Legendary Port Mansfield Inshore Fishing Trip

Weekend Redfish & Trout Charter in Port Mansfield

Ready for some real Texas inshore action? Hop aboard with Captain Bill of B.T.J Charters for a 6-hour fishing adventure in the Lower Laguna Madre. We'll be chasing redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in the rich waters off Port Mansfield. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll tailor the experience to your skill level, using artificial lures or live bait depending on what the fish are biting. With room for up to three guests, it's the perfect way to spend a weekend morning on the water.

Trip Overview

We kick off bright and early at 7 AM, giving us prime time on the water when the fish are most active. For $600, you and two buddies get a private charter with all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait are on us. We've even got cooler space for your catch, so you can show off your haul back at the dock. Just remember to grab your Texas saltwater license before you come, and pack any snacks or drinks you might want. The deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. This trip's designed to give you a taste of everything Port Mansfield's got to offer, from the shallow flats to the deeper channels where the big ones hide.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be working the inshore waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, a fisherman's paradise known for its crystal-clear shallows and abundant marine life. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might start off sight-casting to tailing reds in the flats, or drifting live bait for trout in the deeper cuts. If the drum are schooling up, we'll drop some crab or shrimp and wait for that telltale thump. Captain Bill's got years of experience reading these waters, so he'll put you on the fish no matter what Mother Nature's got in store. We use light to medium tackle, so you'll feel every head shake and run. It's all about finesse here - no need for heavy offshore gear.

Top Catches This Season

Lately, we've been seeing some monster redfish cruising the flats, with a few topping the 30-inch mark. The speckled trout bite has been hot too, especially around the grass beds and oyster reefs. We've had folks limiting out on keeper-sized trout before noon. Black drum have been showing up in good numbers as well, with some real bruisers in the mix. Remember, it's not just about size - the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing red or watching a trout smash your topwater lure is what keeps our regulars coming back year after year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored fighters are the stars of the show in Port Mansfield. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their distinctive tailing behavior. Reds put up a great fight, making long runs and testing your drag. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, but on overcast days, you can find them feeding all day long. The slot size in Texas is 20-28 inches, with one oversized fish allowed per day. There's nothing quite like watching a big red bulldoze through a school of bait fish.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're beautiful fish, with dark spots along their backs and a hint of pink or purple in their mouths. Specks are ambush predators, often hanging around structure like grass beds, oyster reefs, or channel edges. They're suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or a live shrimp under a popping cork. The best time to target them is usually early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding. A 20-inch trout is considered a good catch, but they can grow much larger.

Black Drum: Often overlooked in favor of their redfish cousins, black drum can provide some excellent action, especially in the cooler months. These bottom-feeders have distinctive barbels under their chins that they use to feel for crabs and shrimp. Smaller drum, often called "puppy drum," are great eating and put up a spirited fight. The bigger ones, which can exceed 30 pounds, are like hooking into a Volkswagen - they're not going to make any blistering runs, but they'll use their weight to test your arms and your gear. We typically target them with natural baits like crab or shrimp, fished right on the bottom.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, there's a reason why Port Mansfield is considered one of the top inshore fishing destinations in Texas. With its mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and abundant baitfish, it's a perfect storm for great fishing. This 6-hour trip with B.T.J Charters gives you a solid chunk of time to explore these waters and put some bent rods in your hands. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want the thrill of battling a big red, we've got you covered. Captain Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put you on the fish. So why wait? Grab your buddies, book your spot, and get ready for a morning of non-stop inshore action. The fish are waiting - are you?