Full Day Port Aransas Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in Port Aransas watersWade fishing and airboat options for varied angling experiencesMaximum 2 guests for personalized bay and flat fishing
Port Aransas delivers some of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore fishing, and this full-day trip puts you right in the action. You'll fish from either our reliable bay boat or our big Panther airboat, depending on where the fish are biting and what kind of adventure you're after. We're talking about a solid day on the water targeting three of the most sought-after species in these waters - black drum, redfish, and speckled trout. With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines without crowding.
This isn't your typical dock-fishing day trip. We'll navigate through some serious variety - from rugged oil rigs that hold baitfish like magnets, to endless grass flats where reds cruise in packs, to rocky structures that speckled trout love to ambush prey around. The beauty of Port Aransas is having all these different environments within reach of each other. Some days we'll have you wade fishing in knee-deep water where you can sight-cast to cruising redfish - there's nothing quite like watching a red inhale your bait in clear, shallow water. Other days, we'll take the airboat to those back flats that most guides can't reach, skimming across water so shallow your boots would scrape bottom. The airboat opens up a whole different world of fishing spots that see way less pressure, which usually means hungrier fish.
We keep it straightforward but effective out here. Most of the day you'll be throwing artificials - soft plastics rigged on jig heads work great for all three target species, and topwater plugs can absolutely light up the morning and evening bites. When we're working the oil rigs, we'll often drop live or cut bait down to the black drum that stack up around those structures. The wade fishing sections get really fun because you're working with lighter tackle, making long casts to fish you can actually see. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you need, but if you've got favorite lures that have been producing for you lately, bring them along. The grass flats call for weedless presentations, while the rocky areas let us throw just about anything without worrying too much about snags. Water depth varies from ankle-deep on the flats to 15-20 feet around some of the structures, so we adjust techniques throughout the day.
Black drum are the bruisers of this trio, and Port Aransas has some serious bulls cruising around the deeper structures. These fish can push 30-40 pounds when you find the right school, and they fight like they're trying to drag your boat to the bottom. They're not the flashiest fighters - no jumping or long runs - but they use that broad body and stubborn attitude to test your drag system. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at the bigger fish, though we catch keeper-sized drum year-round. What makes drum fishing exciting is the surprise factor - you never know if that subtle tap is a 5-pounder or a 25-pounder until it starts pulling drag.
Redfish are the celebrities of the flats, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 20-28 inches in our waters, with plenty of oversized bulls mixed in that we release to keep the population strong. Reds are aggressive feeders with serious attitude - they'll crush topwater plugs in spectacular fashion and make blistering runs when hooked. Fall months are absolutely prime time for big schools of reds, but honestly, we catch them consistently from spring through late fall. The sight-fishing opportunities for reds in shallow water make this species a customer favorite - watching a red track your lure and then explode on it never gets old.
Speckled trout round out the slam, and these spotted fighters are pure fun on light tackle. They're the most finicky of the three species, but also the most willing to hit artificials when conditions are right. Port Aransas specks typically run 14-20 inches, with some real slabs pushing 24+ inches during peak season. Spring and fall offer the most consistent trout action, and they're suckers for soft plastics worked slowly along grass edges and drop-offs. Trout are jumpers too - they'll come out of the water shaking their heads trying to throw your hook, which keeps things interesting.
Port Aransas inshore fishing doesn't get much better than this full-day format. You get enough time to work different areas, adjust to changing conditions, and really dial in on what's working best. The two-angler limit means you're not fighting for prime spots on the boat, and our local knowledge of these waters pays off in fish in the box. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target these specific species or a newcomer wanting to learn proper inshore techniques, this trip delivers the goods. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so pick your dates carefully - but also know that we're committed to putting you on fish and showing you why Port Aransas has such a strong reputation among serious inshore anglers.
Captain Brian's 23' Haynie bay boat puts you right in the heart of Port Aransas fishing action. Built to handle everything from shallow flats to deeper structure fishing, this motorboat comfortably fits up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish. The GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive spots, while the live bait well keeps your shrimp and finger mullet fresh all day. Whether you're working the grass beds for speckled trout, targeting redfish around oyster reefs, or wading the flats for that perfect sight-cast, this boat gets you there safely. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. Perfect for serious anglers who want to maximize their time fishing instead of searching for fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruiser bulls pushing 90. These dark-colored crushers have powerful jaws built for cracking oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their famous drumming sounds underwater. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, but keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table since the big ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom - they won't come up for it, so get your weight right and let that crab sit still in the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our flats fishing, averaging 20-35 inches with that classic copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs stick out. You'll spot them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and back lakes in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really light up during warmer months when they're more active in the shallows. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and fight like crazy in shallow water. The smaller "slot" fish are fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Key tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising reds and let your bait settle to the bottom - they're heads-down feeders and spook easily from commotion above.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds with their signature black spots scattered across silver sides. These fish love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. Spring and fall are money times, but night fishing in summer can be hot when they cruise the shallows. They're scrappy fighters with a delicate mouth, so keep steady pressure without horsing them. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. Local trick: when you see them schooled up busting bait on the surface, don't run your boat right into them. Cut the motor 100 yards away and drift in quietly with topwater plugs or soft plastics.
Port Aransas