Extended Half Day Beginner Fishing in Texas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing charter with expert guidanceTarget redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Texas watersAll equipment and tackle included for up to two guests
Captain Alan's 6-hour beginner-friendly charter is exactly what new anglers need to get comfortable with inshore fishing. This extended half-day trip gives you plenty of time to learn proper techniques, understand how fish behave, and actually catch something without feeling rushed. We're talking about a relaxed pace where you can ask questions, practice your casting, and figure out what works best for you. The Texas coast offers some of the most productive inshore waters in the Gulf, and this trip puts you right in the middle of it all.
This top-rated charter runs for a full 6 hours, which is perfect for beginners who need time to get their bearings. You'll launch early and spend the day working different spots where Redfish, Black Drum, and Speckled Trout like to hang out. Captain Alan keeps things simple but effective - no complicated gear or confusing techniques that'll leave you scratching your head. The boat stays in protected inshore waters where it's comfortable, and you won't have to worry about rough seas or long runs to fishing spots. Everything's included except your fishing license, so you just need to show up ready to learn. The intimate 2-person capacity means you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and won't be competing with a crowd for attention.
We're fishing inshore flats and grass beds using light tackle that's forgiving for new anglers. You'll learn to work soft plastics along the bottom for Redfish and Black Drum, plus pick up some popping cork techniques for Trout. Captain Alan sets you up with medium-action rods spooled with 15-20 pound braid - strong enough to handle anything you hook, but light enough to feel every bite. Live bait and artificial lures are both part of the program, so you'll get experience with different approaches. The key spots we hit include oyster reefs, grass flats, and channel edges where these fish feed regularly. You'll learn to read the water, understand tidal movements, and recognize the signs that fish are around. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid foundation in inshore fishing basics.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and they're perfect for beginners. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-28 inches in our waters and put up a solid fight without being overwhelming. They feed year-round but are most active during spring and fall months when they school up in shallow water. What makes them special is how they eat - you'll often see the bite coming, which gives new anglers confidence. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, often reaching 30+ pounds in Texas waters. They're bottom feeders that love crab and shrimp, so we'll fish near oyster beds and shell pads where they forage. These fish are most active during cooler months, especially winter and early spring. What beginners love about Black Drum is the steady, powerful fight - no crazy jumps or line-stripping runs, just pure muscle. They're also excellent table fare when kept at legal size.
Speckled Trout are the most widespread game fish in Texas bays and perfect for learning finesse techniques. They average 14-18 inches but can push 25+ inches when you find the right spot. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around grass beds, drop-offs, and oyster reefs. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and late afternoon being prime time. Trout are exciting because they're aggressive feeders - when you find a school, you can catch several in quick succession.
Snook add some excitement to the mix, especially around structure and mangrove shorelines. These fish are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. In Texas waters, they're more common in the southern coastal areas and prefer warmer months. Snook are ambush predators that love to hide in cover and dart out at passing bait. Landing one is always a highlight because of their distinctive looks and fighting ability.
This customer favorite fills up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons. Captain Alan's patient teaching style and productive fishing spots make this the best trip for anyone wanting to learn inshore fishing the right way. The 6-hour format gives you real value - enough time to master basic techniques, try different approaches, and build genuine confidence on the water. You'll leave with practical skills, great memories, and probably some fish stories to tell. Don't forget your Texas saltwater fishing license, sunscreen, and drinks for the day. This world-class inshore experience is exactly what you need to get started in one of the Gulf Coast's best fisheries.
Get ready to chase redfish and trout aboard this nimble 17ft Maverick flats boat, perfectly built for Texas inshore waters. With its shallow draft design and reliable Yamaha 90HP engine, you'll access those productive back bays and grass flats where the fish love to hang out. The boat's fish finder helps pinpoint schools while GPS keeps you on the most productive spots. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Texas afternoons on the water. This 2007 vessel handles beautifully in the shallows, letting Captain Alan position you for the best shots at redfish, black drum, and speckled trout. Perfect for two anglers who want to learn proper inshore techniques without fighting crowds. The boat's stable platform makes it ideal for beginners practicing their casting while staying comfortable throughout the 6-hour adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the inshore game, running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90. These grey-black bruisers have crushing jaws that crack oysters like popcorn. You'll find them on muddy flats, oyster beds, and around structure in 2-60 feet of water. Spring's your best bet when they school up to spawn - that's when you hear their famous drumming sounds. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom works best. What guests love is the power - once hooked, they dig deep and make bulldogging runs. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones get tough. Pro tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom and watch for those subtle taps - they're notorious bait stealers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper backs and black spots near the tail. Most range 20-35 inches, with females growing larger. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface on muddy flats, around oyster reefs, and in grass beds. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and that explosive topwater strike in knee-deep water. The fight's honest and strong, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's the key: work topwater plugs early and late, but when they won't surface, drop a shrimp-tipped jig right in front of their nose.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black bars on silver sides, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth. They run 1-8 pounds typically, though 20-pounders show up around structures. You'll find them tight to docks, bridges, and barnacle-covered pilings where they crunch shellfish all day. Winter through spring is prime time when they're spawning. They're famous bait thieves - nibbling to steal your offering without getting hooked. The challenge is what makes them fun, plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep it pinned tight to structure, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight. They've got those powerful jaws for a reason.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are sleek predators with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. Most run 1-3 feet, but the big females can hit 4+ feet - they actually change from male to female as they grow. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where fresh meets salt. They love structure and ambush prey with lightning-fast bursts. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're spawning. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and strong fight - they'll jump and make runs that'll test your drag. The meat's excellent too, flaky and mild. My tip: work your lure slow around cover, then speed it up when leaving - that sudden movement triggers strikes.
Texas