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Ready to wet a line in some of South Texas' most productive waters? Our half-day morning trip out of Port Mansfield is just the ticket. We're talking prime inshore action targeting sheepshead, flounder, and a mixed bag of other hard-fighting species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 5-hour adventure is tailored to give you a real taste of what makes fishing these waters so darn addictive.
Picture this: You're stepping onto the boat as the sun's just starting to peek over the horizon, the air crisp with that unmistakable coastal breeze. We'll cruise out into the legendary waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, where the fish are plentiful and the scenery's nothing short of spectacular. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a chance to tap into some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer. We've got all the gear you need, so all you've got to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat. With a max of two guests, you're guaranteed plenty of one-on-one time with your guide to hone your skills and learn the local tricks of the trade.
Once we hit our spots, it's game on. We'll be using a mix of techniques to target our inshore slam. Expect to do some light tackle fishing, maybe some drift fishing over productive flats, or even sight casting if conditions are right. We might throw soft plastics for trout, work live bait near structure for sheepshead, or finesse some flounder out of their hidey-holes. Your guide's got years of experience reading these waters, so we'll adapt our approach based on what's biting. And hey, don't be surprised if we hook into some bonus species like redfish or black drum – that's just the nature of fishing these rich waters.
Folks who fish Port Mansfield tend to get hooked themselves. It's not just the quality of the fishing – though that's definitely a big draw. It's the whole package. The laid-back vibe of this small fishing town, the unspoiled coastline, and the chance to see some incredible wildlife while you're out there. Ospreys diving for their own catch, maybe a pod of dolphins cruising by – it's all part of the experience. Plus, with our flexible scheduling, you can get your fishing fix and still have plenty of day left for other activities or just lounging on the beach.
Let's talk targets. Sheepshead are one of our star attractions, and for good reason. These striped battlers are known as the "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white bars. They love to hang around structure and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Anglers get a kick out of their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing the crabs and barnacles they love to munch on. Spring and fall are prime times for sheepshead, but we can find them year-round.
Southern flounder are another prized catch. These masters of camouflage lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing their prey. Flounder fishing is an art form, requiring a delicate touch to detect their subtle bite. Fall is the golden season for flounder as they make their way to the Gulf to spawn, but we can target them throughout the year. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling up a good-sized "doormat" flounder.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These cousins of the redfish can grow to impressive sizes, and even the smaller ones will give your arms a workout. They're bottom feeders with a sweet spot for crustaceans, and we often find them in the same areas as sheepshead. Spring is fantastic for black drum, but they're a year-round option that can save the day when other species are being finicky.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These spotted predators are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. Trout fishing can be productive year-round, but many anglers swear by the fall and winter months for the biggest specimens. There's a special thrill in working a topwater lure and seeing a big trout explode on it at the surface.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in Port Mansfield, but there's no substitute for experiencing it yourself. This half-day trip is perfect for fitting some quality angling into your schedule without eating up your whole day. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, wanting to improve your own skills, or just aiming to bend a rod and have a good time, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and we're itching to get out there. So what do you say? Let's get you on the books and on the water. Trust me, once you've fished these waters, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find these powerful fish in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds and other structures. They're easily recognizable by their grey coloring and distinctive barbels under their chin. Spring is prime time for Black Drum fishing when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight these fish put up, especially the bigger ones. They've got strong jaws built for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy tackle. For bait, you can't beat fresh crab or shrimp. Here's a tip: if you're after table fare, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds - they taste better and have a nicer texture than the big boys.

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite target for Port Mansfield anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and prefer cooler waters. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow areas, especially active at night. They're most catchable in fall and winter when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love Sea Trout for their mild, delicate flavor and the sporty fight they put up on light tackle. They're suckers for artificial lures - try topwater plugs early morning or jigs worked slowly along the bottom. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for "slicks" on the water surface. These oily patches are often signs of feeding trout, giving away their location.

Sheepshead are one of the quirkiest fish you'll catch in Port Mansfield. These striped "convict fish" typically weigh 1-8 pounds and have a set of teeth that look eerily human. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs, munching on barnacles and crustaceans. Spring is prime Sheepshead season when they form large spawning groups. Anglers love the challenge of catching these notorious bait-stealers - it takes finesse and patience. Their white, sweet meat makes for excellent eating too. For best results, use light tackle and natural baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Local tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are pros at stealing bait, so timing is everything.

Southern Flounder are a prized catch here in Port Mansfield. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches long and love to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the substrate to ambush prey. Best fishing is in fall and winter when they migrate to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. For best results, try drift fishing or still fishing using live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before swallowing, so giving them time improves your hookup rate.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 42
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200