Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Texas Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional guide provides equipment and local expertiseTarget multiple fish species in Texas coastal watersSmall group fishing for up to 2 guests
Picture this: you're drifting through the shallow flats of Texas coastal waters with an experienced captain who knows every grass bed, oyster reef, and drop-off where the fish love to hang out. That's exactly what you get with Aransas Bay Fishing Charters' premier inshore fishing trip. We're talking about a personalized fishing adventure for up to two anglers, where you'll target some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species – speckled trout and redfish. Your captain brings decades of local knowledge and all the tackle you need, so you just show up ready to fish. The only thing you'll want to bring is a good ice chest because we're planning on you taking home dinner.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With just you and maybe one fishing buddy, you get the captain's full attention and can fish at your own pace. We launch from prime access points along the Texas coast, giving us quick runs to the productive waters where trout and reds feed. The shallow bays and marshes around Aransas Bay are legendary for holding fish year-round, and your guide knows how to read the conditions – wind, tide, water temperature, and bait movement – to put you on the best bite of the day. You might find yourself sight-fishing to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, or working a grass flat where trout are busting shrimp on the surface. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you're working a topwater lure along a shoreline, the next you're bouncing a soft plastic along an oyster reef.
Your captain provides all the rods, reels, and tackle, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or bringing gear. We typically run medium-action spinning rods spooled with 15-20 pound braided line – perfect for the structure-heavy environment where these fish live. Depending on conditions, you might be throwing topwater plugs like She Dogs or Spooks early in the morning when the fish are aggressive, then switching to soft plastics like paddle tails or scented grubs as the day progresses. Live bait fishing is also a go-to technique, especially with live shrimp under a popping cork around grass beds and drop-offs. Your guide reads the water and adjusts tactics accordingly – maybe sight-casting to cruising reds with gold spoons, or working deeper holes with jigheads when the bite gets tough. The key is staying versatile and letting the fish tell you what they want.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish average 14-18 inches in our waters, with bigger "gator trout" pushing 20+ inches showing up regularly. Spring and fall are prime time for trout, when they're actively feeding in preparation for spawning or winter. What makes trout so fun to catch is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, shake their heads, and make multiple runs. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Look for them around grass beds, drop-offs, and areas where baitfish are schooling. They love structure but won't hesitate to chase bait into open water when they're feeding aggressively.
Redfish are the other crown jewel of our inshore fishery, and they're what dreams are made of for sight-fishing enthusiasts. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in our slot limit, but the fight they put up makes them feel twice that size. Reds are year-round residents that love shallow water, especially around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy shorelines. What gets anglers fired up about redfish is their predictable behavior – they're structure-oriented fish that follow tidal movements and feed heavily during moving water. You might spot their tell-tale bronze backs cruising the shallows, or see their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs and shrimp. When a red takes your bait, get ready for a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system and make your arms burn.
This world-class inshore fishing experience gives you everything you need for a successful day on the water – expert local knowledge, quality tackle, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the Texas coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone who wants to learn from a pro, this trip delivers the goods. The intimate setting means you get personalized instruction and can focus on the techniques that work best in these waters. Remember to bring that ice chest because fresh trout and redfish make for some of the best eating you'll find anywhere. The Texas coast has earned its reputation as a premier fishing destination, and this is your chance to experience it firsthand with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Don't wait – the fish are biting and your spot is waiting.
Get ready to hit the Texas coastal waters in our well-equipped motorboat, perfect for chasing redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the shallow bays and marshes. This reliable fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - an ice box to keep your catch fresh, GPS navigation to mark those honey holes, and a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish and structure below. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while providing all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need. The boat handles beautifully in the skinny water where big fish love to feed, and there's plenty of room for up to two anglers to work the flats comfortably. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds or working the grass beds for trout, this setup gives you the best shot at filling your cooler. Just remember to bring that ice chest mentioned - you're going to need it for the trip home with your fresh Gulf Coast catch.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Texas shallow water fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail range from schooling 18-inch fish to massive 40+ inch bulls that'll test your drag system. They thrive in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they gather in big schools before winter. What hooks anglers is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll run hard and use their broad sides against the current. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. My go-to trick is sight fishing with topwater plugs early morning when you can actually see their backs cruising the shallows - nothing beats watching a big red explode on your lure.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of Texas's most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and pack a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They love structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs near deeper water. Fall through spring offers the best action when they school up in cooler months. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - soft plastics under popping corks are deadly. The meat is excellent table fare with white, flaky flesh that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: work your lure slow and steady - trout prefer a subtle presentation over aggressive jigging.
Rockport, TX