might be casting small jigs or live shrimp under popping corks. For redfish, expect to work weedless spoons and paddle tails through the grass, or sight-cast to fish cruising the flats. Black drum often require a completely different approach, with cut bait or crabs fished on the bottom near structure. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on conditions, tides, and what's biting best that day. Live bait adds another dimension when available, especially for finicky trout or when you want to target bigger fish holding in deeper water.
Customer Stories
"Limited out on trout right away and then went for reds. I'd never fished for those before and he gave me some great advice. Had to hit a couple spots but he got us on them. Great trip. Boat, tackle, bait was all tip top. Looking forward to next time." - Allen
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the crown jewel of Corpus Christi's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in the slot, with plenty of oversized bulls mixed in during certain times of year. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs and tails visible as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter bring some of the best redfish action, but they bite year-round in these productive waters. What makes them special is their fight - strong initial runs, stubborn battles in shallow water, and that distinctive copper flash when they roll near the boat.
Speckled trout, or "specs," are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-20 inches, with trophy trout over 25 inches always a possibility. They school up heavily during cooler months and can provide fast action when you locate them. Specs are structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, shell reefs, and drop-offs. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to bring dinner home. The bite can be subtle, so staying connected to your lure and feeling every tick is crucial.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the inshore world, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds in these waters. They're bottom feeders with crushers for teeth, perfect for crunching oysters and crabs. The fight is all power and endurance - no flashy jumps, just pure pull that'll test your drag and your arms. Peak black drum fishing happens during their spawning runs in late winter and early spring, when big schools move through the area. They're often overlooked by anglers chasing reds and trout, but hooking into a 30-pound drum will change your perspective quickly.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically range from 14-20 inches, with doormat-sized fish over 24 inches considered trophy catches. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique - they often follow your lure before committing, and the bite feels like you've snagged bottom before the fish starts moving. Fall brings the best flounder action as fish stage for their offshore spawning migration. They're also phenomenal table fare, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Sheepshead are the bait thieves of the inshore world, with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and small crabs around structure. These black-and-white striped fish typically run 12-18 inches, but 3-4 pound fish are common around Corpus Christi's numerous piers