Hey there, fellow anglers and nature lovers! If you're looking to wet a line and soak in some gorgeous coastal views, you've gotta check out this half-day trip with LetZ Go FishN Charters. Captain Leo Cavazos knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you the best spots in the Lower Laguna Madre. Whether you're after some hard-pulling redfish or want to snap photos of the local wildlife, this 5-hour adventure has got you covered. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the flats!
Kicking off at the crack of dawn (well, 7 AM to be exact), you'll hop aboard a sweet 24-foot Shallow Sport bay boat. These babies are perfect for cruising the skinny waters of the flats. As we ease out of Port Isabel, keep your eyes peeled for birds diving on bait – that's often a dead giveaway for where the fish are hanging out. We'll be targeting redfish and black drum, two of the most popular inshore species in these parts. But don't worry if you're new to fishing; Captain Leo's got all the gear and know-how to get you hooked up.
Alright, let's talk strategy. Flats fishing is all about stealth and precision. We'll be using light tackle and artificial lures most of the time – think soft plastics and topwater plugs. The key is to spot the fish before they spot you. Keep an eye out for "tailing" reds – that's when their tails break the surface as they root around in the shallow water for crabs and shrimp. When you see that, it's game on! Captain Leo will show you how to make a quiet cast and work your lure just right to entice a strike. And let me tell you, when a big red hits in skinny water, it's like someone flushed a toilet – water flying everywhere!
Now, I know not everyone's itching to catch fish all day. That's the beauty of this trip – it's like a two-for-one deal. While we're out chasing reds and drums, you'll get to cruise through some of the prettiest waterways Texas has to offer. The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife. Don't be surprised if we spot some bottlenose dolphins playing in the boat wake or a flock of roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows. And those mangrove shorelines? They're teeming with all sorts of critters. Bring your camera, 'cause you're gonna want to remember this.
Let's talk about one of our star attractions: the mighty redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the bread and butter of Texas flats fishing. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, which is why old-timers call 'em "spot-tails." Reds can grow upwards of 40 inches, but most of what we'll catch will be in the 20-30 inch range – perfect for a good fight without wearing you out. These guys love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, often in water so shallow their backs are out of the water. The best time to target them is early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding. And let me tell you, when a big red takes off on a run, you'll know why anglers come from all over to tangle with these fish.
Now, don't sleep on the black drum. These cousins of the redfish might not be as flashy, but they put up one heck of a fight. Black drum are easy to spot with their distinctive chin barbels – they look like they've got a little goatee. They tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. These fish can get huge, with some old-timers topping 50 pounds, but we'll be targeting the smaller "puppy drums" in the 5-15 pound range. They love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp, so we'll often find them in slightly deeper water than the reds. Spring is prime time for black drum, but we catch 'em year-round in the Laguna Madre. When you hook one, get ready for some serious pull – these guys don't give up easy!
Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on the water by now, I don't know what else to tell you! This half-day trip with LetZ Go FishN Charters is the perfect way to experience the best of what Port Isabel and the Lower Laguna Madre have to offer. Whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking to enjoy a beautiful morning on the water, Captain Leo's got you covered. With only room for two guests, you're guaranteed a personalized experience. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddy, your spouse, or your kid and book your spot today. The fish are biting, the water's calling, and adventure's just a cast away. See you on the flats!
Black drum are the big cousins of redfish, and they can get huge - up to 90 pounds! But for eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They hang out in brackish water, especially around oyster beds. You'll often hear them before you see them - they make a distinctive drumming sound. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up to spawn. These fish are bottom feeders, so that's where you'll want to put your bait. Live crab is hard to beat, but a slow-moving jig can work too. Anglers love black drum for their strong pull and the challenge of finding them. Here's a tip: if you're using artificial bait, make sure it's weighted to get down to where they're feeding. And don't be afraid to fish the super-shallow flats - these guys can survive in just inches of water.
Redfish are a local favorite here in Port Isabel. They're usually 20-30 inches long, with bigger ones offshore. Look for that signature black spot near the tail - it's not just for looks, it helps fool predators. These guys love shallow water, often in just 1-4 feet deep. You'll find them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud flats. Spring and fall are prime times, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong fight and great eating. They'll hit just about anything when they're hungry - topwater lures can be a blast. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root around for food in the shallows. It's called "tailing" and it's a sight to see. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250