Half Day Kid Friendly South Texas Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour afternoon charter targeting redfish and speckled troutFamilyfriendly trip designed for beginners and young anglersAll fishing gear, bait, and equipment included onboard
Captain Lamar Villarreal knows how to make fishing fun for the whole family. His afternoon charters from Corpus Christi Bay to Port Mansfield are built around patience, teaching, and getting everyone - especially the kids - hooked on fishing. Starting at 2:00 PM, you'll have five solid hours on his 2026 25' Magnum Haynie, targeting some of South Texas's most reliable fish. This isn't about racing to fill the cooler; it's about building memories and confidence on the water. Perfect for families with young anglers or anyone new to the game.
This charter runs from 2 PM until about 7 PM, giving you the prime afternoon bite when fish are active and the day's heat starts mellowing out. Captain Lamar keeps things relaxed but productive, focusing on spots where kids can actually catch fish instead of just casting practice. His 25-foot Haynie gives everyone room to move around safely, and he's got the patience to re-tie rigs, untangle lines, and celebrate every single fish that comes over the gunwale. The boat's equipped with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fuel are all covered. You just need to grab your Texas fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and show up ready to fish. The four-person limit keeps things manageable, so everyone gets plenty of attention and coaching.
Captain Lamar keeps the fishing simple but effective, especially when he's got kids on board. You'll be working the shallow flats and grass beds with live bait and soft plastics, techniques that produce consistent action without requiring years of experience. He'll set you up with medium-light spinning gear that's easy for smaller hands to manage, using circle hooks that practically set themselves. Most of the fishing happens in 2-6 feet of water, sight-casting to redfish cruising the flats or working structure for trout and flounder. The captain handles boat positioning and reading the water while teaching everyone how to spot fish, feel bites, and work their catch to the boat. When the action's hot, he might have multiple lines in the water, but he's always ready to slow down and help anyone who needs it.
Redfish are the stars of these waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from 18-28 inches in this area, with the occasional bull red mixed in for extra excitement. They're aggressive, fight hard, and make that perfect "first big fish" photo. What makes them perfect for kids is how they eat - when a red wants your bait, there's no mistaking it. Spring through fall, they're cruising the shallow flats in small schools, tailing in inches of water where you can actually see them coming.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of South Texas fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and have this habit of hitting right when you least expect it. They love grass beds and drop-offs, especially during the cooler parts of the day. What's great about trout fishing with kids is the steady action - you might not catch monsters, but you'll usually catch something, which keeps young anglers interested and engaged.
Black drum don't get the glamour treatment, but they're fantastic fish for beginners. These bottom-dwellers can get hefty - we're talking 5-15 pounders - and they fight like freight trains. They're not picky eaters, which means more hookups for inexperienced anglers. Plus, that deep, steady pull teaches kids what a "real fish" feels like on the other end of the line.
Southern flounder are the ninjas of the flats, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. They're typically 14-18 inches in these waters, and catching one always feels like solving a puzzle. Kids love the challenge of figuring out where they're hiding, and there's something magical about watching a "piece of sand" suddenly turn into a fish. Fall is prime time for flounder as they start their migration to deeper water.
Sheepshead round out the target list with their distinctive black stripes and serious attitude. These bait-stealers are notorious for their light bites and quick escapes, but when you connect, they're scrappy fighters. They hang around structure and pilings, making them a nice change of pace from the flats fishing. Captain Lamar knows exactly where to find them, and catching your first sheepshead always feels like joining an exclusive club.
This half-day family fishing charter delivers exactly what South Texas fishing is all about - consistent action, patient instruction, and the kind of memories that turn kids into lifelong anglers. Captain Lamar's approach focuses on fun over numbers, making sure everyone on board feels confident and successful. With charters starting May 1st and filling up fast during peak season, now's the time to secure your afternoon on the water. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or just want a relaxed trip with plenty of teaching, this charter hits the sweet spot between productive fishing and family fun.
Captain Lamar's 2021 24' Haynie bay boat puts you right where the fish are biting in South Texas waters. This center console is built for inshore fishing, with a powerful 350HP Mercury that'll get your crew from Corpus Christi Bay to the best fishing spots around Port Mansfield. The boat handles beautifully in shallow water where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space for the whole family to cast lines without bumping elbows. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while GPS navigation helps locate those productive honey holes. Perfect for afternoon fishing trips when the kids are getting antsy and ready to catch their first redfish or drum.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the gentle giants of our bays, ranging from 5-30 pounds with occasional bulls hitting 50+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love shallow muddy flats, oyster reefs, and around structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll hear them drumming underwater before you see them. Kids love the steady, powerful fight they put up without the crazy runs of other species. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat. Bigger fish get tough and are better released. They're notorious bait thieves, so use circle hooks with fresh crab or cut bait. Here's the key: keep your bait right on bottom and be patient - they'll mouth it before committing to a real bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the superstars of our flats - copper-bronze backs with that signature black spot near the tail that kids always remember. They range from schoolie-size at 18-24 inches up to bull reds over 30 inches and 20+ pounds. You'll find them cruising super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out, around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. They're year-round residents but fall brings the best action when they school up. What guests love most is watching them crash topwater lures in skinny water - it's pure excitement. They fight hard with long runs and never give up easy. The slot-size fish make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Pro tip: look for nervous water, tailing fish, or birds working bait. When you spot one, cast past them and work your lure back into their path. Patience pays off big time.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread and butter fish - beautiful silver sides covered in black spots with two big canine teeth up front. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, perfect for kids to handle. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and areas with moving water throughout our bay system. Cool months are prime time when they school up, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The meat is tender and mild - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. What makes them special is they'll fight on top, jumping and shaking their heads. Early morning and evening are money times. My go-to trick: work a soft plastic slowly along grass edges during tide changes. The strikes will surprise you every time.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll surprise you. These structure-loving fish hang around docks, pilings, and any barnacle-covered spots where they pick off crabs and shellfish. They typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 8+ pounds if you're lucky. Spring months are best when they're spawning around structure. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait stealers - they'll nibble and test your offering before committing. The reward is some of the sweetest, flakiest white meat you'll ever eat. Kids get a kick out of seeing those weird teeth up close. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle picking, set the hook hard and fast. They'll test your patience but reward your persistence.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are master ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to strike. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though bigger ones can reach 20+ pounds. You'll find them throughout our bay systems, especially around sandy flats, mud bottoms, and near structure. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that unique "alien" look kids love. They're active year-round but really fire up in fall when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore to spawn. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best table fare you'll catch. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap on your bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them fully commit and turn with it first, then set hard.
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