Top-Rated Bolivar Peninsula Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Crystal Beach, TX
$500 - $1,250 price range

Summary

Set out for a 5-hour fishing adventure on the Bolivar Peninsula with Small Time Charters. Captain Jason Custer knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the best spots for Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this trip is tailored to your skill level. You'll be cruising on a speedy 24-foot Blazer Bay boat, perfect for covering ground and finding the fish. No need to worry about gear – all the equipment is provided, so you can focus on reeling in your catch. As you fish, take in the stunning coastal scenery of the Bolivar Peninsula. It's a great way to spend a day on the water, combining the excitement of fishing with the beauty of the Texas coast. With a maximum of two guests, you'll get plenty of individual attention to hone your skills and land that trophy fish.

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Reel in the Big Ones on Bolivar Peninsula

Get ready to tangle with some serious fish on the Bolivar Peninsula! Captain Jason Custer knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the hottest bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this 5-hour trip is your ticket to hooking into some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer. We're talking trophy reds, doormat flounder, and gator trout that'll make your drag sing. So grab your hat and let's hit the flats – the fish are waiting!

What's the Deal on the Water?

Picture this: You're cruising the skinny water on a slick 24-foot Blazer Bay, rod in hand, scanning for signs of life. Captain Jason's at the helm, pointing out subtle changes in the water that spell "fish." Before you know it, you're drifting a live shrimp along a grass line, and BAM – your line goes tight. That's the Bolivar Peninsula experience in a nutshell. We'll hit all the prime spots, from oyster-studded backwaters to surf-pounded beachfronts. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what you'll hook next – could be a bull red trying to pull you overboard or a flounder so big you'll swear it's a doormat with fins. And the best part? You don't need to be a pro. Captain Jason's got all the gear and know-how to get you on fish, whether you've been casting since you could walk or this is your first time holding a rod.

Tactics for Taming the Tide

We don't mess around when it comes to putting fish in the boat. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might be throwing soft plastics, working topwater lures, or soaking live bait. Captain Jason's always got a few tricks up his sleeve – maybe we'll be sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or jigging deep holes for monster trout. The Blazer Bay boat is a fish-catching machine, equipped with a Power-Pole for silent anchoring and a trolling motor for sneaking up on those spooky fish. And don't worry about bringing gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat, and we'll handle the rest.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the kings of the flats. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish can range from scrappy "rat reds" to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with subtle "tails" sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Fall is prime time for big schools of reds, but you can catch them year-round on Bolivar. There's nothing quite like the thump of a red inhaling your bait – it'll test your drag and your biceps!

Southern Flounder: Don't let their flat appearance fool you – these ambush predators are some of the tastiest fish in the sea. Flounder like to hunker down on sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. The challenge is in the hook-set; you've got to give them a moment to turn the bait in their mouths before you swing. Fall brings the legendary flounder run, where big females head to the Gulf to spawn. This is your chance at a genuine doormat – we're talking fish over 5 pounds that'll barely fit in the net!

Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): If redfish are the muscle, speckled trout are the finesse. These spotted speedsters are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights. We target them year-round, but the biggest "gator" trout show up in winter and early spring. Nothing beats the excitement of working a topwater lure at dawn and having a big trout explode on it. These fish school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. And if you're lucky enough to hook into a 25+ inch speck, you're in for the fight of your life.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, sheepshead are the oddballs of inshore fishing – but man, are they fun to catch. These structure-loving fish hang around pilings, rocks, and oyster reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. They're notoriously picky eaters and masters at stealing bait, earning them the nickname "convict fish." Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons. Landing a big one is a real accomplishment, and they make for some mighty fine eating too!

Time to Wet a Line!

Listen, the fish are out there, and they're not gonna catch themselves. Captain Jason's got the boat gassed up, the bait's fresh, and the tides are looking sweet. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy red for the wall or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, Bolivar Peninsula's got what you're after. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this action. Give Small Time Charters a shout, and let's get you out on the water where you belong. The Peninsula's calling, and the fish are waiting – what are you waiting for?

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a staple here on the Bolivar Peninsula. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive tail spot, typically range from 20 to 30 inches and can weigh up to 40 pounds or more. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in water as little as a foot deep. Fall is prime time for reds, but we catch them year-round. They're known for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights, making them a favorite among anglers. Plus, their mild, sweet flavor makes for excellent eating. We often sight-fish for reds in the shallows, using light tackle and artificial lures. Topwater plugs can produce exciting strikes. Here's a local tip: look for "nervous" water or tailing fish in shallow grass flats during low tide. Cast ahead of their path and be ready for a strong hookset when they strike.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a blast to catch in our local waters. These silvery fish typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Spring and fall are prime seasons for trout fishing. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for their sporty fight and excellent taste. We often use artificial lures like topwater plugs, jerk baits, and soft plastics. Live shrimp or small baitfish work great too. Here's a local tip: try fishing around lights at night - trout love to gather in these illuminated areas to feed. When you hook one, be ready for some exciting action on light tackle.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, or convict fish, are a real treat to catch around here. These striped swimmers usually weigh 1-8 pounds and measure 14-20 inches. You'll spot them near structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles for them to munch on. Spring is the best time to target sheepshead as they gather to spawn. They're known for their tough fight and those human-like teeth that can crush shellfish. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait stealers. For tackle, we use light to medium gear with small, sharp hooks. Fiddler crabs and shrimp are top baits. Here's a trick: when you feel a nibble, wait a moment before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for stealing bait, so timing is key. Their white, flaky meat makes for great eating too, though cleaning them can be tricky with those tough scales.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are a local favorite here on the Bolivar Peninsula. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches and can weigh up to 5 pounds. You'll find them hanging out on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the bottom to ambush prey. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to deeper waters. We often target them around structure like jetties or pier pilings. They put up a good fight and make excellent table fare with their delicate, white meat. To catch these sneaky fish, we'll use light tackle and fish near the bottom. Live bait like mullet or shrimp works well, but soft plastics can be effective too. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder like to grab the bait and reposition it before fully committing.

About the Small Time Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 12

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Captain Jason Custer's 24-foot Blazer Bay boat is your ticket to an awesome day of fishing on the Bolivar Peninsula. This speedy, spacious vessel is perfect for zipping around the inshore waters in search of prized catches like Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. The boat's comfortable layout means you and your fishing buddy can cast lines and reel in fish without getting in each other's way. With all the gear provided, you just need to hop aboard and let Captain Jason's local expertise guide you to the best spots. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, this boat is set up to give you a great experience on the water. As you cruise along the Texas coastline, you'll get to soak in the natural beauty of the Bolivar Peninsula from the perfect vantage point. It's a sweet setup for a day of fishing you won't soon forget.

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