Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the flats for some serious inshore action? Join Captain Marc for a half-day morning trip that'll have you casting lines and hauling in fish before lunch. We're talking about 5 hours of pure fishing bliss in the legendary Laguna Madre Bay, right off South Padre Island. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hefty black drum, test your skills against hard-fighting redfish, or finesse some speckled trout, this trip's got it all. So grab your hat and let's get after 'em!
Picture this: You're cruising across glassy waters as the sun peeks over the horizon, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of the Gulf's most prized inshore species. Captain Marc knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got all the local intel on where the fish are biting. We'll be hitting up some prime spots in Laguna Madre Bay, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels. The beauty of this trip is its versatility – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you could be working a topwater for specks. And with a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain to dial in your technique.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true inshore tactics. Expect to do some live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, but we'll also have artificial lures on deck for those who want to work some plastic or throw some topwater. We might drift fish over some productive areas or post up on a spot and chum to bring the fish to us. The captain's got all the gear you need, from light tackle spinning setups to baitcasting rigs. Just remember to bring your Texas fishing license, some sunscreen, and a cooler for your catch – 'cause trust me, you're gonna need it!
Alright, let's break down the stars of the show. We're targeting three main species on this trip, and each one's a blast in its own right.
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the bay. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull! We usually find 'em rooting around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp. The smaller ones, called "puppy drum," are fantastic eating. But hook into a big one, and you're in for a workout. They can grow over 30 pounds, and when they decide to dig in, you better hold on tight!
Redfish: Now we're talking! Redfish, or red drum, are the rock stars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties are known for their hard runs and that distinctive black spot on their tail. We often spot them tailing in shallow water, which is a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. They're not picky eaters, which means you've got a good shot at hooking up whether you're using live bait or lures. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the pull of a big red on light tackle.
Speckled Trout: If finesse fishing is more your style, you're gonna love targeting specks. These speckled sea trout are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, so landing one is always a satisfying accomplishment. They're ambush predators, so we'll be working grass lines and drop-offs where they like to hang out. The best part? A limit of keeper-sized specks makes for some mighty fine eating.
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get excited every time I head out. There's just something special about fishing the Laguna Madre. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as we're heading out, or the thrill of spotting a school of reds cruising the flats. Could be the satisfaction of teaching a newbie how to work a soft plastic and watching their face light up when they hook their first trout. Whatever it is, this trip's got that magic that keeps folks coming back year after year. And with Captain Marc at the helm, you know you're in for a top-notch experience.
Alright, folks, here's the deal – if you're looking for a morning of non-stop inshore action, this is your ticket. We've got the perfect combo of species, scenery, and good old-fashioned fishing fun. Captain Marc's got the know-how to put you on the fish, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. So why not round up a buddy and book your spot? The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and there's a cooler full of ice just waiting to be filled with your catch. Don't let this chance slip away – get in touch and let's make it happen. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often tipping the scales at 30-90 pounds. You'll find 'em hanging around oyster beds and mudflats in Laguna Madre Bay. These big boys use their strong jaws to crush shellfish, so crab or shrimp make great bait. Spring's the prime time to target them when they school up to spawn. Listen for their distinctive drumming sound - it's how they communicate. Black Drum put up a good fight, but the smaller ones under 15 pounds taste best. For a local trick, try fishing the edges of channels on an incoming tide. Just remember, these fish can live 50+ years, so consider catch and release for the big ones. Whether you're after a trophy or a tasty dinner, Black Drum offer a unique fishing experience here in South Padre.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. You'll spot 'em by their copper color and black tail spot. These guys love shallow water - we're talking 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for 'em around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud flats in Laguna Madre Bay. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can grow much bigger. Redfish put up a heck of a fight and are great eating too. They'll hit just about anything when they're hungry - topwater lures, jigs, or live bait all work well. Fall's prime time when they're fattening up for winter. Here's a local secret: on hot days, look for their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast quietly in front of them and hang on tight!
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em, are a favorite here in Laguna Madre Bay. These silvery beauties usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. Sea Trout love to chase lures, so try topwater plugs or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. They're known for their delicate, mild flavor - just be careful not to overcook 'em. Best time to fish is early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their distinctive V-shaped wakes in shallow water. That's your cue to cast ahead of their path for a solid hookup.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200