Join us for a morning of fishing in Port Mansfield's beautiful Texas waters. This 5-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to catch some of the area's most sought-after species. Your captain knows these waters inside and out and will show you the best spots for reeling in redfish, black drum, sheepshead, snook, and speckled trout. We'll use light tackle and spinning gear, adapting our approach based on what's biting. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, you'll enjoy the chance to try different techniques and improve your skills. The shallow flats around Port Mansfield are ideal for sight-casting and offer great chances to spot fish. Keep an eye out for wildlife too – you might see dolphins, birds, and other coastal creatures as we cruise. It's a fun, laid-back way to spend a morning on the water and hopefully land some impressive catches. Remember to bring sunscreen, snacks, and a camera to capture your best moments out on the flats!

Premier Port Mansfield Flats Fishing Charters

Flats Fishing Action

White fishing boat on calm water under overcast sky at South Padre Island TX

Perfect conditions for an adventure on the water at South Padre Island!

Angler holding redfish on boat deck with fishing rods and ocean water at 818 Mansfield Dr

Nice redfish today! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure on the water.

Person holding caught fish on boat deck with ocean water and sunset in background at South Padre Island TX

Great catch on the water today! Perfect conditions for an exciting fishing adventure.

Fishing boat with multiple rods and reels moving through water at South Padre Island TX

Great day on the water with the rods ready to go!

Reel in Texas Glory: Port Mansfield's Hidden Gems

Get ready to wet a line in some of the Lone Star State's most productive waters. This half-day morning trip with Jerry's Fishing Charters puts you right in the thick of Port Mansfield's legendary fishing grounds. We're talking light tackle action for sought-after species like redfish, black drum, and speckled trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our seasoned captains know how to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What's Biting in Port Mansfield

Port Mansfield is a hidden gem on the Texas coast, and for good reason. The shallow, grassy flats and crystal-clear water create the perfect playground for some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish. Our 5-hour morning trips are timed to hit that sweet spot when the fish are most active. You'll be casting to tailing redfish, sight-fishing for black drum, and working the grasslines for speckled trout. And don't be surprised if a hefty snook crashes your bait – these bruisers are making a comeback in Texas waters and put up one heck of a fight.

Light Tackle, Big Action

Leave the heavy gear at home, folks. We're all about finesse and feel on these trips. Our captains are masters of light tackle and spinning gear, which means you'll be using equipment that's both fun to fish with and deadly effective. We'll show you how to work soft plastics, throw topwater lures, and present live bait to tempt even the wariest fish. It's all about reading the water, finding the right spots, and making that perfect cast. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will have you dialed in before you know it.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of Texas flats fishing. Known for their hard-pulling fights and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish love to cruise the shallows in search of crabs and baitfish. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water is an experience you won't soon forget.

Black Drum: Often overlooked but never underestimated, black drum are like the bulldozers of the flats. These powerful fish use their downturned mouths to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom. While they might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, hooking into a big black drum will test your tackle and your biceps. Spring is the best time to target the giants, but we catch them year-round.

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – sheepshead are no joke when it comes to putting up a fight. These striped battlers are structure-loving fish that hang around jetties, pilings, and oyster beds. They're notoriously picky eaters, which makes fooling them all the more satisfying. Winter and early spring are prime times to target sheepshead when they gather to spawn.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these speckled beauties are a staple of Texas inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp to topwater lures. Specks love to hang around grass beds and dropoffs, and our captains know just where to find them. While we catch them year-round, the biggest trout typically show up in late winter and early spring.

Snook: The comeback kid of Texas waters, snook are ambush predators that love to hang around structure. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs, making them a bucket list fish for many anglers. We see more and more snook each year, with the best action typically in the warmer months. Landing one of these linesiders is always cause for celebration.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the pristine waters of Port Mansfield. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as we leave the dock, or the heart-stopping moment when a big red crashes your topwater lure. Our guests tell us it's the combination of world-class fishing, knowledgeable guides, and the laid-back vibe of small-town Texas that keeps them coming back year after year. Plus, with our light tackle approach, you're in for a real hands-on experience – no trolling or sitting around here. It's just you, your rod, and some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we could go on all day about the fish you might catch or the memories you'll make, but the truth is, nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Our half-day morning trips are perfect for both seasoned anglers looking to scratch that fishing itch and families wanting to introduce the kids to the joys of the sport. Remember, the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the fish – so don't wait to book your spot. Give Jerry's Fishing Charters a call, and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust us, you don't want to miss out on what Port Mansfield has to offer. See you on the flats!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweights of our local waters. Most run 5-30 pounds, but the real monsters can top 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish areas around oyster beds and mudflats. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so listen for that distinctive drumming sound. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting black drum for their strong, steady fights. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare too. For best results, use fresh crab or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient - when that rod tip starts thumping, you've got a drum on the line.

Redfish

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas flats fishing. Most run 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are exposed. They love cruising flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges hunting for crabs and baitfish. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawn run. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and copper-colored scales. To land a big one, try sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics. When you spot a fish, lead it slightly and be ready - when that red pounces, hang on tight!

Sea Trout

Speckled sea trout are a staple of our inshore fishing. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy "gator" trout can reach 10+ pounds. You'll find them over grass flats and around creek mouths, especially at dawn and dusk. They're ambush predators, so look for moving water and bait schools. Fall and spring are prime seasons as water temperatures change. Anglers love specks for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. To catch more trout, try working a soft plastic jerk bait with a erratic retrieve. When you feel that telltale thump, pause briefly before setting the hook - trout often hit baits multiple times before committing.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are one of the craftiest fish in our waters. These striped "convict fish" usually run 1-8 pounds and hang around structure like docks and jetties. They use those human-like teeth to pick barnacles and crabs off pilings. Spring is prime time as they gather offshore to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait stealers. Their delicate white meat is also prized for the dinner table. To land a big sheepshead, use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab. Get your bait right up against the structure and wait for that telltale nibble. When you feel weight, set the hook hard - these guys have tough mouths!

Snook

Snook are a prized catch here in Port Mansfield. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long, with some monsters pushing 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. Snook love ambushing prey, so look for them in areas with moving water and bait. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between inshore and offshore haunts. Anglers love snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating when in season. To land a big one, try using live bait like mullet or pinfish near structure. Let it swim naturally and be ready - when a snook hits, it hits hard. Set the hook fast and hang on tight!

About the 25' Port Mansfield

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some morning fishing fun in Port Mansfield? Join us for a laid-back 5-hour trip on the flats, where we'll show you the ropes of light tackle and spinning techniques. Our captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will take you to the best spots to catch Snook, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Redfish, and Speckled Trout. It's a perfect outing for two anglers looking to try their luck in the clear Texas waters. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack or two. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, you'll have a great time reeling in some local favorites. Remember, the deposit secures your spot, so don't wait to book your morning on the water. Get ready for a relaxed yet rewarding fishing experience in one of Texas' hidden coastal gems.