Half Day Alice Texas Inshore Fishing Charter
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour shared dove hunting in prime South Texas groundsMorning and afternoon sessions available for all skill levelsAccommodates up to 100 hunters with consistent dove activity
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that puts you on some of South Texas's best inshore action? Villarreal Guide Services has you covered with our Alice, Texas inshore charter that targets the species every angler dreams about landing. We're talking prime waters where Southern Flounder, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Sea Trout, and Redfish call home. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing experience – it's a personalized trip designed around what's biting and where the fish are holding on any given day.
This half-day charter is all about maximizing your time on productive water without the full-day commitment. We launch early when the fish are most active, hitting the flats, channels, and structure where these coastal species love to feed. The beauty of fishing around Alice is the variety – one cast you might be working a grass flat for sea trout, the next you're dropping down to structure for some hefty black drum. Our boat is rigged with quality gear and we know these waters like the back of our hands, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just wants to learn the ropes, we'll adjust our approach to match your skill level and interests.
Inshore fishing in this part of Texas calls for versatility, and that's exactly how we approach each trip. We'll be working with medium to medium-heavy spinning setups spooled with braided line for sensitivity and hook-setting power. Depending on conditions and what we're targeting, we might be throwing soft plastics on jig heads, working topwater plugs over grass beds, or dropping live bait around structure. The shallow flats require a stealthy approach – we'll use our trolling motor to position quietly and make precise casts to avoid spoking fish. When we're working deeper channels or oyster reefs, we'll switch tactics to bottom rigs with fresh shrimp or cut bait. All tackle and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you have preferences. We carry a selection of proven lures and baits that consistently produce in these waters.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators in these waters, and they're what many anglers consider the best eating fish in the bay. These flatfish hide in sandy pockets and along channel edges, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. Fall months are prime time for doormat flounder, when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. What makes them so exciting to catch is their explosive strike – one second your bait is drifting along the bottom, the next you feel that distinctive thump and solid weight. They fight different than other fish, using that flat body to plane through the water like a submarine.
Black Drum around Alice can get serious – we're talking fish that'll test your drag and your patience. These bottom-feeders love oyster reefs and deeper holes, where they root around for crabs and shellfish with those powerful pharyngeal teeth. The smaller ones, called puppy drum, are great table fare, while the bigger bulls (often 20+ pounds) are pure fighting machines. You'll know you've hooked into a good drum when your rod doubles over and that fish just starts pulling line with steady, determined runs. They're not flashy fighters, but they're strong and stubborn.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish we target, but they're also one of the most rewarding. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang around structure – docks, pilings, reefs – picking off barnacles and small crustaceans. The key is using small hooks, light line, and being ready to set the hook at the slightest tick. When you do connect, sheepshead are surprisingly strong fighters and they're excellent on the dinner table with their firm, white meat.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that'll hit both artificial lures and live bait with enthusiasm. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they school up in grass flats and around drop-offs. The bigger "gator trout" (over 20 inches) are what every angler hopes for – they hit hard, jump, and make sizzling runs that'll get your heart pumping. Working a topwater plug at dawn and watching a nice trout explode on the surface is what Texas fishing dreams are made of.
Redfish are the poster child of Texas inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bulldogs never disappoint. They're year-round residents that cruise the flats looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Reds are known for their powerful runs and their ability to use shallow water to their advantage – they'll head for the nearest oyster reef or grass bed to try and break you off. Sight-fishing for redfish in shallow water is some of the most exciting angling you'll experience. Nothing beats watching a red's back fin cutting through skinny water, making a perfect cast, and watching that fish turn and crush your bait.
Half-day trips book up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when these species are most active. This charter offers the perfect balance of productive fishing time without eating up your entire day. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish on the table, introduce someone to inshore fishing, or just get out on the water for some quality time, this trip delivers. We provide all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need – you just bring your fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and get ready for some genuine South Texas inshore action. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, because the fish are biting and the calendar fills up quick.
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Alice, Texas aboard this well-equipped 24' Haynie bay boat from 2021. This center console is built specifically for inshore fishing performance, powered by a strong 350HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly at speeds up to 40 knots. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for small groups targeting the abundant fish species in these South Texas coastal waters. You'll appreciate the onboard icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those warm Texas afternoons on the water. The GPS navigation system ensures your captain can locate the best fishing spots and get you back to the dock safely. Whether you're casting near Loyola Beach or exploring other productive inshore areas, this bay boat provides the stability and space you need for a successful fishing trip in the Alice area waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90 pounds. They're found around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring during spawning season is your best bet when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are prime eating - flaky white meat with great flavor. Bigger ones get tough and aren't worth keeping. These fish are incredibly adaptable, handling everything from brackish creeks to 100-foot depths. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and don't be surprised when that rod doubles over. They fight hard and long.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the poster fish for shallow water fishing. Those distinctive black spots near the tail and copper-bronze coloring make them unmistakable. Most run 20-35 inches, but the big bulls can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of water, around oyster reefs, grass beds, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime when they school up. They'll eat almost anything - topwater plugs, spoons, live shrimp, cut bait. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Here's my tip: look for nervous water or wakes in shallow areas, then cast ahead of them and work your lure slowly back.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in dark spots. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, perfect size for a good fight on light tackle. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially at dawn and dusk when they feed actively on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with night fishing being particularly productive. The white, flaky meat is outstanding but delicate - don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're schooling fish, so where you catch one, there's usually more. My go-to trick is working topwater plugs or soft plastics over grass beds during low light. Listen for them "popping" shrimp on the surface - that's your cue.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really gets attention are those human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, perfect for the dinner table with sweet, white meat that rivals snapper. You'll find them around any structure - docks, bridges, jetties, oil rigs - anywhere barnacles and crabs live. They're year-round targets but spring spawning brings the best action when they gather in huge schools. These are notorious bait thieves, so keep your bait tight to the structure and be ready. The moment you feel them nibbling, set that hook aggressively - they've got tough mouths. Fresh fiddler crab or shrimp work best, and scraping barnacles off pilings creates a feeding frenzy.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey. You'll typically find them in 15-18 inches, though bigger ones hit 33 inches. They love shallow bays, estuaries, and anywhere with sandy or muddy bottoms. Both eyes sit on their left side, which always gets folks talking. Fall and winter are prime time when they move toward deeper channels. What makes them fun to target is their sneaky feeding style - they'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. My tip: use a slip-sinker rig with live shrimp or bull minnows, and when you feel that subtle tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard because they'll drop it fast.
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