Premium Inshore Fishing | CL Guide Corpus Christi

Half-Day Afternoon Fishing in Corpus Christi

Get ready for some serious rod-bending action on this afternoon fishing trip in Corpus Christi! We're talking about a laid-back, family-friendly adventure where you'll cast lines for some of the most sought-after inshore species in Texas. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is perfect for creating memories and maybe even landing your personal best catch. We'll cruise the local hotspots, show you the ropes, and do our best to put you on the fish. It's all about having a good time and enjoying the beautiful Coastal Bend waters.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement in the air. We'll head out to some of my favorite fishing holes in the bays and estuaries around Corpus Christi. The afternoon light is perfect for spotting fish, and we often see them tailing in the shallows. I'll get you set up with the right gear and show you how to work your bait or lure. We're after redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and maybe even some flounder if we're lucky. The great thing about this trip is that the fish are usually hungry in the afternoon, so we've got a good shot at some solid action. Don't worry if you're new to this – I'm here to help you every step of the way, from casting to reeling in your catch.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are biting. I'll show you how to work a popping cork for trout, sight-cast to redfish, or bounce a jig along the bottom for flounder. We use light to medium tackle, which makes for an exciting fight when you hook into a big one. I've got all the gear you need – high-quality rods, reels, and tackle – so you don't have to worry about bringing anything except your sense of adventure. We might do some wade fishing if the conditions are right, so bring some clothes you don't mind getting wet. The key to success is staying mobile and adapting to where the fish are feeding, so be ready to move around a bit as we follow the bite.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers put up a heck of a fight and can grow to over 40 inches. We often find them tailing in shallow water, their spot-covered tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs in the mud. The best part? They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding aggressively. Spring and fall are prime times for big reds, but we catch them year-round in Corpus Christi.

Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call them, are another fan favorite. These silvery predators with spots along their backs are known for their delicate flavor and their willingness to smash topwater lures. They school up in deeper channels and around structure, especially in the cooler months. When we find a good trout bite, it's not uncommon to catch them one after another. The bigger ones, which we call "gator trout," can top 25 inches and provide an unforgettable light tackle experience.

Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're a blast to catch and great eating when they're smaller. These cousins of the redfish have distinctive chin barbels and can grow to over 30 pounds in our waters. They love crustaceans, so we often target them with crab or shrimp baits. Spring is the peak season when they gather in large schools to spawn, but we catch them year-round, especially around oyster reefs and pier pilings.

Southern flounder are the ninjas of the flats – masters of camouflage that lie in wait to ambush their prey. These flatfish are prized for their excellent table fare and the challenge they present to anglers. We catch them by dragging baits slowly along the bottom or by sight-fishing in very shallow water. Fall is the best time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn, but we can find them in the bays throughout the year. Landing a big "doormat" flounder is always a highlight of any trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks come back to fish Corpus Christi time and time again because, well, it's just that good. The diversity of fish species, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to catch a real trophy – it all adds up to an experience you can't get just anywhere. Plus, there's something special about being out on the water as the sun starts to dip, casting your line with pelicans diving nearby and dolphins sometimes swimming past the boat. It's not just about the fish; it's about disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with nature and your fishing buddies or family. And let's be honest, there's nothing like the thrill of feeling that tug on your line and not knowing if it's a scrappy redfish or a monster trout on the other end.

Top Catches This Season

This season has been on fire, with some real jaw-droppers coming over the gunwales. We've been seeing a lot of oversized redfish, with several pushing the 40-inch mark. The trout fishing has been stellar too, with quite a few customers landing their personal best specks in the 24-26 inch range. Black drum have been showing up in good numbers, especially around the deeper channels, and we've even managed to boat a few citation-sized ones over 30 pounds. Flounder fishing picked up nicely this fall, with several doormat-sized fish over 20 inches making it to the cooler. Remember, it's not just about size – we've had days where the action was non-stop with slot-sized reds and trout, providing memories (and fish tacos) that'll last a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, 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. This half-day afternoon adventure is perfect for families, groups of friends, or even a solo angler looking to learn some new tricks. We've got room for up to three people, so grab your fishing buddies and let's make it happen. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture your big catch. The fish are biting, the weather's great, and the memories are waiting to be made. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your Corpus Christi fishing trip today and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!