Picture this: you're drifting through Corpus Christi's calm inshore waters, rod in hand, surrounded by coastal beauty. That's what you're in for with Split Hook Guide Service's half-day scenic fishing trip. It's not just about filling the cooler (though we'll do plenty of that). This trip is all about soaking in those postcard-worthy views while we hunt for some of the tastiest fish in Texas. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and get ready for a laid-back day on the water.
Look, I'm not gonna promise you'll land a record-breaker (though stranger things have happened). What I can guarantee is a solid 4 hours of fishing in some of the prettiest spots Corpus has to offer. We're talking gin-clear flats, winding backwaters, and maybe even a hidden cove or two. We'll be targeting the inshore slam - redfish, speckled trout, and flounder - but don't be surprised if a black drum or sheepshead crashes the party.
This trip is perfect if you want to mix some quality fishing with a bit of sightseeing. Bring your camera, because between casts you might spot ospreys diving for their lunch, dolphins playing in the wake, or even a gator sunning itself on a distant bank. It's like a nature tour, but with the added bonus of potentially catching dinner.
Alright, let's talk tactics. We'll be doing a mix of sight-casting and blind-casting, depending on conditions. On clear days, there's nothing quite like spotting a big red tailing in skinny water and placing that perfect cast. Other times, we might drift along grass lines or oyster reefs, using live bait or soft plastics to entice a bite.
I'll bring all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait. We use light to medium tackle, which gives you the best feel for the bite and makes even smaller fish a blast to catch. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing. I'll walk you through everything from casting to setting the hook. By the end of the trip, you'll be working those lures like a pro.
We'll be fishing from a shallow-draft skiff that can get us into those honey holes where the big ones hide. It's stable enough for standing casts but nimble enough to navigate the skinniest water. And trust me, there's nothing like the sound of a redfish exploding on a topwater lure in 6 inches of water.
Let's break down the big three you're likely to tangle with on this trip:
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They'll test your drag and your patience, often making blistering runs when hooked. Look for their signature tail poking out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Fall is prime time for reds, but we catch 'em year-round. There's nothing quite like the thump of a big red inhaling your bait.
Speckled Trout: If redfish are the muscle, specks are the finesse. These spotted beauties are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights. They love to hang around structure and grass beds, ambushing bait. Dawn and dusk are magic hours for trout, and a topwater lure walked across the surface can trigger explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing.
Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the inshore world. These flat ambush predators bury themselves in the sand, waiting for an unsuspecting meal to swim by. Flounder fishing is an art form, requiring a delicate touch to detect their subtle bite. But man, are they tasty. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they move to deeper water, but we can find them year-round if you know where to look.
Sure, the fishing's great, but it's more than that. It's about those quiet moments between casts when you're just taking in the coastline. It's watching the sunrise paint the sky as we motor out to our first spot. It's the satisfaction of releasing a beautiful fish and knowing you've done your part for conservation.
This trip is perfect for: - Families looking for a fun, low-key outdoor activity - Photographers who want to capture both fish and scenic shots - Anglers who appreciate a more relaxed pace (no marathon runs to offshore spots) - Anyone who wants to learn more about Corpus Christi's unique ecosystem
And let's be real - there's nothing like the bragging rights that come with landing a nice fish. Whether it's your first red or your fiftieth, that photo is going straight to the 'gram.
Listen, I could go on all day about the joys of Corpus Christi inshore fishing, but the best way to understand is to experience it yourself. Whether you're a local looking for a new spot or a visitor wanting to see what all the fuss is about, this trip's got something for everyone.
Remember, we're limited to two guests per trip, so it's a nice intimate experience. No fighting for rod space or feeling like you're on a party boat. Just you, a buddy, and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer.
So what do you say? Ready to trade the hustle and bustle for a few hours of peace on the water? Give Split Hook Guide Service a shout, and let's get you hooked up with some Corpus Christi gold (and by gold, I mean fish... but you knew that). Don't forget - deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. See you on the water!
Redfish are a staple of Corpus Christi's inshore fishing scene. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive black spot near their tail, typically run 28-33 inches when mature. You'll find them prowling the shallows - we're talking 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs exposed. They love hanging around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud bottoms. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight and taste delicious, making them a favorite for anglers. They'll hit just about anything when they're hungry, from topwater lures to live shrimp. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in the flats. Sight-casting to tailing reds is as good as it gets.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target in Corpus Christi's inshore waters. These silvery fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters over 40 pounds have been caught. They're known for their spotted bodies and delicate, mild-tasting flesh. You'll find sea trout hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hit artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Sea trout put up a good fight and make excellent table fare, so they're popular with both sport and food fishermen. Pro tip: When the bite is slow, try trolling slowly along grass lines to cover more water and trigger strikes.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in Corpus Christi's waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches, though some giants push 30 inches. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal areas, bays, and estuaries. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love flounder for their unique challenge - they're ambush predators, so you've got to finesse them into biting. They're also prized for their sweet, delicate meat. To catch them, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's an insider tip: work your bait slowly along drop-offs and channel edges where flounder wait to ambush prey. When you feel that distinctive thump, give them a moment before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200