Port Isabel Inshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullservice charters include all gear, bait, and fish cleaningChoose 5hour balanced trips or 8hour dedicated fishing adventuresTarget inshore, nearshore, and reef species from Port Isabel waters
Looking for some quality time on the water with your line in and your worries left at the dock? Our Port Isabel fishing charters put you right in the heart of South Texas's best inshore action. Whether you're planning a half-day family trip or want to dedicate a full day to serious angling, we've got the setup that'll make your day on the water count. Captain handles all the heavy lifting – rods, reels, tackle, fresh bait, and even cleaning your catch – so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early at the Port Isabel marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's biting and where we're headed. The 5-hour trip strikes that perfect balance for folks who want solid fishing time without being out there all day long. Families with kids tend to love this option – enough action to keep everyone engaged, but not so long that the little ones get restless. If you're serious about putting numbers on the board, the 8-hour charter gives you the time to really work different spots and techniques. We'll hit inshore flats for redfish, cruise the grass beds for trout, and maybe even make a run to some nearshore structure if conditions are right. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from light tackle for finicky trout to heavier setups when the reds are being stubborn. Just bring your Texas fishing license and whatever snacks or drinks you want for the day.
Port Isabel sits right at the mouth of the Laguna Madre, which means we've got access to some of the most productive inshore waters along the Texas coast. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats to deeper drop-offs, depending on what's moving and where. Sight fishing is huge here – when conditions are right, you can actually see redfish tailing in skinny water, which gets the adrenaline pumping every single time. For trout, we'll often drift the grass beds with live shrimp under popping corks, or switch to soft plastics when they're being picky. The key is staying mobile and reading the water. Tide movement is everything in these waters, and your captain knows exactly when and where to be based on what the tide's doing. We'll use live bait when the fish want the real deal, but don't be surprised if we tie on some artificials – sometimes a well-placed soft plastic gets bit when nothing else will work.
Snook are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, and Port Isabel sits right in their wheelhouse. These fish are ambush predators that love hanging around structure – docks, jetties, mangrove shorelines where they can dart out and hammer bait fish. They're most active during warmer months, typically May through September, though we see them year-round. What makes snook so special is their fight – they'll jump, they'll run, and they'll try every trick in the book to throw your hook. Plus, they're gorgeous fish with that distinctive black lateral line. Most of our snook run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches, with bigger fish always a possibility.
Sea trout are your bread-and-butter inshore species here, and for good reason. These fish are cooperative, they taste great on the table, and they're found throughout our bay system. Trout love grass beds and sandy potholes, especially when there's moving water. They feed heavily during low-light periods – early morning and late evening – but you can catch them throughout the day with the right approach. What's cool about trout fishing is the variety of techniques that work. Live shrimp under a cork is deadly, but they'll also crush soft plastics, topwater plugs, and even flies if you're into that. Most trout we see range from 14 to 20 inches, with occasional "gator" trout over 25 inches that really make your day.
Redfish are probably the most exciting fish we target, especially when you can see them in shallow water. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, not speed, but they'll test your drag and your patience. Reds hang around oyster reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs, often in schools that can number in the hundreds during certain times of year. Fall is prime time for big schools of bull reds, but we catch them year-round. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat just about anything – live bait, cut bait, artificials, you name it. They're also one of the best eating fish in the bay. Most of our slot reds (the keepers) run 20 to 28 inches, but we regularly hook fish well over 30 inches that have to go back in the water.
Port Isabel's inshore fishing scene is as good as it gets along the Texas coast, and our charters give you the best shot at getting on quality fish without the hassle. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, we've got the experience and local knowledge to make it happen. The boat's ready, the tackle's sorted, and the fish are out there waiting. All that's left is picking your dates and getting down here to see what South Texas inshore fishing is all about. Book your charter today and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to Port Isabel year after year.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a reliable 2017 Mowdy bay boat, a 25-foot center console built for serious anglers. This sleek vessel cuts through Texas coastal waters with ease, powered by a 250HP Suzuki engine that cruises at 30 knots to get you to the fish faster. The spacious center console design gives all six anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Texas days and preserves your catch fresh until you head back to port. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or heading out to the reefs for bigger game, this boat handles it all. The captain provides all tackle, rods, reels, live bait, and lures, plus cleans and bags your catch so you can focus on what matters most – landing fish. Just bring your Texas fishing license and get ready for some great action on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water game fish and a real crowd pleaser on our charters. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 20-35 inches, with those signature black spots near the tail. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and marshy shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. Reds are special because they provide visual fishing excitement and put up a serious scrap with long, powerful runs. They're also great eating with mild, sweet meat. Local secret: look for muddy water where they're rooting around for crabs and shrimp. Throw a gold spoon or topwater plug right into the mud - the commotion drives them crazy.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a bread-and-butter species that'll keep your rod bent all day long. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches in our waters, though we regularly see some pushing 24+ inches. Look for them over grass flats, around shell reefs, and in deeper channels - typically 3-8 feet of water. They school up heavy during winter months in deeper holes, making for some fast action. Spring and fall offer the most consistent fishing when water temps are in the sweet spot. Trout are popular because they bite readily, fight well for their size, and make outstanding table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. They're perfect for families and new anglers. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in from a distance, and that natural presentation seals the deal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 18-30 inches around Port Isabel, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloration. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water anywhere from 2-15 feet deep. They love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make several powerful runs before giving up. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: work your lure slow and steady along the mangrove edges during moving tide. Snook are temperature sensitive, so focus on warmer water pockets during cooler months.
Port Isabel