Get ready to put your angling skills to the test in the legendary Lower Laguna Madre. This ain't your average fishing trip - it's a six-hour masterclass in stalking reds and specks in some of the most productive flats Texas has to offer. Captain Efrain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you the ropes of advanced sight-casting and wade fishing. If you're the type who lives for that heart-pounding moment when a big red crashes your lure, then buddy, you're in for a treat.
We'll push off from Rio Hondo at the crack of dawn - 6:30 AM sharp. That early start means we'll hit the water when the fish are most active and the light's perfect for spotting those tell-tale signs of feeding reds. You've got six solid hours to work the flats, drifting or wading depending on where the bite's hottest. We're talking skinny water action, where precision casting is the name of the game. By 12:30 PM, you'll be back on dry land with a cooler full of fish (if the bite's on) and a head full of new tactics to add to your arsenal.
This trip is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll be slinging Wicked Paddle Tails soft plastics - these baits are money for enticing those wary reds and gator trout. Expect to do a mix of sight-casting from the boat and wade fishing, depending on the conditions. When we're wading, it's all about stealth. You'll learn to spot subtle signs like nervous bait, tailing reds, or those ghostly shapes of trout holding in potholes. Captain Efrain will show you how to work your lure with the right cadence to trigger strikes from even the most stubborn fish. All the gear's provided, so you can focus on dialing in your technique without worrying about tackle.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Texas flats fishing. In the Lower Laguna Madre, you can expect to tangle with reds in the 20-30 inch range, with some real bulls pushing past 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallow flats, often revealing their location with their signature "tailing" behavior. When a red's tail breaks the surface as it roots for crabs, it's game on. These fish fight like freight trains, so be ready for some drag-screaming runs when you hook up.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Specks in the Lower Laguna can grow to monster proportions, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon. They're ambush predators, often holding in deeper potholes or along grass lines. The real thrill comes when you spot a big trout ghosting through the shallows - it takes nerves of steel and a perfect cast to get these wary giants to commit. When they do, be ready for acrobatic jumps and hard runs that'll test your drag system.
Look, there's a reason the Lower Laguna Madre is considered hallowed water by serious anglers. The combination of crystal-clear flats, abundant bait, and hefty gamefish creates a perfect storm for sight-casting addicts. This trip isn't about numbers - it's about quality. You might only get a handful of shots at fish all day, but when that 30-inch red inhales your lure in 6 inches of water, you'll understand why people travel from all over to fish these flats. Plus, with Captain Efrain's expertise, you're not just catching fish - you're leveling up your entire approach to inshore fishing.
If you're the type of angler who's always looking to push your skills to the next level, this trip is tailor-made for you. Six hours of intensive fishing in one of Texas' premier inshore fisheries, guided by a captain who knows every nook and cranny of these flats. You'll come away with new techniques, a deeper understanding of how to read shallow water, and hopefully, some epic fish stories to boot. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait. Grab your fishing buddy (remember, it's a two-person max), and lock in your date. The redfish are tailing, the trout are hungry, and the Lower Laguna Madre is calling your name. Let's get you on the water and into some fish!
Redfish are the bread and butter of Lower Laguna Madre fishing. These bronze-backed bruisers with their trademark tail spot love cruising the shallows - sometimes with their backs out of the water. Most run 28-33 inches, but trophy bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water over mud bottoms and grass flats, especially around oyster reefs. They'll eat just about anything when hungry, making them a blast to catch on artificials. Topwater lures like Skitter Walks can provoke explosive strikes. For a real challenge, sight-cast to them in gin-clear water. Redfish put up a stubborn, powerful fight and make excellent table fare. A local tip: on calm days, idle along the flats and look for their copper-colored backs reflecting sunlight. Fall is prime time when big schools push into the shallows to fatten up.
Speckled trout are a prized catch in the Lower Laguna Madre. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a good fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are mild. Trout are popular for their delicate, flaky white meat - just be careful not to overcook it. To land one, try working soft plastics or topwater lures slowly along drop-offs and channels. A local trick is to look for diving birds, which often indicate feeding trout below. The subtle take and sudden runs make speckled trout exciting to catch, and their excellent table fare is a bonus. Just remember, in winter they school up in deeper waters up to 100 feet, so you may need to adjust tactics.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150