Inshore Fishing Charter Corpus Christi, Redfish
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting redfish in shallow flatsRestored 21foot Shoalwater Cat provides quiet skinny water accessAll tackle, bait, and equipment included for two guests
Looking for some serious redfish action? This six-hour inshore charter puts you right in the heart of Texas's best shallow-water fishing grounds. We're talking about the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay – waters that have been putting smiles on anglers' faces for decades. You'll be fishing from a restored 21-foot Shoalwater Cat that's built specifically for sneaking into those skinny flats where the big reds like to cruise. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – we keep it small with just two guests, so you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your technique.
The moment you step aboard, you'll notice this isn't just any fishing trip. The Shoalwater Cat is engineered for one thing: getting you into places other boats can't reach without spooking the fish. These shallow flats are where the magic happens, and our boat's design lets us pole through water so skinny you could almost wade it. The Upper Laguna Madre is one of only a handful of hyper-saline lagoons in the world, which creates a unique ecosystem that redfish absolutely love. You'll be amazed at how clear the water is – on a good day, you can actually see the fish before you cast to them. We provide all the tackle you need, including light rods and reels that give you a real fight when you hook up. Live bait is included, and trust me, nothing beats a frisky shrimp or mullet for getting a red's attention. Don't forget to bring your Texas fishing license with saltwater endorsement – it's required for anyone 17 and older.
This is all about finesse fishing with light tackle that really lets you feel every head shake and run. We're not throwing heavy gear here – instead, we use spinning reels spooled with lighter line that gives these fish a fighting chance while still landing them consistently. The technique revolves around reading the water and understanding how redfish behave in these flats. They're sight feeders that patrol the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish stirring up the bottom. We'll position the boat quietly, often using a push pole to avoid engine noise that can scatter an entire school. Natural baits work best in these waters – live shrimp under a popping cork, cut mullet on the bottom, or soft plastics that mimic the local forage. The key is presentation and patience. These aren't lake bass that'll hit anything that moves. Redfish can be picky, especially in clear water where they can get a good look at your offering. But when everything comes together – the right bait, perfect cast, and a hungry fish – there's nothing quite like watching a red drum inhale your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built like football players and fight twice as hard as you'd expect. In the Laguna Madre system, reds range from schoolie-sized fish around 18-24 inches up to genuine bulls pushing 30-plus inches and 20-plus pounds. The best action typically happens during spring and fall when water temperatures are in that sweet spot between 68-78 degrees. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive feeding behavior in shallow water. They'll root around oyster bars, cruise grass flats, and patrol drop-offs looking for an easy meal. When you hook one, be ready for a bulldogging fight with long runs and head-shaking that'll test your drag settings.
Southern Flounder add a different dimension to this fishery, especially during their fall migration when they're staging near passes and deeper channels. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and ambushing prey that swims overhead. They're not the fighters that redfish are, but they make up for it in table fare – few fish eat better than a fresh flounder fillet. Fall months from September through November are prime time when flounder are moving from the bays to spawn in the Gulf. They'll hit live shrimp, finger mullet, or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with mature fish reaching 30-40 pounds or more. These bottom-feeders have pharyngeal teeth that can crush oysters and crabs like potato chips. They're often found around structure like jetties, bridge pilings, and oyster reefs. Black drum fight with pure power – no flashy jumps or long runs, just steady, muscle-straining pressure that'll make you appreciate a good fighting belt. Spring months bring the best black drum action as they move shallow to spawn.
Sea Trout round out the inshore slam possibilities, though they're more common during cooler months when water temperatures drop. These spotted beauties are actually members of the drum family, not true trout. They prefer grass flats and have a delicate mouth that requires a gentle touch when fighting them. Trout are excellent table fare and provide steady action when conditions are right. Look for the best trout fishing from late fall through early spring when water temps are in the 60s.
This top-rated charter experience fills up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. You're getting access to some of Texas's most productive redfish waters with a captain who knows these flats like his backyard. The combination of a specialized shallow-water boat, quality tackle, and expert local knowledge gives you the best shot at landing the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target trophy reds or someone new to saltwater fishing who wants to learn proper techniques, this trip delivers. The six-hour timeframe gives us plenty of opportunity to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics based on conditions. Book now and get ready to
Get ready to chase redfish across the Texas flats aboard our fully restored 21-foot Shoalwater Cat! This shallow water specialist was rebuilt in 2026 and packs a serious 250HP Evinrude that'll push you to 50 knots, getting you to the honey holes before anyone else. Built specifically for skinny water fishing, this bay boat runs whisper-quiet through the shallows where big reds love to cruise. You'll have everything you need onboard - GPS to mark those secret spots, a fishfinder to locate schools, and a live bait well keeping your shrimp and mullet fresh. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to work a fish, and with seating for up to 4, there's comfort between the action. Perfect for working the grass flats and oyster reefs around Corpus Christi Bay, this rig handles choppy days but really shines in the back country where sight fishing gets your heart pumping.
Pogonias CromisThe heavyweights of the drum family, these bruisers average 10-20 pounds but can push well over 30 around Corpus Christi waters. You'll hear them before you see them - they make actual drumming sounds that carry underwater. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up, though stick to fish under 15 pounds if you plan to eat them - the meat gets tough as they age. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait, especially blue crab or peeler crab. Keep it on the bottom where they feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the stars of our shallow water fishing, with that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. Most fish we catch run 20-28 inches, perfect eating size with firm, mild meat. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines in water so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up and feed aggressively before winter. What guests love most is sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water - it's pure adrenaline watching them crush topwater lures. They're strong fighters that make long runs and never give up easy. Key tip: approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait back through their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are bread-and-butter fish in these waters, running 14-20 inches most days with occasional 3-4 pounders mixed in. They roam grass flats and drop-offs, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Early morning and evening bites are best, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. Guests appreciate their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality - soft, flaky white meat that's hard to beat fried or grilled. They're also great fighters on light tackle, making long runs when hooked. Look for slicks on the surface where they're feeding below. Try a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches under - the noise draws them in from a distance.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat fish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches around here, though we see some pushing 25+ inches on good days. You'll find them on sandy bottoms in shallow bays and around structure where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes flounder special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side of their head - and they're fantastic table fare with sweet, white meat. They put up a solid fight on light tackle too. Pro tip: when you feel that soft bite, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait in their mouth.
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