Fishing in Corpus Christi Texas | 4 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutExpert Captain Byron Noles guides guests on 22ft center consoleSmall group experience accommodates maximum 2 guests per trip
Looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after inshore species? Captain Byron Noles has been working these Corpus Christi waters for seven years, and he knows exactly where to find the fish when they're biting. This 4-hour guided trip gets you out on his 22-foot Coastal Custom center console – a clean, well-maintained boat powered by a reliable Suzuki 200hp that'll get you to the productive spots without burning your whole day getting there. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Byron tailors each trip to match your experience level while keeping things fun and educational. You'll be targeting Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Redfish in the rich waters around Corpus Christi Bay and the nearby flats, where these fish have been feeding consistently for decades.
Byron runs a no-pressure operation where the focus is on having a good time while putting fish in the boat. The trip starts early to beat the crowds and take advantage of the best feeding windows, typically launching from one of the local marinas with easy access to the prime fishing grounds. The 22-foot center console gives you plenty of room to move around and fight fish properly, with enough deck space for two anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. You'll spend your four hours working different structures and areas depending on the conditions – maybe starting on some shallow flats for reds, then moving to deeper structure for drum and sheepshead. Byron provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, from live shrimp to cut mullet, and he's got the local knowledge to adjust tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that particular day. The boat's equipped with quality electronics to locate fish and structure, but Byron's seven years of experience reading these waters is really what puts you on the fish.
Inshore fishing around Corpus Christi is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. You'll be working with medium-action spinning rods rigged with circle hooks and enough weight to hold bottom in the current, or lighter tackle when sight-fishing the flats. Byron sets up different rigs depending on the target species – Carolina rigs with live shrimp work great for drum and sheepshead around structure, while soft plastics on jig heads are deadly for redfish cruising the grass beds. The technique changes throughout the trip based on where you're fishing and what's biting. When working structure for sheepshead and drum, you'll be dropping baits right to the bottom and feeling for that subtle tap that means a fish is mouthing your offering. For redfish on the flats, it's more about casting accuracy and working lures through the strike zone where you can see fish tailing or cruising. Byron teaches proper hook-setting techniques for circle hooks, how to read your rod tip for different types of bites, and the best ways to fight fish without losing them at the boat. The Suzuki 200hp gives you the mobility to hit multiple spots during your four hours, maximizing your chances of finding active fish.
Black Drum are the heavy hitters of this fishery and one of the most reliable species you'll encounter around Corpus Christi. These fish hang around structure like jetties, bridge pilings, and shell beds where they root around for crabs and mollusks. Adult drum can push 30-40 pounds, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it – they make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. Spring and fall are prime time for black drum, though you can catch them year-round in these waters. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their impressive size, plus they're excellent table fare when prepared right. Byron knows the specific structures where drum congregate, and he's got the tackle heavy enough to turn these fish away from the pilings.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world, famous for their ability to steal bait right off your hook if you're not paying attention. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles, crabs, and oysters around structure. They're most active during the cooler months, roughly November through March, when they school up around jetties, piers, and oil rigs. What makes sheepshead fishing so addictive is the challenge – you need perfect timing and a quick hook-set to catch these bait-stealers. They typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones show up regularly. Sheepshead are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Byron's got the patience and technique to help you master the art of sheepshead fishing, including the right bait presentation and hook-setting timing.
Redfish are the signature species of Texas inshore fishing, and Corpus Christi Bay offers some of the most consistent red drum action on the coast. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow bays where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Slot-size reds typically run 20-28 inches and put up a tremendous fight, making multiple runs and using their powerful tails to stay deep. You can catch redfish year-round here, but fall brings the best action as they fatten up before winter. What gets anglers hooked on redfish is their aggressive nature and spectacular fights – they're strong enough to test your drag and smart enough to head for structure when hooked. Byron targets reds using both live bait and artificial lures, depending on conditions and fish activity. These fish are perfectly adapted to the shallow, grassy areas around Corpus Christi, and seeing a big red tailing in two feet of water never gets old.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 22-foot Coastal Custom center console, a 2018 bay boat that's built for the Texas coast. This beauty runs on a reliable Suzuki 200hp engine that'll get you to the fishing spots quickly, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots across Corpus Christi's productive waters. The center console design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and with space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have room to cast without bumping elbows. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the GPS navigation system ensures we can find those honey holes where the redfish and speckled trout are biting. Whether you're targeting black drum in the shallows or working the grass flats for flounder, this boat handles the bay's varying depths and conditions with ease. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and first-timers looking to experience what Corpus Christi fishing is all about.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning around February and March - makes them much easier to locate. They're called "drums" because they actually make drumming sounds you can hear underwater. Great fighters that'll test your drag, but keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating - the big ones get tough and stringy. My tip: use fresh crab bait on the bottom and be patient. They're notorious for picking at bait before committing, so wait for that solid hookup before setting.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature species here in Corpus Christi - copper-colored beauties with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water, often so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during cooler morning hours. What guests love most is sight-fishing - watching these 20-40 pound fish cruise the shallows before making your cast. They hit topwater plugs with explosive strikes and fight like crazy in shallow water. Great table fare too with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing or cruising, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your lure sit still until they get close.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and grey stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll creep you out. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble your hook clean without you feeling a thing. Spring months are best when they gather to spawn around structures. What makes them special is they're hands-down some of the best eating fish we catch - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. They're tricky to hook because of how they steal bait, but once on, they put up a solid fight. Here's the trick: get your bait right against the pilings and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. Don't wait for a big bite - they're too smart for that.
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