New Year Fishing Special in Jamaica Beach
There's no better way to kick off the year than with a rod in hand and lines in the water at Jamaica Beach. This half-day guided charter puts you right in the heart of some of Texas' most productive inshore waters, where redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead are waiting. Captain Cody knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put you on fish from the moment you push off. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing reds for years, this trip is designed to get everyone hooked up and having a blast.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With just 2 guests max, you get personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Captain Cody runs a clean, well-maintained boat that's perfect for navigating the shallow flats and deeper channels around Jamaica Beach. The trip starts early to take advantage of prime feeding times when fish are most active. You'll hit multiple spots throughout the morning, moving from location to location based on tides, bait activity, and where the fish are biting best that day. The captain handles all the navigation and fish-finding, so you can focus on what you came for - catching fish. All your gear is provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you prefer. The captain will help with everything from baiting hooks to landing fish, making sure everyone stays busy and successful regardless of experience level.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Jamaica Beach offers diverse fishing opportunities, and Captain Cody adjusts techniques based on conditions and target species. You'll likely be using medium to medium-heavy spinning gear with live and artificial baits. Live shrimp is a go-to for speckled trout and redfish, while cut bait works great for black drum and sheepshead around structure. Artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons come into play when fish are aggressive or when you want to cover more water quickly. The shallow flats require stealthy approaches with lighter tackle, while deeper channels and structure fishing calls for heavier weights and stronger drags. Captain Cody will coach you through proper casting techniques, bait presentation, and fighting fish effectively. He knows exactly where to position the boat for the best shots at feeding fish, whether that's working a grassline, drifting a shell reef, or sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water.
Customer Stories
"Captain Cody took us to many different locations to fish. His boat was very clean and kept up. Assisted with casting, baiting and as needed. He was very nice and offered rain coat and made sure seat was dry. We caught plenty of wide variety of fish while we were out with him. He knew exactly where to cast to get a bite. Would use him again." - Galina
"Went out on a fishing trip with Captain Cody and had an awesome time. The weather was great, the boat was comfortable, and Cody really knows his stuff. We were on the fish quick and stayed busy the whole time. He made everything easy—baiting hooks, giving tips, even helping us reel in the big ones when it got wild. Whether you're a beginner or you've done this before, Cody makes sure everyone's having fun and catching fish. Super chill, professional, and just a good time all around. Definitely booking with him again next time we're in town. Highly recommend!" - Antoine
Target Species Breakdown
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Jamaica Beach holds some real bruisers. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-30 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish mixed in with some real bulls. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs and tails visible as they root around for crabs and shrimp. They're available year-round but winter months can be particularly productive as fish school up in deeper water. When you hook a red, get ready for a fight - they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to pull hard against your drag. The thrill of sight-casting to a tailing red in 2 feet of water never gets old.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and Jamaica Beach produces some impressive specimens. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can range from smaller "puppy drum" around 5-10 pounds up to massive fish pushing 30-40 pounds or more. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around pilings, reefs, and drop-offs where they use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters, crabs, and other shellfish. Black drum are most active during cooler months, making this New Year trip perfectly timed. When a big drum takes your bait, you'll know it immediately - they pull like freight trains and test both your tackle and your patience.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge fish for anglers who like finicky biters. These convict-striped fish have incredible eyesight and human-like teeth that make them masters at stealing bait. They're structure fish through and through, living around anything hard on the bottom like shell reefs, pilings, and jetties. Sheepshead require patience and skill - you need to feel the subtle taps and set the hook at exactly the right moment. Most run 2-5 pounds in these waters, but their fight is surprisingly strong for their size. Landing a nice sheepshead feels like solving a puzzle, and they're excellent table fare to boot. Winter is prime time for sheepshead as they move into shallower water to spawn.
Time to Book Your Spot
This New Year Special combines everything great about Texas inshore fishing - diverse species, skilled guidance, and prime winter fishing conditions. Captain Cody's local knowledge and attention to detail ensure you'll have the best shot at