Kids' Redfish Adventure in Aransas Pass
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and black drumKidfriendly trip with safe equipment and educational approachAccommodates up to four guests with experienced Captain Richard
Captain Richard Stroud knows exactly how to turn a day on the water into a memory your kids will talk about for years. This 5-hour guided fishing trip focuses on what matters most - getting young anglers hooked on fishing while keeping things safe, fun, and educational. The shallow waters around Aransas Pass provide the perfect classroom for kids to learn proper casting techniques, bait handling, and fish fighting skills without the intimidation factor of deeper offshore waters.
This isn't your typical rush-around fishing charter. Captain Richard keeps the pace relaxed and kid-friendly, giving everyone time to learn and enjoy the process. You'll fish the protected inshore waters where the action stays consistent and the conditions remain comfortable for young anglers. The boat stays in calm, shallow areas perfect for beginners, and there's plenty of room for up to 2 guests to move around safely. Captain Richard brings all the gear sized appropriately for smaller hands, from lightweight rods to easy-to-handle reels that won't overpower a 6-year-old trying to land their first redfish. The trip runs long enough to give everyone multiple chances at different species, but short enough that younger kids won't get restless or worn out.
You'll be using light tackle perfectly matched for inshore fishing and small hands. Captain Richard sets everyone up with spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line - strong enough to handle a nice red drum but light enough for kids to feel every bite. The rods are medium-light action, giving young anglers the sensitivity to detect subtle strikes while still having enough backbone to fight fish properly. Most of the fishing happens with live or cut bait on the bottom, though Captain Richard will switch to artificial lures if the fish are active and the kids want to try something different. Circle hooks keep everything safe and increase hook-up rates, especially important when you're dealing with excited kids who might set the hook too early. The boat stays anchored or uses a slow drift in 2-6 feet of water over grass flats, shell beds, and sandy potholes where redfish, drum, and trout like to feed.
Black Drum are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially for young anglers. These copper-colored fighters range from 2-15 pounds in the shallows around Aransas Pass, making them perfect starter fish for kids. They're not picky eaters and will readily take cut shrimp or small crabs, giving young anglers plenty of opportunities to practice their technique. Black drum fight hard but steady - no crazy jumps or line-screaming runs that might overwhelm a beginner. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into the shallows to feed, and you'll often find them in schools, meaning multiple hookups for the whole family. Kids love the drumming sound these fish make when they're excited or stressed, and it's always a hit when Captain Richard explains how they use their swim bladder to communicate with other drum.
Redfish are the real prize fish that gets kids pumped up about fishing. These bronze beauties with their distinctive black spots grow fast in Texas waters, and the slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) provide just enough fight to make things exciting without being unmanageable. Reds are aggressive feeders that will hammer live shrimp, cut mullet, or even artificial baits when they're fired up. The best part about targeting redfish with kids is watching them learn to spot the telltale signs - tailing fish in shallow water, nervous bait, or that distinctive copper flash as a red turns on a bait. Fall months bring some of the best redfish action as they school up before heading to deeper water, and Captain Richard knows exactly where to find them around the grass flats and oyster reefs near Aransas Pass.
Sea Trout round out the slam and provide some of the most consistent action for young anglers. These spotted beauties are abundant in the bay system and bite readily on live shrimp under a popping cork - a setup that's easy for kids to manage and exciting to watch. Trout are perfect teaching fish because they often travel in schools, bite aggressively, and don't require heavy tackle to land. The 14-18 inch "keeper" trout are common around the area, and they make excellent table fare for families who want to take some fish home. Spring and summer evenings can be absolutely phenomenal for trout fishing, with multiple species often feeding in the same areas, giving kids non-stop action and variety.
Captain Richard's kid-friendly approach has made this trip a customer favorite among families looking to introduce their children to saltwater fishing. The combination of calm waters, appropriate gear, patient instruction, and consistent fish makes this the perfect entry point for young anglers. You'll leave the dock with basic fishing skills, increased confidence on the water, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner. The 5-hour timeframe hits the sweet spot - long enough for everyone to get comfortable and catch fish, but not so long that younger kids lose interest. Book early, especially during spring break and summer months when family trips fill up fast. Captain Richard's reputation for working well with children and maintaining a safe, educational environment makes this one of the top-rated family fishing experiences in the Aransas Pass area.
You'll be fishing aboard a reliable 2000 Haynie Bay Boats AGS Motorboat that's perfect for getting kids hooked on their first inshore adventure. This sturdy 24-footer handles the shallow waters around Aransas Pass like a champ, giving young anglers easy access to those productive redfish and drum spots without the rough ride of deeper waters. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation and a fish finder, so Captain Richard can quickly locate the fish and keep the action going for excited kids. With space for your family and all the gear needed for a successful day targeting redfish, black drum, and sea trout, this motorboat delivers the stable platform and smooth ride that makes learning to fish both safe and enjoyable for children.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with giants pushing 90+. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-10 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning around February and March. Kids love hearing their drumming sounds underwater - that's how they got their name. They're incredible 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. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a circle hook right on the bottom near oyster shells - they can't resist crushing shellfish with those powerful jaws.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, easily recognized by their copper-red backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most run 18-28 inches, but we see plenty of slot-busters over 28". They cruise super shallow flats, often with their backs showing above water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. Kids get a huge kick out of sight-fishing for "tailing" reds in skinny water. They're strong fighters that'll peel drag and make great eating in the slot size. Look for nervous water or muddy areas where they're rooting for crabs. Gold spoons work magic, but here's my secret - cast past them and retrieve slowly to avoid spooking these smart fish.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful silver fish covered in black spots that typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they come up to feed. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they school up in deeper holes and channels. These fish are pure table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they bite readily and don't fight too hard. The key is finding them over grass beds in 3-8 feet of water. Try a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in from a distance.
Aransas Pass, TX