Corpus Christi Morning Inshore Code 3 Guides

Corpus Christi Morning Trip with Code 3 Guide Services

There's something special about getting out on the water early in Corpus Christi when the sun's just starting to warm up the flats and the fish are still active from the night's feeding. This morning inshore trip puts you right in the sweet spot where the bay systems come alive, and you've got the best shot at connecting with some seriously good fish. We're talking redfish cruising the grass beds, speckled trout working the drop-offs, and black drum rooting around in the shallows. With everything provided – from the tackle to the bait to cold water and snacks – all you need to bring is yourself and maybe a buddy. It's a laid-back morning on the water that'll remind you why Corpus Christi is such a renowned inshore fishing destination.

What to Expect on the Water

Your morning starts with a small group setup – just you and one other angler max, which means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. We'll head out to some of my favorite spots in the Corpus Christi bay system, places where I've been putting clients on fish for years. The morning bite here is something else – cooler water temperatures get these fish moving, and you'll often find them in predictable patterns before the day heats up. The vibe is relaxed but focused, perfect for both experienced anglers looking to dial in their technique and newcomers who want to learn the ropes without feeling rushed. Between the provided snacks and cold water, you'll stay comfortable while we work the productive areas. The boat's set up specifically for inshore work, so we can get into those skinny water spots where the big fish like to hang out.

Tackle and Techniques

We fish light tackle here – typically spinning gear in the 2500 to 4000 size range spooled with 15-20 pound braid. It's perfect for feeling every bump and tick while still having enough backbone to turn a big red away from structure. Depending on conditions and what we're targeting, we'll use everything from soft plastics rigged weedless for working grass beds to live bait under popping corks when the trout are schooled up. The beauty of Corpus Christi's inshore scene is the variety – one minute you're sight casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working a grass line for speckled trout. I keep multiple rods rigged with different setups so we can adapt quickly when we find active fish. All the terminal tackle, bait, and lures are included, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite rod, feel free to bring it along.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the flats, and catching one always feels like solving a puzzle. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud near drop-offs, channel edges, and around structure, waiting for baitfish to swim by. In Corpus Christi, we typically find them in 3-8 feet of water, especially around the transitions from hard bottom to soft. Fall and early winter are prime time for flounder, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning runs. What makes them exciting is the fight – they'll pull drag and make those heart-stopping runs toward whatever cover they can find. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching a perfectly camouflaged fish suddenly materialize from what looked like empty bottom.

Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay system, and when you hook into a good one, you'll know it immediately. These fish cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp, often in water so thin you can see their backs. Corpus Christi's grass flats and oyster reefs hold some serious drum, especially during their spring spawning runs when you might encounter fish in the 40-50 pound range. They're not flashy fighters, but they're powerful and stubborn – the kind of fish that'll test your drag and your patience. The smaller ones, in the 5-15 pound range, are fantastic table fare, while the big breeder fish make for great photos before we release them to keep the population strong.

Sea Trout, or speckled trout as we call them here, are probably the most consistent fish in the Corpus Christi bay system. These beautiful fish school up around grass beds, shell pads, and drop-offs, feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are peak times, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes specks special is their willingness to eat artificials – they'll hammer a well-presented soft plastic or topwater lure with authority. The fight is scrappy and fun on light tackle, and they make excellent table fare. A good morning can produce limits of keeper-sized trout in the 15-20 inch range, with the occasional gator trout pushing 25 inches or better.

Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Corpus Christi's shallow flats and back lakes hold some beauties. These copper-colored fish are aggressive predators that'll eat just about anything you put in front of them, from live shrimp to big paddle tail swimbaits. The slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls make for world-class sport fishing. During the warmer months, you'll find them in super shallow water, often with their backs out, tailing in the grass beds. Fall brings the famous bull red runs when massive schools of oversized fish move through the area. The fight is what legends are made of – powerful runs, head shakes, and that distinctive drumming sound they make.

Time to Book Your Spot

This morning trip hits all the marks for a top-rated inshore fishing experience – intimate group size, proven local knowledge, and some of the best fishing grounds on the Texas coast. Whether you're a seasone