5 Hour Bolivar Peninsula Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout in Texas watersExpert Captain Jason Custer provides all equipment and guidanceFast 24ft Blazer Bay boat accommodates up to 2 guests
If you're looking for some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, you've found it right here on the Bolivar Peninsula. Captain Jason Custer and the crew at Small Time Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. This isn't your typical charter boat packed with strangers – we keep it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an amazing day on the water.
Your 5-hour adventure kicks off bright and early when you meet Captain Jason at the dock. The 24-foot Blazer Bay is built for these shallow coastal waters – fast, stable, and comfortable enough to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us. Don't worry about bringing gear; we've got you covered with top-quality rods, reels, and tackle that's specifically chosen for the species we're targeting. The Peninsula's back bays, marshes, and flats create the perfect storm for productive inshore fishing. You'll be working structure like oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead love to hang out. Captain Jason reads the water conditions, tides, and weather patterns to put you in the right spots at the right times. Some days we're sight-fishing in skinny water where you can see the fish before you cast, other days we're working deeper pockets and channels where the big ones like to hide.
We fish smart, not hard out here on the Peninsula. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials that are proven producers in these waters. Live shrimp is always a go-to – nothing beats it for trout and redfish, especially when worked around structure. We'll also break out the croakers and finger mullet when we're targeting bigger fish or when the bite gets tough. On the artificial side, soft plastics rigged on jig heads are absolute fish magnets. Gulp shrimp, paddle tails, and Matrix Shad in natural colors like new penny and purple consistently produce. When the water's clear and the fish are spooky, we'll throw topwater plugs like She Dogs and Skitterwalks that create explosive strikes you'll never forget. The key is matching your presentation to the conditions – sometimes that means a slow, subtle approach with a barely weighted soft plastic, other times you need to cover water fast with a chatterbait or spinnerbait. Captain Jason will coach you through the techniques that work best for each situation, whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your game or a complete beginner who's never held a fishing rod.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Peninsula fishing and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches and fight like they're twice their size. Spring through fall is prime time, but we catch them year-round in the deeper channels during winter. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater baits in shallow water and put on a show that gets your heart pumping. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and the Peninsula has some of the most consistent trout fishing on the coast. These spotted beauties range from schoolie size up to 5-pound gator trout that are true trophies. Peak season runs from March through November, with the bigger females showing up in deeper water during the cooler months. Trout are willing biters that respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Their delicate mouths mean you need to stay sharp on the hookset, but that's part of what makes them so addictive to target.
Southern flounder are the Peninsula's ultimate ambush predators, and catching one never gets old. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to strike unsuspecting prey. Fall is absolutely prime time when the flounder make their migration runs, but we find them consistently throughout the warmer months around structure and drop-offs. They average 14-18 inches, but the big "doormat" flounder over 20 inches are out there for those who know where to look. What's exciting about flounder fishing is the technique – you're often dragging baits slowly along the bottom, feeling for that subtle thump that signals a fish has picked up your offering.
Sheepshead are the Peninsula's most challenging target, and that's exactly why seasoned anglers love them. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, which means they're bait thieves extraordinaire. You'll find them around any hard structure – piers, jetties, and oyster reefs are prime spots. The best sheepshead fishing happens during their spring spawning run when big fish move shallow, but they're catchable year-round for those with patience and skill. Landing a quality sheepshead feels like earning a PhD in fishing, and they happen to be some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
The Bolivar Peninsula offers world-class inshore fishing that rivals anywhere on the Texas coast, and Small Time Charters gives you the personalized experience you deserve. With Captain Jason's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish, plus all the gear and expertise included, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or looking to add a trophy speckled trout to your collection, these waters deliver the goods. The intimate 2-angler setup means you get the attention and instruction that turns a good trip into a great one. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – the best
Step aboard this well-equipped 24-foot motorboat designed specifically for inshore fishing along the Bolivar Peninsula's productive waters. The vessel features a wireless trolling motor that lets you move quietly through shallow flats without spooking redfish and speckled trout. Modern GPS navigation keeps you on course to the best fishing spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish and structure where flounder like to hide. A built-in bait tank keeps your live shrimp and croaker fresh throughout the day. With space for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The boat's shallow draft design allows access to those hard-to-reach backwater areas where the big reds often feed. All fishing gear is provided, so you can focus on reading the water and making the perfect cast.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the ultimate sight-fishing target around Bolivar's shallow flats and marshes. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They cruise in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing, but fall is spectacular when they school up. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make long runs and test your drag. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. The meat is firm with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Pro tip: look for nervous water or "push wakes" on calm mornings. When you spot a red, cast ahead of where it's going, not where it is.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter fish here on Bolivar, running 14-20 inches on average with some nice 3-4 pound "gator trout" mixed in. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are best, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. These fish put up a good fight with jumping and head-shaking, plus they're excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. During warmer months, work topwater plugs over grass beds at dawn. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. My go-to trick: when fishing soft plastics, use a popping cork to create noise and keep your bait in the strike zone longer.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusKnown as "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, sheepshead are structure junkies that hang around docks, pilings, and jetties. They average 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds around here. These fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Spring is peak season when they're spawning around structures. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require patience and quick reflexes. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. Here's the key: use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel them nibbling, set that hook hard. They've got tough mouths.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud with just their eyes showing. Around here, we find them on shallow flats and around structure in 2-8 feet of water. Most run 15-18 inches, but we get some nice ones pushing 20+ inches. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes flounder fishing fun is watching them ambush your bait - they hit hard and make solid runs. The meat is excellent, sweet and flaky. My tip: use a Carolina rig with live shrimp or finger mullet, and when you feel that tap-tap bite, wait a second before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first.
Crystal Beach, TX