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Winter Special: Top-Rated Flats Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: October 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston
- $150 - $350 price range
Summary
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Winter Fishing Catches
Sunrise fishing on Galveston Bay
Texas Gulf Coast fishing day
Casting lines in Galveston Bay
Guided fishing trip in Galveston
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Galveston Bay redfish catch
Inshore fishing with Capt. Mike
Black drum and redfish landed in Galveston
Redfish catch in Galveston waters
Redfish action by the jetties
Sunrise fishing on Galveston Bay
Texas Gulf Coast fishing day
Casting lines in Galveston Bay
Guided fishing trip in Galveston
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Galveston Bay redfish catch
Inshore fishing with Capt. Mike
Black drum and redfish landed in Galveston
Redfish catch in Galveston waters
Redfish action by the jetties
Sunrise fishing on Galveston Bay
Texas Gulf Coast fishing day
Casting lines in Galveston Bay
Guided fishing trip in Galveston
Winter Flats Fishing: Corks and Croakers Special
Get ready for some of the best fishing of the year with Corks and Croakers' winter special. Sure, it might be a bit chilly, but trust me, the action on the flats more than makes up for it. We're talking red-hot fishing for reds, trout, black drum, and sheepshead when most folks are tucked away indoors. This 5-hour trip is perfect for up to 3 anglers looking to make the most of the cooler months.
What to Expect on the Water
Winter fishing with Corks and Croakers isn't your average day on the flats. We're talking about crystal-clear waters, schools of fish bunched up tight, and the kind of sight fishing that'll make your heart race. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish. Just remember to layer up – we might be in for some brisk weather, but that's when the big ones come out to play. The exact launch spot can change based on conditions, but don't worry, the captain will give you the heads up on where to meet and when.
Techniques and Gear
When it comes to winter flats fishing, we're all about finesse and patience. We'll be using light tackle and possibly fly gear if that's your thing. Live bait is available for an extra fee, and let me tell you, it can be the ticket to getting those bigger fish to bite when they're feeling sluggish in the cold. We'll be poling across skinny water, looking for those tell-tale signs of feeding fish – whether it's a tail sticking up or a wake pushing through the shallows. It's all about stealth and precision this time of year.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the stars of our winter flats show. These copper-colored bruisers love to hang in shallow water, even when it's cold. They'll crush a well-placed lure or fly, and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Expect to find them tailing in the grass or cruising the edges of oyster bars.
Speckled trout are another winter favorite. These spotted beauties school up in deeper holes when the water cools down. They might not pull as hard as a red, but their soft mouths and head-shaking jumps make for an exciting catch. Plus, they're delicious if you're looking to take home dinner.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats. In winter, you can find some real giants lurking around structure. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but hook into a big one, and you'll be in for a serious workout. These guys love crustaceans, so crab-imitating lures or the real deal can be killer.
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are the masters of structure. They hang around pilings, rocks, and oyster beds, using those chompers to crush crabs and barnacles. Catching them requires finesse and timing – feel for that subtle bite and set the hook fast. They're crafty, but man, are they fun to catch.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about winter fishing on the flats that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peaceful solitude of being out there when most tourists have headed home. Or it could be the chance to tangle with some of the biggest fish of the year. Whatever it is, this Corks and Croakers trip gives you a shot at experiencing some of the best inshore fishing around. And with a max of 3 anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and time on the rod.
Top Catches This Season
Winter might be the off-season for some, but for those in the know, it's prime time for trophy catches. We've been seeing some monster redfish cruising the shallows, often in water so clear you can count their spots. The trout have been stacked up thick in the deeper holes, with some gator-sized specimens mixed in. And let's not forget about those bull black drum – we've had several pushing 40 pounds already this season. If you're after a fish of a lifetime, winter on the flats is your best bet.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I know it's tempting to stay bundled up at home when the mercury drops. But trust me, you don't want to miss out on this winter fishing action. The Corks and Croakers winter special is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing you'll ever experience. With only 3 spots available per trip, these outings fill up fast. So don't wait – grab your warmest gear, round up a couple of fishing buddies, and let's hit the flats. The fish are waiting, and the memories you'll make will keep you warm long after you're back on shore. Book now and get ready for a winter fishing adventure you'll be talking about for years to come.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach 90. You'll find 'em in brackish waters and estuaries, hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. These guys love structure - look near inlets, pilings, and creeks. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pull and tasty meat, though stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best eating. They're bottom feeders, so live bait like crab or clams works best. Here's a pro tip: use a heavy enough weight to keep your bait pinned to the bottom in current. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - Black Drum have tough mouths and you'll need some oomph to stick 'em.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are shallow water warriors. You'll find 'em in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love mud bottoms, oyster reefs, and seagrass. Most are 28-33 inches, but they can grow over 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail. They're great fighters and tasty too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwaters to jigs. Here's a local secret: on calm days, cruise the shallows and look for their copper-colored backs or tails sticking out of the water. When you spot one, cast well past it and slowly retrieve your lure right by its nose. The explosion when they hit is something you won't forget!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the striped convicts of the sea, usually 1-8 pounds but can hit 20. You'll spot 'em around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, reefs. Winter and early spring are prime, when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge; these guys are notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth. They put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare. To catch 'em, get as close to structure as you can without spooking them. Use light tackle and let your bait hit bottom, then slowly work it up. Feel for that subtle nibble, then set the hook hard. Here's a local trick: if laws allow, scrape some barnacles off pilings to create a chum slick. It'll bring the sheepshead right to you.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can reach 40 in rare cases. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hit artificial lures - jerk baits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics work great. Winter's actually prime time, when they school up in deeper holes. Anglers prize them for their willingness to strike and their delicate, mild-flavored meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Here's a tip: when the bite's tough, try trolling slowly along grass edges. And remember, don't overcook 'em - the meat's soft and can get mushy fast if you're not careful on the grill.
