Guided Redfish & Black Drum Adventure for Families
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing trip targets Redfish, Black Drum, and Sea TroutFamilyfriendly charter accommodates two anglers with gear and equipment includedCaptain Richard Stroud provides guided experience in calm Texas coastal waters
Captain Richard Stroud knows what makes a perfect family fishing day on the Texas coast. His 5-hour inshore trips out of Aransas Pass strike that sweet spot between action-packed fishing and relaxed family time. You'll be working the shallow flats and protected bays where Redfish, Black Drum, and Sea Trout cruise year-round. This isn't about cramming as many fish as possible into the cooler – it's about watching your kids light up when they hook their first Red, teaching Mom the perfect drift technique, and creating those stories you'll tell for years. The captain provides all tackle and gear for two active anglers, with room for up to four people total on board.
Aransas Pass sits right in the heart of some of Texas's best inshore fishing grounds. Captain Richard runs these waters daily, so he knows exactly where to find fish based on tides, weather, and season. You'll launch early and head out to the grass flats and shell reefs that hold the most fish. The pace stays comfortable – perfect for families with younger anglers who need time to learn proper casting and reeling techniques. Expect to move between 3-4 different spots throughout the day, from shallow oyster bars where Reds tail-feed to deeper channels where Black Drum stack up. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's a bit breezy offshore, your family trip won't get called off. Captain Richard brings all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need. Just grab your fishing licenses, pack some snacks and drinks, and you're set for a top-rated day on the water.
This trip focuses on light tackle inshore techniques that work great for anglers of all skill levels. You'll be using spinning reels with 15-20 pound test line – strong enough to handle big Reds but light enough that kids can work the drag without getting worn out. Most of the fishing involves either live shrimp under popping corks or soft plastic baits worked along the bottom. Captain Richard will show beginners how to cast accurately and work their bait naturally. For the shallow water Redfish action, you might switch to topwater plugs or gold spoons – there's nothing like watching a Red explode on a surface lure in two feet of water. The boat is equipped with a shallow water anchor system that keeps you positioned perfectly over productive spots without spooking fish. When targeting Black Drum around structure, expect to fish with heavier jigs and cut bait right on the bottom. Sea Trout typically hit best on moving baits, so you'll be covering water with soft plastics or live shrimp under corks.
Redfish are the stars of Aransas Pass inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish perfect for the dinner table. Reds feed aggressively year-round here, but fall months bring some of the best action when schools of fish move shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes Redfish so exciting for families is their fighting power – even a 20-inch Red will make screaming runs and test your drag. Plus, they're not particularly line-shy, so beginners have great success. Look for them tailing in shallow water during morning and evening hours, or holding around oyster bars and grass edges throughout the day.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can reach 30+ pounds in local waters, though most catches run 5-15 pounds – perfect size for exciting fights without being overwhelming for younger anglers. Drum feed primarily on crabs and shellfish around hard structure like shell reefs and bridge pilings. They bite year-round but peak during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. The bite is usually subtle – more of a steady pull than an aggressive strike – so Captain Richard teaches guests to watch their rod tips closely. Once hooked, Drum make powerful runs toward structure, testing both your equipment and fish-fighting skills.
Sea Trout add finesse fishing to your Aransas Pass adventure. These spotted beauties typically run 14-18 inches, with occasional "gator" trout pushing 20+ inches and 4-5 pounds. Trout are more temperamental than Reds or Drum, often requiring precise presentations and lighter tackle. They suspend over grass flats and sandy potholes, feeding on shrimp, small fish, and squid. Spring and fall offer the most consistent Trout action, though they bite year-round with the right approach. What anglers love about Sea Trout is their willingness to hit artificial lures – they're perfect for teaching kids how to work soft plastics or small topwater baits. Their delicate mouths mean you need to play them carefully, making each fish a small victory in technique and patience.
Captain Richard's family fishing trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active. This world-class inshore fishery produces consistent action year-round, but your best bet is booking ahead to secure your preferred dates. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing for the first time or looking for a relaxed day away from crowded party boats, this customer favorite delivers exactly what families need. The combination of productive fishing grounds, experienced guidance, and family-friendly pacing makes this a trending choice for visitors and locals alike. Don't wait until you're already in town – these spots go quickly during busy periods. Contact Angler Guide Services today to reserve your 5-hour adventure on some of the Texas coast's best fishing waters.
Captain Richard's 2000 Haynie Bay Boat is your ticket to prime redfish and drum action in Aransas Pass waters. This reliable 24-year workhorse handles the shallow flats and back bays like a dream, getting you to those honey holes where the big reds are feeding. Built tough by Haynie, she's got the GPS to navigate these coastal waters and a fish finder that'll mark schools of drum before you even wet a line. With room for your family of four, this motorboat cuts through the Texas surf with ease, letting you focus on what matters – putting fish in the cooler. The shallow draft design means access to those skinny water spots where trophy redfish lurk around grass beds and oyster reefs. Perfect for teaching the kids how to sight-cast or helping mom land her personal best black drum.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90. These powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season - that's when they school up and fishing gets really good. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, especially the big ones. The smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Here's a tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. Crab stays put better than shrimp and the catfish won't steal it as much. These fish are smart, so keep your presentation natural.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, running anywhere from 18-35 inches around here. Those distinctive black spots near the tail make them easy to identify, and they're built for the fight with broad shoulders and powerful runs. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. They bite year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. What guests love most is sight-fishing for them in clear water and watching explosive topwater strikes. The meat is excellent too - mild and sweet. My go-to trick is throwing a gold spoon over shallow grass beds on windy days. The flash and vibration drives them crazy when the water's stirred up.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, typically running 1-5 pounds with that beautiful spotted pattern. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they come up to feed. These fish are active year-round here, but spring and fall really turn them on. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats watching a trout explode on a surface plug in shallow water. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch, with tender white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you find one trout, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small groups, so there's usually more around.
Aransas Pass, TX