Port Mansfield Inshore Fishing for Beginners
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore trip targeting redfish and speckled troutFully equipped boats with premium gear and fishfinding technologyExperienced captains provide local knowledge and safety guidance
If you've been thinking about getting into inshore fishing or just want to experience some of the best redfish and trout action on the Texas coast, this Port Mansfield trip with Vamonos Fishing Charters is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a solid 5-hour adventure in some of the most productive shallow waters you'll find anywhere. Our boats come loaded with everything you need – quality rods and reels, plus the fish-finding electronics that'll put you right on top of the action. Whether you're a complete rookie or someone who's been fishing for years, Port Mansfield's back lakes and flats deliver the kind of consistent action that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
When you step aboard our charter boat, you're getting more than just a ride to the fishing grounds. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand – every grass bed, every shell bar, every drop-off where the fish like to hang out. We'll start the day by checking conditions and figuring out the best game plan based on tides, wind, and what the fish have been doing lately. The beauty of Port Mansfield is the variety – we can work shallow grass flats in the morning when the water's calm, then move to deeper structure if the wind picks up. You'll get hands-on instruction if you need it, from basic casting techniques to reading the water and understanding why fish hold in certain spots. This isn't a cattle boat operation – with just two anglers minimum and space for a few more, everyone gets plenty of personal attention and room to fish comfortably.
We fish Port Mansfield using proven inshore techniques that consistently produce fish. Most of the action happens with live bait – croaker, shrimp, and mullet – fished under popping corks or on Carolina rigs depending on the depth and structure we're working. When conditions are right, we'll also throw artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons. The key here is matching your presentation to what the fish want that day. Our rods are medium-action spinning setups spooled with braided line – perfect for feeling those subtle redfish bites and having enough backbone to turn a big drum away from structure. We run boats equipped with shallow water anchors and trolling motors, so we can hold position quietly on productive spots without spooking fish. The fish-finding technology helps us locate bait schools and structure, but reading the water visually – watching for bird activity, bait movement, and subtle color changes – is just as important in these skinny waters.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port Mansfield inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run anywhere from 18 to 30+ inches in these waters, with the bigger bulls showing up more often during cooler months. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature and the way they fight – strong initial runs followed by bulldogging resistance that'll test your drag system. They're not the smartest fish in the bay, but they make up for it with attitude. You'll find them cruising shallow grass beds, tailing in super skinny water, or stacked up around shell bars and drop-offs. The best part about redfish is their year-round presence – while some species come and go with the seasons, you can count on finding quality reds in Port Mansfield pretty much any time you wet a line.
Black drum bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These bottom-huggers can grow massive – we're talking fish that'll peg your scale at 40, 50, even 60+ pounds if you're lucky enough to hook into one of the giants. Younger black drum, called "puppy drum," are fantastic eating and put up a solid scrap in the 3 to 8-pound range. The big ones are pure muscle and endurance – they won't make blazing runs like a redfish, but they'll use every ounce of their weight to try and bury you in structure. Spring and early summer tend to be prime time for black drum as they move into the shallows for spawning activities. What's really cool about targeting drum is the detective work involved – they're often found around specific structure like shell reefs, old wellheads, or channel edges where they can nose around in the mud looking for crabs and shellfish.
Port Mansfield's reputation as a top-tier inshore fishing destination isn't just hype – it's backed up by consistent action and the kind of memories that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's even over. With Vamonos Fishing Charters, you're getting local expertise, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive redfish and black drum waters on the Texas coast. The 5-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of inshore fishing without feeling rushed, and our captains make sure every angler – beginner or experienced – goes home with new skills and hopefully a cooler full of fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Additional guests beyond the two-person minimum are welcome for $100 each, making this a great option for small groups or families wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing. Ready to see what Port Mansfield is all about? Let's get you on the water.
Our 25-foot bay boat is built for Port Mansfield's shallow inshore waters, giving you the perfect platform to chase redfish and speckled trout in comfort. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without bumping elbows or getting lines tangled. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation helps our captain position you over productive structure and grass beds. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those hot Texas days on the water. The shallow draft design lets us slip into skinny water where big reds love to feed, and the stable platform makes it easy for beginners to get comfortable with their technique. Whether you're learning to work soft plastics through the grass or perfecting your topwater presentation, this boat gives you everything needed for a successful day targeting Port Mansfield's famous inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll test your tackle like no other fish. These bruisers typically run 10-25 pounds, but we've pulled some monsters over 40 pounds that'll make your arms ache. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy bottoms, and structure where they use those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you get multiple hookups. What guests love about drum fishing is the raw power; these fish dig deep and bulldoze through the water column. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. For the best results, I always tell folks to use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keep it right on the bottom. These fish are nose-down feeders, so if your bait isn't bouncing sand, you're missing fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down one of the most fun fish to target in these waters. You'll spot them by their copper-bronze backs and that signature black spot near the tail - it's like nature gave them a bullseye. These fish love super shallow water, often cruising flats in just 1-3 feet where you can actually see their backs breaking the surface. They average 20-30 inches but can push into the 40+ range. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their hard pull - they'll strip drag and fight all the way to the boat. The meat is fantastic too, with a mild sweet flavor that's perfect on the grill. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're headed and let it sit still. Works every time.
Port Mansfield