Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of the Lone Star State's finest inshore waters? Captain Efrain's got you covered with this laid-back 6-hour trip that'll have you casting for keepers while soaking up the natural beauty of the Lower Laguna Madre. Whether you're itching to hook into some hard-fighting redfish or looking to outsmart a few speckled trout, this trip's got a little something for everyone. So grab your hat and let's hit the flats!
Picture this: You're drifting across glass-calm shallows, the sun just peeking over the horizon. Your line goes tight, and suddenly you're locked in a tug-of-war with a bull red that's determined to show you who's boss. That's just a taste of what's in store on this half-day adventure with 956 Salty Waders. Kicking off bright and early at 6:30 AM, you'll spend the morning exploring the rich waters around Arroyo City and Port Mansfield. Whether you prefer to wade the skinny water or drift from the boat, Captain Efrain's got the local know-how to put you on the fish. And the best part? You don't have to worry about a thing – all the gear's provided, and they'll even clean your catch at the end of the trip. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack, 'cause we'll be out there 'til 12:30 PM.
Alright, let's talk tactics. The Lower Laguna Madre is shallow-water heaven, with miles of seagrass flats that hold some serious fish. Depending on the conditions and where the bite's hot, we might be drifting or wading. If we're on foot, we'll be shuffling through knee-deep water, casting towards potholes or grass edges where the predators like to ambush their prey. From the boat, we'll use the trolling motor to quietly glide along, hitting prime spots without spooking the fish. Light tackle's the name of the game here – we're talking 7-foot medium-action rods paired with 2500-size reels spooled with 15-pound braid. For artificials, soft plastics like paddle tails and jerk shads are local favorites, but don't be surprised if we break out the popping corks when the trout are feeling frisky. And hey, if you're new to this style of fishing, no sweat – Captain Efrain's got patience for days and he'll have you casting like a pro in no time.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. Reds in the Lower Laguna Madre can range from scrappy 20-inchers to epic bull reds pushing 40 pounds. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature "tailing" behavior as they root for crabs in the grass. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch 'em year-round. When a big one hits, hold on tight – these guys pull like freight trains and will test every knot in your line.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing small about the fight these spotted speedsters put up. Speckled trout (or "specks" as the locals call 'em) are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast on light tackle. While they average 2-3 pounds, gator trout pushing 8 pounds or more are always a possibility. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but a good trout bite can happen any time of year. These guys have paper-thin mouths, so a gentle touch on the hookset is key.
Look, I get it – there are plenty of places to wet a line in Texas. But there's something special about this stretch of the coast that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as it rises over the bay. Or how you can spot tailing reds from a hundred yards away in water so clear you'd swear you were in the Caribbean. Could be the chance of hooking into a personal best speck when you least expect it. Or maybe it's just the simple pleasure of spending a morning on the water, away from the noise and nonsense of everyday life. Whatever it is, I can promise you this – after one trip with 956 Salty Waders, you'll be itching to book your next one before you even hit the dock.
Alright, folks, here's the bottom line – if you're looking for a mellow morning of quality fishing without the fuss, this is your ticket. Captain Efrain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the skills to put you on fish whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. With everything from gear to fish cleaning taken care of, all you've gotta do is show up ready to have a good time. So what are you waiting for? Grab a buddy (remember, this trip's good for two), and let's make some memories on the water. The redfish are calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this call. Book your spot now and get ready for a Texas fishing experience you won't soon forget!
Redfish are the prize of our Texas flats, with their copper-colored backs and distinctive tail spot. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches in the right conditions. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and channel edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Reds are known for their powerful runs and excellent eating quality. To target them, look for "nervous water" or mud boils in 1-3 feet of depth. A local tip: when sight-casting, lead the fish by a few feet and let your lure sit still. The redfish's curiosity often gets the better of it, leading to some exciting strikes right at your feet.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite among anglers in the Lower Laguna Madre. These silver-sided beauties typically range from 14 to 24 inches, though some monsters can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in cooler months, from fall through spring. Trout put up a great fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. To land one, try working topwater plugs or soft plastics near grass edges during low light conditions. A local trick: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances - that's often trout feeding on bait. Cast beyond the ripples and retrieve through the area for your best shot at hooking up. Just remember not to overcook them - their soft texture can turn mushy fast.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150