Get ready to feel the water on your legs and the thrill of the catch in Baffin Bay! This half-day wade fishing trip with Capt Oscar Estringel is perfect for anglers looking to get up close and personal with South Texas' finest inshore species. Bring your own gear and let's hit the flats for some serious action.
This ain't your average boat fishing trip. We're talking about wading right into the fish's territory. You'll be stepping into Baffin Bay's crystal-clear shallows, feeling the sandy bottom beneath your feet as you cast for trophy trout, redfish, and more. It's just you, your rod, and the fish – no fancy boat needed. Capt Oscar knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll put you right where the bite is hot. And with a max of two guests, you're getting a super-personal experience. Just remember, this is a BYO gear situation, so pack your waders, rod, and tackle.
If you've never tried wade fishing before, you're in for a treat. It's all about stealth and precision. We'll be slowly moving through the water, making as little disturbance as possible. You'll learn to read the water, spot the subtle signs of fish activity, and make those perfect casts. Soft plastics, topwater lures, and live bait can all be deadly here – Capt Oscar will clue you in on what's working best. And there's nothing quite like feeling a big red or trout hit your lure when you're standing right there in the water with 'em. It's an rush you won't forget!
Baffin Bay is known for its monster trout, and for good reason. Anglers here regularly hook into gator trout pushing 30 inches or more. But that's not all – redfish, black drum, and flounder are all on the menu too. Spring and fall are prime times for big trout, while summer can see some epic redfish action in the shallows. Winter? That's when the big girls come out to play. No matter when you visit, there's always something worth casting for in Baffin.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so working a soft plastic or live bait slowly along the bottom is key. Fall is flounder time, when they start their migration to the Gulf. Flounder have both eyes on one side of their head – pretty weird, right? But man, are they tasty if you're looking for a fish fry.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge, with some old-timers topping 50 pounds. They love crustaceans, so crab or shrimp-imitating lures work great. You'll often find them hanging around structure or in deeper holes. When they're big, they make a distinctive "drumming" sound – hence the name.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): The crown jewels of Baffin Bay. These silver beauties with their spotted backs are what draw anglers from all over. They're aggressive feeders, hitting topwater lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Spring and fall see big spawning aggregations, but you can catch 'em year-round. A 30-inch trout is the holy grail here, and Baffin's one of the best places to make it happen.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a Texas favorite. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're feeding in the shallows, you can often spot their tails sticking out of the water. Reds will happily munch on just about anything – from crabs to mullet to artificial lures. They fight hard and can grow big, with bull reds topping 40 inches not uncommon.
There's something special about Baffin Bay that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the chance at that once-in-a-lifetime trout. Maybe it's the thrill of stalking redfish in gin-clear water. Or maybe it's just the raw, unspoiled beauty of the place. Whatever it is, Baffin has a way of getting under your skin. And with Capt Oscar as your guide, you're in for a day of fishing you won't soon forget. He's not just about putting you on fish – he's passionate about teaching you the ins and outs of wade fishing, helping you become a better angler with every trip.
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best wade fishing Texas has to offer, it's time to lock in your date. This half-day trip with Capt Oscar is perfect for both seasoned wade fishermen and those looking to try it for the first time. Remember, it's a small group size, so spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Grab your fishing buddy, pack your gear, and get ready for a morning or afternoon of non-stop action in beautiful Baffin Bay. Don't let that trophy trout slip away – book your trip now and let's make some fish stories!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of Baffin Bay. These cousins of the redfish can grow massive, with some topping 90 pounds. Most often, you'll catch ones between 5 and 30 pounds. Look for them in shallow, brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. These fish are famous for the drumming sounds they make, especially during spawning season in spring. That's when they school up, making them easier to target. After that, they scatter and become trickier to find. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can be tough and less tasty, so consider releasing those giants. For bait, nothing beats fresh crab or shrimp. They're bottom feeders, so keep your bait low. A local tip: if you're feeling adventurous, try sight-casting to tailing drum in shallow water. It's a heart-pounding experience when you see that big tail waving above the surface.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Baffin Bay fishing. These copper-colored beauties are easy to spot with their distinctive black tail spot. Most run 28 to 33 inches, but they can grow much larger, with some bulls pushing 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and manmade structures like old piers. Fall is prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Anglers prize redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to catch on a variety of lures and baits. Try topwater lures for explosive surface strikes, or use live shrimp for a sure bet. Here's a tip: look for 'tailing' redfish in shallow flats during high tide. When you see those tails waving above the surface, you know you're in for some exciting sight fishing. Just approach quietly and make an accurate cast - these fish can spook easily in shallow water.
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Baffin Bay. These silver beauties typically run 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds, though some monsters can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These fish are aggressive feeders, which makes for exciting fishing. They're known for their delicate, mild flavor, making them popular for the dinner table too. Look for them year-round, but winter can be especially good when they school up in deeper waters. Sea Trout put up a good fight, often jumping and thrashing when hooked. They're a blast on light tackle. For best results, try artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, or soft plastics. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for 'slicks' on the water surface. These are oily patches left by feeding trout, and they're a dead giveaway for where to cast. Just remember, don't overfish one spot - these trout move around a lot.
Southern Flounder are a unique target in Baffin Bay. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for prey to pass by. Fall and winter are prime seasons as flounder move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild white meat and the challenge of hooking these masters of disguise. They put up a good fight too, especially the bigger ones. To catch flounder, try still fishing or drift fishing near the bottom. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp, or artificial lures that mimic their prey. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it to swallow head-first. Remember, patience is key with these sneaky bottom-dwellers. But when you hook one, it's well worth the wait.