Port Aransas Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targeting Redfish, Snapper, and Speckled TroutSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per tripGuided exploration of Corpus Bay's productive fishing grounds
When you're looking for serious inshore action along the Texas coast, Port Aransas delivers the goods like nowhere else. Booty Runner Fishing puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive shallow waters on the Gulf Coast, where Corpus Bay's grass flats and structure hold some of the best fishing you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – we're talking about getting after it with an experienced captain who knows exactly where the fish are stacked up and when they're feeding. You'll be working proven spots that consistently produce, from the back lakes where redfish cruise the shallows to the deeper cuts where black drum patrol the bottom.
Your day starts early when the water's still glassy and the fish are most active. We'll be running a smaller boat that gets you into those skinny water spots where the big boats can't go – that's where the magic happens. Corpus Bay's inshore waters are perfect for sight fishing, especially when conditions line up right. You'll be casting to visible fish, working grass beds, and targeting structure that holds baitfish. The guide knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the productive flats near the Lydia Ann Channel to the back country areas where speckled trout stack up during their feeding periods. With just two anglers on board, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your presentations without crowding each other.
We fish light tackle here – usually spinning gear in the 2500 to 3000 size range spooled with 15 to 20-pound braid and a fluorocarbon leader. The shallow, clear water demands finesse, so we're throwing soft plastics on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig heads most of the time. Paddle tails and shrimp imitations work great for the trout and redfish, while we'll switch to heavier jigs and cut bait when we're targeting drum and snapper around structure. The guide provides all the gear, but if you've got your own favorite rod and reel setup, bring it along. We'll be doing a mix of casting to structure, working grass flats with topwater early in the morning, and bottom fishing when the bite slows down. The technique changes based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day.
Southern Flounder are ambush predators that lay buried in sand near drop-offs and channel edges, typically ranging from 14 to 20 inches with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 5 to 7 pounds. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're staging for their offshore spawning run. They hit soft plastics bounced along the bottom, and the fight is more about their bulldogging power than aerial acrobatics. What makes them special is their table fare – there's not a better eating fish in these waters.
Grey Snapper around Corpus Bay are usually in the 12 to 16-inch range, though bigger fish show up around structure during summer months. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around jetties, rock piles, and deeper channel edges. These guys are opportunistic feeders that'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or small jigs worked near the bottom. They fight harder than their size suggests and are another top-shelf eating fish. Best action happens during moving tides when they're actively feeding.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay, ranging from schoolie fish around 20 inches up to monster bull drum that can push 40 pounds or more. Spring brings the big spawners into shallow water where you can sight-cast to them – one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in inshore fishing. They're bottom feeders that crush blue crab and cut mullet, and once hooked, they use their broad sides and powerful tails to make long, stubborn runs. The bigger fish are catch-and-release to protect the breeding stock.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Corpus Bay fishing. They school up in grass beds, around shell bars, and near drop-offs where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Average fish run 14 to 18 inches, but trophy specks over 25 inches show up regularly, especially during cooler months. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait. The bite can turn on and off quickly, so when you find them schooled up and feeding, you can have fast action with multiple fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, with fish ranging from slot-sized 20 to 28-inchers up to oversized bulls that can exceed 35 inches. They cruise shallow flats, hang around structure, and school up in deeper water depending on season and conditions. Sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water is as good as it gets – watching a big red inhale your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water never gets old. They're powerful fish that make long runs and use their broad tails to generate serious pulling power. Year-round residents that provide consistent action in all seasons.
Port Aransas inshore fishing with Booty Runner Fishing gives you access to some of the most productive waters on the Texas coast with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're after a mixed bag of eating fish or targeting specific species like trophy trout or bull reds, these waters deliver. The intimate setting with just two anglers means you get the attention and instruction that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime seasons when the fishing is hot.
Your fishing adventures start aboard a reliable 2013 Majek bay boat, perfectly designed for navigating Port Aransas' diverse inshore waters. This specialized fishing vessel comes equipped with a powerful 250HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly, reaching speeds up to 60 knots when conditions call for it. What really makes this boat shine for serious anglers is the wireless trolling motor – essential for those stealthy approaches to spooky redfish and trout without spooking them with engine noise. The onboard GPS keeps you on track to productive fishing grounds, while the fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish and structure where game fish love to hang out. Built specifically for Texas bay fishing, this Majek handles shallow flats and deeper channels with ease. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds in skinny water or working deeper grass beds for speckled trout, this boat gets you there comfortably. The layout maximizes fishing space for up to 2 anglers, giving you plenty of room to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. Perfect for targeting everything from slot redfish and keeper trout to flounder and black drum in Corpus Bay's rich waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it. These bruisers typically range 5-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds around here. They cruise shallow muddy flats and oyster beds, using powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight and their ability to live 50+ years. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to technique is fresh crab on a Carolina rig, fished right on the bottom. The secret is being ready for that slow, steady pull - no dramatic strikes here, just serious weight that'll test your drag.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as locals call them, are smart fish that'll test your skills. Running 10-14 inches inshore and 1-3 pounds typically, these copper-red beauties hang around docks, piers, and any structure they can find. They're nocturnal feeders, so dawn and dusk fishing really pays off. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are spooky and require finesse. The reward is some of the best eating you'll find, with white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're opportunistic hunters, so live shrimp on a light rig works wonders. Here's the trick: once your bait hits bottom, reel up just a foot or two to keep from snagging, then be patient. Don't jig it around - let it sit naturally and wait for that telltale tap.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, and once you see that copper-bronze back cruising the flats, you'll understand why. These red drum typically run 20-35 inches around here, with some bulls pushing 40+ inches and serious weight. They love water so shallow their backs stick out, especially around grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they're feeding heavily. What guests love is that explosive topwater strike and the way they bulldoze through shallow water. The meat on smaller fish is sweet and firm. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's their trademark. My secret: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and work your lure slowly past their nose. Patience beats power every time.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our Texas coast, and for good reason. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with that classic torpedo shape covered in distinctive black spots. They love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What anglers love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect on the table. They're active feeders that'll chase shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps are just right. My favorite trick is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Keep it moving with gentle twitches - trout can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms with both eyes on one side of their head. These ambush predators typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some beauties push 20+ pounds. They love our shallow bays, grass flats, and areas around structure where they can camouflage perfectly. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning runs. What makes them special is that sneaky strike - you'll barely feel the bite at first, then suddenly your rod loads up. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My tip: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder like to inhale their prey slowly, and patience pays off with a solid hookup.
Corpus Christi