Ready to hit the flats and backwaters of Port Isabel for some serious inshore action? Hop aboard with La Mosca Charters for a 6-hour fishing trip that'll have you casting for redfish, drum, flounder, and trout in some of the most productive waters Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this private charter for 2-4 people is your ticket to a day of rod-bending excitement and coastal tranquility.
We'll push off from Port Isabel and cruise into the calm, shallow waters that make this area a fisherman's paradise. You'll have plenty of time to work different spots, try out various techniques, and really get a feel for the fishery. The beauty of flats fishing is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next you could be drifting deeper channels for big trout. We provide all the gear and know-how, so just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. With room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for a couple of buddies or the whole family to get in on the action.
Flats fishing is all about stealth and precision. We'll use a combination of poling, drifting, and anchoring to put you on the fish without spooking them. Expect to do a mix of artificial lure fishing and live bait soaking, depending on what's working best that day. We'll show you how to work a soft plastic across a grass flat or how to present a live shrimp to a cruising redfish. The shallow water means you'll often see the fish before you cast – there's nothing quite like watching a big red or trout inhale your bait in crystal clear water. And don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; we'll coach you through every cast and hookset.
The backwaters of Port Isabel have been on fire lately. Anglers have been smashing the redfish, with some real bruisers in the upper slot range giving folks a run for their money. The trout bite has been consistent, especially early in the morning on topwater lures – nothing beats seeing a big speck blow up on your lure. Flounder have been stacking up near structure and drop-offs, and if you're lucky, you might even run into a school of black drum that'll test your drag system. Remember, it's not just about filling the cooler (though we'll make sure you have some fish for dinner); it's about the thrill of the hunt and the memories you'll make on these legendary Texas waters.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas flats fishing, these copper-colored beauties are known for their powerful runs and distinctive tail-up feeding behavior. Reds in the 22-28 inch range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red that'll have your drag screaming. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with a golden tail waving above the surface. Sight-casting to these tailing reds is one of the most exciting experiences in fishing.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these wily predators are prized for both their fight and their delicate flavor. Specks can be found in varying depths, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels. They're notorious for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Early morning and late evening often see trout blasting bait on the surface, creating heart-stopping topwater action.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing prey as it passes by. While they might not win any beauty contests, they're some of the best-eating fish in the sea. Targeting flounder requires a slow, methodical approach – we'll show you how to work your bait along the bottom to entice these flatfish into biting. Fall is prime time for flounder as they begin their migration to the Gulf.
Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing their more glamorous cousins, black drum can provide some serious pull when hooked. These bottom-feeders use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the seafloor. While the smaller ones (under 10 pounds) are excellent table fare, the big ones can top 50 pounds and give you a workout you won't soon forget. They're suckers for fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom.
There's something special about fishing the flats and backwaters of Port Isabel. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as it rises over the bay, or the heart-stopping moment when a big red crashes your topwater plug. Could be the satisfying thump of a trout inhaling your soft plastic, or the pure muscle of a black drum dogging you in deep water. Whatever it is, once you experience it, you'll be hooked. Our trips are designed to give you a real taste of what makes this area so special. We're not just here to put you on fish (though we'll definitely do that); we're here to share our passion for these waters and the creatures that call them home.
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and the tides aren't going to fish themselves. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just soak in the beauty of the Texas coast, this 6-hour trip with La Mosca Charters is your ticket to an unforgettable day on the water. We've got the gear, the knowledge, and the hot spots – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to prove your fish stories). So why wait? The bite is on, and your next great fishing story is just a cast away. Book your trip now and let's get out there and make some waves!
Black drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. Look for them in brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Drum make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen up! They're not the prettiest fish, but they put up a great fight, especially the big ones. For eating, stick to smaller drum under 15 pounds - the meat gets tough in larger fish. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook.
Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of Texas flats fishing. They're easy to spot with that distinctive black tail spot. Most reds we catch run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much larger. Look for them tailing in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is fantastic for bull reds as they school up to spawn. These copper-colored bruisers put up an amazing fight and are excellent on the grill. To get their attention, try a gold spoon or a popping cork with live shrimp. When you see a red's back breaking the surface, cast well ahead and be ready for an explosive take!
Speckled trout, or specs, are a favorite here in Port Isabel. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-24 inches, though some trophy-sized ones push 30 inches. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow bays, often around structure. They're aggressive feeders, so topwater lures at dawn and dusk can be a blast. Trout fishing heats up in spring and fall when water temperatures are mild. Specs are known for their soft, delicate meat, making them popular for the dinner table. They can be finicky, so matching your lure to local baitfish is key. Try a slow, twitching retrieve to mimic an injured baitfish - that often triggers a strike from these wary predators.
Southern flounder are masters of disguise, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. They average 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder are ambush predators, so we'll drift or still-fish near structure. They put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. To improve your chances, use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics bumped along the bottom. Watch for subtle bites - flounder often grab prey and hold it before fully committing. Patience pays off with these tasty flatfish.
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