Guided Redfish And Black Drum Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish and black drumAll fishing gear provided with space for two anglersExpert captain guidance for beginners and experienced fishermen
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Capt. Richard's half-day fishing adventure in Aransas Pass puts you right in the heart of prime redfish and black drum territory. This isn't your typical charter where you're packed in like sardines – we're talking a personal experience for just two anglers, though you can bring along up to four total guests to share the excitement. The captain provides all the tackle and gear you'll need, so all you've got to worry about is grabbing your fishing license, packing some snacks, and getting ready for some serious action on the flats and shallow waters around this renowned fishing destination.
When you step aboard with Capt. Richard, you're signing up for more than just a fishing trip – you're getting a masterclass in inshore angling. The waters around Aransas Pass are legendary among Texas anglers, and for good reason. These shallow bays, grass flats, and oyster reefs create the perfect storm of conditions that redfish, black drum, and sea trout absolutely love. Your half-day trip means you'll have plenty of time to work different spots without feeling rushed, whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your technique or a complete beginner who's never held a rod. The captain tailors the experience to your skill level, so don't worry if you can't tell a Carolina rig from a popping cork – you'll be learning from someone who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The intimate group size means you get personal attention and coaching that you just won't find on those crowded party boats.
Inshore fishing in Aransas Pass is all about adapting your approach to match the conditions and the fish you're targeting. Capt. Richard comes equipped with a variety of setups to keep things interesting and productive throughout your trip. You might find yourself working live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds where redfish love to cruise and feed. When the drum are being finicky, switching to cut bait on the bottom near oyster bars often does the trick. For sea trout, artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can produce explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The beauty of fishing these waters is the versatility – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in knee-deep water, the next you're working deeper channels where bigger drum hang out. All the rods, reels, tackle, and bait come included, so you don't need to stress about having the right gear. The captain knows what works best in each season and will adjust the game plan based on weather, tides, and what the fish are telling him that particular day.
The redfish around Aransas Pass are absolute bruisers that'll test your drag and your patience in the best possible way. These copper-colored fighters typically run anywhere from 18 to 30+ inches, with the slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) being perfect for the dinner table. Reds are year-round residents here, but they really turn on during the fall months when they school up in massive numbers for their spawning runs. What makes catching them so addictive is their aggressive nature – they'll crush live bait, smash topwater lures, and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. You'll often spot them tailing in shallow water, backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp in the grass.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay system, and the ones around Aransas Pass can grow to impressive sizes. While the smaller "puppy drum" in the 12-16 inch range are fun to catch and great eating, it's the big bruisers in the 20-40 pound class that really get anglers fired up. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster reefs, pilings, and drop-offs where they can vacuum up crabs, oysters, and whatever else looks tasty. Peak season runs from late winter through spring, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. They're not flashy fighters like redfish, but they'll use their weight and power to try to bull their way back to structure, making for a serious tug-of-war.
Sea trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, add another dimension to your inshore slam possibilities. These spotted beauties are arguably the most fun to catch on light tackle, with their acrobatic jumps and aggressive strikes. The Aransas Pass area produces some true gator trout – those magical 20+ inch specimens that every angler dreams about. They're most active during the cooler months, but you can find them year-round in the deeper grass beds and channel edges. What makes speckled trout special is their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them perfect targets for anglers who love the visual excitement of watching fish attack topwater plugs or the subtle thump of a soft plastic getting inhaled.
There's a reason Capt. Richard's trips are becoming a customer favorite among both locals and visiting anglers – the combination of prime fishing grounds, expert guidance, and personalized attention creates the kind of day on the water that keeps people coming back. Whether you're looking to check redfish off your bucket list, introduce someone new to the sport, or just need to get away from the daily grind for a few hours, this half-day adventure delivers the goods. The all-inclusive approach means less hassle and more fishing, while the small group size ensures everyone gets plenty of action. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing what many consider the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. These top-rated trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so grab your spot now and get ready to make some memories that'll last long after the fish stories start getting embellished at the dock.
Captain Richard's 2000 Haynie Bay Boat is your ticket to productive inshore waters around Aransas Pass. This reliable 24-foot motorboat handles the shallow flats and back bays where redfish and black drum love to feed. With GPS navigation and fish finder technology onboard, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 2 anglers with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish. Built tough for Texas coastal conditions, this Haynie cuts through chop and gets you to those honey holes where the big drums cruise. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or anchored up waiting for that monster black drum to take your bait, this boat puts you in prime position for success on the flats and channels around Aransas Pass.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 90+. These grey-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, plus the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Around here, I always tell folks to fish fresh crab on the bottom near oyster reefs. The drum can't resist it, and unlike shrimp, the catfish won't steal your bait before the drum find it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of Texas coastal fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 20-35 inches and are absolute bulldogs on the line. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love most is watching them crash topwater lures in skinny water - it's pure adrenaline. The smaller "slot" fish make great eating with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on calm mornings, then cast well ahead of them and work your bait slowly back.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets, typically running 14-24 inches and putting up a scrappy fight. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Cool weather months are fantastic as they school up in deeper holes and channels. What makes them special is their delicate, sweet flavor - they're hands down some of the best eating fish we have. The key is not overcooking since the meat is tender and flakes easily. My go-to tip for trout is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork near the grass lines. Keep it subtle and let the cork do the work.
Aransas Pass, TX