Texas Airboat Fishing for Beginners
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour airboat fishing targeting Redfish and multiple speciesBeginnerfriendly with drift and anchor techniques providedFamilyfriendly trip welcomes children ages 5 and up
Looking to get your feet wet in Texas inshore fishing? Captain Nick's airboat trip is exactly what you need. This 6-hour adventure takes you into the shallow flats and backwaters where redfish, speckled trout, and other prime inshore species love to hang out. Whether you're brand new to fishing or just want to try something different, this trip delivers solid action without overwhelming beginners. The airboat gets you into spots that regular boats can't reach, giving you access to some seriously productive water. Kids 5 and up can join the fun too, making it perfect for families who want to create some lasting fishing memories together.
Captain Nick keeps things straightforward and fun. You'll spend your day working the Texas coastal flats where the water's shallow and the fish are hungry. The airboat is a game-changer here – it skims right over grass beds and skinny water that would ground other boats. This opens up miles of pristine fishing territory that most anglers never see. The trip mixes drift fishing and anchor fishing depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. Some days you'll be drifting over grass flats letting your bait work naturally, other days you'll anchor up on structure and wait for the bite to turn on. Captain Nick reads the water and adjusts tactics to give you the best shot at success. All your gear is provided, so you don't need to worry about tackle selection or rigging – just show up ready to fish.
The beauty of this trip is learning two core inshore techniques that work year-round. Drift fishing lets you cover water efficiently – the boat moves naturally with wind and current while you work lures or live bait through likely spots. You'll hit grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs this way, searching for active fish. When Captain Nick finds a productive area or marks fish on the sounder, he'll drop anchor and work that spot thoroughly. Anchor fishing is perfect for targeting structure-oriented species like sheepshead around oyster reefs or black drum on shell pads. The provided tackle includes everything from popping corks and soft plastics to live bait rigs. Captain Nick will show you how to work each setup properly, explaining why certain baits and techniques work better in different situations. The airboat's shallow draft means you can fish areas that are off-limits to deeper boats, often finding less pressured fish as a result.
Redfish are the main target and for good reason – these copper-colored bruisers are perfect for beginners. They're aggressive, fight hard, and are found year-round in Texas waters. Look for them tailing in shallow water during warmer months or schooled up in deeper pockets when it's cooler. Redfish average 20-28 inches here and will test your drag when they make their signature head-shaking runs toward structure.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are another staple catch. These beautiful fish have distinctive black spots and prefer grass flats and sandy areas. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures are in their comfort zone. Specks are line-shy and require a lighter touch, making them great for learning finesse techniques. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within regulations.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They're most active during their fall migration when they move toward the gulf to spawn. Flounder require patience – they'll often mouth the bait before fully committing. Learning to detect their subtle bite and time the hookset properly is a skill that transfers to other species.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the group, with larger specimens exceeding 30 pounds. They're bottom feeders that love oyster reefs and shell bars. These fish are incredibly strong and will test your stamina during the fight. Smaller "puppy drum" are more common and still provide great action. They're curious fish that often travel in small schools.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans. They're notorious bait thieves, requiring precise timing and sharp hooks. Catching sheepshead consistently separates novice anglers from experienced ones. They're most active around structure during cooler months and make excellent eating.
This trip hits the sweet spot for anyone wanting to experience top-rated Texas inshore fishing without the intimidation factor. Captain Nick's patient teaching style and the airboat's unique access combine to create a fishing adventure that's both educational and productive. You'll leave with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. The 4-person capacity keeps groups small and personal, ensuring everyone gets plenty of hands-on instruction. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Whether you're planning a family outing, introducing someone to fishing, or just want to try airboat fishing for the first time, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Texas inshore fishing has such a devoted following.
Captain Nick's 22ft center console is your ticket to Texas airboat fishing success in Port O'Connor's productive waters. This stable, comfortable boat handles the shallow flats and backwaters perfectly, letting you get into prime redfish territory that bigger boats can't reach. With professional GPS and fish finder tech onboard, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching. The boat's icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Texas days, while safety gear ensures peace of mind. Built for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without crowding. Whether you're drift fishing or anchored up targeting speckled trout, flounder, and black drum, this well-equipped vessel gives beginners the perfect platform to learn proper techniques while experienced anglers can focus on landing quality fish in these rich coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of Texas bays - strong, stubborn fighters that'll test your drag. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we see plenty of 20-30 pounders, especially around oyster reefs and muddy flats. They love shallow water during spring spawning season (February through April), when you can actually hear them drumming underwater. These fish are built for crushing oysters and crabs with those powerful jaws. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Spring gives you the best action when they school up in 3-6 feet of water. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and when you feel that steady pull - not a strike but more like you snagged a log that starts moving - set the hook hard and hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing - copper-colored bruisers with that signature black spot near the tail. They run anywhere from slot-sized 20-28 inchers up to bull reds pushing 40+ pounds in deeper water. These fish love super shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet, where you'll see their backs and tails sticking out. They're around year-round but fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What gets people hooked is watching a 30-pound red crash a topwater plug in two feet of water - it's pure chaos. They're also fantastic eating in the slot size range with mild, sweet meat. My secret: look for muddy water or nervous baitfish, then throw a gold spoon or topwater plug right into the commotion. When they hit, let them run - they'll spool you if you don't respect that initial surge.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Texas classics - beautiful silver fish covered in distinctive black spots that fight hard and taste even better. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we catch plenty of 4-5 pounders. They cruise grass flats, shorelines, and drop-offs in 2-10 feet of water, feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time, with early morning and evening being magic hours. What makes them special is that topwater explosion when they hit - it's pure adrenaline. Their white, tender meat is fantastic on the table, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Here's my go-to technique: work a soft plastic shrimp or paddle tail slowly along the grass edges. When you feel that tick or see your line jump, set it quick - their mouths are soft and hooks pull out easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate challenge fish - they've got human-like teeth and use them to steal bait like seasoned pickpockets. These gray and black striped convicts typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, hanging around any structure they can find. Docks, bridge pilings, and oyster bars are prime spots in 5-15 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they're actively feeding on barnacles and small crabs. What guests love is the chess match - you've got to feel every nibble and set the hook at just the right moment. The reward is some of the sweetest, flakiest white meat you'll find. My trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep your bait tight to structure, and the second you feel weight on the line, drive that hook home before they strip you clean.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval fish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud on shallow flats waiting to ambush prey. You'll typically catch them 15-18 inches, though some push past 2 feet. They're perfect for our drift fishing approach since they hang near the bottom in 2-8 feet of water around grass beds and drop-offs. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. What makes them special is watching one explode off the bottom when your bait hits - plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's a tip: when you feel that light tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds since they like to mouth the bait before fully committing.
Port Oconnor