Damn Good Nearshore Fishing Charters In The Laguna Madre

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Recently Booked Nearshore Fishing Charters In The Laguna Madre

Fishing in Destin
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North Padre Texas Classic

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $495
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Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty in Port Isabel

Bottom Fishing And Jigging SPI

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33 ft 1 - 12 People From $650
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Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats in Corpus Christi

North Padre Sunset Special

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $495
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty in South Padre Island

Bottom Fishing And Jigging SPI

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33 ft 1 - 12 People From $650
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Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore, Flats Fishing in Port Mansfield

Back Bay Air Boat Fishing

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18 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats in South Padre Island

Fly Or Conventional Sight Fishing

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18 ft 1 - 4 People From $550

Top Types of Nearshore Trips in the Laguna Madre

Top Species for Nearshore Fishing in the Laguna Madre

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Bay Fishing

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Lower Laguna Madre Adventure

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Arroyo City Action!

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Baffin / Laguna Madre Trip

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24 ft 1 - 8 People From $695
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
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Laguna Madre Magic

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Everything to Know About Booking a Laguna Madre nearshore fishing charter

What are the best nearshore fishing charters in the Laguna Madre?

Why should I book a nearshore fishing charter in the Laguna Madre with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 14 nearshore trips in the Laguna Madre, and the most popular trips in the area are North Padre Texas Classic guided by Kevin, Bottom Fishing and Jigging SPI guided by Jerrid, and North Padre Sunset Special guided by Kevin.

Our guides in the Laguna Madre are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3784 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly nearshore guides / fishing lessons in the Laguna Madre? Check out our beginner and family friendly nearshore guides in the Laguna Madre.

What types of nearshore fishing charters are common in the Laguna Madre?

The most commonly sought after species for nearshore fishing are: 1. speckled trout, 2. redfish, 3. flounder, 4. black drum, and 5. snook.

The most common fishing techniques in the Laguna Madre are light tackle fishing, artificial lure fishing, and live bait fishing but cut bait fishing and bottom fishing are popular as well.

How much do Laguna Madre nearshore fishing charters cost?

Prices for nearshore fishing in the Laguna Madre can range anywhere from about $600 to $3,200, but the average price for a half day trip for nearshore fishing in the Laguna Madre is $1,004. The average price for a full day trip for nearshore fishing in the Laguna Madre is $2,105.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for nearshore fishing in the Laguna Madre?

The most popular season for nearshore fishing in the Laguna Madre is summer, and most anglers book their trips 35 days in advance.

Do I need a the Laguna Madre fishing license and what are the bag limits in the Laguna Madre?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in the Laguna Madre, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in the Laguna Madre. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in the Laguna Madre.

What is nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre all about?

Nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre offers anglers a unique and productive experience along the Texas Gulf Coast. This hypersaline lagoon, stretching from Corpus Christi to the southern tip of Texas, is one of the few hypersaline lagoons in the world, creating a distinct and rich environment for a variety of fish species. The clear, shallow waters and extensive seagrass beds provide ideal habitats for sought-after game fish such as redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder, making it a premier destination for nearshore fishing.

Spring and summer are particularly productive seasons for nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre, with warmer temperatures and abundant baitfish attracting larger predators. Redfish, known for their strength and endurance, are a common target and can often be found patrolling the grassy flats and shallow waters. Anglers typically use live bait like shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, to entice these hard-fighting fish. Speckled trout, another popular species, are frequently caught using similar techniques, especially during early morning and late evening when they are most active.

Beyond redfish and speckled trout, Laguna Madre also offers excellent opportunities to catch black drum and flounder. Black drum, often found around deeper channels and structure, can be caught using cut bait or live shrimp. Flounder, known for their camouflage and ambush tactics, are typically found near sandy bottoms and grass beds, with jigs and live bait being effective methods for catching them. The diverse fishing opportunities, combined with the stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity of Laguna Madre, make it a top destination for anglers seeking an unforgettable nearshore fishing experience.

What are the most popular months to go nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre?

Nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre, located along the Texas Gulf Coast, offers anglers a rich and diverse fishing experience throughout the year. Known for its clear, shallow waters and abundant marine life, Laguna Madre is a prime destination for those looking to catch a variety of species as the seasons change.

In the cooler months, from December to February, anglers can expect to find species like speckled trout and redfish in abundance. These fish are attracted to the warmer, shallow waters of Laguna Madre, making it a great time for wade fishing or using light tackle along the grassy flats and sandbars. As spring arrives, from March to May, the fishing scene becomes more active with the appearance of flounder and black drum. These species move into the bay system, providing excellent opportunities for anglers using live bait and artificial lures.

Summer, from June to August, is peak fishing season in Laguna Madre. The warm waters attract a variety of species, including the prized red snapper and kingfish, which can be found nearshore and around the many reefs and wrecks in the area. This season also sees an influx of tarpon, offering a thrilling challenge for those looking to land these powerful fish. Additionally, the summer months are ideal for targeting sharks, providing an exciting experience for adventurous anglers. Whether fishing the flats, channels, or nearshore structures, Laguna Madre offers a year-round angling adventure with something for everyone.

What techniques are popular for nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre?

Nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre provides anglers with a rich and diverse fishing experience, renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life. One of the most sought-after species in this area is the speckled trout. Anglers targeting speckled trout often use live bait like shrimp or croakers, drifting over seagrass beds and deeper channels where trout tend to gather. Soft plastic lures and topwater plugs are also popular, especially during early mornings or late afternoons when trout are actively feeding.

Redfish are another prime target in Laguna Madre, known for their strong fight and preference for shallow waters. Anglers typically look for redfish in the shallow flats and near oyster beds. Live bait such as mullet and pinfish works well, but many anglers enjoy the challenge of using artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and jerkbaits. Sight fishing for redfish can be particularly exciting, as anglers can spot the fish in the clear waters and cast directly to them, watching as they strike the bait.

Flounder fishing in Laguna Madre offers a different kind of challenge and reward. These bottom-dwelling fish are often found near sandy or muddy bottoms, around drop-offs, and near structures like docks and piers. Anglers typically use live bait such as mud minnows or finger mullet, slowly dragging the bait along the bottom to entice flounder to bite. Jigging with soft plastics or bucktail jigs is another effective technique, requiring patience and a keen sense of touch to detect the subtle bites of flounder. With its variety of species and techniques, nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre promises a fulfilling and dynamic experience for anglers of all levels.

What species are popular for nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre?

When nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre, anglers are treated to a rich and varied fishing environment, renowned for its healthy populations of sought-after species. One of the most popular targets in this unique coastal lagoon is the speckled trout. Known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights, speckled trout can be found in abundance throughout Laguna Madre. These fish are often caught using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as soft plastic lures and topwater plugs. The extensive grass flats provide an ideal habitat for speckled trout, making them a consistent and exciting catch for anglers.

Redfish, another prized species in Laguna Madre, are commonly found cruising the shallow flats and around the numerous islands and sandbars. These fish are known for their powerful runs and willingness to strike a variety of baits and lures. Anglers often use gold spoons, soft plastics, and live bait to target redfish. The shallow, clear waters of Laguna Madre allow for sight fishing opportunities, adding an extra layer of excitement as anglers can spot and cast directly to these formidable fighters.

In addition to speckled trout and redfish, Laguna Madre offers opportunities to catch a variety of other species, enhancing the overall fishing experience. Black drum, for instance, are frequently caught in the area and are known for their strong, stubborn fights. Flounder, with their distinctive flat bodies, are another common catch, often found near sandy bottoms and grass flats. Laguna Madre is also home to seasonal visitors like tarpon and jack crevalle, which provide thrilling battles for those lucky enough to encounter them. The diverse array of species and the scenic, productive waters make nearshore fishing in Laguna Madre a rewarding adventure for any angler.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time fishing with Kevin. He was very friendly and helpful. We caught a lot of fish and had a great time.

    Brian U. | September 15, 2024

    Trip: Baffin / Laguna Madre Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Ladies loved the trip and caught big fish. One trout was 24" and was released due to conservation rules. One of our reds needed a tag to keep. Highly recommend Alana as a fun and knowledgeable fishing guide in SPI.

    Rick J. | July 15, 2024

    Trip: Lower Laguna Madre Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alana was a joy to fish with. She’s knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend.

    Kory U. | June 16, 2024

    Trip: Lower Laguna Madre Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Kevin was the best. Great communication before our outing, punctual, and he knew exactly where to go to catch the fish. This was so much fun! Highly recommend .

    Rebecca M. | May 18, 2024

    Trip: North Padre Texas Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Tough day fishing but very happy with Captain J. He worked hard to try to make things happen for us.

    Gary A. | January 7, 2024

    Trip: Laguna Madre Magic

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alana was awesome! Very professional, had the boat clean and gear ready to go as soon as we got to the dock we were off. Boat was good size had plenty of room for everyone to walk around. Even took us close to the launch site to see the Space X Starship. She was constantly on the phone with other guides trying to find the best bite possible. We caught Speckled Trout, large Catfish and saw a bunch of large red drums but even hitting them in the head with the bait they wouldn't bite... Had a weather change and rockets going off in the area so may have had something to do with it. But we were the only boat that day really catching anything. I would highly recommend Captain Alana. Will decently book her for future visits to go Tarpon Fishing!!!

    Bret S. | November 28, 2023

    Trip: Lower Laguna Madre Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Really fun...j put us on some fish. Trout and a great snook

    Scott V. | October 21, 2023

    Trip: Laguna Madre Magic

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Kevin. Caught our limit and super nice.

    Roland H. | October 20, 2023

    Trip: North Padre Texas Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Captain J was exceptional! He was on time, he knew the best fishing spots and he cast out for my wife the entire time. He took us on a tour of places to visit on the water. We appreciated every thing about this charter thanks to Captain J. Good Job!

    Ken B. | September 5, 2023

    Trip: Laguna Madre Magic

  • ★★★★★
    3 of us joined Kevin on an 8 hour bay fishing trip and had a fantastic time, Kevin was knowledgeable, helpful and able to get us on some great fish. Will definitely be using him in the future and would recommend him as well!

    Dalton F. | July 1, 2023

    Trip: Baffin / Laguna Madre Trip

  • ★★★★★
    My brother and I took a 4 hr trip for redfish and sea trout. Fishing was slow and catching was slower yet. We did catch enough for a couple of meals. Captain Kevin had good equipment, a clean comfortable boat and gave us 100% effort. Beautiful weather too.

    Terry S. | May 28, 2023

    Trip: North Padre Texas Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Alana was most helpful. She took good care of us and put us on a lot of good spots! Unfortunately, there was not much fishy participation. She handled the boat like a pro!

    David P. | April 12, 2023

    Trip: Lower Laguna Madre Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    I can't recommend Capt. Alana enough! Great clean boat. Room enough for 6, perfect for 4 or 2. Her gear is new and well maintained. She took us to the Port of Brownsville. Lots of structure to fish including the decommissioned aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. We caught lots of fish including mangrove snapper, sheepshead, black drum and others. Capt. Alana is from a commercial and sport fishing family and knows where to find fish. I HIGHLY recommend her. I will be booking her again next time I'm in SPI.

    Jason H. | February 9, 2023

    Trip: Lower Laguna Madre Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Our trip was excellent! Capt. Kevin is a great guide, very knowledgeable, and pleasant to be around. My sons and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip and limiting out is always a bonus!

    George M. | July 26, 2022

    Trip: North Padre Texas Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing action and quality fish. Half hour boat ride but Kevin knew where he was going and we caught fish immediately. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND Captain Kevin.

    Sean S. | February 19, 2022

    Trip: North Padre Sunset Special

Other Types of Fishing in the Laguna Madre

Other Types of Hunting in the Laguna Madre

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