Ready to wet a line in some of the most productive inshore waters Texas has to offer? Captain Manny Perez of Coastal Concepts Fishing Charter has you covered with this 5-hour private trip out of Port Mansfield and South Padre Island. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Capt. Manny knows exactly where to find the fish and how to put you on them. From the rich grass flats to hidden coastal pockets, we'll chase after prized species like redfish, snook, and mackerel. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see why the locals can't stop bragging about these fishing grounds!
Your day starts bright and early as we load up Capt. Manny's specially rigged skiff. This shallow-draft boat is perfect for sneaking into those skinny water honey holes where the big ones like to hide. As we cruise out, Manny will fill you in on the game plan – which spots are hot, what the fish have been biting on, and how we'll approach each area. Whether you prefer to cast artificial lures or soak some live bait, Manny's got the know-how to put you in the strike zone. And don't worry if you're new to this – he's got a knack for explaining techniques in a way that'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. With a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention and have room to work those rods without tangling lines.
Alright, let's talk fish. Port Mansfield and South Padre Island are known for some seriously good inshore action. We're talking about hooking into hard-fighting redfish that'll make your drag sing, or outsmarting a wily snook as it tries to wrap you around a piling. King and Spanish mackerel will test your endurance with blistering runs, while black drum offer up a real tug-of-war. Capt. Manny's years on these waters mean he knows just where these fish like to hang out and what makes them tick. We'll use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – maybe some sight casting in the shallows for reds, or drifting live bait for those toothy mackerel. And hey, if the bite is on fire, we might even try for a Texas slam (redfish, trout, and flounder in one trip). Just remember, it's called fishing, not catching – but with Manny at the helm, your odds are looking pretty good!
There's something special about fishing these parts that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as it rises over the Gulf. Or that heart-stopping moment when a big red crushes your topwater lure. For many, it's the chance to learn from a guide who lives and breathes these waters. Capt. Manny doesn't just take you fishing – he shares the kind of local knowledge you can't find in any fishing report. From reading the water to understanding fish behavior, you'll walk away with skills that'll up your game wherever you cast a line. And let's not forget the pure fun of it all. Whether you're swapping stories between bites or marveling at the coastal wildlife, this trip is about making memories that'll have you grinning long after you're back on dry land.
Let's dive into some of the star attractions you might tangle with on this trip. First up, the redfish – these copper-colored bruisers are a Texas inshore staple. They love to cruise the flats and can often be spotted by their tell-tale tailing behavior. Reds put up a stubborn fight and can grow to over 40 inches, with the sweet spot for eating being the "slot" size of 20-28 inches. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch them year-round.
Snook are the sneaky ambush predators of these waters. They love structure and will often hang around mangroves, jetties, or any submerged cover. These fish are known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. While they can be caught year-round, the bite really heats up in the warmer months. Landing a big snook is a true trophy for any inshore angler.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as the locals call them, are the speedsters of the bunch. These toothy missiles can top speeds of 60 mph and grow to impressive sizes. We typically target them in the warmer months when they move closer to shore. Trolling with live bait or fast-moving lures is often the ticket to hooking into one of these smoker kings.
Spanish Mackerel are the smaller cousins of the kings, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. These fish often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're great eating and perfect for anglers who want constant action. Spring and fall are typically the best times to target these speedy swimmers.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch and great on the dinner table. These bottom-feeders can grow to massive sizes, with some real monsters lurking in the deeper channels. They're suckers for crabs or shrimp and put up a dogged fight. You can catch them year-round, but the bigger ones often show up in late winter and early spring.
Alright, folks – if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that Texas saltwater spray on your face, it's time to lock in your date with Capt. Manny. This 5-hour trip is the perfect slice of inshore fishing paradise, whether you're looking to stock the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water. Remember, with only two spots per trip, these charters can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't let that big one get away – give Coastal Concepts Fishing Charter a call and get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, some serious fish tales to take home. Trust me, once you fish these waters with Capt. Manny, you'll be planning your next trip before the boat hits the dock. Let's go fishing!
Black Drum are the bulldozers of the flats. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, though eating-size fish are more like 5-15 pounds. You'll find them rooting around oyster beds and mudflats in 1-4 feet of water. Spring is spawning time when big schools move in. Black Drum aren't the prettiest fish, but they pull like freight trains. Smaller ones make good table fare too. Fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom is tough to beat for bait. My insider tip: listen for their distinctive grunting and drumming sounds. On calm days, you can actually hear them feeding. Follow that noise and you're in the money.
King Mackerel are the speedsters of the Gulf. These toothy predators typically run 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in 30-100 feet of water around structures and bait schools. Spring and fall migrations offer red-hot action. Kings are famous for blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. Trolling with live bait or big spoons is the go-to method. They're good eating but need to be bled and iced quickly. Local secret: when you see birds working, idle up and live-line a blue runner or mullet on the outskirts of the school. Big kings often lurk below, picking off stragglers.
Redfish are the rock stars of Texas flats. These copper-colored beauties with signature tail spots love super skinny water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Most run 5-10 pounds but bulls over 40 aren't unheard of. They feed aggressively year-round but really turn on in fall. Sight-casting to tailing reds is an unforgettable rush. They pull hard and make blistering runs. Redfish are also prized for the table. Gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait all work well. My top tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for pushes of water or swirls. Cut the engine, ease up quietly, and make a long cast ahead of their path. Hold on tight!
Snook are one of the craftiest fish in these parts. They love to hide around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. Most run 2-3 feet long but can get much bigger. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Snook put up an amazing fight - powerful runs, gill-rattling head shakes, and acrobatic leaps. They're also excellent eating when in season. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works well, but artificials like swim baits and topwaters can be deadly too. My local trick: fish the falling tide when snook stack up in deeper pockets and channels as they ambush bait being swept out. Work your lure with the current for a natural presentation.
Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch here in Port Mansfield. These speedy swimmers typically run 1-2 feet long and hang out near the surface in big schools. Look for them around structures in open water, especially as it warms up in spring and summer. They'll hit just about anything shiny - spoons, jigs, live bait. The fight is fast and furious, with lots of aerial acrobatics. Locals love 'em for the table too - nice mild flavor that's great grilled or smoked. My tip: when you spot a school busting bait on top, cast beyond them and rip your lure through fast. The competitive feeding frenzy usually triggers some explosive strikes. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking 'em!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300