Full Day Port Aransas Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target black drum, redfish and speckled trout on Port Aransas watersWade fishing and airboat options available for varied angling experiencesSmall group trips accommodate maximum two guests per charter
Looking for some serious action on the Texas coast? This full-day Port Aransas fishing trip puts you right in the heart of some of the Gulf's best inshore waters. You'll be targeting the big three – black drum, redfish, and speckled trout – in waters that consistently produce trophy-class fish. Port Aransas sits at the perfect spot where the Corpus Christi Bay system meets the Gulf, creating prime feeding grounds that local anglers have been working for decades. With Captain Aggie's expertise and top-rated guide service, you're getting access to honey holes and proven techniques that turn good fishing days into great ones.
Your day starts with a choice that makes this trip stand out from the crowd. You can fish from the traditional bay boat, perfect for working the deeper structure and shell reefs, or step aboard the big Panther airboat for something completely different. The airboat opens up water that most guides can't touch – those skinny back flats where the big reds cruise in water so shallow you can almost touch bottom. You'll work everything from rugged oil rigs that hold massive drum schools to endless grass flats where trout stack up during feeding periods. The rocky structures around the jetties are another hot spot, especially when the tide is moving and baitfish get pushed through the current breaks. Whether you're casting artificial lures or working live bait, Captain Aggie knows exactly where to put you based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are doing that particular day.
This isn't your typical dock fishing experience – you're going to work these fish the way the locals do it. Wade fishing is a big part of what makes this trip special. There's nothing quite like stepping out of the boat onto a productive flat and working your way through the grass, feeling for drop-offs and watching for signs of feeding fish. You'll use medium-action spinning gear perfect for the slot reds and keeper trout that call these waters home. Topwater plugs work magic in the early morning hours, especially when you're targeting speckled trout around the grass beds. For the black drum around the rigs, you're looking at heavier tackle and bottom rigs with fresh shrimp or crab. The airboat fishing is where things get really interesting – running across ankle-deep water at speed, then shutting down to work a flat that might not see another angler all week. Captain Aggie provides all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus on putting fish in the boat.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, and Port Aransas waters produce some real giants. These fish school up around structure, particularly the offshore rigs and hard bottom areas where they feed on crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time, with fish pushing 30-40 pounds showing up regularly. What makes drum fishing so exciting is the fight – they're bulldogs that use their size and the current to test your drag system. You'll feel that distinctive head-shake when a big drum picks up your bait, then it's game on for what could be a 20-minute battle. The best part? These fish are plentiful in Port Aransas waters, so multiple hookups during a day are totally realistic.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and the Port Aransas area is world-class red country. These copper-colored fighters cruise the flats year-round, but late summer and early fall bring the real monsters – bull reds over 27 inches that'll strip line like you wouldn't believe. Slot-size reds between 20-27 inches are perfect eating and put up an amazing fight in shallow water. You'll find them tailing in the grass beds, cruising the shell reefs, and ambushing baitfish around structure. What anglers love about redfish is their aggressive nature – they'll hit topwater plugs with explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The sight fishing opportunities are incredible when conditions are right, watching these fish hunt in clear water before making your presentation.
Speckled trout are the technical challenge of this trio, and Port Aransas has some of the most consistent trout fishing on the Texas coast. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around grass beds, shell reefs, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Spring brings the big spawning females – "gator trout" that can push 6-7 pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime on light tackle. Summer fishing focuses on the grass flats where schools of keeper-size trout feed aggressively in the early morning and late evening hours. What makes trout fishing so addictive is the variety of techniques that work – you can catch them on topwater, soft plastics, live shrimp, or croaker depending on conditions and their mood that day.
This full-day Port Aransas fishing adventure with Aggie Guide Service delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – access to proven fishing grounds, expert guidance, and the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. The combination of traditional bay boat fishing and unique airboat access gives you options that most guides simply can't offer. With a maximum of just two guests, you're getting personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust techniques based on what's working that day. The deposit is non-refundable, so these spots fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. Don't wait to secure your date – the best fishing days book weeks in advance, and there's nothing worse than watching great weather and good tides go by from the dock.
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard Captain Brian's 23' Haynie bay boat! This shallow-water machine is built for Port Aransas inshore action, taking you and one other angler to the best redfish flats, trout grass beds, and black drum haunts along the coast. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder to put you right on top of the fish, plus a live bait well to keep your shrimp and croakers kicking. With VHF radio for safety and an icebox for your catch, this rig handles everything from wade fishing the skinny water to working deeper structure. The Haynie's shallow draft gets you into those back-country spots where the big reds cruise, while the stable platform makes casting and fighting fish a breeze. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish or drifting live bait for monster trout, this boat puts you in the game.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruiser bulls pushing 50+ pounds. These grey-black fish love crushing oysters and crabs around shell beds and muddy flats in 2-8 feet of water. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - you'll actually hear them drumming underwater during mating season. They're powerful fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to smaller fish under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit right on the bottom near oyster reefs. The drum's crushing jaws make short work of shell, so don't be surprised when your crab bait disappears in one gulp.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down the most popular target in our waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and put up serious fights in shallow water. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and back lakes - sometimes their backs are literally out of the water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up tight. That distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify, and they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. They'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, soft plastics, topwater plugs, you name it. Here's the trick: when you spot them tailing, cast well ahead and work your bait slowly past their nose. Spook them once and they're gone for good.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our bay fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with some solid 3-5 pounders mixed in. These spotted beauties love grass flats, drop-offs, and structure in 2-10 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn and dusk fishing really pays off. Trout have delicate mouths and make great table fare with their flaky white meat, just don't overcook them or they'll turn mushy. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastics. My go-to trick is working a pink or chartreuse paddle tail slowly along the grass edges during an incoming tide. Keep your drag light since their paper-thin mouths tear easily, and you'll boat more fish.
Port Aransas