Clear Lake Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing adventure in Clear Lake watersTarget redfish, speckled trout, and black drum with expert captainAll equipment, tackle, and live bait provided aboard fullyequipped boat
When you're looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds, Clear Lake delivers every time. This private 4-hour charter with Warrior Wave Charters puts you on some of the most consistent inshore waters around, where the fish are biting and the scenery doesn't hurt either. You'll have the boat all to yourselves – just your group of up to 4 anglers and our experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. We're talking about calm, protected waters that fish well year-round, with plenty of structure and grass flats that hold fish. Whether you've been fishing since you could hold a rod or you're just getting your feet wet, this trip sets you up for success from the moment you step aboard.
Clear Lake isn't your typical open-water grind – it's an inshore angler's paradise with shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds that create perfect ambush spots for our target species. The water stays relatively calm compared to offshore conditions, making it ideal for families and first-timers who want to focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. Our captain will position the boat based on current conditions, tides, and what's been producing lately. You might find yourself working the edges of grass flats one minute and pitching baits around oyster structures the next. The beauty of a 4-hour window is that we can cover different types of water and adjust tactics as we go. The lake's protected nature means we're fishing most days, even when other charters might be stuck at the dock due to rough conditions.
We've got you covered gear-wise – quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line, plus a tackle box full of proven baits and lures. Depending on what we're targeting and where we're fishing, you might be throwing live shrimp under a popping cork, working soft plastics along the bottom, or casting spoons around structure. The shallow water here calls for finesse most of the time, so we're typically using spinning gear in the 7-foot range with 15-20 pound braid. Live bait is often the ticket – fresh shrimp and finger mullet that we'll rig up based on conditions. When the fish are aggressive, topwater plugs and gold spoons can produce some explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Our captain will coach you through different techniques throughout the trip, so you're not just catching fish – you're learning how to read the water and understand what makes these fish tick.
Black Drum are the bruisers of Clear Lake, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can push 30+ pounds and they fight like freight trains, using their broad sides to pull drag and test your patience. Spring and fall are prime time for the bigger drums, though you'll find smaller "puppy drums" year-round that are perfect for kids and beginners. They love oyster bars and mud bottoms, feeding on crabs and shrimp with those crushing jaws. What makes them exciting isn't just their size – it's the way they use every inch of their body to fight, often making multiple runs before coming to the boat.
Redfish are hands-down the most popular target out here, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-28 inches in Clear Lake and they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. They're ambush predators that cruise the grass flats and oyster reefs, often giving themselves away with nervous water or that distinctive copper flash. Fall through spring is prime redfish season, when they're feeding heavily and schooled up in predictable spots. What gets anglers hooked on reds is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight – they'll make long runs and use their broad tails to shake their heads, trying to throw the hook.
Speckled Trout are the finicky cousins that reward patience and technique. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots are typically found around grass beds and drop-offs, feeding on small baitfish and shrimp. They're most active during cooler months and around dawn and dusk, though Clear Lake's grass flats can produce specks throughout the day. Size-wise, you're looking at fish from 14-20 inches typically, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 24+ inches. Specks are prized for their delicate bite and acrobatic fights – they'll often jump and dance across the surface when hooked.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish in the lake, but they're also some of the best eating you'll find. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs around structure. They're notorious bait stealers with incredibly light bites, earning them the nickname "convict fish" for both their stripes and their sneaky behavior. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead when they move inshore to spawn. Landing a nice sheepshead requires concentration and quick reflexes, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers who want to test their skills.
A private 4-hour trip on Clear Lake gives you everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience without breaking the bank or eating up your whole day. You're getting exclusive access to productive waters, expert local knowledge, and all the gear you need to put fish in the boat. Whether you're planning a family outing, introducing someone to fishing, or just want to get away from the crowds, this charter delivers consistent action in a relaxed setting. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to lock in your dates. Clear Lake is fishing well right now, and there's no better time than today to book your next fishing adventure with Warrior Wave Charters.
This 2016 Seahunt 20' center console is built for serious fishing in Clear Lake's productive waters. With its 150HP Yamaha engine pushing you to 30 knots, you'll reach the best fishing spots quickly and efficiently. The boat's center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. GPS navigation gets you to those secret honey holes, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. The shallow draft lets you slip into backwater areas where redfish and speckled trout like to hang out. Clean, stable platform perfect for working lures around structure or drifting live bait. Everything's set up for a productive day chasing black drum, reds, and specks in Clear Lake's calm inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Clear Lake, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black fish are bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structures where they root around for food. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when the action really heats up. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make underwater, plus they put up a solid fight on lighter tackle. For eating, stick with fish under 15 pounds for better taste. Pro tip: use fresh crab bait and keep it right on the bottom - they won't chase anything suspended in the water column.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of Clear Lake's shallow water fishing, ranging from 18-35 inches with that signature copper-bronze color and black eyespot near the tail. These fish love super shallow flats, sometimes in water so thin their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy shorelines where they root for crabs and shrimp. They bite year-round but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is their powerful runs and that distinctive "thump" when they hit topwater lures. Plus they're great eating when kept in the slot. The real excitement comes from sight fishing - watching a big red slowly cruise the flats before making your cast. Pro tip: aim a few feet ahead of cruising fish and let your lure sink before starting your retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of Clear Lake's most popular targets, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These silvery fish with black spots love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk. You'll find them cruising in 2-6 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. They're active most of the year but really turn on during cooler months when they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. The key is not to overcook them since the meat is delicate. My go-to technique is working soft plastics or topwater plugs over grass beds early morning. Keep your retrieves steady but not too fast - trout like a consistent presentation.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Clear Lake with their distinctive black and white stripes and those crazy human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we see some nice 15-20 pounders around the heavier structure. These guys live around anything with barnacles - docks, pilings, bridges, and jetties. Spring brings the best action when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love is the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with light bites, so it takes skill to hook them. Once you do, they fight hard for their size. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. Here's the trick: get your bait tight to structure and set the hook fast when you feel that subtle nibble. They'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
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