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Winter Special: Top-Rated Flats Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: October 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston
- Updated Date: December 5, 2025
Summary
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Winter Catch Highlights
Winter Fishing Special: Redfish, Trout, and More
Ready for some winter action on the flats? Corks and Croakers has you covered with our Winter Special trip. Don't let the cooler temps fool you - this time of year can deliver some of the hottest fishing around. We're talking monster redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead just waiting to bend your rod. Our experienced captains know exactly where these fish are holding and how to put you on them. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, this 5-hour trip is your ticket to winter fishing glory.
What's Biting This Winter
Winter fishing isn't just good - it can be downright epic. As the water cools, fish bunch up in predictable spots, making for some serious action when you find them. We'll be targeting the inshore slam: redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead. These fish are hungry and aggressive this time of year, often feeding in shallow water where sight fishing is a real possibility. Don't be surprised if you hook into some bruiser reds or gator trout that'll have your drag singing. And let's not forget about those tasty black drum and sheepshead - perfect for the dinner table if you're looking to keep a few.
Gearing Up for Winter Success
We've got all the gear you need to make the most of these winter bites. Light to medium spinning tackle is the name of the game, allowing you to feel those subtle winter strikes and fight fish effectively. We'll be using a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what the fish are keyed in on that day. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending twitch baits are all deadly this time of year. If we're using live bait, you can bet it'll be the freshest around - nothing beats a lively shrimp or finger mullet for enticing a bite. Don't forget to layer up - while we often get beautiful, sunny days, it can get chilly out on the water. A light jacket, hat, and fingerless gloves can make all the difference in your comfort level.
Why Winter's a Winner
There's something special about winter fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. For starters, the crowds are gone. You'll often have prime spots all to yourself, with no other boats in sight. The scenery is stunning too - crisp, clear days with birds working the shorelines and maybe even a dolphin or two cruising by. But the real draw? The quality of the fish. Winter is when some of the biggest specimens of the year are caught. That bull redfish of a lifetime or a trophy speckled trout? Winter's your best shot. Plus, the cooler weather means the fish fight harder and longer - you'll definitely earn every catch.
Species Spotlight
Redfish: Winter is prime time for redfish. These copper-colored bruisers move into shallower water on sunny days, often tailing and creating wakes as they hunt for crabs and baitfish. Look for them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and mud flats. The average winter red runs 5-10 pounds, but don't be shocked if you hook into a 20+ pound beast. They fight like freight trains and are a blast on light tackle.
Speckled Trout: Cold weather concentrates specks in deeper holes and channels. These spotted beauties are ambush predators, so working a slow-sinking lure or live shrimp around drop-offs can be deadly. Winter trout tend to be larger on average, with fish in the 3-5 pound range common. The real draw? The potential for a true gator trout over 25 inches - a trophy by anyone's standards.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can save the day when other species are finicky. These cousins of the redfish love structure and are suckers for fresh crab or shrimp. Winter drum tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. They pull hard and steady, testing your drag and your patience. Smaller ones (under 10 pounds) are excellent eating too.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are the convicts of the inshore world. They're notorious bait stealers, but when you hook up, they put up a scrappy fight. Winter is spawning time for sheepshead, so they congregate around structure in big numbers. Bridges, docks, and rocky areas are prime spots. Fresh fiddler crabs or oysters are top baits. They're challenging to catch but delicious on the plate.
Book Your Winter Adventure
Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing of the year? Our Winter Special is tailored for success, whether you're flying solo or bringing a couple buddies. With a max of 3 anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of casting room and personalized attention from your guide. We've got flexible pricing too - start at $150 for one angler, $300 for two, or $450 for three (plus bait). Remember, winter fishing can be unpredictable, so we might need to change up the meeting spot based on conditions. Your captain will be in touch with all the details before the trip. Don't let the winter blues get you down - get out on the water and into some fish! Book your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom-feeders with strong jaws, crushing shellfish and crabs. Winter and early spring are prime times, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love 'em for their powerful runs and good eating, though stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best taste. To land a big drum, use fresh crab or clam on a circle hook. Fish slow and steady near structure, and be ready for that telltale thump. Listen close too - they make a drumming sound you can sometimes hear through the hull. Just remember to set the hook hard, as their mouths are tough.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a shallow water favorite. They typically run 28-33 inches when mature, but can grow to monster bull reds over 40 inches. Look for them tailing in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, often around oyster beds, grass flats, and mud bottoms. They love to crush crabs and shrimp, making them a blast on light tackle or fly. Winter can be prime time as they school up in deeper holes. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and that distinctive tail spot. For eating, stick to slot-sized fish for the best flavor. My top tip: On calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper-colored backs breaking the surface. Cast a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp ahead of them, and hold on tight when they hit. Just mind the regulations - these guys are carefully managed.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but you might luck into a gator trout over 20 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush bait, so working lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs can be a blast. Winter's actually great for sea trout fishing - they school up in deeper holes when it's cold. These fish put up a good fight and taste fantastic, with light, flaky meat. Just don't overcook 'em or they'll get mushy. My go-to trick is to troll slowly along grass edges with a soft plastic shrimp. When you find a school, it's game on. Remember to handle them gently if you're releasing - they're delicate fish.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or "convict fish," are a real treat to catch. They usually run 1-8 pounds but can hit 20 if you're lucky. Look for them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. These guys are famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crunch crabs and shellfish. Winter and early spring are best, when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Use light tackle and small, strong hooks. Fresh fiddler crab or shrimp work great. My tip? When you feel that nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Let 'em get it good. The fight's solid, and the meat's sweet and delicious if you can get past those tough scales.
