Hey there, anglers! Ready to hit the flats and channels of Corpus Christi for some world-class inshore action? Capt. Caleb here, and I'm stoked to take you out for a day of chasing reds, drums, and more in the rich waters of the Texas Coast. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this 6-hour trip is tailored to give you the best shot at landing some beautiful fish while soaking in the coastal vibes of CC.
Picture this: You're gliding across calm bay waters as the sun peeks over the horizon, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of the toughest fighters in the Gulf. That's what you're in for on this professional inshore charter. We'll spend a solid 6 hours exploring the honey holes where redfish and black drum love to hang out. I'll be right there with you, sharing local knowledge and helping you dial in your technique. No need to sweat the gear – I've got top-notch equipment all set for you. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes or just want to bend a rod, this trip's got you covered.
Alright, let's talk tactics. Inshore fishing in Corpus is all about reading the water and knowing where the fish are holding up. We might start by drifting over grass flats, tossing soft plastics or live bait to tempt those redfish. If the drum are playing hard to get, we'll switch it up and try some bottom fishing with crab or shrimp. I'm all about putting you on fish, so we'll adjust our approach based on what's biting. Expect to do some sight-casting if conditions are right – there's nothing like spotting a big red's tail waving in the shallows and making that perfect cast.
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" under 20 inches to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the flats and will put up a screaming fight when hooked. Fall is prime time for reds, but we catch 'em year-round in CC.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and great eating when they're slot-sized. These cousins of the redfish grow big (we're talking 30-50 pounds for the big ones) and pull like freight trains. They're bottom feeders, so we'll target them with natural baits near structure and oyster beds.
Speckled Trout: While not our primary target, we often hook into these spotted speedsters. Specks are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic jumps. They school up in deeper channels and around grass beds, especially in the cooler months. Light tackle and finesse are key for these guys.
Sheepshead: These striped convicts are the ultimate bait stealers, but man, are they fun to catch when you figure them out. With their human-like teeth, sheepshead crunch through crabs and barnacles on pilings and jetties. They're a winter favorite and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.
Listen, I've been fishing these waters for years, and I still get pumped every time I head out. The diversity of fish, the ever-changing conditions, and the thrill of the hunt – it's addictive. But don't just take my word for it. Folks who've fished with me keep coming back because they know we're not just going through the motions. We're out there to have a good time, learn something new, and hopefully put some fish in the box. Plus, there's something special about fishing the coastal bend. One minute you're battling a bull red, the next you're watching dolphins play in the wake. It's a full-on Gulf Coast experience.
So there you have it, folks – a day of inshore fishing in Corpus Christi that's hard to beat. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, learn some new tricks, or just enjoy a day on the water, I've got you covered. Remember, the fish are always biting somewhere, and I'm here to help you find 'em. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this action. Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some memories on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first red slam your bait, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the flats!
Redfish are the rockstars of Corpus Christi flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with the trademark tail spot love super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water. Most run 20-30 inches, but big bulls over 40 inches show up too. They hang around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves year-round. Redfish put up a great fight, often making strong runs and head-shakes. Their sweet, firm meat is top-notch eating as well. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. For a fun challenge, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. My go-to trick is to use a gold spoon - redfish can't seem to resist that flash and wobble. Work it slow along the bottom and hang on when they slam it. Just watch out for their powerful first run!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones show up. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're active year-round but school up in deeper channels during winter. Trout love to chase lures, making them fun on light tackle. Their mild, flaky white meat is excellent eating too. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. To boost your odds, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. When you find a school, they'll often hit lures one after another. Just remember, sea trout have soft mouths, so go easy on the hook set. With the right touch, you can rack up some good numbers on these popular gamefish.
Sheepshead are a unique inshore target here in Corpus Christi. These striped "convict fish" typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks and reefs. Their human-like teeth crush barnacles and crabs, making them tricky to hook. Spring is prime time as they form big spawning groups. Anglers enjoy the challenge - you've gotta finesse your presentation to get a bite. Once hooked, they put up a solid fight. The white, flaky meat is delicious too. My tip: use a small, strong hook with fresh crab or shrimp. Get it right next to pilings, let it sit, and be ready to set the hook fast. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so stay alert. With some patience, you can land these toothy oddballs year-round in our waters.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300