Port Aransas Afternoon Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour afternoon inshore fishing trip starting at 2:00 PMTargets Redfish, Black Drum, Flounder, and Speckled Trout speciesLight tackle methods suitable for all experience levels
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water? Captain Brad's 5-hour inshore fishing trip out of Port Aransas starts at 2:00 PM and takes advantage of those prime afternoon feeding windows when the fish are active. This isn't some rushed tourist deal – you'll get a proper fishing experience targeting the Texas coast's best inshore species including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. With space for up to 2 guests, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Available Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this trip lets you skip the early morning alarm while still getting quality time on some of the most productive inshore waters along the Gulf Coast.
Captain Brad knows these Port Aransas flats and back bays like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're looking to put fish in the boat. You'll be fishing the productive grass flats, oyster reefs, and structure that hold fish year-round in this area. The afternoon timing works perfectly – you avoid the morning boat traffic and hit the water when fish start moving to feed before evening. The boat comes equipped with quality light tackle gear that's perfect for the species you're targeting, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you prefer. Brad provides the local insight on where fish are holding, what they're eating, and how to present your bait or lures effectively. Whether you're comfortable with live bait fishing or want to throw artificials, he'll adapt the approach to match your skill level and preferences.
This trip focuses on light tackle fishing, which is perfect for the inshore species you'll be targeting. You'll be using spinning gear in the 2500-4000 size range with 15-20 pound braided line – enough backbone to handle a solid redfish or drum, but light enough to feel every bite and enjoy the fight. Techniques vary based on conditions and what's biting, but expect to work with live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures depending on the situation. When working the grass flats for trout, you might be throwing soft plastics under a popping cork or working topwater plugs early in the trip. For redfish around structure, live bait on a Carolina rig or weedless soft plastics get the job done. The key is reading the water and adjusting your approach – something Captain Brad excels at teaching whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just new to this particular area.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port Aransas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-28 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice their size. They're year-round residents that love the oyster reefs and grass flats, especially when the tide is moving. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat – they'll hit live bait, soft plastics, and topwater lures with equal enthusiasm. The slot-size fish (20-28 inches) make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline when they make their signature head-shaking runs.
Speckled trout are another customer favorite, known for their beautiful spotted sides and excellent eating quality. These fish are most active during cooler months and around structure changes where baitfish congregate. They typically range from 14-20 inches in these waters, with the occasional gator trout pushing 25+ inches. Specs are particular about presentation, which makes them fun to target – you need to match the hatch and work your lures with finesse. They're notorious for their soft bite, so staying alert and feeling every tick of your line is crucial.
Southern flounder are the ambush predators of the flats, lying buried in sand waiting for unsuspecting prey. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and typically run 14-18 inches, though doormat-sized fish over 20 inches show up regularly. Fall months are prime time for flounder as they stage near passes before heading to deeper water. They're excellent table fare and provide a different kind of challenge since you're often sight-fishing or working specific structure where they like to hold.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from puppy drum around 16 inches to true giants pushing 30+ pounds. These fish are bottom feeders with powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and oysters. They're most active around oyster reefs and structure, especially during incoming tides. Big drum provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience in shallow water, using their broad sides and raw power to test your drag system.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the group, known for their human-like teeth and incredible bait-stealing abilities. These black-and-white striped fish are structure-oriented, hanging around pilings, reefs, and any hard bottom where barnacles and crabs live. They typically run 12-18 inches but can reach 20+ inches. Sheepshead fishing requires patience and quick reflexes – they're notorious for stealing bait, but once hooked, they provide a solid fight and excellent eating.
This afternoon fishing trip offers the perfect balance of quality fishing time without the early morning rush. Captain Brad's local knowledge, quality equipment, and focus on light tackle techniques make this a top-rated choice for both experienced anglers and those new to Texas inshore fishing. The 2-guest limit ensures personalized attention and plenty of space to fish comfortably. With the variety of species available and the productive waters around Port Aransas, you're looking at a legitimate chance to experience some of the Gulf Coast's best inshore action. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Port Ar
Step aboard this well-equipped 19' center console designed for productive inshore fishing around Port Aransas. Built for shallow water performance, this motorboat handles the Texas coast's back bays and flats with ease. The wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned quietly over fish-holding structure while the GPS and fish finder help locate prime redfish and speckled trout spots. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 5-hour afternoon trip. With room for up to 3 anglers, the center console layout gives everyone plenty of casting space and easy access to all areas of the boat. Captain Brad has this rig set up with quality tackle and local knowledge to target redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead, and specks using light tackle techniques perfect for all skill levels.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50-plus. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. They're known for their bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat. The bigger fish are better released. Fresh crab is hands-down the best bait - it stays on the hook better than shrimp and doesn't get picked off by catfish. Fish it right on the bottom and be ready for a serious fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in our shallow waters and love grass flats, oyster bars, and muddy areas just 1-4 feet deep. You'll often see their backs out of the water when they're feeding - we call that "tailing." They hit hard and make powerful runs that'll get your heart pumping. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime time. They're great table fare when kept in slot, with mild, sweet meat. These fish will eat just about anything - live shrimp, crabs, cut bait, and artificials all work. My go-to tip: look for nervous water and baitfish getting pushed around. That's usually a red underneath causing all the commotion.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are probably our most popular inshore target, running 14-24 inches with plenty of fight in shallow grass beds and drop-offs. These spotted beauties love shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish, making them pretty cooperative when conditions are right. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially early morning and late evening when they're actively feeding. They're excellent eating with tender, flaky white meat that's easy to overcook. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all work great. The key is finding the right depth - they might be shallow at dawn or suspended over grass beds during the day. A popping cork with live shrimp is hard to beat in our local bays.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth used for crushing barnacles and crabs. These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds and hang tight around docks, pilings, and any structure with barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves, so you need to stay alert and set the hook hard when you feel them nibbling. Spring is peak season when they spawn around jetties and passes. They make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is getting your bait right against the structure - they rarely venture far from cover. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and don't be surprised when they strip your bait clean before you even know they're there.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of camouflage that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though bigger ones show up. You'll find them in shallow bays, around grass beds, and near structure where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Both eyes sit on their left side, which makes them pretty unique to target. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward passes and deeper water. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The key to landing them is using live shrimp or mud minnows on light tackle and being patient - they'll mouth the bait before really taking it, so wait for that solid pull before setting the hook.
Port Aransas