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Ready to hit the rich waters of Port Mansfield for some serious inshore action? Captain Bill's got you covered with this tailored 5-hour trip that'll have you wrestling redfish, black drum, and speckled trout before lunch. We're talking prime fishing grounds in the Lower Laguna Madre, where the bite is hot and the scenery ain't bad either. Whether you're all about that artificial lure life or prefer to tempt 'em with live bait, we've got the gear and know-how to put you on fish. This ain't no tourist trap – it's a real-deal fishing experience for those who know their way around a rod and reel.
Rise and shine, anglers! We're casting off at 7 AM sharp, giving you the sweet spot of morning feeding time. You and up to two buddies will have the boat to yourselves – that's right, it's a private charter. Captain Bill's been navigating these waters longer than some folks have been fishing, so you're in for a treat. He'll zero in on the honey holes where the big ones lurk, using tried-and-true techniques that work for these parts. No need to lug your tackle box – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and all the fixings. Just bring your A-game, a valid Texas fishing license, and whatever snacks keep you going. Oh, and leave some room in the cooler for your catch – you're gonna need it.
Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We're not just chunking bait and hoping for the best. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, working soft plastics along grass lines for trout, or using cut bait to entice those bulldogging black drum. Captain Bill's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like the old "walk the dog" topwater technique that drives specks wild. We'll adjust our approach based on tides, wind, and water clarity – that's the kind of local intel that puts fish in the boat. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure or technique you're itching to try, speak up. This trip's all about refining your skills and putting them to the test.
Redfish are the rockstars of these waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can tip the scales at 20 pounds or more, and when they hit, you'll know it. They love to cruise the flats, often revealing themselves with their signature tail waving above the surface. Spring and fall are prime time, but honestly, there's no bad season for reds in Port Mansfield. The thrill of watching one chase down your lure in skinny water never gets old.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes, though we typically target the "eater" size in the 5-15 pound range. They've got a sweet tooth for crustaceans, so crab or shrimp-imitating baits are the ticket. Winter and early spring see schools of these guys moving through, offering some of the best action of the year.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These silver-sided predators are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Summer mornings can be spectacular, with topwater lures drawing explosive strikes. Don't let their average size fool you – a big speck over 25 inches is a true trophy and the stuff of Texan fishing legend.
Port Mansfield isn't just another dot on the map – it's a fisherman's playground that keeps seasoned anglers coming back year after year. The Lower Laguna Madre is a unique ecosystem, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters and abundant seagrass beds that support a thriving fishery. It's not uncommon to spot your quarry before you even cast, adding a heart-pounding visual element to your fishing. And let's be real – the bragging rights of landing a slam (redfish, trout, and flounder in one day) are pretty sweet. But it's not just about the fish. The solitude out here, away from the crowds, with nothing but the sound of water lapping against the boat and the occasional osprey cry – that's the stuff that sticks with you long after you've gone home.
Look, if you're still reading this, you know you want in on this action. Port Mansfield fishing isn't just good – it's world-class, and Captain Bill knows how to make the most of it. For $500, you're getting more than just a morning on the water. You're getting years of local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and a shot at some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, land that personal best, or just enjoy a quality day on the water with good company, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't sit on your hands. Give B.T.J Charters a call and lock in your date. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this. See you on the water!
Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often hanging out in the same spots. These bruisers can top 90 pounds, but we usually target 'em in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find 'em cruising shallow flats, oyster beds, and near creek mouths. They love to munch on crabs and shrimp, so that's what we'll use for bait. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Black drum put up a great fight, especially the bigger ones. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're fun to catch and good eating if you stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. Pro tip: listen for their distinctive croaking sound – it can give away their location when they're feeding in muddy water.

Redfish, or reds, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These bronze bruisers love shallow water – we're talking 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for 'em tailing in grass flats, around oyster reefs, or cruising mud bottoms. Most of our catch runs 20-30 inches, but big bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Reds are known for their powerful runs and their distinctive black spot near the tail. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding – topwater lures, jigs, or live bait all work well. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. They're a blast to sight-fish on calm days. Keep an eye out for their copper backs shining in the sun or tails sticking up as they root for crabs. Local tip: if you see mullet jumping, there's a good chance reds are nearby.

Speckled trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These silver beauties usually run 14-24 inches, but can get up to 5 pounds or more. Look for 'em around grass flats, shallow bays, and near drop-offs. They're ambush predators, so fishing near structure is key. Specks are most active at dawn and dusk, especially on a moving tide. They put up a nice fight and are known for their soft, white meat – perfect for the dinner table. Artificial lures like topwater plugs or soft plastics work great, but live shrimp is hard to beat. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, watch for subtle v-shaped wakes on the surface. That's often a trout on the prowl, and a well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
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Horsepower per Engine: 115