Beginner Redfish Trip | Lower Laguna Madre | 956

Half Day Redfish & Trout Fishing in Texas

Ready to wet a line and catch some of Texas' most popular inshore species? Captain Efrain's beginner-friendly trip on the Lower Laguna Madre is the perfect intro to coastal fishing. You'll spend 6 hours drifting and wading the shallows, targeting redfish and speckled trout with light tackle. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to brush up on your skills, this laid-back morning on the water is all about having fun and building confidence as an angler.

Trip Overview

Kicking off at the crack of dawn, you'll meet Captain Efrain at 6:30 AM near Arroyo City or Port Mansfield. He'll get you set up with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and even a fishing license for the day. As you head out onto the Laguna Madre's gin-clear flats, Efrain will break down the basics of inshore fishing. You'll learn how to work soft plastic lures, read the water, and spot fish. There's no pressure here - just plenty of action and patient guidance to help you land your first redfish or trout. By the time you're heading back around 12:30 PM, you'll have a solid foundation in Texas coastal fishing (and hopefully a few fish for the dinner table).

Rods, Reels & Wading Gear

This trip is all about light tackle and finesse fishing. You'll be using 7-foot medium-action spinning rods paired with 2500-3000 size reels. The go-to lures are soft plastics like Gulp! shrimp or DOA shrimp under a popping cork. When the bite is on, you might switch to topwater lures for some exciting surface action. Efrain provides everything, including waders if you want to get out and stalk the flats on foot. Wade fishing is a Texas tradition and a great way to sneak up on tailing reds in skinny water. Just remember to do the "stingray shuffle" as you move along!

Top Catches This Season

The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its exceptional redfish and speckled trout fishing. On a good day, you can expect to catch a mix of both species. Slot-sized redfish (20-28 inches) are common, with the occasional bull red giving anglers a real workout. Speckled trout average 14-20 inches, but gator trout pushing 25 inches or more are always a possibility. The clear, shallow water makes for some exciting sight-fishing opportunities - there's nothing quite like watching a big red chase down your lure!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish (Red Drum) are the stars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Redfish put up a great fight on light tackle and are delicious on the grill.

Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout) are the other main target on this trip. These silvery fish with dark spots are aggressive predators, often found in schools chasing bait. They have soft mouths, so a gentle hook-set is key. Trout are known for their acrobatic jumps and head-shaking fights. Their flaky white meat makes them another favorite for the dinner table.

What to Expect on the Water

The Lower Laguna Madre is a unique ecosystem - it's one of the saltiest lagoons in the world and incredibly shallow, averaging only about 3.6 feet deep. This creates perfect conditions for sight-fishing and wade fishing. The water is often crystal clear, letting you spot fish from a distance. You'll spend the morning drifting across vast grass flats or wading along the edges of channels and potholes where fish like to ambush prey. Captain Efrain will show you how to read the water, looking for signs like mullet jumping or birds working the surface. The shallow nature of the Laguna Madre means you'll be using light tackle and finesse techniques - it's all about presenting your lure naturally and enticing those wary fish to bite.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Lower Laguna Madre offers some of the best sight-fishing opportunities in Texas. On calm days, you can spot redfish tailing in water so shallow their backs are out of the water. It's a heart-pounding experience to stalk these fish and present a lure right in front of their nose. The area is also known for its trophy trout potential - every cast has the chance of connecting with a true gator. But beyond the fishing, it's the serene beauty of the place that hooks people. Miles of undeveloped coastline, abundant birdlife, and those stunning South Texas sunrises make every trip memorable.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you've always wanted to try inshore fishing but weren't sure where to start, Captain Efrain's beginner-friendly trip is the perfect choice. You'll learn the ropes in one of Texas' most productive fisheries, with all the gear provided and expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or just want a relaxing morning on the water, this 6-hour adventure delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to experience the thrill of Texas coastal fishing - book now and start your angling journey on the Lower Laguna Madre!