Full-Day Fishing Trip in South Texas Coast
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fly fishing targeting redfish along Texas coastSight casting opportunities with experienced guide in shallow watersSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
When you book this full-day charter with Owen Gayler Fly Fishing, you're signing up for serious time on the water targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species. We're talking about a legitimate dawn-to-dusk adventure along the South Texas flats, where sight fishing and fly casting reign supreme. This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip – we dedicate the entire day to putting you on fish, maximizing your shots at redfish, sea trout, and other coastal favorites that call these waters home. The boat holds up to four anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows, and Owen's local knowledge means we're hitting the productive spots when the fish are most active.
From the moment we push off, you'll be sight casting to cruising fish in the skinny water that makes South Texas famous among fly anglers. We're working the grass flats, oyster bars, and back lakes where redfish tail and sea trout bust bait on the surface. Owen positions the skiff to give you clean shots at fish, often within 30-50 feet, so you can watch your fly land and see the eat happen. The fishing here is visual – we're spotting fish before we cast, which makes every hookup that much more satisfying. Fair warning though: bring serious sun protection because shade is practically non-existent out on these flats. We're talking long sleeves, wide-brim hat, buff, and plenty of sunscreen. The Texas sun doesn't mess around, especially when it's bouncing off the water all day.
This is pure sight fishing with fly rods, which means you'll be casting to fish you can actually see rather than blind casting and hoping. Owen provides top-quality fly gear, but experienced anglers often bring their own 8 or 9-weight rods rigged for saltwater. We're throwing everything from shrimp patterns to spoon flies, depending on what the fish are keying on that particular day. The technique here is all about accuracy and stealth – these redfish and trout are spooky in shallow water, so your presentation needs to be on point. Owen will coach you through the cast, help you read the water, and position you for the best shots. The flats fishing here requires some patience and skill, but when you strip-set into a bull red in two feet of water, you'll understand why fly anglers travel from all over to fish these waters.
Redfish are the absolute stars of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches along the South Texas coast, with plenty of slot fish and some real bulls mixed in during the right conditions. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some monster fish when the weather cooperates. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat a well-presented fly and their habit of tailing in skinny water where you can spot them from a distance. They fight hard, make long runs, and never give up easy.
Sea trout are another customer favorite, especially during the warmer months when they're actively feeding on the flats. These spotted beauties typically run 15-20 inches, with some real gator trout pushing 25+ inches if you're lucky. They love grass flats and drop-offs, often feeding in small schools that can provide multiple hookups. Trout are aggressive feeders and will absolutely slam a fly when they're turned on.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're absolute bulldogs on fly gear. These bottom-feeders can reach impressive sizes – we're talking 20-40 pound fish that will test your backing and your patience. They're most active during spring spawning runs when they move into shallower water. Landing a big black drum on fly is a legitimate trophy fish experience.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch. These black-and-white striped fish have incredible eyesight and will inspect your fly like they're buying a used car. They hang around structure like pilings and jetties, picking off crabs and small baits. When you do hook one, they're scrappy fighters with excellent table fare.
Crevalle jack round out the target species list as the wildcard of the day. These aggressive predators show up in schools and will destroy anything that moves. They're not much to look at, but jacks fight way above their weight class and will give you an arm workout you won't forget. When the jacks are running, you can expect fast action and screaming drags.
This full-day charter gives you maximum time on the water with one of the most respected guides on the South Texas coast. Owen's reputation for putting anglers on fish speaks for itself, and his knowledge of these flats comes from years of daily fishing experience. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in a world-class fly fishing experience in some of the most productive inshore waters in the Gulf. The combination of sight fishing, quality fish, and expert guidance makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Don't wait around – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is lights-out good.
Your fishing platform for this full-day South Texas Coast adventure is a reliable motorboat built for serious inshore action. With room for 4 anglers, this boat gets you into the prime redfish waters where sight casting and fly fishing shine. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you work the flats and grass beds along the coast. She's designed to handle the shallow waters where trophy reds cruise, giving you stable casting room and smooth rides between fishing spots. Perfect for long days on the water targeting those copper-backed beauties that make South Texas famous. Just remember to pack extra sunscreen – there's not much shade when you're chasing fish in these open waters, but that's exactly where you want to be when the reds are feeding.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, 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 shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning around February-March. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm white meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab on the bottom near oyster bars - they can't resist it and catfish won't steal your bait like they do with shrimp.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats - brassy, aggressive fish that average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds. They travel in schools, hitting baitfish so hard the water explodes with action. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign these silver missiles are feeding below. They'll hit anything that moves fast: spoons, topwater plugs, or streamers for fly fishing. Spring through fall brings consistent action in both shallow and deeper water. Guests love their raw power and nonstop fights - they'll peel drag like crazy. Fair warning: they're not great eating, but they're pure fun on the rod. Cast beyond the school and retrieve fast - these fish love the chase and won't hesitate to crush a moving target.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Texas coast, running 20-40 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. Guests love sight casting to these bronze torpedoes - watching them chase down a topwater lure is pure excitement. They're strong fighters that make long runs and taste great with mild, sweet meat. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy shorelines. Pro tip: cast past cruising fish and work your lure back in front of them - they spook easily if you land right on top of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "Specks" as we call them, are beautiful silvery fish covered in black spots that typically run 1-5 pounds and 14-24 inches. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially at night when they move up to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. These fish are a blast on light tackle - they fight hard and jump when hooked. The white, flaky meat is delicious but delicate, so don't overcook it. They're attracted to topwater plugs and soft plastics that mimic shrimp. Key tip: fish the grass flats at first light or dusk with a popping cork and live shrimp - that's when they're most active.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the sneaky convict fish with black stripes and human-like teeth that crunch barnacles off dock pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might hook into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. They live around any structure - bridges, oil rigs, jetties - basically anywhere with barnacles to munch. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they gather in big schools. Guests love their excellent white meat and the challenge of their notorious bait-stealing habits. They'll nibble your bait clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. My advice: get as close to structure as possible and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they've got mouths like steel traps.
Port Lavaca