Top-Rated Port Mansfield Inshore Fishing Charters

Reel in the Big Ones: Port Mansfield Inshore

Get ready to chase some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer with Captain Bill of B.T.J Charters. This 6-hour morning trip out of Port Mansfield puts you right in the heart of the Lower Laguna Madre, a shallow-water paradise known for its consistent fishing. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish, tasty black drum, or the ever-popular speckled trout, this trip's got you covered. Capt. Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand and tailors each outing to what's biting and where. Bring your A-game, or come as a newbie – this charter welcomes all skill levels for a day of rod-bending fun.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early at 7 AM when you'll meet Capt. Bill at the dock. He'll get you set up with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you need – no need to lug your own gear unless you want to. The boat's prepped with a cooler for your catch and any drinks you bring along. As you head out, Bill will fill you in on the game plan for the day. Maybe you'll start by drifting some grass flats for trout, or perhaps you'll hit some redfish haunts along the shorelines. The beauty of inshore fishing is how quickly things can change, so stay on your toes! You might be throwing soft plastics one minute and switching to live bait the next as Bill puts you on the fish.

Techniques for Inshore Success

Fishing the Lower Laguna Madre is all about versatility. Capt. Bill's got a few tricks up his sleeve to help you connect with the fish. For trout, you might find yourself working a topwater lure across a pothole-riddled flat at first light – there's nothing quite like seeing a big speck blow up on your lure. When targeting redfish, you could be sight-casting to tailing fish in inches of water or working a jig along a drop-off. And for those hefty black drum? Get ready to feel the thump-thump of their bite on a piece of fresh crab or shrimp. Bill will show you the ropes on everything from proper lure presentation to setting the hook, so don't sweat it if you're new to this type of fishing.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the marquee species in Port Mansfield, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-sized fish in the 20-28 inch range up to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to hang around structure and will test your gear with powerful runs. Spring and fall are prime times for reds, but you can catch them year-round. Look for their signature tail waving above the water as they root for crabs in the shallows – it's a sight that'll get your heart pumping!

Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight and flavor. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with trophy "big uglies" topping 30 pounds not uncommon. They're bottom feeders, so you'll often fish for them with natural baits like crab or shrimp. The best time to target big drum is late winter through early spring when they school up to spawn.

Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in these parts. These spotted gamefish are known for their soft mouths and tendency to throw hooks, making them a challenge even for seasoned anglers. They range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for the table up to gator trout over 25 inches. Dawn and dusk are prime times to target trout, especially with topwater lures. The thrill of a big trout smashing your lure on the surface is hard to beat!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Port Mansfield might be a small town, but it's got a big reputation among Texas anglers. The Lower Laguna Madre is one of the shallowest lagoons in North America, with an average depth of just 3.6 feet. This unique ecosystem creates a perfect environment for gamefish and the bait they feed on. The lack of development along much of the shoreline means you're fishing waters that look much like they did centuries ago. It's not uncommon to see pods of redfish tailing in ankle-deep water or to catch trout, redfish, and flounder all in the same spot – a Texas inshore slam! And with Capt. Bill's local knowledge, you're in for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Texas' favorite inshore species, this Port Mansfield charter is calling your name. For $600, you and up to two buddies can spend a morning learning the ropes from a pro and putting some serious bend in your rods. Remember to grab that Texas saltwater fishing license before you come, and don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks for the day. With all the gear provided and Capt. Bill's expertise at your disposal, all you need to bring is a good attitude and maybe a camera to capture your catches. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give B.T.J Charters a call and get ready for some world-class inshore action in Port Mansfield!