Best Beginner Inshore Fishing in Corpus Christi

Published Date: September 8, 2025
Fishing

Corpus Christi
$495 - $1,750 price range

Summary

Spend a full day on the water with Captain Kevin, learning the ropes of inshore fishing in Corpus Christi. This 7-hour trip is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at catching popular Gulf Coast species like Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum. You'll fish at a relaxed pace, picking up techniques as you go. The spacious boat has room for up to 5 people to cast comfortably, making it great for families or small groups. Don't worry about bringing gear - everything you need is provided. Just come ready to learn and have fun on the water. Captain Kevin can accommodate special requests, so let him know if you have any particular needs. Whether you're looking to land your first fish or just enjoy a day out on Corpus Christi Bay, this trip offers a laid-back introduction to inshore fishing in Texas.

Best Beginner Inshore Fishing in Corpus Christi

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Big catches, great vibes—Corpus Christi delivers!

Catch Your First Redfish in Corpus Christi

Ready to wet a line in the famous waters of Corpus Christi? Captain Kevin's got you covered with this laid-back 7-hour charter that's perfect for newcomers to inshore fishing. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most popular gamefish – redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum – all while learning the ropes from a pro. With room for up to 5 people, it's a great way to spend a day on the water with family or friends. Don't sweat the gear; everything you need is provided. Just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to feel that first tug on the line!

What to Expect on the Water

This trip is all about getting you comfortable with inshore fishing at your own speed. We'll cruise the bays and backwaters around Corpus Christi, hitting some of Captain Kevin's favorite spots. You'll learn how to read the water, bait your hook, and cast like a pro. And when that first fish strikes? Man, there's nothing like it. We've got plenty of room on the boat for everyone to spread out and fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to bend a rod all day or just soak up some sun between bites, this trip's got you covered. And hey, if anyone in your group needs special accommodations, just let us know – we want everyone to have a great day on the water.

Fishing 101: Inshore Edition

Inshore fishing is all about working the shallows and structures where fish love to hang out. We'll be using light tackle – think spinning rods and reels – that's easy for beginners to handle. Depending on what's biting, we might drift with live bait, toss some soft plastics, or even try sight-casting to tailing redfish. Captain Kevin will show you how to work a popping cork for trout or bump a jig along the bottom for flounder. And don't worry if you've never held a fishing rod before – by the end of the day, you'll be casting like you've been doing it for years. The best part? When you hook up, you'll really feel the fight in these skinny waters.

Top Catches This Season

Corpus Christi is known for its year-round fishing, but each season brings its own hot bite. In the spring and fall, redfish are the stars of the show, cruising the flats and putting up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Summer brings the speckled trout action, with early mornings being prime time to catch these tasty fish. Winter? That's when the big black drum move in, offering some serious pull on light tackle. And let's not forget about flounder – these flatfish are a blast to target and make for some mighty fine eating if you're looking to take home dinner.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and boy, can they pull! Redfish love to hang around structures and grass flats, often revealing their location with a tell-tale "tail" sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Expect to tangle with fish in the 20-30 inch range, though bigger bulls aren't uncommon.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their spotted pattern and delicate mouth, which makes for an exciting and challenging catch. Trout love to hit topwater lures, creating explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Summer mornings are prime time, but they can be caught year-round. Most fish run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 25 inches are the trophies everyone's after.

Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage are a unique challenge. Flounder lie flat on the bottom, ambushing their prey, which means you've got to work your bait slow and steady. They're most active during their fall run, when big females move to the Gulf to spawn. Flounder fishing requires patience and a delicate touch, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish you'll ever have. Average size is 14-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 24 inches are possible.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are like the bulldogs of inshore fishing. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These bottom-feeders love crustaceans and put up a stubborn battle on light tackle. Winter is the best time to target big black drum, with some fish topping 30 pounds. The smaller ones, under 10 pounds, are excellent eating and are available year-round.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Corpus Christi's inshore waters are like a fish buffet, and Captain Kevin knows just where to find the action. Whether you're after the hard-pulling redfish, the acrobatic speckled trout, the crafty flounder, or the powerful black drum, there's always something biting. The shallow bays and grass flats offer a scenic backdrop for your fishing adventure, with chances to spot other wildlife like ospreys, pelicans, and even dolphins. And let's be honest – there's something special about that moment when your rod bends and you realize you're connected to a fish. It's a rush that keeps folks coming back trip after trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, whether you're a complete newbie to fishing or just want to explore the rich inshore waters of Corpus Christi, this trip's got your name on it. Captain Kevin's patient teaching style and local know-how mean you're in for a day of learning, laughs, and hopefully, some bent rods. With all gear provided and a comfortable boat that can handle up to 5 people, it's the perfect way to introduce friends or family to the joys of inshore fishing. So why wait? The fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book now and get ready to make some memories (and maybe catch dinner) on the waters of Corpus Christi. Trust me, once you feel that first redfish on the line, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the hefty cousins of Redfish, known for their size and distinctive drumming sound. These bottom-feeders typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in brackish waters, hanging around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring is prime time for Black Drum fishing when they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Here's a local tip: if you're feeling a lot of taps but no solid bites, the drum might be playing with your bait. Try downsizing your hook and using smaller pieces of bait to entice a strike. Black Drum aren't the prettiest fish in the sea, but they make up for it with their powerful runs and tasty fillets. Just remember, the bigger ones can be tough and less flavorful, so consider releasing those giants to fight another day.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple of Corpus Christi fishing. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive black spot near their tail, typically range from 20 to 30 inches inshore. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in just 1 to 4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines. Fall is prime time for Reds, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight-casting in clear shallows or fishing near structure with live bait or artificial lures. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp in the shallows. Redfish aren't picky eaters, so experiment with different lures and techniques. Whether you're after a bull red or a slot-sized fish for dinner, targeting Redfish is always an exciting challenge.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Corpus Christi anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14 to 24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially active at night. They're year-round residents but tend to school up in deeper waters during winter. Trout are popular for their mild, delicate flavor and tender meat. Spring and fall are excellent seasons for targeting them. To catch Sea Trout, try using artificial lures like topwater plugs or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, look for 'slicks' on the water surface – oily spots created when trout are feeding. These can lead you right to a school. Whether you're after the thrill of a topwater strike or a tasty dinner, Sea Trout offer both and are a perfect species for beginners to target.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are unique flatfish that make for an exciting catch in Corpus Christi. Typically 15-18 inches long, these masters of camouflage hide on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They're ambush predators, waiting to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To land one, try drifting or still fishing near drop-offs or structures using live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick is to use a slow retrieve with your lure, mimicking an injured baitfish. When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook - flounder often grab prey and reposition it before swallowing. Their fight might not be as dramatic as some species, but the satisfaction of outsmarting these well-camouflaged fish is hard to beat.

About the 2022 Mamba custom

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 60

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Step aboard Captain Kevin's well-equipped fishing boat for a laid-back day on the waters around Corpus Christi. This 7-hour trip is perfect for beginners wanting to try their hand at inshore fishing without any pressure. You'll have a chance to reel in local favorites like redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum while picking up handy techniques from the captain. There's plenty of space for up to 5 people to cast lines and move around comfortably. Families, small groups, and first-timers are all welcome - just let the captain know if you need any special arrangements. No need to fuss with gear either, as all the essentials are provided on board. Simply show up ready to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing and hopefully land your first Gulf Coast catch. It's a great way to experience the beauty of Corpus Christi Bay at your own pace while learning the basics of inshore angling.

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