Expert Guided Inshore Fishing with Captain Brad
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour morning inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutLight tackle fishing suitable for all experience levelsAll gear provided with familyfriendly atmosphere
Picture this: you're out on the calm waters of the Texas coast at sunrise, the morning breeze keeping you cool while you work the flats for some of the Gulf's most prized game fish. Captain Brad's 5-hour inshore charter puts you right in the heart of some of the best shallow water fishing on the Texas coast. Starting bright and early at 7 AM, this top-rated fishing experience gives you and one other angler plenty of time to work the productive waters around Port Aransas without dealing with afternoon crowds or choppy seas.
This isn't your typical party boat scene. With just 2 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Captain Brad knows these coastal waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting clients on fish regardless of their experience level. The morning departure time is no accident – that's when the water is glass-calm and the fish are most active, especially during those cooler months when the bite really turns on. You'll be targeting the classic Texas slam species: redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. All your tackle is provided, so you just need to bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and plenty of sunscreen. Don't worry about being a pro – Captain Brad works with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, and he's got the patience to teach you the ropes if you need it.
This is where the real fun begins. Inshore fishing in Port Aransas is all about finesse and reading the water. Captain Brad runs light tackle setups that let you feel every bump, every strike, and every head shake. We're talking spinning reels with 15-20 pound test line, matched with medium-light rods that have enough backbone to handle a bull red but still let you enjoy the fight from a 14-inch trout. The techniques vary depending on what's biting – some days you'll be working soft plastics along grass beds and oyster reefs, other times you might be throwing topwater plugs at tailing reds in skinny water. Live bait is always an option when the artificial bite slows down, and Captain Brad keeps a good supply of shrimp and croaker on board. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – you might be sight-casting to redfish one minute and bouncing jigs along the bottom for flounder the next. The water depth rarely exceeds 6 feet, so you're always in that sweet spot where you can see structure, grass beds, and sometimes even the fish you're targeting.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches around Port Aransas and fight like they're twice that size. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, when they school up in the shallows and you can sometimes see their backs breaking the surface as they feed. What makes them so special is their aggressive nature – they'll slam a topwater plug with authority that'll make your heart skip a beat. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within the slot limit.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and are absolute suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or live shrimp. The best trout fishing happens during the cooler months from October through March, when they move into the deeper grass beds and ship channels. What anglers love about specks is their schooling behavior – where you catch one, there's usually more. They're also fantastic eating, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Southern flounder are the ninjas of the flats – masters of camouflage that lie buried in sand and mud waiting for an easy meal. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large, with "doormat" flounder exceeding 5 pounds not uncommon in these waters. Fall is prime flounder season as they migrate toward the passes heading to deeper water. What makes flounder fishing so rewarding is the challenge – you've got to work your bait slowly along the bottom and be ready for that subtle pickup that signals a flounder has inhaled your offering.
Black drum are the workhorses of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from 2-pound "puppy drum" to massive 40+ pound bulls that'll test your tackle to its limits. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and jetties where they feed on crabs and mollusks. The bigger drum are catch-and-release only due to size limits, but the smaller ones are excellent table fare. What's exciting about drum fishing is never knowing if that next bite might be a 5-pounder or a fish of a lifetime that'll have you hanging on for dear life.
When you add it all up, this Port Aransas inshore charter delivers everything you want from a Texas coastal fishing experience. You get personalized attention from an experienced local captain, access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the Gulf Coast, and a real shot at landing multiple species in a single trip. The 7 AM start time means you'll be back to shore by noon with the rest of your day free to explore Port Aransas or just relax. Captain Brad's been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and his repeat customer base speaks to the quality of the experience. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target Texas inshore species, this charter hits the mark. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to what's sure to be a memorable morning on the
This 19' center console is your ticket to productive inshore waters around Port Aransas. Built for shallow bay fishing, she handles like a dream while keeping you comfortable during those early morning starts. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into prime redfish and trout spots without spooking the fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best structure and schools. With an icebox to keep your drinks cold and plenty of deck space for casting, this boat is perfectly set up for chasing speckled trout, flounder, and black drum in the Texas coastal flats. Captain Brad knows exactly where to position this rig for the best action, whether you're working shorelines or drifting over grass beds.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90+. They're part of the drum family and get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning season. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure where they crush shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. Guests love the strong, steady fight these fish provide - they're bulldogs that test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with firm white meat. For the bigger fish, stick to fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom. Pro tip: use circle hooks and let them run a bit before setting - they're not going anywhere fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish run 20-35 inches, but we regularly see bulls over 40 inches that'll test your tackle. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall through spring offers the best action when they're actively feeding and more predictable. Guests get hooked on their powerful runs and stubborn fights that can last several minutes. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They'll eat almost anything, but topwater plugs in shallow water provide the most exciting strikes. Key tip: look for nervous water, tailing fish, or birds working bait - that's where you'll find feeding reds.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most popular targets, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. Guests enjoy their spirited fights and acrobatic jumps, plus they're among the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They can be finicky, so varying your retrieve speed and lure choice is key. My go-to trick: work topwater plugs early morning over grass beds, then switch to soft plastics as the sun gets higher. The bite can turn on fast, so stay ready.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage that bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They're ambush predators that feed on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and near drop-offs where they can blend into the bottom. Fall and winter are prime time when they're more active and feeding heavily. Guests love the challenge of spotting them and the solid fight they put up once hooked. The white, flaky meat makes for excellent table fare too. My best tip: drift slowly and watch for that telltale puff of sand when they spook - that's where you want to drop your bait.
Port Aransas