Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready for a day you won't forget on the legendary Laguna Madre? This 8-hour inshore fishing trip with La Mosca Charters is the real deal. We're talking about some of the best shallow-water action you can find in Texas. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish, sneaky flounder, or those elusive speckled trout, we've got you covered. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're headed out for a full day of backcountry fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Picture this: You're gliding across crystal-clear flats, the sun's warming your face, and your line's taut with the weight of a chunky redfish. That's what awaits on our Laguna Madre adventure. We'll spend the day poking around hidden coves, drifting over grass beds, and sight-casting to tailing reds. Depending on the weather and what the fish are doing, we might push into the backcountry where the big boys like to hide. This trip is perfect for two anglers, but we can squeeze in up to four if you want to bring the whole crew. We've got all the gear you need, plus we'll clean and bag your catch at the end of the day. All you need to do is show up with your fishing license, some snacks, and maybe a cold one or two (if that's your style).
Alright, let's talk shop. In the Laguna, it's all about finesse and reading the water. We'll be using light tackle and a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what's working. Expect to do some wade fishing in skinny water - there's nothing like feeling the soft bottom under your feet as you stalk a tailing redfish. We might also pole the flats, using stealth to sneak up on schools of drum or speckled trout. If the wind kicks up (and in South Texas, it often does), we'll switch gears and drift the deeper guts, looking for flounder or maybe even a jack crevalle if we're lucky. The key here is adaptability - we go where the fish are and use whatever method is getting them to bite.
"Had an amazing time on this full day fishing trip through the flats with Capt. Roel! He's excellent! We will definitely be back!" - Tommy
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the Laguna. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Spring and fall are prime times to target flounder, especially during their migration periods. We'll work the edges of channels and dropoffs, using slow-moving baits to tempt these ambush predators. Landing a big flounder is like unwrapping a present - you never know how big it'll be until you get it to the boat!
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you - black drum are one of the most fun fish to catch in the Laguna. These bruisers can grow to over 30 pounds, and when they're tailing in shallow water, it's a sight to behold. We'll look for them rooting around for crabs and shrimp in the mud flats. The bigger ones make a distinctive grunting sound, earning them the nickname "Big Uglies." They're strongest in the cooler months, so fall through spring is your best bet for a trophy drum.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): Ask any Texas angler about their favorite fish, and there's a good chance they'll say speckled trout. These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of Laguna Madre fishing. We'll target them over grass flats and around structure, using everything from topwater lures at dawn to soft plastics during the day. The "gator" trout (the big ones over 25 inches) are the holy grail - landing one of those is a true accomplishment. They're around all year, but the biggest specimens often show up in winter and early spring.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty red drum - the fish that put Texas inshore fishing on the map. In the Laguna, we get shots at reds of all sizes, from rat reds to bull reds over 40 inches. The sight of a school of redfish tailing in shallow water is enough to make any angler's heart race. We'll look for them cruising the flats, often giving away their position with a golden-orange back barely breaking the surface. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch quality reds year-round in the Laguna.
So there you have it, folks - a full day of world-class inshore fishing in one of the most unique ecosystems in the country. The Laguna Madre is a special place, and spending a day out here with La Mosca Charters isn't just a fishing trip - it's a chance to connect with nature and maybe even land the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you have a blast and learn something new. The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and we're ready to show you the best of what the Laguna has to offer. Don't let this chance slip away - book your trip now and let's make some memories on the water!
August 16, 2023
Black drum are heavyweight fighters that'll test your gear and your arms. These bruisers can top 90 pounds, though 5-30 pounders are more common. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and coastal structures in brackish waters. They use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so crab and shrimp make great bait. Spring's the hot time as they school up to spawn. Smaller drum (under 15 pounds) are best for eating - the big ones get tough and lose flavor. Drum put up a stubborn fight, using their size to bull their way around. Listen close and you might hear their distinctive croaking sound. Here's a tip: when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second to take the bait before setting the hook. It's a blast hauling in these big, silvery battlers.
Redfish are the rock stars of Laguna Madre flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers, with their distinctive tail spots, typically run 20-30 inches but can grow much larger. Look for them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water. They love to cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Reds put up a stubborn, powerful fight - expect some drag-screaming runs. They're also excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is a heart-pounding experience. Here's a pro tip: when you spot a tailing red, resist the urge to cast right at it. Instead, lead the fish by a few feet to avoid spooking it. Whether you're after a bull red or just some steady action, these fish rarely disappoint.
Speckled trout, or "specks," are a favorite target in the Laguna Madre. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-24 inches, though some monsters push 30 inches. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges, especially at dawn and dusk. They're ambush predators, so work your lures with erratic retrieves to trigger strikes. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. Trout are known for their light, flaky meat - perfect for the dinner table. They're not the hardest fighters, but their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make for exciting action. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances called "slicks" - these oily patches often indicate feeding trout. Whether you're after a trophy or just some good eating, specks are always a solid bet.
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They typically grow 15-18 inches long but can reach up to 33 inches. These flat ambush predators lie in wait, then strike at passing baitfish. Look for them around structure in bays, estuaries, and river mouths. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder are prized for their delicate, flaky white meat. They put up a decent fight when hooked but can be tricky to land. A local trick is to use a slow retrieve with soft plastic lures, bumping them along the bottom to trigger strikes. Patience is key - give flounder time to swallow the bait before setting the hook. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or a unique fishing challenge, these "flatties" are always fun to target.
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Had an amazing time on this full day fishing trip through the flats with Capt. Roel! He's excellent! We will definitely be back!