Winter Fishing Adventure in Baffin Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour guided winter fishing trip targeting redfish and troutBeginnerfriendly charter with all equipment and bait providedExpert techniques including drift fishing and popping cork setups
Captain Alexander knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Baffin Bay is one of the top-rated winter fishing destinations on the Texas coast. This 6-hour charter is built for beginners who want to learn the ropes, but don't worry if you've got some experience under your belt – these productive waters have enough action to keep everyone happy. Winter fishing in Corpus Christi brings cooler temps and hungry fish, making it the perfect time to target some of the bay's most sought-after species without the summer crowds.
You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped vessel with just you and one other angler, giving you plenty of personal attention from Captain Alexander. The intimate setting means you'll get hands-on instruction and won't be competing with a crowd for prime fishing spots. Baffin Bay's shallow flats and deeper holes create the perfect environment for multiple species, and the winter months bring some of the most consistent fishing of the year. The cooler water temperatures slow down the fish just enough to make them more predictable, which is exactly what beginners need to build confidence. Captain Alexander provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle, so you can focus on learning proper technique rather than worrying about equipment.
Captain Alexander switches up his approach based on what the fish are doing and where they're holding. Drift fishing is a customer favorite here – you'll let the boat move naturally with the current while working soft plastics or live bait through likely spots. When the bite calls for it, you'll anchor up and try bottom fishing with cut bait or shrimp to target species like Black Drum and Sheepshead around structure. The popping cork setup is another go-to technique that's perfect for beginners. You'll cast out a weighted cork with bait suspended below, then give it gentle pops to create noise and movement that draws in curious Redfish and Trout. Live bait is available upon request, and Captain Alexander knows when fresh shrimp or finger mullet will make the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Baffin Bay winter fishing. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 28 inches in the winter months and are known for their bulldogging runs that'll test your drag system. They school up in the cooler water, often holding in 3 to 6 feet around grass beds and drop-offs. What makes Redfish so exciting is their aggressive strike and the way they never give up – even a smaller Red will put a serious bend in your rod and give you a workout.
Speckled Trout, or Sea Trout as many locals call them, are another winter standout. The cooler months produce some of the biggest Trout of the year, with fish ranging from keeper size at 15 inches up to trophy specimens over 25 inches. Winter Trout are often found in deeper water during the day, moving shallow to feed in the afternoons when the sun warms the flats. They're known for their delicate mouths and acrobatic jumps, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate finesse fishing.
Southern Flounder become more active in winter as they prepare for their offshore spawning run. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be found buried in sandy areas near structure. Most winter Flounder in Baffin Bay run 14 to 20 inches, and they're prized for their excellent table fare. The challenge with Flounder is feeling their subtle bite – they often just feel like you've snagged the bottom until you set the hook and feel them come alive.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the winter bay system. These bottom-dwellers can range from juvenile "puppy drum" around 12 to 16 inches up to massive bull drum that can exceed 30 inches and weigh 20 pounds or more. They're typically found around oyster reefs, pilings, and other hard structure where they cruise looking for crabs and shellfish. Black Drum are known for their powerful runs and their ability to use their broad sides to fight against the current.
Sheepshead are the winter specialists that many anglers overlook. These black and white striped fish are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish. They're typically found around structure in the winter months and require a different approach – you need to feel for their subtle pecking bite and set the hook quickly. Sheepshead are considered some of the best eating fish in the bay, making them a rewarding target for anglers willing to learn their tricks.
This beginner-friendly winter charter gives you six solid hours to learn, practice, and put fish in the boat with one of Corpus Christi's most experienced guides. Captain Alexander's patient teaching style and knowledge of Baffin Bay's seasonal patterns make this trip perfect for anyone looking to build their inshore fishing skills or just enjoy a relaxing day targeting some of Texas' best gamefish. The small group size ensures you'll get personalized instruction, and the winter timing means you'll be fishing when these species are most active and predictable. Don't wait – the best winter fishing days fill up fast, and you'll want to secure your spot for this world-class Baffin Bay fishing experience.
This 25-foot Majek center console is perfect for chasing redfish and trout in Baffin Bay's shallow waters. Built in 2023 with a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine, she'll get you to the best fishing spots quickly while staying stable in winter conditions. The boat features a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking them, plus a fish finder to locate schools and structure. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. The multimedia system provides entertainment between bites, while GPS navigation ensures you'll find productive water every time. With space for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, making it easy to work different techniques like drift fishing and popping corks as conditions change throughout the day.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our winter fishing, often called "drums" for the croaking sounds they make. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds in Baffin Bay, with their grey-black coloration and crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish areas where food is plentiful. Winter and spring are prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love is their bulldogging fight - pure power that'll test your drag. Plus, the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The bigger fish are best released as the meat gets tough. My tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on a fish finder rig, and fish it right on the bottom. When they pick it up, let them run with it a few seconds before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily identified by their copper-bronze color and that signature black spot near the tail. In Baffin Bay, most run 18-30 inches, with some bruiser bulls pushing 40+ inches and serious weight. They love super shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds - sometimes in water so thin their backs show. Year-round fishing is good, but winter concentrates them in predictable areas. What gets people hooked is that explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll make multiple runs and test your drag. Plus, slot-sized fish make outstanding table fare with mild, sweet meat. The cool factor is sight-fishing them in shallow water. Here's my tip: when you spot one tailing or cruising, cast your bait 3-4 feet ahead of their path, not right on them. Let it settle and wait - patience pays off with reds.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our Baffin Bay fishing, with their torpedo-shaped silver bodies covered in distinctive black spots. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for beginners and experts alike. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around structure. Winter fishing can be fantastic when they school up in deeper holes and channels. What guests love is their willingness to bite and that excellent table fare - soft, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. My go-to tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and that natural presentation seals the deal.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters, with those distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth that'll make you do a double-take. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders around structure. They're notorious for hanging tight to docks, bridge pilings, and any barnacle-covered structure where they scrape off their favorite meals. Winter months are excellent as they concentrate around deeper structures. What makes them special is their incredible table quality - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also notorious bait thieves with those crushing teeth. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, getting as close to structure as possible. When you feel that subtle nibble, don't wait - set the hook immediately and hard, or they'll steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish camouflage themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. You'll recognize them by both eyes being on their left side and the scattered dark spots across their body. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They love shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, especially during winter when they move to deeper channels. What makes them special is that color-changing ability and the way they bury themselves in the bottom. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Here's the key: when drift fishing, keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom. They'll often just mouth the bait first, so wait for that solid pull before setting the hook.
Corpus Christi