Hey there, anglers! Ready to hit the flats for some top-notch fishing action? Mario's Fishing Mission has got you covered with this sweet half-day trip on Copano Bay. We're talking prime time fishing from 1 PM to sunset, giving you the best shot at hooking into some trophy reds, specks, and flounder. This ain't your average boat ride – it's a chance to get on some serious fish with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Alright, here's the deal: You and a buddy are gonna hop aboard Captain Mario's 20-foot Shoalwater bay boat for a solid 6 hours of fishing. We're launching at 1 PM, which is perfect timing to catch that afternoon bite when the fish start getting hungry again. The price tag is $550, but let me tell you, it's worth every penny. We're providing all the gear you need – live bait, rods, reels, tackle, the works. And get this – we'll even clean and fillet your catch at the end of the day. No muss, no fuss, just pure fishing fun.
Once we push off, we're heading straight for the honey holes. Copano Bay is known for its killer flats fishing, and we'll be hitting all the hot spots. We're talking shallow water action, sight-casting to tailing reds, and working the grass lines for those big speckled trout. The boat's set up for light tackle fishing, so you'll feel every head shake and run. We'll mix it up with some trolling too, covering more water to find the active fish. Captain Mario's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so don't be surprised if we try some unconventional tactics to get the fish fired up.
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been putting clients on some absolute slobs. Last week, Jim from Houston nailed a 28-inch redfish that nearly spooled him. And just yesterday, we had a couple from Austin double up on some gator trout – both over 25 inches. The flounder bite's been picking up too, with several doormat-sized fish coming to the boat. But remember, it's not all about size – we're here to have a good time and bend some rods, whether it's a trophy or a table fare fish.
Alright, let's break down the big three you'll be targeting on this trip:
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): These guys are the bread and butter of Copano Bay. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them around grass beds and drop-offs. They love to hit topwater lures early in the day, but we'll switch to soft plastics or live bait as the sun gets higher. The best part? They're delicious on the grill.
Redfish: Now we're talking. Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. They'll test your drag and your arms with powerful runs. We often spot them tailing in shallow water, which makes for some heart-pounding sight-casting opportunities. They're not picky eaters – cut bait, live shrimp, or artificial lures all work well. Just be ready when they hit – it's like hooking a freight train.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're sneaky fighters and taste amazing. We'll target them around structure and drop-offs, using live bait or soft plastics bounced along the bottom. The key is a slow retrieve and a sharp eye – flounder are masters of camouflage. Fall is prime time for big flounder as they start their migration to the Gulf.
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get excited every time we head out. There's something special about Copano Bay – the way the light hits the water, the variety of fish, the challenge of reading the tides and winds. But what really keeps folks coming back is the thrill of the hunt. Every trip is different, and you never know when that monster fish is gonna hit. Plus, let's be honest – there's nothing like the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner.
So, what do you say? Ready to get out on the water and make some memories? This half-day trip is perfect for both seasoned anglers looking to scratch that fishing itch and newbies wanting to learn the ropes. Remember, we've got a 3-day cancellation policy, so you can book with confidence. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long. Give us a call, and let's get you hooked up with some Copano Bay beauties. Trust me, once you experience fishing these flats, you'll be counting down the days till your next trip. See you on the water!
Redfish are a blast to catch in Copano Bay. These copper-colored beauties average 28-33 inches but can get much bigger. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Redfish will eat just about anything, making them fun to target with artificial lures or live bait. Topwater lures fished in the shallows can lead to some explosive strikes. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love redfish for their strong fights and excellent eating. Here's a pro tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their tails sticking up as they feed. Cast ahead of them and hang on!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target in Copano Bay. These silvery fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. Sea trout have a mild, delicate flavor that many folks love. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs work well. One local trick is trolling slowly along grassy areas if you're having trouble spotting them. Just be careful not to overcook sea trout - their meat gets mushy fast. The best time to catch them is spring through fall when the water's warmer. Anglers enjoy targeting sea trout for their sporty nature and excellent table fare.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in Copano Bay. These flat, oval-shaped fish blend right into sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but the big ones can reach 30+ inches. Look for them in shallow coastal areas, bays, and estuaries. Flounder are ambush predators, so they tuck into the bottom near structure and wait for prey. The best time to target them is during their fall migration to spawn offshore. Anglers love flounder for their unique appearance and delicious white meat. To catch them, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local secret: use a slip-lead rig with a single hook to feel those subtle bites. When you feel a tap, give them a few seconds before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 140