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Caught a Redfish Fishing Charter in Port Mansfield
Redfish Fishing Charter in Port Mansfield
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - Popular target for both recreational and commercial fishing.
Fishing Charter by Captain Augustin Perez in August
Meet your Captain Augustin Perez
- Top-rated Fishing Charters in South Padre Island
Summary
Captain Augustin Perez of Reel Action Charter Services on Wednesday May offers exceptional fishing charters in Port Mansfield's productive waters. Our half-day trips target redfish and sandbar sharks using proven techniques like wade fishing, trolling, and live bait fishing. Spring conditions provide ideal weather with partly cloudy skies and comfortable temperatures. We specialize in shallow water fishing where redfish thrive, combining local knowledge with quality gear to maximize your success. Whether you're after trophy redfish in the flats or exploring deeper waters for sharks, our charter fishing experience delivers memorable catches. All equipment provided—just bring your enthusiasm for the best Port Mansfield fishing adventure.
Fishing Charter with Captain Augustin Perez – Rates & Booking
Captain Augustin Perez of Reel Action Charter Services on Wednesday May provides half-day fishing charters targeting redfish and sandbar sharks in Port Mansfield's prime waters. Our trips include all fishing gear, tackle, and local expertise to put you on the fish. We offer flexible scheduling with early morning departures to take advantage of optimal feeding times. Book online or call for current rates and availability—spring fishing is heating up with excellent redfish action in the shallows.
Highlights of Reel Action Charter Services
Our Port Mansfield fishing charters combine multiple proven techniques to maximize your success on the water. Wade fishing in the shallow flats allows us to target redfish in their preferred habitat, while trolling covers more ground to locate active schools. Live bait fishing rounds out our approach, adapting to current conditions and fish behavior.
Recent trips have produced quality catches including 23-inch redfish and 19-inch sandbar sharks. The spring season offers ideal conditions with comfortable weather and active fish feeding patterns. Our local knowledge of Port Mansfield's waters ensures we fish the most productive spots based on tides, weather, and seasonal movements.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Port Mansfield's shallow waters, particularly around grass flats and structure where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored gamefish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting ability. Spring brings excellent redfish action as water temperatures warm and baitfish become more active. Wade fishing allows anglers to sight-cast to tailing redfish in skinny water, while deeper areas produce larger fish during trolling runs. The 23-inch redfish caught on our recent trip demonstrates the quality fish available in these waters during May.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our half-day fishing charters depart early morning to take advantage of prime feeding times and comfortable weather conditions. We provide all fishing equipment, tackle, and safety gear—you just need to bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. The boat accommodates small groups for a personalized fishing experience. Captain Augustin's local expertise ensures we adapt techniques and locations based on current conditions, tides, and fish activity. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to saltwater fishing, we tailor the trip to your skill level and preferences.
Fishing in South Padre Island: Sandbar Shark and Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a highly prized gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive fish are easily identified by their copper-red coloration that fades to white on the belly, plus one or more black eyespots near the tail. In Port Mansfield waters this May, redfish are particularly active in the shallow flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast, valued for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit shallow coastal waters, grass flats, and nearshore areas where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Their distinctive drumming sound, produced by muscles vibrating against their swim bladder, gives them their "drum" name.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in onshore flats, backcountry marshes, and nearshore waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Around Port Mansfield, redfish frequent shallow grass beds, oyster reefs, and tidal creeks where prey is abundant. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, moving between fresh and saltwater environments as they feed and spawn.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, weighing between 10 and 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are most commonly targeted by anglers, while larger "bull" redfish over 40 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small fish in shallow water. They often feed by "tailing" - tilting head-down to root in the bottom while their tails break the surface. This behavior makes them excellent sight-fishing targets during calm conditions.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late summer through fall when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During this period, large schools of mature redfish gather in deeper water before moving offshore to spawn, creating exciting fishing opportunities.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include wade fishing with live shrimp or soft plastics, sight-casting to tailing fish, and trolling spoons or jigs along grass lines. In Port Mansfield during spring, anglers find success using live croaker or mullet near structure, while artificial lures like gold spoons and paddle-tail jigs work well when fish are actively feeding.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury. Popular cooking methods include blackening, grilling, and baking, with the meat holding up well to bold seasonings.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, croaker, and mullet are top choices, while artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs work excellent during active feeding periods.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Port Mansfield?
A: Look for redfish in shallow grass flats, around oyster reefs, tidal creeks, and backcountry marshes where they feed on crabs and shrimp.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with mild flavor, high protein content, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making them excellent table fare.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best action, especially during moving tides when redfish are most active feeding in shallow water.
The Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) is a member of the requiem shark family Carcharhinidae, belonging to the order Carcharhiniformes. These impressive sharks are distinguished by their tall first dorsal fin and unique interdorsal ridge that other shark species lack. In Port Mansfield waters this May, sandbar sharks provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a thrilling catch.
Sandbar Shark Overview
Sandbar sharks are among the largest coastal shark species, known for their robust build and distinctive profile. They're closely related to bull sharks, bignose sharks, and dusky sharks, sharing similar hunting behaviors and habitat preferences. Their brown to gray coloration with white underbelly provides excellent camouflage in coastal waters.
Sandbar Shark Habitat and Distribution
These sharks prefer continental shelves and oceanic banks, though they frequently venture into nearshore waters and bays to feed. Around Port Mansfield, sandbar sharks are commonly encountered in deeper channels and near structure where they hunt for fish, rays, and crustaceans.
Sandbar Shark Size and Weight
Adult sandbar sharks typically range from 20 to 71 inches in length, with weights between 143 and 260 pounds. Juveniles like the 19-inch specimen caught on recent trips are common in shallow coastal areas before moving to deeper water as they mature.
Sandbar Shark Diet and Behavior
Sandbar sharks are opportunistic predators that feed on bottom fish, rays, smaller sharks, crabs, and shrimp. They're known for their powerful swimming ability and can cover great distances while hunting. These sharks are generally not aggressive toward humans but command respect due to their size and strength.
Sandbar Shark Spawning Season
Sandbar sharks have a long gestation period of 8-12 months, with females giving birth to live young in shallow nursery areas. Mating typically occurs in deeper water during warmer months, with pregnant females moving to protected coastal areas to give birth.
Sandbar Shark Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait fishing with mullet or pinfish, and trolling near structure. In Port Mansfield during spring, anglers find success using circle hooks with fresh cut bait near channels and drop-offs where these sharks patrol for food.
Sandbar Shark Is It Good to Eat?
Sandbar shark meat is firm and mild-flavored when properly prepared, though many anglers practice catch and release to support conservation efforts. The meat is low in fat and high in protein, but requires proper handling and preparation to ensure quality.
Sandbar Shark Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for sandbar sharks?
A: Fresh cut mullet, mackerel, or stingray work excellent, along with live pinfish or croaker fished on circle hooks near bottom structure.
Q: Where can I find sandbar sharks near Port Mansfield?
A: Look for sandbar sharks in deeper channels, near jetties, and around structure where they hunt for rays, fish, and crustaceans.
Q: Is sandbar shark good to eat?
A: The meat is edible with proper preparation, but many anglers practice catch and release to support shark conservation efforts.
Q: When is the best time to catch sandbar sharks?
A: Early morning and evening hours during moving tides provide the best opportunities when these sharks are actively hunting in nearshore waters.
