Inshore and Bay Fishing Charters on the Coastal Bend
C&T Bay Charters runs inshore and bay fishing trips across the Texas Coastal Bend with Captain Charlie. We target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum on the flats, marshes, and channels from Port Aransas to Rockport, year round.
Most of our guests are families, first-timers, and anglers who’d rather spend the day on protected water than out in the swell. Whether you’ve fished the Texas coast for years or you’ve never picked up a rod, check dates and book a trip and we’ll build the day around your group.
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What a day on the water looks like
Half-day trips run about five hours on the water. Full days run about eight, which gives us room to follow the tide, move when a spot goes quiet, and change tactics as the day develops. Rods, reels, tackle, ice, fuel, live bait when it’s available, and the boat are all included.
The plan gets built around conditions on the morning. Tide movement, wind direction, and water clarity decide where we start and how we fish it. On a rising tide we work the upper edges where bait pushes over grass. On a falling tide we sit on drains and points and let the current carry scent. When the water clouds up we slow down and let the bait do the work.
How we fish is up to you. We can drift the flats and grass lines, wade a shoreline, throw artificials, or keep it simple with bait under a popping cork. Tell us which when you book and we’ll set the day up that way.
We clean and bag your legal fish at the dock, so you can head straight back to the house. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, something to eat and drink, and a cooler if you are keeping fish; there is a fuller list of what to bring if you would rather check.
We also run a sunset cruise if you’d like time on the water without a rod in your hand.
What we fish for
Four species carry most of our trips. Each has its own page with seasons, techniques, and what to expect, and the species guide compares them if you are not sure which to build a day around.
sight-casting the flats and marsh drains on moving water, with gold spoons and shrimp under a popping cork. The shallow stuff fishes best when the tide is running.
Early topwater over grass, soft plastics on the drops, and live bait when the bite turns picky. Spring through early summer is the most consistent stretch.
Channel edges, sandy ambush points, and drains, plus gigging trips when the season allows. Fall is the run everyone waits for.
Steady action along shell and channel edges on shrimp and crab baits. A good bet with kids aboard, because the bite rarely quits for long.
When to come
Something is biting year round, but the patterns move with the season. Spring and early summer fish consistently on shallow flats with good light. Fall pushes bigger fish onto the shorelines and deeper edges, and it’s when the flounder run picks up. Winter is slower and more technical, with less traffic on the water and a real shot at quality fish for anglers who don’t mind working for them.
If you’re picking dates around a particular species, our fishing seasons guide breaks the year down month by month.
Service areas
We work four ports along the Coastal Bend. Each bay system fishes a little differently, so when the wind shuts one down, another is usually working.
Port Aransas
Our home port, and where most trips start. We launch from the harbour on Cotter Ave, near Roberts Point Park, which puts Redfish Bay and Estes Flats minutes away. Full details on our Port Aransas bay fishing charters page.
Aransas Pass
Short runs from the harbor put you on the Redfish Bay flats fast, which makes it a good choice on a tight schedule or with kids aboard. More on fishing out of Aransas Pass.
Rockport
Aransas Bay brings grass beds and shell reefs into the mix, and the water up there often stays workable when the wind is wrong further south. See our fishing guides in Rockport.
Corpus Christi
Upper Laguna Madre and Oso Bay give us sheltered options and a different set of shorelines to work, which helps on days when the open bays are blown out. Details on the Corpus Christi bay fishing page.
We specialize in inshore and bay fishing. If you’re after offshore species, we’ll point you toward offshore charters working out of the local marinas.
Before you book
Two things worth a look first. Trip lengths and rates sets out what a half day and a full day cover, and the photo gallery shows what recent trips have actually produced rather than what a stock library thinks fishing looks like.
There is more background on Captain Charlie and the boat, and the blog carries guides on conditions, tackle, and what tends to work at different points in the year.
Who comes out with us
Kids are welcome. We size the tackle down, keep the runs short, and stay on species that keep rods bending.
We also run groups. Birthdays, bachelor parties, and business trips all work well on the water. Tell us the occasion and the headcount and we’ll sort it out.
If anyone in your group deals with motion sensitivity or has mobility considerations, say so when you book. We’ll pick protected water and plan around it.
Straight answers about fishing
We don’t guarantee catches, and it’s worth being skeptical of any guide who does. Weather, tide, water temperature, and bait movement all get a vote. What we do promise is a captain who’s paying attention, moves when the first plan stops working, and tells you honestly what the conditions will support.
Common questions
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Every angler needs a current Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement, and that’s yours to buy before the trip.
Can we keep what we catch?
Within Texas Parks and Wildlife limits. Slot sizes and daily bags change by species and season, and we’ll go over the current rules on the water. You can check them yourself at Texas Parks and Wildlife bag and length limits.
Which port will we fish from?
That depends on where the fish are and what the wind is doing. Most trips run out of Port Aransas, and we also work Aransas Pass, Rockport, and Corpus Christi. We’ll confirm the meeting point with you the evening before.
Can we wade instead of staying on the boat?
Yes. We pick firm bottom and clear lanes if you’d rather get out and work a shoreline, and plenty of guests split the day between wading and drifting.
Is live bait included?
When it’s available. Bait supply runs seasonal, so we’ll talk through the options when you book.
Can we come out if we’ve never fished before?
Yes, and plenty of our guests haven’t. We’ll rig everything and stay on easy patterns until you’ve got the feel for it.
Come fish with us
Call Captain Charlie at (361) 946-5290 or email Charlie@ctbaycharters.com to check dates.