Half Day Kid-Friendly Afternoon Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon fishing trip designed for families with childrenCaptain Justin provides hands-on learning experience for young anglersAll fishing equipment and bait included with calm inshore waters
Looking for a perfect way to get the kids hooked on fishing? This 4-hour afternoon trip with Captain Justin is exactly what you need. Starting at 1:00 PM from J C Barr Blvd, this top-rated family experience takes you into Port Aransas' calm inshore waters where young anglers can learn the ropes without getting overwhelmed. With all gear provided and a captain who knows how to keep kids engaged, you'll spend your afternoon targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most fun fish to catch. Whether your little ones have never held a rod or they've been practicing in the backyard, this trip is designed to build confidence and create lasting memories on the water.
Captain Justin runs a relaxed operation that's all about making sure families have a blast. You'll fish the protected bays and flats around Port Aransas, where the water stays calm and the action is steady. The boat is set up with safety in mind, and there's plenty of room for up to 2 guests with space for more if needed. Kids love the hands-on approach here – they'll learn to cast, set the hook, and fight fish with guidance every step of the way. The afternoon timing works great for families since kids aren't getting up at dawn, and the fish are usually pretty active during these hours. You'll spend most of your time sight fishing and bottom fishing in shallow water where redfish cruise the grass beds and trout hang around structure.
Everything's included, so don't worry about bringing tackle. Captain Justin provides age-appropriate rods and reels that kids can actually handle – no heavy offshore gear here. You'll mostly be using live shrimp and cut bait, which are perfect for the species you're targeting. The techniques are simple but effective: live bait fishing under popping corks, bottom rigs for drum and flounder, and some light tackle casting when the opportunity presents itself. Kids pick up these methods quickly, and there's nothing like seeing their excitement when they feel that first bite. The captain keeps multiple rods rigged and ready, so if someone gets hung up or loses a fish, there's always backup gear to keep the action going.
Black drum are absolute favorites with young anglers because they fight hard and don't give up easy. These chunky fish hang around oyster reefs and grass flats throughout the year, with spring and fall being prime time. Kids love them because once hooked, drum make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear and feel through the rod. They're not the prettiest fish, but they'll give your arms a workout and teach kids what a real fish fight feels like.
Summer flounder, or fluke as some folks call them, are the masters of disguise in these waters. They bury themselves in sandy bottom waiting to ambush baitfish, and kids get a kick out of how these flat fish suddenly appear out of nowhere. Best fishing for flounder happens during warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed. They're excellent eating too, which makes the trip even more rewarding for families who like to take dinner home.
Sea trout are probably the most consistent biters you'll encounter on this trip. These beautiful silver fish with distinctive spots love grass beds and drop-offs, and they're active year-round in Port Aransas. Trout are perfect for teaching kids because they bite aggressively and aren't too hard to land. Spring through fall offers the best action, but even winter days can produce some nice fish. They make great table fare and are a real confidence builder for new anglers.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows in schools, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Kids remember their first redfish forever because these fish pull drag and make runs that get everyone excited. They're available year-round, but fall brings the best numbers as schools move through the area. The sight fishing opportunities for reds in shallow water make this trip extra special – there's nothing like watching kids' faces when they see their target swimming right up to the boat.
This customer favorite trip books up fast, especially during peak season and holidays when families are looking for activities everyone can enjoy together. Captain Justin's reputation for working well with kids and creating positive fishing experiences makes this one of Port Aransas' most sought-after family trips. The afternoon schedule works perfectly for families who want to enjoy their morning at the beach or around town, then cap off the day with some world-class inshore fishing. With all gear included and a captain who genuinely enjoys teaching kids to fish, this trip delivers exactly what busy families need – hassle-free fun on the water. Don't wait to secure your dates, because the best family fishing experiences in Port Aransas fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on creating these memories with your young anglers.
You'll be fishing from a reliable 2018 25-foot Mowdy bay boat that's perfectly suited for Port Aransas inshore waters. Powered by a smooth 250HP Mercury engine, this vessel gets you to the fishing spots quickly while providing a stable platform once you're there. The boat's design handles choppy bay waters with ease, so kids can focus on landing fish instead of worrying about the ride. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the wireless trolling motor lets Captain Justin position the boat quietly over productive fishing areas without spooking the fish. GPS navigation ensures you'll find the best spots where redfish, trout, and other local species are biting. With room for up to 5 people total, there's plenty of space for young anglers to move around safely and learn proper casting techniques. The boat's low profile makes it easy for kids to see over the sides and spot fish in the shallow waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the giants of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds in our waters, though the big bulls can push 50+ pounds. These chunky fighters love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they cruise around crushing crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. Kids love the steady pull these fish give, nothing crazy but a solid fight that won't wear them out. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh cut crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit on the bottom - these fish are in no hurry, so patience pays off.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, perfect for kids and beginners. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black spot near their tail typically run 20-35 inches in our shallow waters. They cruise the flats in 1-4 feet, sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and that steady, bulldogging fight that's exciting but manageable for young anglers. Plus they're excellent table fare. Look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows. My favorite setup for families is live shrimp under a popping cork - simple and effective.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are probably the most cooperative fish for families. They average 14-24 inches and love our grass flats in 2-4 feet of water. These silvery beauties with black spots are active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What kids love is how willing they are to bite - artificial shrimp under a popping cork is almost guaranteed action. They're also fantastic eating with delicate, white meat that's hard to mess up. Trout school up and where you catch one, you'll usually find more. The trick is working the edges of grass beds early morning or late afternoon. Don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft and you'll pull the hook right out.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and can completely change their color to match the seafloor. They're ambush predators that bury themselves and wait for baitfish to swim by. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're most active. What makes them special is that unique sideways bite and the way they fight - lots of head shaking once hooked. The meat is excellent, sweet and flaky. Kids get a kick out of seeing both eyes on one side of their head! My go-to technique is drifting live minnows or sea worms on circle hooks near structure. Keep your bait moving slightly - a motionless offering often gets ignored.
Port Aransas