Top Rated Redfish Trout Flats Corpus Christi JBG

Half Day Redfish & Trout Charter in Corpus Christi

Captain JB Gooding knows the shallow waters around Corpus Christi like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This half-day charter targets the productive flats and grass beds of the Upper Laguna Madre, where redfish cruise the shallows and speckled trout ambush baitfish in the crystal-clear water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in the saltwater game, this 4-hour trip aboard a top-rated 23' Shoalwater will give you the authentic Texas coast fishing experience you've been looking for.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off with either a 7:00 AM departure to beat the heat and catch the morning bite, or a 1:00 PM afternoon session when the fish get active again. The 2023 23' Shoalwater runs smooth and quiet thanks to that 300HP Mercury, getting you to the fish fast without spooking anything in the skinny water. Captain JB focuses on the Upper Laguna Madre and the network of back bays where the big reds like to patrol. You'll be sight-fishing in water so shallow you can see the fish before you cast to them - that's when things get really exciting. The boat comfortably handles up to four people, but with just three anglers, everyone gets plenty of room to work and plenty of personal attention from the captain. All your tackle is provided, from the spinning reels perfect for throwing soft plastics to the leader material that can handle a bull red's gill plates.

Shallow Water Tactics & Gear

This isn't your typical offshore trolling trip - we're talking about precision sight-fishing in 2-4 feet of water where stealth and accuracy matter more than horsepower. Captain JB runs the boat with a quiet trolling motor, positioning you within casting distance of cruising redfish and trout without bumping them off the flat. The go-to technique here is working soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations along the grass lines and drop-offs where these fish feed. You'll learn to read the water, spotting the nervous baitfish and the shadows that give away a big red moving through the shallows. The captain provides all the specialized tackle you need - medium-action spinning rods spooled with braid for sensitivity, fluorocarbon leaders to stay invisible, and a tackle box full of proven lures in the colors that work best in these waters. When the bite is hot, you might switch to topwater plugs for some explosive surface action that'll get your heart racing.

Top Catches This Season

Sea trout are the bread and butter of the Corpus Christi bay system, and for good reason. These spotted beauties hang out around the grass beds and shell reefs, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. The best trout fishing happens during the cooler months from October through March, when the water temperatures drop and these fish pack on weight for winter. You'll find them in 3-6 feet of water, often suspended just above the grass where they can ambush passing prey. What makes speckled trout so exciting to catch is their aggressive strike and the way they jump when hooked - plus they're absolutely delicious on the table. A good trout in these waters runs 16-20 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a "gator trout" pushing 24 inches or more.

Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and the Corpus Christi area produces some true monsters. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow flats in small schools, tailing and feeding in water so thin their backs stick out. Red drum can be caught year-round, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active in the shallows. The slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) put up an amazing fight, making long runs and using their broad sides to pull drag. But it's the oversized "bull reds" over 28 inches that really test your tackle and your nerve. These fish can exceed 40 inches and will take you into your backing faster than you can believe. The sight of a big red tailing in 18 inches of clear water is something that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Southern flounder might not get the same attention as reds and trout, but they're a customer favorite for their table fare and sneaky fighting style. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud bottoms near structure and ambush points. Flounder fishing picks up in late summer and fall when they start their migration to deeper water. You'll find them around channel edges, boat cuts, and anywhere the current creates an ambush point. What's fun about flounder fishing is the technique - you've got to work your lure right along the bottom where they're waiting. When a flounder hits, it feels like you've snagged the bottom until suddenly your "snag" starts swimming sideways. These fish don't jump or make long runs, but they use their flat profile to fight you all the way to the net.

Time to Book Your Spot

At $600 for up to three anglers, this world-class charter delivers serious value for a private boat experience. Captain JB handles all the details - your rods, reels, tackle, and even cleaning your catch at the end of the day. Just bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. The Upper Laguna Madre has been producing trophy fish for decades, and with an experienced guide who knows every grass bed and drop-off, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that turns into fish stories you'll tell for years. Don't wait on this one - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during the peak seasons when the reds are schooling and the trout