Ready to wet a line in the Lone Star State? Captain Alan's got you covered with this 6-hour inshore fishing trip that's perfect for newcomers to the sport. You'll be targeting some of Texas' most popular game fish – redfish, black drum, and speckled trout – while learning the ropes from a pro. This ain't no rushed outing; we've got plenty of time to explore the productive bays and backwaters, try out different techniques, and get you feeling confident with a rod in your hands. Everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so all you've gotta do is show up ready to learn and have a good time on the water.
This trip is all about giving you a taste of what Texas inshore fishing is all about. We'll start by going over the basics – how to cast, work different lures, and read the water. Then it's time to put that knowledge to use! We'll hit up some of Captain Alan's favorite spots, from grass flats to oyster reefs, where the fish love to hang out. Don't worry if you're not hooking up right away – that's what the captain's there for. He'll be right by your side, offering tips and tweaking your technique until you're reeling 'em in like a pro. And with 6 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to practice and improve.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are biting. You might find yourself tossing a popping cork with a live shrimp, working a soft plastic jig along the bottom, or maybe even sight-casting to tailing redfish if conditions are right. Captain Alan's got all the gear you need, from light spinning tackle to heavier setups for when those big bull reds show up. He'll show you how to use each piece of equipment and which techniques work best for different species and situations. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid foundation in inshore fishing tactics that you can build on for years to come.
Texas inshore waters are teeming with life, and you never know what might end up on the end of your line. While we're focusing on redfish, black drum, and speckled trout, don't be surprised if you hook into some bonus species like flounder, sheepshead, or even the occasional snook. The fishing here changes with the seasons, but there's always something biting. Spring and fall tend to be prime times, with fish actively feeding as they prepare for spawning or winter. Summer can be hot, but early mornings can produce some excellent topwater action. Even in winter, you can find some great action with schools of bull redfish and black drum.
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a Texas favorite for good reason. They put up a great fight, often making powerful runs and even tailing in shallow water. Redfish can range from little "rat reds" to monster bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, making them a perfect target for both beginners and seasoned anglers. In the fall, big schools of bull reds often show up, providing some of the most exciting fishing of the year.
Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are a blast to catch and can grow to impressive sizes. Smaller "puppy drum" are excellent on the table, while the big ones (some over 50 pounds!) will give you a workout. These fish have sensitive barbels they use to detect food, so they're suckers for natural baits like shrimp or crab. You'll often find them hanging around oyster reefs and other structure.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their sporty fight and their delicious flavor. Specks can be caught year-round but really shine in the cooler months. They're ambush predators, so working lures or live bait around grass beds, drop-offs, and other structure can be very productive. The "gator" trout (over 25 inches) are the holy grail for many anglers, but even the smaller ones provide plenty of fun.
Sheepshead: While not one of our primary targets, sheepshead are a common catch and a real treat. These striped fish with human-like teeth are masters at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a fight. They love structure like pilings and oyster reefs, and they're arguably one of the best-eating fish in the bay. Catching them requires finesse and patience, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels.
There's something special about Texas inshore fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing redfish in gin-clear water, or the satisfaction of outsmarting a wary speckled trout. Could be the way a big black drum makes your drag sing, or just the peace and quiet of a misty morning on the bay. Whatever it is, once you've experienced it, you'll be hooked. And with Captain Alan as your guide, you're not just going fishing – you're gaining knowledge and skills that'll serve you well on future trips. Many of our first-timers end up becoming regulars, coming back season after season to build on what they've learned and chase that next personal best catch.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler wanting to explore new waters, Captain Alan's got you covered. Remember to bring your Texas saltwater fishing license, some sun protection (trust me, you'll need it), and any snacks or drinks you want for the day. Everything else – rods, reels, bait, and a boatload of fishing knowledge – is provided. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot today and get ready to make some memories on the water. The fish are waiting!
Black drum are the bulldogs of Texas inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds, but giants over 50 aren't unheard of. You'll find them rooting around oyster reefs and mudflats in 1-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love targeting drums for their dogged fights and excellent table fare (stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for best eating). They're not picky eaters – fresh shrimp, crab, or cut bait on the bottom will do the trick. Here's a local tip: Listen for their distinctive drumming sound underwater. That croaking lets you know you're in the right spot. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and hang on!
Redfish are the rockstars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches, with some bulls pushing 40+. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of water. Focus on grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of depth. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds – it's a rush when one crushes your lure. They put up a great fight and make excellent table fare too. Live shrimp or mullet work well, but artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics are deadly. Here's a local tip: On calm days, cruise the flats and look for their coppery backs or tails breaking the surface. A well-placed cast can lead to an epic battle!
Sheepshead are the oddballs of Texas inshore fishing, with their distinctive black-and-white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, perfect for the table. You'll find these structure-loving fish around docks, jetties, and reefs in 5-15 feet of water. Winter and early spring are prime, as they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of outsmarting these bait-stealers, plus their sweet, white meat makes excellent eating. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles are top baits. Here's a pro tip: Use a small, sharp hook and wait to feel weight before setting – sheepshead are notorious for nibbling bait off the hook. When you hook up, that first run will make your drag sing!
Snook are a prized catch in Texas waters, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty meat. These sleek predators typically range from 24-34 inches, with some monsters pushing 40+. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in shallow inshore waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between spawning areas. Anglers love targeting them for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, but artificials like soft plastics and topwater lures can be deadly too. Here's a local tip: On incoming tides, focus on points and cuts where baitfish get flushed through. That's where big snook set up to ambush an easy meal. Just be ready to hold on tight when one slams your offering!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
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Horsepower per Engine: 90