5 Hour Port Aransas Redfish and Trout Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutAll fishing equipment and bait included with expert guidanceAccommodates up to 4 guests departing from Roberts Point Park
When you're looking to get serious about inshore fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast, this 5-6 hour charter out of Port Aransas delivers exactly what dedicated anglers want. Captain Salty's Adventures runs this top-rated trip from Roberts Point Park, putting you and up to three buddies right in the heart of some of the best redfish and speckled trout waters on the coast. Starting around 6:30 AM (your captain will dial in the exact time based on conditions), you'll spend a full morning and into the afternoon working the flats, channels, and structure where these fish love to hang out. At $800 for the boat, it's a solid value when you split it among your crew, especially considering everything you need is already onboard.
This charter puts you in prime inshore territory where the bays meet the Gulf, and that's where the magic happens. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand – every grass bed, every drop-off, every piece of structure that holds fish. You'll be working relatively shallow water, typically anywhere from 2 to 8 feet, which means you can actually see the fish you're targeting when conditions are right. The boat stays comfortable in these protected waters, so even if you're not the most seasoned angler, you won't be fighting seasickness while trying to land your personal best. Roberts Point Park is a perfect launch spot because it gets you quick access to multiple fishing zones without burning half your charter time just getting to the good stuff. Your captain will move around based on what's biting, so you're not stuck in one spot if the fish aren't cooperating.
You'll be using classic inshore techniques that have been putting fish in the boat for decades. Spinning gear makes up the backbone of this operation – medium to medium-heavy rods paired with reels that can handle the fight these fish put up. The spinning setup gives you the versatility to throw everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics when you need to get down in the grass. Drifting is a huge part of the game plan, letting the boat move naturally with wind and current while you work lures through likely spots. When the fish are holding tight to bottom structure, you'll switch to bottom fishing techniques using live or cut bait. Your guide provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait, which means you don't have to worry about whether you brought the right setup. They know what's working and will put the hot baits in your hands. Even if you've never held a fishing rod before, your captain will walk you through everything from how to cast to how to fight a fish properly.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Port Aransas serves up some monsters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run anywhere from 20 to 35 inches in these waters, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus inches that'll test your tackle and your shoulders. Reds love to cruise the grass flats in the morning and evening, often with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring are prime time, but summer can be fantastic if you know where to look. What makes them so special is the way they fight – once hooked, a redfish will make long, powerful runs and use its broad tail to put serious pressure on your drag. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters when kept at legal size.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders and will hit everything from topwater lures to live shrimp. In Port Aransas waters, you'll typically find specks ranging from 15 to 25 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 5-6 pounds or more. They love structure – docks, reefs, drop-offs, anywhere baitfish congregate. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but winter can produce some of the biggest fish of the year. What anglers love about trout fishing is the variety of techniques that work. You might catch one on a popping cork in the morning, then switch to a soft plastic and pick up another an hour later. They're also excellent table fare, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can reach impressive sizes in Port Aransas waters, with mature drum weighing 20-40 pounds not uncommon. They're bottom feeders, so you'll typically target them with cut bait or live crabs near structure. Black drum have a distinctive way of fighting – they don't make flashy runs like redfish, but they use their size and strength to stay deep and make you work for every inch of line you gain. Spring is prime time for big drum as they move into the bays to spawn. While the larger fish are typically released due to regulations and meat quality, landing a big drum is one of those experiences that reminds you why you love fishing.
This world-class inshore experience books up quick, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active. The early morning start time puts you on the water when fish are feeding most aggressively, and the 5-6 hour duration gives you enough time to really dial in on what's working. Since trips are non-refundable, make sure your dates are locked in before you commit, but don't wait too long to pull the trigger. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target some trophy fish or a beginner who wants to learn proper inshore techniques, Captain Salty's Adventures has the local knowledge and equipment to make it happen. At $800 for up to four anglers with everything included, you're getting serious value for a full day of guided fishing in some of the
Get ready to chase redfish and trout aboard this well-equipped 23' bay boat designed specifically for Port Aransas inshore waters. With room for up to 4 anglers, this stable platform handles the shallow flats and back bays where the fish are hiding. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position you quietly over structure without spooking wary trout, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots trip after trip. All the gear is provided - quality spinning rods, reels loaded with fresh line, and a tackle box stocked with the lures and baits that produce results in these waters. Whether you're working live shrimp under popping corks for speckled trout or casting soft plastics along grass lines for bull reds, this boat puts you in position to succeed. The shallow draft design opens up skinny water spots that bigger boats can't reach, giving you access to prime redfish habitat around Aransas Pass.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These copper-colored bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) for the dinner table since the big boys get tough and stringy. My tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish right on the bottom - they won't come up for anything.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our flats fishing, easily spotted by their copper sides and distinctive black spot near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Most run 20-30 inches and put up a serious fight with long, powerful runs. They hang around oyster reefs, grass flats, and structure in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding in big schools. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: look for nervous water and mullet jumping - that's usually reds pushing bait. Throw a gold spoon past the school and work it back through.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches with that beautiful spotted pattern. These guys love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Cool weather months are prime time as they school up in deeper holes and channels. They're scrappy fighters with a soft mouth, so keep steady pressure without horsing them. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. Here's a local secret: work a soft plastic slowly along the grass edges on an incoming tide - they'll ambush it every time.
Corpus Christi