Afternoon Half Day Bay Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and black drumSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboardOperated by experienced Southbound Fishing Charters in Corpus Christi
Looking for some solid fishing action without burning your whole day? This afternoon half-day charter with Southbound Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of Corpus Christi's best inshore waters. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species in the shallow bays and flats where these fish love to hang out. With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be fishing the productive spots while other boats are still looking around.
This top-rated charter kicks off in the afternoon when the bite often picks up as the day cools down. You'll launch from one of Corpus Christi's prime access points and head straight to where the fish are feeding. The shallow bay systems around here are loaded with structure - oyster reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs that hold redfish, sea trout, and black drum year-round. Your captain will position the boat based on tides, wind, and recent fish activity to give you the best shot at filling your cooler. The relaxed pace means you can really focus on your technique and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. Don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before you head out, plus bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the action.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your guide will have you working live bait under popping corks around structure, or switching to soft plastics when the fish want something with more action. The shallow water means you can sight-cast to cruising redfish and watch them crush your bait right in front of you. Depending on conditions, you might be drifting the flats with live shrimp, anchoring up on a reef with cut bait for bigger drum, or working the grass lines where sea trout like to ambush prey. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels spooled with the right line weights for these species. Your captain will handle the net and help with landing fish, plus share local techniques that work best in these specific waters.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters put up one hell of a battle in shallow water. They typically run 18 to 28 inches in the bays, with some bull reds pushing 35+ inches during certain times of year. Fall and winter are prime time when big schools move through the area, but you can find quality fish year-round around oyster reefs and grass flats. What makes reds so special is their aggressive strike and the way they use their broad tail to make powerful runs in shallow water.
Sea trout are another customer favorite that provide consistent action throughout the year. These spotted beauties love to hang around drop-offs and grass beds where they can ambush baitfish. The best trout fishing typically happens during spring and fall when water temperatures are in that sweet spot. They're not the biggest fighters, but their willingness to bite and excellent table fare make them a must-target species. Plus, when you find one trout, there's usually more in the area.
Black drum offer some serious pulling power, especially when you hook into one of the bigger specimens. These fish can get massive - we're talking 20 to 40+ pounders that will test your drag and your patience. They're most active during cooler months and love to root around oyster bars looking for crabs and shellfish. The fight is more about power than speed, with these fish making steady, determined runs that can really wear you out.
Red snapper make occasional appearances in the bay systems, especially around deeper structure and passes. While they're more common offshore, the smaller snappers that venture into inshore waters provide great action on lighter tackle. They're known for their sharp teeth and quick reflexes, so you need to be ready when they bite.
King mackerel are the speed demons of this bunch, typically found near the bay mouths and passes where they chase baitfish. These fish can make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that will get your adrenaline pumping. While not as common as the other species, hooking into a king on inshore tackle is something you won't forget anytime soon.
This afternoon charter gives you the perfect taste of what Corpus Christi inshore fishing is all about. With experienced guides who know exactly where to find fish and a small group size that ensures personal attention, you're set up for success on the water. The variety of species means there's always something biting, and the afternoon timing works great if you want to sleep in or have morning commitments. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone just getting into saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot today and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Texas coast has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a sleek 25-foot Majek Xtreme that's built for serious bay fishing in Corpus Christi waters. This beauty runs on a powerful 300HP Suzuki 4-stroke engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast and smooth. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working the shallows for redfish and sea trout, while the GPS navigation helps pinpoint those productive areas where the black drum hang out. Stay connected with the VHF radio and enjoy some tunes on the multimedia system between casts. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. This boat's designed to handle Corpus Christi's inshore waters like a dream, getting you close to structure and grass flats where the fish are biting.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. They get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning when they school up in shallow areas. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 1-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they're easier to target in groups. These fish are incredibly adaptable to different salinity levels and temps. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful fight they put up. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with flaky white meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom - drum are primarily bottom feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shellfish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our bay fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots run 18-35 inches and really know how to fight. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. They're year-round residents but spring and fall offer the best action. What guests love about reds is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging runs through shallow water. The meat on smaller fish is sweet and firm, perfect for blackening. These fish will eat just about anything - topwater plugs, soft plastics, live shrimp, or cut bait. Local secret: look for them tailing in skinny water during moving tides. A weedless gold spoon worked slowly is deadly effective.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are one of the Gulf's premier trophy fish, turning from pink to deep red as they mature. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but bigger ones are out there. These bottom dwellers live around structure in 30-200 feet of water, preferring temps between 50-70°F. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What makes snappers special is their fight - they'll try to cut your line on structure and put up a real battle getting to the boat. The meat is top-shelf eating with that mild, nutty flavor that makes them restaurant favorites. Local tip: when you hook one, get them up quick and don't give them slack to run back to cover. Fresh squid or live pinfish on a heavy rig works best.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed, silver-sided fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them over 40. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often near temperature breaks and structure. Summer and early fall are prime times when water temps hit that 68-84°F sweet spot they love. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they're built for speed like their wahoo cousins. The oily, rich meat is great smoked or grilled. Kings are opportunistic feeders that'll hammer everything from blue runners to squid. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. They love to hit the tail section first.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of the most consistent fish in our bays. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with that distinctive torpedo shape covered in black spots. You'll find them over grass flats, around structure, and in 2-8 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when water temps are ideal. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - those explosive surface strikes never get old. The white, flaky meat is delicious but delicate, so don't overcook it. Winter months see them schooled up in deeper holes. My go-to setup is a popping cork with live shrimp, but soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too.
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