Full Day South Texas Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutProfessional guide service includes boat, fuel, bait and equipmentAccommodates up to four anglers of all experience levels
Looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience that covers some of the best redfish and trout waters in Texas? Captain Lamar Villarreal runs full day charters from Corpus Christi all the way down to Port Mansfield, giving you access to miles of prime flats and back lakes. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking 8 solid hours on the water starting at 7 AM, which means you'll hit the morning bite and still have energy left for the afternoon action. Whether you're bringing the family, a group of buddies, or flying solo with a few friends, this charter handles up to four anglers and caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros.
You'll be fishing from a brand new 2026 25' Magnum Haynie – and if you know boats, you know that's about as good as it gets for working the shallows. Captain Lamar knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the grass flats around Corpus to the deeper cuts near Port Mansfield. The boat's designed to get skinny and quiet, perfect for sneaking up on tailing reds or working structure where the big trout hang out. Your trip includes everything you need to fish: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fuel. The only things you need to bring are your Texas fishing license, some snacks if you get hungry, and maybe a cooler with drinks. The captain provides the local knowledge and puts you on fish – that's what separates a good day from a great day on the water.
This stretch of the Texas coast offers some of the most diverse inshore fishing you'll find anywhere. We're talking about working everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in 18 inches of water to deeper shell reefs where big trout ambush bait schools. Captain Lamar switches up techniques based on conditions – could be throwing topwater plugs at dawn, working soft plastics around structure, or sight-casting to fish you can actually see. The Laguna Madre system between Corpus and Port Mansfield is legendary for a reason. You've got miles of pristine flats, protected bays that hold fish year-round, and enough variety to keep things interesting all day long. The boat's shallow draft means we can access spots that bigger vessels can't reach, and that often makes the difference between a good trip and a customer favorite experience.
Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of South Texas inshore fishing, and these waters consistently produce some of the best trout fishing in the state. These fish are smart and aggressive, typically ranging from 15 to 25 inches with the occasional wall-hanger pushing 28 inches or better. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer mornings can be world-class if you're on the water early. Trout love structure – shell reefs, grass lines, and drop-offs where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them so exciting is their fight and the fact that they're excellent table fare.
Redfish are the other star of the show, and South Texas reds are famous for their size and attitude. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20 to 35 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized bulls mixed in during certain times of year. Reds are year-round residents, but they really turn on during warmer months when they move shallow to feed. There's nothing quite like watching a big red inhale your bait in two feet of water – they'll test your drag and give you a fight you won't forget. Plus, they're surprisingly good eating in the slot size range.
Southern Flounder might not get the attention of reds and trout, but they're a blast to catch and absolutely excellent on the dinner table. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore spawning run, often reaching 3 to 5 pounds. The key is working soft plastics slowly along the bottom, and when a big flounder grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with big bulls often exceeding 30 pounds in these waters. They're bottom feeders with a preference for blue crab and shrimp, making them perfect targets around shell reefs and structure. While the giants are catch-and-release, smaller drum in the 5 to 15 pound range are renowned for their excellent eating quality and strong, steady fight.
Sheepshead round out the mix as one of the trickiest but most rewarding species to target. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and a preference for barnacles, oysters, and small crabs around structure. They're notorious bait stealers, but once you hook a good sheepshead, you're in for a surprisingly strong fight. They're also considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, making them a customer favorite despite their finicky nature.
This full day charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything South Texas inshore fishing has to offer. Eight hours with a seasoned captain who knows where the fish are and how to catch them, combined with access to some of the most productive waters on the coast, adds up to a fishing trip that delivers real value. The season kicks off May 1st, and spots fill up fast once word gets around about the quality of fishing. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list, introduce someone new to the sport, or just get back out there and bend some rods, this charter has you covered. Captain Lamar's commitment to putting his clients on fish, combined with top-notch equipment and local expertise, makes this a trending
Hit the South Texas flats aboard this sleek 24' Haynie bay boat, built for serious inshore action from Corpus Christi down to Port Mansfield. This 2021 center console packs a 350HP Mercury that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at 40 knots to beat other boats to prime redfish and trout spots. The shallow-draft design lets Captain Lamar slide into skinny water where the big reds tail and specks stack up along grass lines and drop-offs. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of casting space without bumping elbows. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Texas summer days, while GPS navigation helps pinpoint productive structure and channels. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds or working soft plastics for keeper trout, this bay boat delivers the stability and performance needed for a successful day on South Texas waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of South Texas waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. They're famous for their crushing jaws that demolish oysters and crabs, plus those distinctive drumming sounds they make. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Spring is money time when they school up for spawning - that's when we target them most. What guests love is the raw power these fish pack; they'll test your drag and make long runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. Here's my go-to trick: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right in the oyster shell. The clicking sound of your weight on the shells actually calls them in.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of South Texas flats fishing, averaging 20-35 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy flats. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is the visual fishing; watching a big red cruise the shallows and crush your lure is pure adrenaline. They fight like freight trains with powerful runs that'll test your equipment. The meat on slot-sized fish is outstanding - mild and sweet. My go-to technique: sight fish with gold spoons or topwater plugs early morning. Cast ahead of cruising fish and work it slow. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't try to muscle them in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of South Texas fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots. They cruise grass flats and shallow bays in 2-6 feet, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Summer and fall are prime, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures - few things beat the explosion of a trout smashing a surface plug. They're also excellent table fare with tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key is not overcooking since the meat is delicate. My local tip: work the edges of grass beds with soft plastics on light jigs. Let it settle, then give it a subtle hop - that's when they nail it. Keep your drag light; their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you horse them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the water with their black stripes and human-like teeth - they're a trip to see up close. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders around the jetties. They live around any structure: bridge pilings, docks, and oil platforms where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring is peak season when they gather to spawn near passes and reefs. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves - you really have to outsmart them. The white, flaky meat is phenomenal eating, though they're tough to clean with those spiny fins. My trick: get as close to structure as possible and use small hooks with fresh shrimp. Feel that subtle nibble? Set the hook hard immediately or they'll rob you blind.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are fascinating flatfish that average 15-18 inches and make excellent table fare. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, waiting to strike at passing shrimp, crabs, and small fish. What makes them unique is having both eyes on their left side - pretty wild when you first see one. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our area heading to spawn offshore. They put up a surprising fight for a flatfish, and the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. My tip: when drift fishing, keep your bait right on the bottom and watch for that subtle tap - they're notorious for stealing bait, so set the hook quick when you feel any weight.
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