Ready to wet a line on the Texas coast? Captain Justin Dudley's got you covered with this action-packed half-day trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll have a blast chasing inshore favorites like redfish, trout, and jacks. With top-notch gear and a laid-back guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're in for a fishing experience that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
From the moment you step aboard Captain Justin's boat, you'll feel right at home. This isn't some stuffy charter – it's a real Texas fishing trip with a guide who lives and breathes these coastal waters. You'll cruise through scenic bays and backwaters, learning the ins and outs of inshore fishing as you go. Captain Justin's got a knack for putting clients on fish, whether you're casting to tailing reds in the shallows or working a topwater for explosive trout strikes. And with a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to dial in your technique.
On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with tried-and-true inshore fishing methods. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be sight-casting to redfish, working soft plastics for trout, or even battling hard-pulling jacks on topwater lures. Captain Justin provides all the gear you need – we're talking quality rods, reels, and a well-stocked tackle box. He'll show you how to work different lures, read the water, and present your bait just right. By the end of the day, you'll have picked up some new skills to add to your fishing arsenal.
The Texas coast is home to some killer inshore fishing, and this half-day trip puts you right in the action. Here's a rundown of the star species you might tangle with:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Texas inshore staple. Known for their hard pulls and tailing behavior in shallow water, redfish offer exciting sight-fishing opportunities. They'll crush a well-placed lure and put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch quality reds year-round.
Spotted Seatrout: Also called "specks" by locals, these speckled beauties are prized for both their sporty fight and tasty fillets. They're ambush predators that love to smash topwater lures, creating heart-stopping surface strikes. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch trout all year in Texas.
Jack Crevalle: When jacks show up, hold on tight! These powerhouses are like inshore tuna, known for blistering runs that'll test your gear and your stamina. They're often found busting bait on the surface, creating exciting topwater fishing opportunities. Jacks are most common in warmer months but can surprise you any time of year.
Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are hard-fighting and great eating when caught at smaller sizes. They love crustaceans and put up a stubborn, dogged fight. You can target them year-round, with spring being particularly good as they gather to spawn.
Summer Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're sneaky strong and delicious on the plate. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, often involving slow retrieves along the bottom. Fall is the best time to target big "doormats" as they migrate to deeper waters.
Captain Justin's trips aren't just about filling the cooler (though you'll have a good shot at that too). It's about soaking in the beauty of the Texas coast, learning from a passionate local guide, and experiencing the thrill of the catch. Whether you're marveling at a perfect sunrise over the bay, watching dolphins play in the distance, or feeling that heart-pounding moment when a big red crushes your lure – these are the memories that keep folks coming back for more.
And let's be real – half-day trips are perfect for fitting some quality fishing into a busy schedule. You'll be back in time for lunch with a camera full of fish pics and some new fishing stories to tell. It's an ideal way to introduce kids or newbies to the sport without overwhelming them, or for experienced anglers to scratch that fishing itch when time is tight.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing the Texas coast has to offer, Captain Justin's half-day trip is calling your name. With his local know-how, top-notch gear, and laid-back teaching style, you're in for a fishing adventure you won't soon forget. Whether you're dreaming of bull reds tailing in the shallows, specks blowing up on topwater, or jacks testing your drag – this trip's got it all. Don't let another fishing season slip by – grab your spot on the boat and get ready to make some waves (and maybe set some personal bests) on the Texas coast. Tight lines!
Crevalle Jack are real bruisers, usually 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds but can get up to 60 pounds. You'll find them inshore around grass beds and flats, or offshore near reefs and oil rigs. These guys are bullies of the ocean - they love to chase and hit hard. Watch for birds diving on bait schools to spot 'em. They're most active in warmer months when bait is plentiful. Anglers love Jack Crevalle for their powerful fights and aggressive strikes. Nothing quite like seeing a school explode on topwater lures. To hook into one, cast silver spoons or baitfish imitations past the school and retrieve fast. These fish want to chase, so keep that lure moving. My best tip? Bring heavy tackle - Jack Crevalle will put your gear to the test. Oh, and careful handling them - they've got some sharp parts that'll slice you up if you're not paying attention.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are ambush predators that'll test your skills. They average 15-20 inches but can reach monster sizes over 20 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure like reefs or wrecks. Late summer into fall is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these crafty bottom-dwellers. To catch 'em, use live bait like minnows or strips of squid on a bucktail jig. Work it slowly along the bottom with short hops. My best tip? When you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to get the bait in its mouth, then reel down and lift. These guys have a habit of grabbing bait sideways, so patience is key to solid hookups.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a staple on our trips. They average 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer nights can be dynamite too. Anglers love trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor on the table. They're also great for all skill levels - from beginners to pros. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like jerkbaits and soft plastics. My top tip? Fish slowly in cooler months - trout get sluggish when it's chilly. And don't overlook topwater lures at dawn and dusk - watching a big trout blow up on a surface plug is hard to beat.
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, usually 28-33 inches but can top 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll spot 'em in shallow flats and bays, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and structure like old piers. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard fights and excellent table fare. That distinctive tail spot makes for great photos too. To land one, fish shallow with topwater lures or shrimp imitations. Redfish will hit just about anything when they're feeding. My go-to trick is using scented soft plastics - reds have an amazing sense of smell. And don't be afraid to upsize your lure for bigger fish. A 5-6 inch bait can tempt those trophy reds lurking on the flats.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 36
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70