5.0(1 Reviews)5 Hour Beginner Redfish & Trout Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour private charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumCaptain David provides beginnerfriendly instruction with all gear includedInshore saltwater fishing experience along Texas Gulf Coast waters
Looking to get your feet wet in the saltwater fishing game? Captain David's got you covered with this beginner-friendly charter that's been putting first-timers on fish for years. Based out of Aransas Pass, this 5-hour private trip is designed to teach you the ropes while targeting some of the Texas coast's most popular inshore species. You don't need to worry about bringing anything - all the gear, bait, and tackle are included, so you can focus on learning the fundamentals and actually catching fish. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to dial in your saltwater skills, this charter strikes the perfect balance between education and action on the water.
This isn't your typical "throw you to the wolves" fishing trip. Captain David takes his time with beginners, starting with the basics like how to properly hold your rod, read your drag, and feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure. You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters around Aransas Pass, targeting shallow flats, grass beds, and structure where redfish, speckled trout, and black drum love to hang out. The boat stays close to shore, so you won't deal with rough seas or seasickness issues that can ruin a first saltwater experience. With just two anglers max, you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and won't spend half the day untangling someone else's line. The captain's local knowledge really shines here - he knows exactly where fish hold during different tides and weather conditions, which means more time with your line in productive water.
You'll be using medium-action spinning rods paired with quality reels that won't give you grief when a big red decides to make a run. Captain David sets everyone up with the right tackle for the conditions - usually live or cut bait on circle hooks when targeting drum and reds, with artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons mixed in for trout. He'll show you how to work a paddle tail through grass beds, how to bounce a jig off oyster shell, and the proper technique for setting the hook on circle hooks. The boat's equipped with a trolling motor for stealthy approaches to shallow water, plus all the landing nets, pliers, and fish handling gear you need. You'll learn to read water conditions, understand how tides affect fish movement, and pick up casting techniques that actually work in windy coastal conditions. No complicated fly fishing or advanced techniques here - just solid fundamentals that will serve you well on future fishing trips.
"Captain was very informative, put us on some good reds even 2 bulls that put up a great fight. And even some good catfish. Very friendly and knew the layout of the water really well. Would recommend to anyone that would love to spend a day out on the water with captain Lee" - Preston
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in these waters, with the occasional "bull red" over 27 inches that'll test your drag system and your arms. Reds are year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes them so popular with beginners is their aggressive nature - they'll eat live shrimp, cut mullet, and artificial baits with equal enthusiasm. When a red takes off on its first run, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to this fishery.
Speckled trout might be the most technical fish you'll target, but they're also one of the most rewarding. These beautiful spotted fish are structure-oriented, hanging around grass beds, drop-offs, and shell reefs. They're typically more active during cooler months, with the best bite happening early morning and late afternoon. Trout have a softer mouth than reds, so you'll learn proper hook-setting technique and how to fight fish without ripping the hook out. A good speckled trout dinner is hard to beat, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to take home their catch.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters - not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you a workout. These bottom-feeders can range from smaller "puppy drum" perfect for beginners to massive 20-30 pound fish that will have you questioning your gear choices. They're year-round residents that love crabs, shrimp, and cut bait fished on the bottom near structure. Black drum are perfect for teaching patience and proper bottom fishing techniques, plus they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
Sheepshead are the trickiest fish on this list, earning the nickname "convict fish" for their black and white stripes and their habit of stealing bait. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, making them a challenge to hook properly. They're most active during cooler months around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs. Landing a sheepshead requires finesse and quick reflexes, making them a great species for learning advanced bait presentation techniques.
Red snapper might make an appearance depending on regulations and season, though they're more of a bonus fish on inshore trips. When they're biting, these beautiful pink and red fish provide excellent action on light tackle. They're structure-oriented and aggressive feeders, making them a blast to catch when you find them in the right spots. Snapper are excellent eating and always get beginners excited when they come over the rail.
Ladyfish round out your potential catch list as the "poor man's tarpon." These silver missiles jump like crazy when hooked, providing plenty of excitement even though most anglers release them. They're great for beginners because they bite aggressively and fight hard relative to their size. Ladyfish are year-round residents that school up
Captain David's 24-foot CCB Fury center console is perfectly rigged for chasing redfish and speckled trout in the shallow waters around Aransas Pass. This 2018 boat packs serious performance with its Suzuki 250HP engine, but what makes it special for fishing is the wireless trolling motor that lets you slip quietly into those skinny flats where the big reds like to feed. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish below. Built to handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, there's plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish without getting tangled up. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action whether you're working the grass beds for trout or sight-casting to drum cruising the shallows. With its shallow draft and nimble handling, this boat can get you into places where the fish haven't been pressured, making it ideal for beginners learning to read water and target inshore species along the Texas coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love shallow flats, oyster beds, and muddy areas where they cruise around crushing crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear them underwater. They're great fighters that pull hard and steady, perfect for beginners learning to work a fish. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and get it right on the bottom - they won't come up to chase it.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are our "poor man's tarpon" - silver missiles that go absolutely wild when hooked. They typically run 12-24 inches and maybe 2-4 pounds, but don't let the size fool you. These guys will jump, flip, and skip across the surface like they're putting on a show. You'll find them in bays, around passes, and along beaches year-round. They're not great table fare, so most folks release them, but they're perfect for beginners learning to fight a jumping fish. Kids especially love the acrobatic display. They'll hit almost anything - shrimp, jigs, even topwater plugs. The trick is using a heavy leader because they'll bite through light line with those small sharp teeth. Fair warning: they're aggressive and will often hit your bait when you're targeting other species.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the prized bottom dwellers that every angler wants to catch. These bright red beauties typically run 2-8 pounds inshore, but the big ones offshore can push 20+ pounds. You'll find them around hard structure in 30-100+ feet - oil rigs, artificial reefs, and rocky bottom. Summer months during open season are prime time. What makes them special is that they're absolute warriors when hooked, diving straight for cover to cut your line. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. The challenge is getting your bait down to them and then muscling them up before they wrap you around structure. My key tip: use live pinfish or fresh squid, keep steady pressure, and don't let them get back to the bottom once hooked.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing with their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish run 18-28 inches and put up a serious fight in skinny water. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and marshes in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're active year-round but fall months are magic when they school up. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight that tests your drag. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, mild meat. Guests love watching them cruise the flats like small submarines. The key is getting your bait in front of them without spooking the school. My go-to tip: cast past them and work the bait into their path - they're curious and will usually investigate.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the bay with their distinctive black and white stripes and eerily human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we see some real bruisers pushing 8-10 pounds around structure. They're always hugging pilings, docks, and jetties where they pick barnacles and crabs off the structure. Spring months from February through April are best when they move into spawning mode. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves that require quick reflexes and a solid hookset. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, white meat. They're picky eaters though, so you need to get your bait tight to the structure. My trick: use fiddler crabs and set the hook hard the moment you feel any pressure.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain was very informative, put us on some good reds even 2 bulls that put up a great fight. And even some good catfish. Very fr...
Aransas Pass