Ready for some hard-pulling reds and drum in the shallows? Capt. Caleb's got you covered with this 6-hour inshore trip right here in Corpus Christi. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or looking to dial in your technique, we'll put you on the fish and show you the ropes. No gear? No problem - we've got everything you need to start landing monsters. Let's hit the flats and see what's biting!
We'll meet up bright and early at the marina, load up the skiff, and head out to some prime spots in the bay. Capt. Caleb knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll waste no time getting to where the fish are holding. Expect to do a mix of sight-casting in skinny water and working deeper holes, depending on conditions. You'll learn how to read the water, spot tailing reds, and present your bait just right. And when that drag starts screaming? Hold on tight - these inshore bruisers don't give up easy!
On this trip, we'll be using light to medium tackle, perfect for battling redfish and drum in shallow water. We'll rig up with a mix of artificial lures and live bait, teaching you how to work soft plastics, topwaters, and even fly fishing if that's your jam. Sight-casting to tailing reds is a rush, but we'll also show you how to locate fish by reading water movement and looking for bait activity. Don't worry if you're new to this - Capt. Caleb will walk you through everything from knot tying to proper hook-setting technique. By the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro and ready to come back for more!
The inshore bite has been on fire lately, with some real studs coming to the boat. We've been consistently putting clients on 24-30 inch reds, with a few over the slot limit that had to go back (but made for great photos!). The black drum have been thick too, especially around structure. Last week, Jim from Houston landed a 40-inch black drum that nearly spooled him - talk about a battle! And while we're targeting reds and drum, don't be surprised if we run into some hard-fighting speckled trout. The fishing's been so good, half our clients are rebooking before we even hit the dock!
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are the stars of the show in Corpus Christi. Reds love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature tail waving above the surface as they root for crabs. They typically range from 20-28 inches in our waters, but we occasionally hook into bulls over 40 inches! Redfish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, especially in shallow water. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, making them perfect targets for our full-day trips.
Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing their redfish cousins, black drum are hard-fighting fish that can reach impressive sizes. In the Corpus Christi area, we regularly catch "puppy drum" in the 14-30 inch range, but the big ones can top 50 pounds! These bottom-feeders love structure and use their sensitive barbels to locate crustaceans and small fish. While they might not be as flashy as reds, hooking into a big black drum in shallow water is an experience you won't forget. They're particularly active in the cooler months, making them a great target when other species slow down.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout): While not our primary target on this trip, we often encounter these sought-after gamefish while fishing for reds and drum. Speckled trout are known for their delicate mouths and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite among light tackle anglers. In Corpus Christi, we typically catch specks in the 15-20 inch range, but trophy-sized gator trout over 25 inches are always a possibility. These ambush predators love to hang around grass beds and drop-offs, striking at baitfish and shrimp. Their peak season is typically spring and fall, but we catch them year-round in our waters.
Folks, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get excited every time we push off from the dock. There's something special about the diversity of fishing we have here in Corpus Christi. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're battling a bruiser black drum that's trying to wrap you around a piling. And let's not forget the satisfaction of teaching newcomers - watching a client land their first redfish on the fly is priceless. But don't take my word for it - ask any of our repeat customers. They'll tell you it's not just about the fish (though we catch plenty). It's about the whole experience: the sunrise over the bay, the osprey diving for bait, and the camaraderie that comes from a day on the water. That's what keeps 'em coming back, trip after trip.
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching to get on some quality inshore action, this is your ticket. We're talking about a full 6 hours of guided fishing in one of the hottest inshore fisheries on the Gulf Coast. You'll learn techniques that'll up your game whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. And remember, everything's provided - rods, reels, bait, the works. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a lucky hat).
But here's the deal - spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. The bite's been hot, and word gets around. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. We'll get you set up and ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Corpus Christi has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first red surge off into the distance, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
Black Drum are the big cousins of Redfish, often hanging out in the same spots. These hefty fighters can tip the scales from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find 'em in brackish waters, near oyster beds, and along muddy flats. Spring's the prime time to target 'em when they school up for spawning. They make a distinctive croaking sound, which is pretty cool to hear underwater. Black Drum are bottom feeders, so use fresh crab or clams on a weighted rig. Here's a local tip: if you're after table fare, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and not as tasty. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard – these guys have tough mouths and put up a great fight.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark tail spot love hanging in shallow water, often as little as 1 to 4 feet deep. You'll find 'em around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms. Most run 20 to 30 inches, but they can grow much bigger. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Fall is prime time when they school up in the shallows. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Approach quietly and make a cast just beyond them - the hit can be explosive. Whether you're sight-casting or blind-casting, hooking into a big red is always a rush.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a favorite inshore target. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14 to 24 inches, but can get up to 5 pounds or more. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're schooling fish, so where you find one, there's likely more. Sea Trout love to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - that surface explosion is a real thrill. They're also great eating fish with delicate, flaky meat. Best time to catch 'em is fall through spring when the water's cooler. Here's a trick: try using a popping cork with a soft plastic about 18 inches below. The noise attracts the trout, and they'll nail that trailing lure. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently.
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