Half Day Morning Fishing Trip in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targets popular bay speciesAll equipment and bait provided for convenient experienceFamilyfriendly guided adventure accommodates all skill levels
There's nothing quite like being on the water when the sun starts painting the Texas coast in those first golden hours of the day. That's exactly what you'll get with Captain Justin's half-day morning fishing adventure in Port Aransas. This 4-hour guided trip kicks off at 7:00 AM from J C Barr Blvd, putting you right in the heart of some of the most productive inshore waters along the Gulf Coast. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique or bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing, this top-rated experience delivers the perfect mix of action and education without the commitment of a full-day charter.
Captain Justin knows these bay systems like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting clients on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. The morning departure time isn't just about beating the heat – though that's a nice bonus during those scorching Texas summers. Early morning is prime time for inshore species, when the water's still cool and fish are actively feeding in the shallows. You'll be fishing the productive flats, grass beds, and structure around Port Aransas where redfish cruise the shorelines and speckled trout hold tight to drop-offs. The boat comfortably handles up to 2 guests, though there's flexibility for larger groups, making it perfect for couples, father-son trips, or close friends who want a more personalized experience on the water.
One of the best parts about this charter is that everything's taken care of for you – rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all included in the package. Captain Justin runs quality spinning gear that's perfect for the light tackle inshore game, typically spooled with braided line for better sensitivity and hook sets. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself throwing soft plastics on jig heads, working topwater plugs during those magical early morning feeding frenzies, or soaking live shrimp under popping corks. The captain's approach is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day, and he's always ready to switch tactics if the bite slows down. You'll learn proper casting techniques, how to work different lures, and the subtle art of detecting those light trout bites that can easily go unnoticed by inexperienced anglers.
Black drum are one of those underrated fighters that'll surprise you with their bulldogging power. These copper-colored bruisers love to hang around oyster reefs and structure, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. In Port Aransas waters, you'll find them ranging from keeper-sized 14-inchers up to trophy specimens pushing 30 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime time for big drum, though they're catchable year-round. What makes them special is that sustained fight – they don't jump like a tarpon, but they'll test your drag and your patience with long, determined runs toward the bottom.
Summer flounder, or fluke as they're often called, are the masters of camouflage in these Texas bays. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms with just their eyes exposed, waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. They're typically more active during the warmer months, hence the "summer" in their name, and Port Aransas offers some excellent flounder fishing around the jetties and deeper bay areas. A good keeper flounder – anything over 15 inches – makes for outstanding table fare, and there's something deeply satisfying about fooling these ambush predators with a well-presented soft plastic or live finger mullet.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted flanks are abundant in the grass flats and shell beds around Port Aransas. They're active feeders that respond well to both artificial lures and live bait, making them perfect for anglers still learning the ropes. The best action typically happens during the cooler months when bigger "gator" trout move into the shallows, though schoolie-sized fish provide consistent action throughout the year. There's nothing quite like the subtle thump of a trout picking up your lure, followed by that head-shaking fight as they try to throw the hook.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Captain Justin knows exactly where to find these bronze-backed beauties. These drum family members are built for the shallow water game, with their downturned mouths perfect for rooting around in the mud for crabs and shrimp. Port Aransas redfish are famous for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, especially when you hook into a bull red pushing the 28-inch slot limit. They're year-round residents that school up in big numbers during the fall, but smaller groups can be targeted throughout the seasons around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shallow bay shorelines.
This half-day morning trip hits all the right notes for anyone looking to experience world-class inshore fishing without breaking the bank or burning a whole day. Captain Justin's local knowledge, quality equipment, and laid-back teaching style make it a customer favorite among both beginners and experienced anglers. The early start time means you'll be back at the dock by 11:00 AM with the rest of your day free to explore Port Aransas, grab some lunch, or just relax on the beach. With all tackle and bait included and room for up to 2 guests in a comfortable, personalized setting, this is the kind of fishing experience that creates lasting memories and keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best guides book up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Captain Justin's 25-foot Mowdy bay boat is your ticket to productive morning fishing in Port Aransas waters. Built in 2018 with a powerful 250HP Mercury engine, this boat cuts through the bay smoothly while you focus on landing your catch. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work the water, whether you're casting for redfish in the shallows or drifting for trout along the grass beds. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your fish fresh, while the wireless trolling motor lets Captain Justin position the boat quietly without spooking the fish. GPS navigation ensures you hit the best fishing spots around the bay. With all tackle and bait provided, you just need to show up ready to fish these famous Texas coastal waters at first light.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, ranging from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 30+ pound bulls. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. These fish are tough fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab bait and keep it right on the bottom - they won't come up to chase anything, so get your offering down to their level.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish we catch run 20-28 inches, but you never know when a bull red over 30 inches might show up to test your skills. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and shoreline structure. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer peak action. Guests love redfish because they fight hard, look beautiful, and smaller ones taste great with a mild, sweet flavor. Watch for nervous water and tailing fish in the shallows, then make a quiet approach and cast ahead of them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our bay fishing, with most fish running 14-20 inches and putting up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Look for them over grass flats, around structure, and in 2-8 feet of water - they love those transition zones where grass meets sand. Early morning and evening hours produce best, especially during cooler months when they're more active. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic on the dinner table with delicate, white meat. The tricky part is not overcooking them since the meat is softer than other species. Local secret: work topwater plugs over the grass beds at first light - when they blow up on the surface, it's pure magic.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-20 inches, but you might hook into a doormat pushing 5+ pounds. They're ambush predators that love channel edges, drop-offs, and structure in 10-30 feet of water. Fall months from September through November offer the hottest action as they fatten up before moving offshore. What makes them special is their explosive strike and the challenge of finding them - plus they're hands down some of the best eating fish in our waters. Here's the key: work your bait slowly along the bottom and be ready to set the hook fast when you feel that telltale tap-tap.
Port Aransas