Target Redfish & Black Drum in Aransas Pass
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5-hour inshore charter targeting redfish and black drumAdvanced techniques with Captain Richard Stroud's local expertiseGear included for 2 anglers with 4-guest capacity
If you're tired of basic fishing trips that treat everyone like a beginner, this 5-hour advanced charter with Captain Richard Stroud is exactly what you need. We're talking serious inshore fishing in Aransas Pass waters, where the redfish are thick, black drum patrol the deeper cuts, and speckled trout ambush bait along the grass lines. This isn't a hand-holding session—it's a focused trip designed for experienced anglers who want to dial in their techniques and put some quality fish in the boat. With space limited to just 2 guests and gear provided for both anglers, you'll get the personal attention and tactical approach that separates good fishing days from legendary ones.
Captain Richard knows these Aransas Pass flats like the back of his hand, and he's not interested in wasting time on tourist spots. You'll launch early and head straight to productive water where the fish actually live—think shallow oyster reefs, sandy potholes, and grass-lined channels that most weekend warriors never see. The beauty of this advanced charter is the flexibility. Want to work on your sight-casting to tailing reds? We'll pole the shallows until you nail that perfect presentation. Feeling like testing out some new soft plastics on black drum? Richard knows exactly which structure holds the biggest fish. This trip adapts to your goals, whether you're chasing a personal best or just want to fish hard without dealing with crowds. The 5-hour window gives you real time to get dialed in—no rushing, no checking the clock every thirty minutes.
We're fishing with quality spinning gear perfectly matched to these inshore species—medium-heavy rods with smooth drag systems that can handle a bull red's first run or a big black drum's bulldogging fight. The tackle box is stocked with proven producers: soft plastic paddle tails, topwater plugs for early morning action, and live bait when the fish demand the real deal. Captain Richard will walk you through reading the water—spotting nervous baitfish, identifying current breaks, and recognizing the subtle signs that separate fishy water from dead zones. You'll learn to work different presentations based on tide, wind, and fish behavior. When the redfish are cruising shallow, we'll sight-cast with weedless spoons. If the black drum are holding deep on structure, we'll drop down with crabs and cut bait. The key is staying versatile and reading what the fish are telling you on any given day.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Aransas Pass inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs average 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized fish that'll test your drag system. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon when they push shallow to feed. What makes reds so addictive is their attitude—they'll crush a topwater plug in 18 inches of water or track down a soft plastic like a heat-seeking missile. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but these fish bite year-round if you know where to look.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore game, and Aransas Pass holds some genuine monsters. These bottom-huggers can push 30-40 pounds and fight like they're welded to the seafloor. They love structure—bridge pilings, shell reefs, and channel edges where they root around for crabs and oysters. The best black drum fishing happens during cooler months when big fish move into the bays to spawn. They're not flashy fighters like tarpon, but watching your rod double over and feeling that steady, unstoppable pull is pure fishing satisfaction.
Speckled trout round out the slam, and these spotted predators are some of the most technical fish you'll encounter. They're ambush feeders that relate to grass beds, drop-offs, and current breaks. The best trout fishing happens during stable weather patterns, and these fish are incredibly sensitive to water temperature and barometric pressure. A 20-inch speck is a solid fish, and anything over 24 inches is a genuine trophy. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics, but presentation is everything—too fast and they ignore it, too slow and they lose interest.
This advanced charter fills up fast because serious anglers recognize quality when they see it. Captain Richard's local knowledge, combined with top-shelf gear and a no-nonsense approach, creates exactly the kind of fishing experience that keeps you coming back. Whether you're looking to break personal records, test new techniques, or just fish hard without amateur hour distractions, this trip delivers. Remember to bring your fishing license and be ready to fish—the boat leaves on time, and the fish don't wait for stragglers. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious Aransas Pass inshore action.
This 2000 Haynie Bay Boat is built for serious inshore fishing in Aransas Pass waters. At 24 years strong, this proven AGS motorboat handles the shallow flats and back bays where redfish and black drum love to feed. The GPS keeps you on productive structure while the fish finder marks schools and bottom changes that hold your targets. With room for up to 4 anglers but limited to 2 for this focused charter, you'll have plenty of casting room to work the shorelines and grass beds. Captain Richard knows these Texas waters inside and out, and this reliable Haynie will get you to the fish whether they're tailing in skinny water or stacked up on deeper structure. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access those prime redfish spots that bigger vessels can't reach.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 40+ pound bulls that'll test your drag system. These copper-colored bruisers love hanging around oyster reefs and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with their 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 fantastic fighters that pull hard and long, though stick to the smaller ones for the table since big drums get pretty tough. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near structure. These fish are pure muscle and will give you a workout you won't forget.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most slots run 20-28 inches, but we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches that'll smoke your drag. These copper rockets thrive in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up tight. What guests love most is watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of water - it's pure sight fishing at its finest. They hit hard, run fast, and put up a serious fight. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick: cast a gold spoon ahead of cruising fish and work it just fast enough to stay ahead of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are beautiful silvery fish covered in distinctive black spots. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though trophy fish over 5 pounds show up regularly. They love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring offer the best action when water temps are in the sweet spot. What makes trout special is their delicate bite and spectacular jumps when hooked - they're acrobatic fighters. The meat is flaky white and mild, perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local secret: work soft plastics under a popping cork over grass beds during moving water. The cork attracts them, and the jig seals the deal.
Aransas Pass, TX