Morning Inshore Fishing at Baytowne Marina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private morning trip targeting redfish and black drumDeparts 7:00 AM from Baytowne Marina with professional gear includedAccommodates up to four guests with familyfriendly guidance
Picture this: it's 7 AM, the sun's just breaking over the water, and you're settling into your spot on a comfortable fishing boat ready to target some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species. This private four-hour charter out of Baytowne Marina gives you and up to three buddies the chance to hook into redfish, black drum, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead in waters that consistently produce fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're new to saltwater angling, our approach focuses on putting fish in the boat while teaching you techniques that'll make you a better angler. The boat's got plenty of seating and a shaded area, so even when the morning heats up, you'll stay comfortable while waiting for that next strike.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With just your group and a seasoned guide, you'll have the flexibility to move around and fish the spots that are producing. We launch right from Baytowne Marina and head to productive inshore flats, grass beds, and structure where these species love to hang out. The morning departure time is no accident – that's when the fish are most active, especially during warmer months. You'll spend your four hours working different techniques as conditions and fish activity dictate. Some spots might call for quiet approaches over shallow flats, while others let you drift and cover more water. The guide handles all the navigation and fish-finding, so you can focus on learning and landing fish. With professional-grade gear provided, you don't need to worry about tackle selection or rigging – just show up ready to fish.
Success on these inshore waters comes down to matching your approach to what the fish want on any given day. Bottom fishing with cut bait or shrimp is deadly for black drum and sheepshead around structure, while live bait fishing with pinfish or croakers can trigger aggressive strikes from redfish and trout. When fish are scattered or moving, jigging with soft plastics lets you cover water efficiently and often produces the most exciting hookups. Trolling comes into play when targeting species like Spanish mackerel that are relating to bait schools in open water. The guide reads conditions like wind, tide, and water clarity to determine which technique gives you the best shot. You'll get hands-on experience with different rigs and baits, plus insider tips on how to feel bites, set hooks properly, and fight fish effectively. All the tackle is tournament-grade stuff that can handle anything from schoolie trout to bull redfish.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These chrome-sided fighters typically run 1-3 pounds around here and are most active during warmer months when bait schools move through the area. They hit trolled spoons and jigs with incredible aggression, often jumping multiple times during the fight. What makes them special is their willingness to bite when other species are finicky – they're often your best bet for consistent action.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, using their powerful bodies to test your drag system. These copper-colored bruisers can range from 5-30 pounds in local waters, with peak activity during cooler months. They're bottom feeders that crush crabs and shrimp around oyster bars and bridge pilings. The fight is all about power and endurance – they'll pull straight down and make long, determined runs that'll have your arms burning.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as tackle thieves with lightning-fast bites around structure. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They're most active during winter months and require precise presentations near pilings, rocks, and oyster bars. Landing a quality sheepshead takes skill and patience, but they're excellent table fare that rewards the effort.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These silver-sided beauties with distinctive black spots range from schoolie size up to 4-5 pound "gator" trout. They're most active during spring and fall transitions, relating to grass flats and drop-offs. Trout provide classic light-tackle action with their head-shaking jumps and are perfect for teaching proper hookset timing and fish handling.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore angling, known for their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. These powerful fish range from slot-size specimens perfect for dinner to oversized bulls that'll test every knot and drag setting. They're year-round residents that feed aggressively in shallow water, often creating visible wakes and mud trails. The sight-fishing opportunities for reds over grass flats create some of the most exciting moments in saltwater angling.
Morning trips consistently outproduce afternoon charters, especially during summer months when water temperatures climb. This four-hour window gives you prime fishing time without the heat and afternoon wind that can make conditions challenging. The private charter format means you're not competing with other anglers for space or fish, and the guide can adjust tactics based on your group's experience level and interests. With all gear and tackle included, plus expert instruction throughout the trip, you're getting serious value for a top-rated inshore fishing experience. The boat's family-friendly setup and patient guide approach make this perfect for introducing kids to saltwater fishing or helping beginners build confidence with different techniques. Book early, especially during peak seasons, as productive morning slots fill up fast with repeat customers who know these waters produce fish.
This 23' World Cat 230DC catamaran is built for serious inshore fishing in local waters around Baytowne Marina. Twin Yamaha 150s power this dual console boat, giving you the speed to reach prime redfish and black drum spots while the cat hull design keeps things steady when you're fighting fish. The shaded console area keeps everyone comfortable during those hot morning hours, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Garmin electronics help locate structure and baitfish, while the JL Audio system keeps the mood light between bites. Perfect for families targeting speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead using bottom rigs, jigs, and live bait. Spacious deck layout gives everyone room to cast and move around safely.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-15 pounds but capable of reaching 40+ pounds. These dark, barrel-shaped fish have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them on shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water, though they also hang in deeper channels. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump but they'll test your drag with steady, powerful runs. Smaller fish make excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. The key to success is using the right bait - fresh cut crab or live shrimp fished on the bottom. Here's the trick: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them pick it up and start moving, then drive it home hard through those bony jaws.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the prize of shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, with bull reds over 27 inches putting up serious fights. They cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, plus they're excellent eating in the slot size range. You'll see them tailing or cruising in clear water, making for exciting sight fishing. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts with live shrimp, cut bait, or gold spoons. Pro tip: when you spot one feeding with its head down, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - they spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are gorgeous fish with spotted silver sides that typically run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though 4-5 pounders make your day special. They love grass flats, sandy bottoms near structure, and drop-offs in 3-15 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime, with early morning and evening producing the best action. What guests enjoy is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they make excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. They're not the hardest fighters but they'll make some nice runs and occasionally jump. The trick is working the water column - they suspend at different depths depending on conditions. Start with a popping cork and live shrimp about 18 inches under, then adjust until you find them. Remember, they have soft mouths so don't horse them - steady pressure and let your drag do the work.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of inshore waters with their distinctive black stripes on a silver-gray body. Most run 1-3 pounds and 12-16 inches, but 5-8 pounders lurk around the best structure. These fish live tight to pilings, docks, jetties, and oyster bars where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and fiddler crabs with their human-like teeth. Winter and spring are peak times when they're most aggressive. What makes them challenging and fun is they're notorious bait thieves - they'll pick your hook clean before you know they're there. The reward is some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, white meat. The secret is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keeping your bait right against the structure. Feel for that subtle nibble and set hard immediately - hesitate and you'll just be feeding them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast-moving fish that typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, though bigger ones show up. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots and dark green backs cutting through the water in schools. They love structure - look for them around piers, jetties, and nearshore reefs in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times when they're actively feeding closer to shore. What makes them fun is their speed and aggressive strikes on small spoons, jigs, or live bait like sardines. They make great table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or fried. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast - Spanish Mackerel often feed just under baitfish schools, and the action can be lights-out for 20 minutes then disappear just as quick.
Baytowne Marina