Port Aransas Family Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumSpacious 24foot Haynie boat accommodates families with up to five guestsAll fishing equipment provided with optional pickup from Fisherman's Wharf
Captain Larry knows exactly where the fish bite in Port Aransas waters, and he's ready to show your family the best inshore action on the Texas coast. This 4-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive shallow water fishing in the Gulf, targeting the holy trinity of Texas inshore species: redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. You'll fish from a roomy 24-foot Haynie boat that's built for these waters, with plenty of space for the whole crew to cast lines and land fish. The trip handles up to two main anglers, but Captain Larry can squeeze in three more guests if you want to bring the extended family or a few friends along for the ride.
Your day starts with Captain Larry picking the hottest spots based on current conditions – maybe working the grass flats near the Lydia Ann Channel, or drifting over structure in the back bay areas where these fish love to hang out. The Haynie's shallow draft lets you get into those skinny water honey holes where bigger boats can't reach, giving you access to prime feeding zones. You'll be sight casting to tailing redfish one minute, then working soft plastics along drop-offs for chunky trout the next. Captain Larry reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics throughout the trip to keep you on fish. The boat's equipped with a quality fish finder, but half the magic happens with his local knowledge of seasonal patterns and tide movements. Expect to cover some ground as conditions change, moving from protected coves to open flats depending on wind and water clarity.
All your tackle comes included – we're talking quality spinning rods spooled with appropriate line weights for inshore work, plus a full selection of lures and live bait when available. Captain Larry stocks the boat with proven Port Aransas producers: soft plastic shrimp imitations, topwater plugs for those explosive surface strikes, and gold spoons that flash just right in these tannic waters. You'll learn to work different retrieves depending on what the fish want that day. Some trips call for slow-rolling paddle tails along the bottom for drum, while others have you walking the dog with topwaters over grass beds at sunrise. The fishing style adapts to conditions and what's biting, but expect plenty of casting practice and hands-on instruction if you're new to inshore techniques. Live bait fishing under popping corks is always an option when the artificial bite gets tough, especially effective for trout holding in deeper pockets.
Redfish are the backbone of Port Aransas inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your drag system. Most reds in these waters run between 20 and 35 inches, with plenty of slot-sized fish that make fantastic table fare. They're year-round residents, but fall months bring the best action when schools push into shallow water to feed aggressively before winter. You'll find them cruising grass flats, ambushing bait around oyster reefs, and sometimes tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat – they'll slam topwater lures, inhale live shrimp, and chase down properly presented soft plastics. The initial run when you hook one is pure adrenaline, especially in shallow water where they have nowhere to hide.
Speckled trout are the technical challenge that keeps anglers coming back, requiring finesse and proper presentation to consistently fool. These spotted beauties average 14 to 20 inches in Port Aransas waters, with occasional wall-hangers pushing 25 inches or better. Spring and fall offer peak trout fishing, when they concentrate around grass lines and structure in predictable patterns. Trout have excellent eyesight and can be picky about lure color, size, and retrieve speed – which makes landing a limit all the more satisfying. They're ambush feeders that like to hold near cover, striking from below with lightning speed. The key is reading the water and understanding how they relate to baitfish movements and tidal flow.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore trio, with fish commonly weighing 10 to 30 pounds and occasional giants topping 40 pounds. These bottom-huggers use their pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs, making them incredibly strong fighters that test your endurance. Drum fishing peaks during spring months when they move shallow for spawning, but Port Aransas holds good numbers year-round. They're often found around shell beds and hard bottom areas, using their barbels to locate food in murky water. What makes drum fishing addictive is the solid, head-shaking fight they provide – no flashy jumps, just raw power and determination. When a big drum decides to run, you better have your drag set right and be ready for a battle.
Captain Larry's Port Aransas inshore trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This family-friendly charter gives you everything needed for a successful day on the water – expert guidance, quality gear, and access to productive fishing spots that produce consistent results. Just bring your valid Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks for the crew, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. The optional pickup service from Fisherman's Wharf makes it even easier to get on the water without worrying about boat ramp logistics. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when booking your preferred dates. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking for that next personal best, this trip delivers the kind of action that creates lasting memories and brings families back year after year.
Step aboard Captain Larry's spacious 24-foot Haynie catamaran for productive inshore fishing around Port Aransas. This 2023 boat cuts through shallow waters with ease, getting you to prime redfish and speckled trout spots quickly. The stable platform gives everyone room to cast comfortably while the GPS navigation and fish finder help locate where the black drum are holding. Built for Texas coast fishing, this Haynie handles everything from sight casting in the grass flats to working deeper channels. The shallow draft lets you access those back-bay honey holes where trophy redfish cruise. With all tackle provided and space for the whole family, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time worrying about gear. Perfect for introducing kids to saltwater fishing or seasoned anglers wanting to explore Port Aransas hotspots with local knowledge.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise muddy flats, oyster beds, and shallow bay areas where they use their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near oyster structure. The bigger fish are there, but you've got to get your bait down where they're feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here, known for those distinctive black spots near their tails and copper-red coloring. Most of our fish run 20-35 inches, but the big bulls can push 45+ inches and really test your tackle. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface on the flats. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy shorelines where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most aggressive. What guests love is their powerful runs and the sight-fishing opportunities in clear, shallow water. The meat is sweet and firm, great on the grill. My go-to tip: cast a gold spoon past a tailing redfish and work it back slowly - the flash drives them crazy.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets, averaging 14-24 inches and fighting way above their weight class. These spotted beauties love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning and evening are prime time. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is delicate and flaky, perfect for the dinner table if you don't overcook it. In winter, they school up in deeper channels, but most of the year you'll find them in 2-8 feet of water around structure. Pro tip: work a soft plastic shrimp or topwater plug slowly over grass beds at first light. When you see bait jumping, cast just beyond it and work back through.
Rockport, TX