Cast and Blast: Redfish and Dove Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day cast and blast combining redfish fishing and dove huntingEight hour experience accommodates up to four guests of all skill levelsIncludes boat, fuel, bait, and fishing gear with guided professional service
Looking for the ultimate Texas outdoor experience? This full-day cast and blast trip with Villarreal Guide Services combines the best of both worlds - prime inshore fishing in legendary Baffin Bay followed by fast-action dove hunting around Alice. Starting at 7 AM, you'll spend the morning and early afternoon targeting redfish and speckled trout in some of the most productive shallow waters along the Texas coast. Then we'll head inland for an evening dove hunt that'll have your shotgun singing. It's an action-packed day designed for up to four anglers who want to make the most of their time on the water and in the field.
Your day kicks off early with coffee-fueled excitement as we launch into the pristine waters of Baffin Bay. This isn't your typical inshore trip - Baffin Bay is renowned for producing trophy-class redfish and consistent speckled trout action. We'll work the grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where these fish love to ambush baitfish. The shallow, clear waters here demand finesse and skill, but that's what makes landing a big red so rewarding. Around mid-afternoon, we'll head back to the dock and make our way to Alice for the hunting portion. The transition gives you time to grab a snack, hydrate, and switch gears from fishing mode to hunting mindset. By late afternoon, you'll be positioned in prime dove habitat, ready for the evening flight.
All your fishing tackle is covered - we provide top-quality rods, reels, and terminal gear perfectly matched to Baffin Bay conditions. Depending on water clarity and fish behavior, we'll deploy everything from topwater plugs at dawn to soft plastics worked slowly along structure. The bay's sandy bottom and scattered grass beds call for weedless presentations, so expect to throw a lot of spoons, soft plastics on jig heads, and maybe some live bait when the fish are finicky. For the dove hunt, you'll need to bring your own shotgun, shells, and valid hunting license. We'll position you in proven flight paths where mourning doves funnel through on their evening feeding routes. The Alice area offers classic South Texas habitat with scattered brush, grain fields, and stock tanks that concentrate birds.
Redfish are the crown jewel of this trip, and Baffin Bay consistently produces some of the healthiest populations along the Texas coast. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20 to 30 inches here, with plenty of slot fish and the occasional oversized bull red that'll test your drag system. Peak action happens during moving tides when reds push up onto shallow flats to feed on crabs and shrimp. They're aggressive strikers that put up bulldogging fights in skinny water - exactly why anglers travel from across the state to fish here.
Sea Trout, specifically speckled trout, are your other primary target and Baffin Bay's gin-clear water grows some beauties. These spotted fighters love the bay's grass beds and drop-offs, especially during spring and fall when baitfish are abundant. Specks here average 15 to 20 inches with good numbers of keeper-sized fish. They're more finicky than redfish but incredibly fun on light tackle, known for their acrobatic jumps and delicate mouths that demand smooth drag settings.
Southern Flounder become active targets during fall months when they stage for their offshore spawning run. Baffin Bay's sandy areas and channel edges hold good numbers of these flatfish, particularly around structure changes and current breaks. Flounder fishing requires patience and bottom-bouncing techniques, but these fish are excellent table fare and provide a different challenge from the more aggressive redfish and trout.
Black Drum often show up as bonus catches, especially around oyster reefs and hard bottom areas. These heavyweight fighters can surprise you with their size and pulling power. While not as glamorous as redfish, black drum are incredibly strong and provide excellent sport on medium-heavy tackle. They feed heavily on crabs and shellfish, making them perfect targets when working oyster-rich areas of the bay.
Sheepshead round out your potential catch list, typically found around any hard structure in the bay. These convict-striped fish are notorious bait stealers with incredible crushing power in their jaws. They're challenging to hook due to their light bite, but once connected, they provide surprising fight for their size. Sheepshead are also among the best eating fish in the bay, making them a welcome addition to any day's catch.
This cast and blast adventure represents serious value for groups wanting maximum outdoor action in a single day. With all fishing gear, boat, fuel, and bait included for up to four people, you're looking at world-class inshore fishing followed by quality dove hunting. Remember to secure your Texas fishing license before the trip, and don't forget your shotgun and shells for the hunting portion. Availability starts May 1st, so plan accordingly with dove season dates. Whether you're local anglers wanting to experience Baffin Bay's legendary fishing or visiting hunters looking for authentic Texas outdoor adventure, this trip delivers both in one action-packed day. The combination of technical sight-fishing and fast-paced wing shooting creates memories that'll have you planning your return trip before this one's over.
Fish the productive waters of Baffin Bay aboard this sleek 24' Haynie center console, built specifically for Texas inshore performance. The 2021 bay boat cuts through choppy water with ease thanks to its powerful 350HP Mercury engine, hitting speeds up to 40 knots to get you on the redfish and speckled trout fast. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of casting space around the center console layout. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long hot days on the water. GPS navigation helps locate productive fishing spots and ensures safe passage back to the dock. This boat handles Baffin Bay's shallow flats and deeper channels equally well, making it perfect for targeting reds in skinny water or drifting the deeper grass beds for specks.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Baffin Bay, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders to massive 40+ pound bulls that'll test your drag. These dark, powerful fish love oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and mollusks with those crushing jaws. Spring is prime time - February through April - when they school up for spawning and you can hear them drumming underwater. They're found in 2-15 feet of water around structure, especially areas with hard bottom and shellfish. What guests love is the raw power - big drum will peel line and make long runs. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or shrimp on a Carolina rig and let it sit on bottom. When they pick it up, give them time to swallow before setting the hook - they're deliberate feeders.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of our Texas coast, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and that black spot near the tail. These fish run anywhere from slot-size 20-28 inchers up to massive bull reds pushing 40+ inches in deeper water. They love super shallow flats - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - plus oyster reefs and grass beds where they root for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is their pulling power and the fact you can sight-fish them in skinny water. They're also great eating in the slot, with mild, sweet meat. Here's what works: throw topwater plugs early morning over shallow flats, and watch for that bronze flash and explosive strike. When they're spooky, switch to soft plastics and make long, quiet casts ahead of cruising fish.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Baffin Bay fishing, running 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. These schooling fish cruise grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall are peak seasons, with dawn and dusk being magic hours when they're most active. Cool thing about specks is they'll hit topwater lures hard, making for some explosive surface strikes that get everyone excited. They're also primo table fare - soft, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key is not to overcook them or they'll get mushy. Local trick: work soft plastics like paddle tails slow and steady over grass beds. When the bite gets tough, downsize your lure and slow your retrieve - finicky trout will often hit smaller baits when they ignore everything else.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll crack oysters and barnacles off pilings. These crafty 2-8 pounders hang tight around any structure - docks, bridges, rock piles - in 5-20 feet of water. They're year-round residents but spring brings the best action when they spawn around jetties and passes. What makes them challenging and fun is they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, so you need to stay sharp. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the bay - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel that subtle tick-tick-tick, set the hook hard and immediately pull them away from cover.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they perfectly camouflage themselves. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches in Baffin Bay, though we see some pushing 25+ inches. You'll recognize them by both eyes being on their left side and their ability to change color to match the bottom. They're ambush predators that love shallow flats and drop-offs near structure. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is their fight - they pull hard and steady - plus they're absolutely delicious table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it a second or two, then set firm.
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