Texas Coast Drift Fishing: 5-Hour Private Trip

Texas Coast Drift Fishing: Reel in the Big Ones

Get ready to hit the water with Captain Fern for a day of non-stop action on the Texas coast! This 5-hour private drift fishing trip is your ticket to hooking into some of the area's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a treat as we target speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and black drum in prime coastal waters. With all the gear provided and room for up to four anglers, this trip is perfect for making memories with family and friends. So grab your license, pack some grub, and let's get after those fish!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Fern's boat, you're in for a day of laid-back fishing with a chance at some serious action. We'll be drift fishing, which means we'll let the wind and current do the work while we present our baits to hungry fish. This technique is not only effective but also gives you a chance to really soak in the coastal scenery. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be hitting all the hotspots where fish are known to hang out. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – Captain Fern will show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. And with a 5-hour trip, you've got plenty of time to dial in your technique and land that trophy catch.

Drift Fishing 101

Drift fishing is all about going with the flow – literally. We'll use the natural movement of the boat to cover more water and present our baits to fish in different areas. The captain will set us up for success by positioning the boat upwind or up-current from promising spots. Then, as we drift along, we'll cast our lines and let our baits dance enticingly through the water column. This method is killer for covering lots of ground and finding where the fish are biting. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. The captain's got all the gear sorted, so you just need to focus on feeling that telltale tug on your line. It's a relaxed way to fish that still keeps you on your toes – you never know when that next big bite is coming!

Species You'll Want to Hook

The Texas coast is home to some real bruisers, and on this trip, we're targeting four of the most popular inshore species. Let's break 'em down:

Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are a favorite among coastal anglers. Known for their willingness to hit topwater lures, specks can provide heart-pounding surface strikes. They typically range from 1-3 pounds, but gator trout pushing 5 pounds or more are always a possibility. Spring and fall are prime times for big specks, but we catch 'em year-round.

Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and distinctive black spot near the tail. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, with bull reds over 40 inches possible in the right conditions. They love to cruise the shallows, and hooking into one can turn into a real tug-of-war. Fall is especially good for redfish as they school up for their annual spawn.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for both their fight and their excellent table fare. Flounder have a unique sideways mouth designed for ambushing prey on the bottom. We'll target them with slow-moving baits near structure. The fall flounder run is legendary, with big females moving to the Gulf to spawn.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can grow to massive sizes and put up a stubborn fight. Smaller ones in the 5-15 pound range are great eating, while the big boys over 30 pounds are a blast to catch and release. They love crustaceans, so we'll often use shrimp or crab to entice them. Spring is prime time for big drum, but we catch them year-round.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Captain Fern tend to make it a regular thing, and it's easy to see why. First off, the fishing here is just plain good. The Texas coast has a perfect mix of habitats that support a healthy population of gamefish all year long. But it's not just about the fish – it's the whole package. There's something special about being out on these waters, watching the sun come up over the bay as pelicans dive for their breakfast. And let's be honest, there's nothing like the feeling of your rod doubling over when a big red or trout decides it's chow time. Add in Captain Fern's local knowledge and easy-going personality, and you've got a recipe for a day you'll be talking about long after you're back on dry land.

Top Catches This Season

Every season brings its own highlights, but lately, we've been on a hot streak with some real beauties coming over the gunwale. Speckled trout have been showing up in force, with several fish in the 4-5 pound range being caught on recent trips. The redfish action has been steady, with slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) providing non-stop action on some days. We even had a lucky angler land a 42-inch bull red that gave everyone on board a show. Flounder fishing has been picking up as we get closer to their fall run, with several doormat-sized fish in the 4-6 pound range hitting the deck. And for those who like a challenge, we've been finding some big black drum in the 20-30 pound class lurking around bridge pilings and oyster reefs.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of the Texas coast's finest, this trip is calling your name. Captain Fern's got the know-how, the spots, and all the gear you need to make it happen. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, this 5-hour drift fishing adventure checks all the boxes. Remember, we've got room for up to four anglers, so gather your crew and let's make it happen. The fish are out there waiting, and trust me, there's nothing like that first big hit of the day to get your heart racing. Don't let another season slip by – book your trip now and get ready for some reel action on the Texas coast!