Kid-Friendly Afternoon Fishing in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon fishing trip designed specifically for families with childrenCaptain Justin provides handson instruction in calm inshore watersAll fishing equipment and bait included for hasslefree experience
Picture this: your kids' faces lighting up as they reel in their first redfish while the Texas sun starts its afternoon descent over the calm waters of Port Aransas. This 4-hour family fishing adventure with Capt. Justin isn't just another boat ride—it's the kind of afternoon that turns skeptical kids into passionate young anglers. Starting at 1:00 PM from J C Barr Blvd, this top-rated inshore experience takes you and up to one other guest into the protected waters where fish are plentiful and the action stays steady enough to keep everyone engaged.
Capt. Justin has mastered the art of keeping young anglers hooked—literally and figuratively. He knows that kids need constant action and hands-on learning, so he targets areas where the fish are cooperative and the bites come regularly. You'll spend your afternoon in the calm inshore flats and channels around Port Aransas, places where the water stays relatively flat and kids won't struggle with seasickness. The captain focuses on simple but effective techniques that kids can actually master, from casting to setting the hook to fighting fish properly. Every rod, reel, and piece of bait comes included, so all you need to bring are drinks, snacks, and maybe a camera to capture those priceless moments when your little one lands their personal best.
This isn't about complicated fly fishing or deep-sea trolling—it's about putting fish in the boat using methods that work for small hands and developing skills. Capt. Justin typically sets up his young anglers with medium-light spinning gear that's easy to handle but still gives them a real fight when they hook up. You'll primarily use live bait like shrimp and small crabs, which the local inshore species can't resist. The techniques focus on bottom fishing and sight casting when conditions allow, letting kids see their targets and understand what they're doing rather than just blindly dropping lines. The captain takes time to explain why you're fishing certain spots—like grass flats where trout hide or shallow oyster reefs where redfish cruise—turning each cast into a mini lesson about fish behavior and habitat.
Black drum are the bread and butter of kid-friendly fishing in these waters, especially during the cooler months from October through March. These chunky fish hang around structure and aren't shy about taking bait, making them perfect for young anglers who need that confidence boost. You'll typically find them in the 14 to 20-inch range around Port Aransas, and they put up a solid fight without being overwhelming for smaller kids. What makes black drum special is their predictable behavior—they feed heavily on the bottom around oyster reefs and pilings, so once you find them, you're usually in for steady action.
Summer flounder, or "doormat" flounder as locals call the bigger ones, provide some of the most exciting fishing from late spring through early fall. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Kids love the surprise factor when a flounder grabs their bait—one second they think they're snagged on the bottom, the next they're fighting a fish that's pulling sideways with surprising strength. The legal keepers run 15 inches and up, and a good flounder dinner is tough to beat when you're talking about fish that actually taste as good as they fight.
Sea trout, particularly speckled trout, are the glamour fish of the Texas coast and what many young anglers dream about catching. These silver beauties with distinctive black spots are most active during dawn and dusk, but afternoon trips can still produce excellent results, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. Specks are notorious for their soft mouths, which teaches kids the importance of steady pressure rather than horsing fish to the boat. During spring and fall, you'll encounter schools of keeper-sized trout in the 15 to 18-inch range, with the occasional "gator trout" over 20 inches that'll make both kids and adults lose their minds with excitement.
Redfish are hands down the most popular target for family fishing trips, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive, plentiful, and absolutely beautiful with their distinctive black spots near the tail. Port Aransas reds typically run from slot-sized fish around 20 to 28 inches up to bull reds over 30 inches that'll test your drag and your kids' determination. What makes redfish perfect for young anglers is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, from live shrimp to cut bait, and their habit of feeding in shallow water where you can actually spot them cruising and make targeted casts. The fight they put up is honest and strong without the crazy jumps or line-stripping runs that might intimidate beginners.
This world-class family fishing experience books up fast, especially during the prime fall and spring months when the weather's perfect and the fish are most cooperative. Capt. Justin's customer-favorite approach to working with kids and beginners has made this trip a trending choice for Port Aransas families and visitors looking to create lasting memories on the water. With all gear included and a captain who genuinely loves teaching young anglers, you're getting exceptional value in a 4-hour package that delivers both education and entertainment. The afternoon timing means you can enjoy a relaxed morning before heading out, and you'll be back on shore with plenty of evening left to clean your catch and plan dinner. Don't let another season slip by—book your family's fishing adventure today and give your kids the kind of afternoon that turns into stories they'll tell for years.
Captain Justin's 25-foot Mowdy bay boat is your ticket to a perfect afternoon of family fishing in Port Aransas. This 2018 vessel runs on a reliable 250HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the best inshore spots quickly and smoothly. The boat's stable design makes it ideal for kids learning to cast and reel in their first catch. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your fish fresh, while the wireless trolling motor lets you glide quietly through shallow bay waters without spooking the fish. GPS navigation ensures you'll find the productive fishing holes where redfish and trout like to hang out. With room for up to 5 people, there's plenty of space for young anglers to move around safely while they master their fishing skills in the calm inshore waters around Port Aransas.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are hefty bottom-feeders that'll test your patience and reward it with a solid fight. These gray-black bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds in our waters, though we occasionally hook monsters pushing 50+. They love hanging around oyster beds, shallow mud flats, and pier pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. What makes them special? They're surprisingly strong fighters that make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and keep it right on the bottom - drum rarely chase anything more than a few inches off the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the superstars of our inshore waters and perfect for family trips. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches with that famous black spot near their tail that kids love spotting. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with backs out of water, around grass beds and oyster reefs. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes them special? They fight hard, look cool with their bronze color, and smaller ones make excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Plus, they're not spooky, so beginners can get close shots. Here's my go-to trick for families: use live shrimp under a popping cork in 2-4 feet of water. Keep the boat quiet and watch for those telltale "V" wakes or tailing fish. When you spot one, cast well ahead and let them find the bait.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing. These silvery beauties with distinctive black spots typically run 14-20 inches and put up a scrappy fight that's just right for young anglers. They cruise grass flats and shallow bay waters, especially around oyster bars and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Cooler months see them schooled up in deeper holes, while summer finds them scattered across the flats. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and excellent table quality - soft, white meat that's hard to mess up in the kitchen. They're also pretty forgiving for beginners to land. Best local tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and when you see that cork disappear, count to three before setting the hook. They have soft mouths, so don't horse them in.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. These flatfish typically measure 15-20 inches and make great targets for families since they're not too big for kids to handle. You'll find them buried in sand near structure, inlet mouths, and channel edges where they ambush passing baitfish. Fall months from September through November offer the best action when they're actively feeding before winter. What guests love most is the surprise factor - you never know when that "piece of bottom" will come alive on your line. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them chew on the bait for a few seconds since they bite sideways and need time to get it positioned right.
Port Aransas