Get ready for an action-packed morning on the water with B.T.J Charters' 6-hour private fishing trip out of Port Mansfield. You'll be hitting the flats at the crack of dawn, chasing after some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Guide Bill's got the local know-how to put you on the fish. Let's dive into what makes this trip a must-do for anyone looking to experience the best of Texas coastal fishing.
Kicking off at 7 AM sharp, this early bird trip is all about maximizing your time on the productive shallows of Port Mansfield. For $600, you and two buddies can enjoy a focused, private fishing experience tailored to the day's conditions. Guide Bill's been running these waters for years, and he knows just where to find the bite. You'll be targeting the inshore trifecta - Black Drum, Redfish, and Speckled Trout - using a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what's working best. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you hop aboard, and you'll be all set for a morning of rod-bending action.
Once we push off from the dock, we'll be headed straight for the skinny water where the big boys like to feed. Port Mansfield's known for its crystal-clear flats, so sight-casting is often on the menu. You might find yourself pitching soft plastics to tailing reds or working a topwater for explosive trout strikes. If the bite's tough, we'll switch it up and soak some live bait to tempt those finicky feeders. Guide Bill's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's drifting the grass lines or pole-fishing the back bays. And with a 6-hour window, we've got plenty of time to try different spots and tactics until we find the hot bite.
The beauty of fishing Port Mansfield is the variety. One minute you're battling a bulldogging Black Drum, the next you're finessing a Speckled Trout out from under the mangroves. Redfish have been on fire lately, with lots of slot-sized fish and even some over-slot bulls giving anglers a run for their money. The Trout fishing's been consistent too, with some real gators mixed in with the schoolies. And don't sleep on the Black Drum - these bruisers can put a serious bend in your rod. With the right conditions, you might even get a shot at some sight-casting action, which is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets.
Black Drum: These heavyweight contenders are the bulldozers of the flats. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. Black Drum love to root around in the bottom for crabs and shrimp, so a well-placed bait can lead to some serious pull. They tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. The bigger ones, called "Big Uglies" by locals, can top 30 pounds and will test your tackle and your biceps. Spring and fall are prime time for these bruisers, but you can catch them year-round in Port Mansfield.
Speckled Trout: Also known as Spotted Seatrout, these fish are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hook set is key. The average size runs 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 25 inches are always a possibility in these waters. They love to hang around grass beds and drop-offs, and early morning or late evening often sees them feeding on the surface - prime time for some exciting topwater action.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, Redfish (or Red Drum) are a blast to catch on light tackle. These copper-colored beauties are known for their powerful runs and their distinctive spot near the tail. In Port Mansfield, you'll find them tailing in the shallows, often in water so clear you can spot them from a distance. Slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) are the most common, but oversized bulls aren't uncommon. They'll eat just about anything, from cut bait to artificial lures, and their willingness to chase down a topwater lure makes for some heart-stopping strikes.
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Port Mansfield offers a unique fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The clear, shallow waters make for some of the best sight-casting opportunities on the Gulf Coast. You're not just blindly casting; you're actively hunting for your quarry. And with Guide Bill at the helm, you're tapping into years of local knowledge. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and can put you on fish even when conditions are tough. Plus, the 6-hour trip length is perfect - long enough to really get into the action, but not so long that you're wiped out for the rest of the day.
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Port Mansfield's finest, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, these 6-hour morning charters with B.T.J Charters are limited to just three anglers, so you're getting a personalized experience that's hard to beat. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a morning of bent rods and screaming drags, this trip's got you covered. Don't forget to bring your camera - the memories (and the fish pics) are going to be epic. Give Guide Bill a shout and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting!
Redfish are a favorite around here, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches, with some monsters pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them cruising the shallows - we're talking 1-4 feet of water, often tailing in grass flats or prowling oyster bars. Fall's the prime time when they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Folks love targeting reds for their strong fight and excellent table fare. That signature black spot near the tail? It's not just for looks - it tricks predators into attacking the wrong end. Pretty clever. If you're after a big one, try sight-casting with topwater lures early morning or late evening. The explosion when they hit is something else. Pro tip: On calm days, look for their backs breaking the surface. Approach quietly, make a precise cast, and hold on tight!
Redfish are a real favorite here in Port Mansfield. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 20-30 inches, but we see some real giants pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them patrolling shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love cruising grass beds and oyster bars. Fall's prime time when they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers can't get enough of reds for their bulldog fight and excellent eating. That black spot near the tail? It's not just for show - it tricks predators into attacking the wrong end. For the big ones, try sight-casting with topwater lures early or late in the day. When they explode on a lure, it'll get your heart racing. Local tip: On calm mornings, scan for their backs breaking the surface. Sneak up quietly, make a precise cast, and hang on tight!
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a blast to catch. These silver-sided fish usually run 14-20 inches, though trophy trout can reach 25+ inches. You'll find them hanging around grass flats, channels, and deeper holes, especially near structure. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Trout love to ambush prey, so working a lure or live bait near drop-offs or grass edges is a solid bet. They're not the biggest brawlers, but their soft mouths make for an exciting, finesse-style fight. Anglers prize sea trout for their mild, delicate flavor. Plus, they're just plain pretty with those distinctive spots. Here's a local trick: Try a popping cork rig with a shrimp imitation about 18 inches below. The "pop" draws them in, then they can't resist that trailing bait. Works like a charm!
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