Get ready for a day of fishing that's tailor-made for families in the heart of Texas coastal country. Captain Cordon's 8-hour Corpus Christi inshore charter is all about making memories, hooking fish, and soaking up the sun on calm, protected waters. Whether you've got little ones who've never held a rod or experienced anglers in your crew, this trip hits the sweet spot with its relaxed pace and plenty of action. We're talking Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum – the stars of the Coastal Bend's inshore scene.
Picture this: You're cruising the bays around Corpus Christi, the skyline fading behind you as Captain Cordon points out local landmarks and wildlife. The boat slows as you approach a promising spot – maybe a grass flat where redfish are tailing, or a drop-off where specks are schooling. With gear already rigged and ready (yep, it's all included), you'll be casting in no time. The captain's got a sixth sense for where the fish are biting and the patience of a saint when it comes to helping newbies get the hang of things. Kids especially get a kick out of the instant gratification of inshore fishing – when the bite is on, it's non-stop action that'll keep even short attention spans engaged.
On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with techniques that work like a charm in Corpus Christi's shallow bays. We're talking about sight-casting to tailing reds in crystal clear flats, working soft plastics along channel edges for trout, or bouncing bait off the bottom for bulldogging black drum. Captain Cordon's boat is set up with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait. He'll show you how to read the water, spot fish signs, and make the perfect cast. And don't worry if you're new to this – by the end of the day, you'll be reeling them in like a pro.
Corpus Christi's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish that'll put a bend in your rod and a smile on your face. Here's the lowdown on what you're likely to tangle with:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. They'll test your drag in the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature tail waving above the surface. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi fishing. They're suckers for soft plastics and live bait, and put up a great fight on light tackle. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them all year.
Summer Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're not just tasty – they're fun to catch, especially when you see them chase down a bait. Late spring through early fall is your best bet for flounder.
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the bay, black drum will give you a run for your money. They love crustaceans, so crab or shrimp baits are your go-to. You can catch them year-round, but winter and early spring see some of the biggest fish move in.
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Corpus Christi's inshore waters offer a perfect mix of scenery, wildlife, and angling action. One minute you're watching dolphins play in the boat wake, the next you're locked in battle with a bull red. The protected waters mean less seasickness worries for the family, and more time focusing on the fun stuff. Plus, with Captain Cordon at the helm, you're tapping into years of local knowledge. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and has a knack for putting clients on fish, no matter their skill level.
Look, if you're after a day on the water that'll have the whole family talking for years to come, this is it. Captain Cordon's Corpus Christi Family Inshore Fishing Charter checks all the boxes – it's fun, it's easy-going, and it's packed with opportunities to catch some real beauties. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want a stress-free day reeling 'em in, you can't go wrong here. The calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to make some waves (and some memories) on the Texas coast!
Redfish are a popular inshore target here in Corpus Christi. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them cruising shallow flats and around oyster reefs, often with their backs exposed in just a foot or two of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish will hit just about anything, but I like using topwater lures early in the morning for explosive strikes. They're also excellent eating fish with a mild, sweet flavor. One local trick - look for their distinctive tail wakes or "muds" stirred up as they feed along the bottom. Cast ahead of the wake and hang on! Whether you're after a trophy bull red or some slot-sized fish for dinner, redfish offer exciting action for anglers of all skill levels.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay - powerful fighters that can reach over 30 pounds. You'll typically catch them in the 5-15 pound range though. Look for them around oyster reefs, pier pilings, and in deeper channels, especially in spring when they school up to spawn. Black drum use their strong jaws and teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. They'll readily take fresh shrimp or crab for bait. When you hook one, be ready for a stubborn, head-shaking battle. While the bigger ones can be tough eating, smaller "puppy drum" under 5 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. One tip - listen for their distinctive croaking sound, especially at night. That can clue you in to a school nearby. Black drum may not be the prettiest fish, but they're a blast to catch and a great option when other species are slow.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the bottom. They're typically 15-20 inches long with both eyes on one side of their flat body. You'll find them near sandy or muddy bottoms, often around structure like reefs or wrecks. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water. Flounder put up a unique fight, using their flat body to resist being reeled in. They're prized for their delicate, mild flavor too. Drift fishing with live bait like mullet or croaker works well. When you feel that distinctive thump, wait a few seconds before setting the hook to let them swallow the bait. One local trick - look for depressions or "beds" in the sand where flounder lie in wait. Cast just past it and drag your bait through for best results. Landing a big doormat flounder is always a highlight of any trip.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a staple of inshore fishing around here. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-20 inches and love to chase bait in the shallows. You'll find them hanging around grass flats, channels, and drop-offs in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on a moving tide. Sea trout put up a good fight and taste great too - light, flaky meat that's perfect for frying. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet, but artificial lures work well too. Try a slow retrieve with a soft plastic jig. One tip - when you find a school, work the area thoroughly. Sea trout often bunch up, so where there's one, there's likely more. It's hard to beat the excitement of a topwater strike from a big gator trout at first light.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225