Full Day South Texas Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting redfish and speckled troutProfessional guide service covers Corpus Christi to Port Mansfield watersAll equipment and bait included for up to four anglers
Captain Lamar Villarreal knows these South Texas waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This full-day charter runs a solid eight hours starting at 7:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to work the flats from Corpus Christi all the way down to Port Mansfield. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Lamar tailors the trip to match your crew's experience level. His 2026 25' Magnum Haynie is built specifically for these shallow waters, letting you get into spots where the big reds and trout like to hang out. Everything's included except your fishing license and whatever snacks you want to bring along.
You'll meet Captain Lamar bright and early, and he'll have the Haynie ready to roll with fresh bait and all the tackle you need. The beauty of fishing these South Texas flats is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working a grass bed where the trout are stacked up. The boat's shallow draft means you can access areas that bigger vessels can't touch, and Captain Lamar uses that advantage to put you on fish that haven't seen much pressure. The pace depends on what the fish are doing that day, but expect to cover some serious water as you chase bite after bite. The service accommodates up to four anglers, so it's perfect for couples, families, or a small group of fishing buddies looking to split the cost.
Captain Lamar runs a well-equipped operation with quality rods and reels suited for inshore work. You'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics when the fish get finicky later in the day. The Haynie's poling platform gives the captain a great vantage point for spotting fish, especially when you're working the skinny water where redfish cruise the flats. Live bait is always on board – shrimp, mullet, whatever's working best that week. If you prefer artificials, Captain Lamar carries a selection of proven lures like spoons, jigs, and paddle tails that consistently produce in these waters. The tackle is sized appropriately for the species you're targeting, so you'll feel every head shake and run without being over-gunned for the fight.
Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal to swim by. These flatfish can grow substantial in South Texas waters, with doormat-sized specimens pushing five to seven pounds. Fall months bring the best flounder action as they stage for their offshore spawning migration. What makes them exciting to catch is their aggressive strike – they'll absolutely crush a well-presented bait, and their fight is surprisingly strong for a bottom-dwelling fish.
Black Drum are the bulldozers of the flats, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs. Mature fish can exceed 30 pounds and provide arm-burning fights in shallow water. Spring and fall offer the most consistent black drum fishing, especially around oyster reefs and structure. These fish are incredibly strong and will test your drag system, making long, powerful runs that can take you well into your backing.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" from their distinctive black and white stripes, but anglers know them as the ultimate bait thieves. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfectly designed for picking barnacles and crabs off pilings. Winter months provide the best sheepshead action when they move into shallower water to spawn. They're notorious for their light bites and ability to steal bait, making them a fun challenge that rewards patience and skill.
Sea Trout, specifically Speckled Trout, are the bread and butter of South Texas inshore fishing. These beautiful fish are aggressive predators that readily take both live and artificial baits. Prime trout fishing occurs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from school-sized 14-inchers to gator trout pushing eight pounds or more. Their willingness to hit topwater lures makes for some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience on these flats.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are perfectly designed for shallow water living, with their downturned mouths ideal for rooting around oyster bars and grass flats. Bull reds over 27 inches provide world-class fights, often making multiple screaming runs before coming to the boat. Year-round residents, they're most active during warmer months when they're easiest to spot tailing in skinny water. The sight of a 30-pound red with its back out of the water is something you'll never forget.
Captain Lamar's calendar opens up May 1st, and prime dates fill up fast once word gets out about the fishing. This charter represents serious value – you're getting a full day on the water with an experienced guide who knows exactly where to find fish, plus all the gear and bait you need. The only things you need to handle are your Texas fishing license and whatever food and drinks you want for the day. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just get away from it all for eight hours, this trip delivers. The combination of Captain Lamar's local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to some of the best inshore fishing grounds in Texas makes this a top-rated charter experience. Don't wait – these South Texas reds and trout are calling your name.
Captain Lamar Villarreal's 2021 24' Haynie bay boat is built for serious inshore fishing across South Texas waters. This center console design handles the shallow flats from Corpus Christi to Port Mansfield with ease, powered by a reliable 350HP Mercury that'll get you to the fish fast at 40 knots. The boat comfortably fishes up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work the waters for speckled trout and redfish. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long summer days on the water, while GPS navigation helps locate the best fishing spots. The stable platform and shallow draft make it perfect for stalking reds in skinny water or drifting grass beds for trout. Everything you need is provided - rods, reels, bait, and tackle - so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore flats, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. They're bottom feeders that cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow bay systems looking for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the most action. These fish are known for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag system. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating with firm, white meat. The big ones are better as photo opportunities. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom near oyster reefs. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and let them tire themselves out - they'll make several strong runs before giving up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our flats fishing, with their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. They range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds over 40 inches that'll test your tackle. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shoreline structure. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall transitions. What makes them special is their explosive strikes on topwater lures and powerful fights in shallow water. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range. The key is staying quiet and making long casts - they spook easily in skinny water. Work gold spoons or soft plastics slowly along drop-offs where the flats meet deeper water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread and butter fish, typically running 14-24 inches with beautiful spots covering their silvery sides. They love grass flats, shallow bay systems, and areas with good tidal flow in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are peak seasons, with early morning and evening producing the best action. Guests enjoy their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked, plus they're outstanding table fare with delicate, flaky meat. They school up during cooler months in deeper channels, making for fast action when you find them. My go-to technique is working soft plastics or topwater lures over grass flats during moving tides. Focus on areas where current creates edges or breaks in the grass - that's where they ambush baitfish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're famous for having human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, jetties, and any structure with barnacle growth. They're year-round residents but really fire up in spring when they move to spawn. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require perfect timing. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the secret: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook at the first sign of movement. They'll pick your bait clean if you hesitate even a second.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting for prey to swim by. Most run 15-18 inches, but you can find them up to 33 inches in our waters. They love shallow bays, estuaries, and flats with sandy or muddy bottoms where they can camouflage perfectly. Fall through early spring are prime times when they're moving toward deeper water for spawning. What makes them fun is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side of their head - and they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They're notorious bait thieves, so here's the key: use a tight line and set the hook hard the moment you feel that subtle tap. They'll steal your shrimp all day if you're not quick on the hookset.
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