Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Fishing the back bays of Port Mansfield in the brackish waters of the Lower Laguna Madre from an airboat adds an exhilarating dimension to the adventure. The airboat's unique capabilities allow access to shallow, hard-to-reach areas, enhancing the overall experience and increasing the chances of encountering a diverse range of fish species, including alligator gar, redfish, and catfish.

As the airboat skims over the shallow flats and marshes, its powerful engine propelling it effortlessly across the water, the sense of anticipation builds. The airboat's ability to traverse very shallow waters and navigate through dense vegetation means you can explore fishing spots that are virtually untouched, providing an unmatched opportunity to catch some impressive fish.

The primary target in these waters is the formidable alligator gar. Known for their size and strength, these prehistoric fish require a sturdy setup. The airboat maneuvers into a quiet, sheltered cove where alligator gar are known to lurk. You cast your heavy-duty line into the murky depths, using bait that attracts these giants. The wait is filled with tension, and when an alligator gar finally takes the bait, the fight is fierce. The airboat provides a stable platform, allowing you to brace yourself as you reel in the powerful fish. The sight of its long, armored body and rows of sharp teeth as it surfaces is a thrilling reward for your effort.

Next, the airboat heads to the grassy edges and shallow flats, prime feeding grounds for redfish. Redfish are known for their hard strikes and strong runs, making them a favorite among anglers. The airboat's ability to glide over these shallow areas without disturbing the fish below gives you an advantage. You cast your line, watching for the distinctive tailing behavior of redfish. When one hits, the fight is exhilarating, with the fish making powerful runs that test your skill and strength.

Catfish are another prominent species in the brackish waters. The airboat stops over deeper channels and muddy areas where catfish are likely to be feeding. Using a bottom rig with bait such as cut fish or shrimp, you cast into the deeper water. The bites can come quickly, and catfish provide a good fight as they pull against the current and your line. The airboat's stable platform makes it easier to handle the feisty catfish as you reel them in.

Throughout the day, the airboat's versatility allows for quick changes in location, maximizing your fishing opportunities. The ability to cover more ground means you can explore various habitats, each home to different species and offering unique challenges. The serene surroundings of the back bays, bordered by salt marshes and mangroves, create a peaceful backdrop for the adventure. The brackish waters teem with life, and the occasional sight of a bird diving for fish or the splash of a jumping fish adds to the experience.

Fishing from an airboat in the back bays of Port Mansfield combines the thrill of high-speed travel with the tranquility of nature and the excitement of fishing. The dynamic nature of the airboat allows you to reach the best fishing spots, giving you an edge in your quest for alligator gar, redfish, and catfish. Whether you are an experienced angler or new to the sport, this unique approach to fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre promises an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling catches and the stunning beauty of Texas' coastal wilderness.

Amenities

Water Type

Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for an additional fee.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is provided for an additional fee.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Scroll for more

Pricing Matrix

	6 Hours
1 Person	$600.00
2 People	$600.00
3 People	$600.00
4 People	$600.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

Total

NEW

Select a date to view pricing. The date you selected is no longer available. Please select another date.

Date

Select a group size to view pricing.

Select a duration to view pricing.

Select a start time to check out.

You won't be charged yet

Total

Browse Similar Trips

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Expert Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

I was born in Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1985 and raised in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where I naturally embraced a love for the outdoors.

From a very young age, I discovered my passion for hunting, calling, and shooting. Growing up and living in the South Texas region has given me the opportunity to develop and hone the knowledge and skills of an avid outdoorsman. Having had the privilege to help guide on several ranches has provided me with a deeper insight into the importance of predator control and wildlife management.

For the past six years, I have been guiding fishing trips, specializing in wade fishing, drift fishing, bottom fishing, and flounder gigging. I also offer unique adventures with airboat excursions in brackish waters targeting alligator gar, redfish, and catfish. My experience and dedication ensure an unforgettable and successful fishing experience for all my clients.

I devote the majority of my summers hitting the waters of the Lower Laguna Madre as a captain for my charter, Waist Deep Fishing.

Scroll for more

Start Location & Lodging Options

Port Mansfield, Texas

Areas Fished

Laguna Madre
Port Mansfield Channel

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Back Bay Air Boat Fishing

Boat Type: Airboat
Year Built: 1998
Boat Length: 18'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Airboat
Year Built: 1998
Boat Length: 18'

Scroll for more

Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for an additional fee.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is provided for an additional fee.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Bottom Fishing
Heavy Tackle Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing

Everything Else to Know

All rods, reels, and tackle are included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any gear of your own you want to use on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable except for weather-related cancellations. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

Candy

Verified Review

Our family of 5 had an amazing time. Our guide was awesome.

Candy

Verified Review

Our family of 5 had an amazing time. Our guide was awesome.

Scroll for more

Trip: Good Times Fishing Key West

Deryl

Verified Review

5-star experience for sure!! :) it’s been awesome time out here.

Deryl

Verified Review

5-star experience for sure!! :) it’s been awesome time out here.

Scroll for more

Trip: Epic Jetty Trip - 21' Mako

Charles

Verified Review

Super nice, knowledgeable, and accommodating! Highly recommend! Will use again!

Charles

Verified Review

Super nice, knowledgeable, and accommodating! Highly recommend! Will use again!

Scroll for more

Trip: Gulf Shores Adventure

Diane

Verified Review

Fantastic trip! We had a wonderful time!

Diane

Verified Review

Fantastic trip! We had a wonderful time!

Scroll for more

Trip: Bank and Bight Backcountry

James

Verified Review

Had an awesome time! Highly recommend!

James

Verified Review

Had an awesome time! Highly recommend!

Scroll for more

Trip: Full Day Fishing Trip

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.