Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to kick off your day with some serious rod-bending action? Captain Chris here, and I've got just the ticket for you. Our 5-hour morning trip on the Lower Laguna Madre is the perfect way to get your fish on, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet. We'll be chasing after some of South Padre Island's most prized inshore species, and trust me, the bite is hot!
Picture this: You're out on the crystal-clear flats of the Lower Laguna Madre, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and there's a tailing redfish right in your sights. That's what we're talking about! This private trip is all about giving you the best shot at landing some of our local favorites - redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. We'll provide all the top-notch gear you need, and if you're looking to up your game, we've got live bait available for a little extra. It's just you, your buddy, and all the fish you can handle. No crowds, no rush - just pure fishing bliss.
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. Some days, we might be sight-casting to reds cruising the shallows. Other times, we'll be drifting and working soft plastics for trout over grass beds. And when the flounder are in, we'll be bumping jigs along channel edges. I'll show you the ropes if you're new to this, or if you're an old hand, we can swap stories and try out some new tricks. The beauty of inshore fishing is its versatility - we can adapt on the fly to make sure you're into fish all morning long.
Let's break down the all-stars you'll be targeting on this trip:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the kings of the flats. They'll test your drag and your patience, often tailing in water so shallow you can see their backs. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but we catch 'em year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a red crush a topwater lure!
Speckled Trout: The bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These spotted speedsters are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic jumps. They school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Early mornings with a slight chop on the water? That's trout time, baby.
Flounder: The ambush predators of the flats. These flatfish might not look like much, but they put up a sneaky good fight and taste even better. We target them hard in the fall during their migration, but you can find some good ones year-round if you know where to look.
Black Drum: The redfish's cousin, black drum are bulldogs. They love crustaceans, so if you see them tailing, it's game on. They can grow huge, and even the smaller ones will give you a run for your money.
Snook: The ghost of the flats. These line-sided predators are a rare treat in our waters, but man, when you hook one, hold on tight! They're known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. We don't target them specifically, but if we run into some, it's like hitting the jackpot.
Look, I've been running these waters for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back for more. It's not just about the fish - although, let's be honest, that's a big part of it. It's about that moment when the sun's coming up, and the water's like glass. It's about the adrenaline rush when a big red slams your lure. It's about learning new techniques and maybe even outfishing the guide (hey, it happens!). Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new tricks, or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip's got you covered. And the best part? It's just you and your buddy - no sharing the boat with strangers. It's like having your own private fishing playground.
Alright, folks, here's the deal - spots on this trip go faster than a snook with your last lure. If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of South Padre's finest, don't wait around. Give us a shout, lock in your date, and get ready for a morning of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Remember, the deposit's non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there watching your line zip across the water, you'll know it was worth every penny. So what are you waiting for? Let's go fishing!
August 1, 2022
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats here in the Lower Laguna Madre. These powerful fish average 5-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in shallow, muddy areas near oyster beds or creek mouths. They use their strong jaws to crush shellfish, so fresh crab or shrimp are top baits. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black drum aren't the prettiest fish, but man can they pull! Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too - firm white meat with a mild flavor. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root around the bottom. Cast a crab-scented soft plastic right in front of them and hold on!
Redfish are the rockstars of the Lower Laguna Madre flats. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can top 40. Look for them tailing in ultra-shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep. They love to root around oyster bars and grass flats for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time as they school up, sometimes in massive numbers. Reds are famous for their powerful runs - they'll test your drag for sure. And that firm, white meat makes excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, cruise the shorelines looking for pushed water or wakes. Once you spot a red, cast a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp just ahead of it. Hold on tight when it slams the bait!
Speckled trout, or specs, are a staple in the Lower Laguna Madre. These silvery fish with spotted backs average 14-20 inches but can reach 30+. Look for them over grass flats and along channel edges in 2-6 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders, so topwater lures at dawn and dusk can be explosive. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps are ideal. Trout are known for their light tackle fight and delicate white meat. They're not huge battlers, but the sheer numbers you can catch make for non-stop action. Try a popping cork rig with live shrimp - it mimics their favorite prey. Work it with sharp jerks, pausing in between. The trout can't resist!
Snook are a prized catch in South Padre's Lower Laguna Madre. These silver-sided predators average 1-2 feet but can reach 4+ feet. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and structure in 2-6 feet of water. They're ambush feeders, so work lures tight to cover. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps change. Snook put up an amazing fight - powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Their firm white meat is delicious too. For best results, use live bait like pinfish or mullet on a circle hook. Work it slowly along drop-offs or current edges. Be ready for explosive strikes! Just remember, snook are temperature sensitive, so release them quickly in cooler months.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage in the Lower Laguna Madre. These flat fish blend right into the sandy bottom, with both eyes on their left side. Most are 15-20 inches, but big ones can hit 26 pounds. Look for them near drop-offs and channels in 3-30 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so a slow-moving bait is key. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before winter. Flounder give a unique fight - they'll dive for the bottom and use that flat body as a parachute. And talk about good eating - sweet, white fillets that are hard to beat. Try drifting with a live mullet or finger mullet-tipped jig. When you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
I took my wife and three children (10,11,14) on this trip and it was an amazing experience. We all caught a fish and Captain Cole gave us great pointers and conversation. I would recommend this fishing experience to anyone especially those fisherman like me who don’t normally come back back with any fish. Great time kids loved it and want to do it again next summer.