Kid-Friendly Morning Fishing in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning fishing trip designed specifically for childrenCaptain Justin provides relaxed, beginnerfriendly instruction in bay watersAll fishing equipment and bait included for up to 2 guests
There's nothing quite like watching a kid's face light up when they hook their first fish. Captain Justin knows this better than anyone, which is why he's designed this special 4-hour morning trip just for families looking to get their young anglers started on the right foot. Based out of Port Aransas, this top-rated experience takes place in the calm, protected waters of the bay where kids can learn without the intimidation of rough seas or complex techniques. The trip keeps things simple and fun, with all gear provided so parents can focus on what really matters – making memories with their children on the water.
This isn't your typical charter where everyone's racing to land the biggest fish. Captain Justin creates a relaxed atmosphere where learning comes first and the pressure stays on shore. The 7:00 AM departure from J C Barr Blvd gives you the best part of the day – calm morning waters and active fish before the Texas heat kicks in. With space for up to 2 guests plus additional family members, there's plenty of room for everyone to participate without feeling crowded. The captain takes time to show kids how to hold a rod properly, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to stay safe around the boat. Parents love that they can actually relax and enjoy the experience instead of constantly worrying about safety or complicated gear.
Everything you need is already on board – rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. Captain Justin uses light tackle setups that are perfectly sized for smaller hands, making it easier for kids to feel every bite and manage their own fish. The fishing style focuses on bottom fishing and drift fishing techniques that are simple to learn but effective in these waters. You'll be using circle hooks for safety and easier releases, with live and cut bait that the local fish can't resist. The captain handles all the rigging and bait changes, so kids can concentrate on the fun parts – casting, feeling for bites, and reeling in their catches. No complicated lures or advanced techniques here, just solid fundamentals that will serve young anglers well as they grow into the sport.
Black drum are the bread and butter of this fishery, and kids absolutely love them. These copper-colored fighters range from 12 to 25 inches in the bay waters around Port Aransas, and they're active year-round with peak action during spring and fall months. What makes black drum perfect for young anglers is their steady, determined fight – not too crazy, but strong enough to get the adrenaline pumping. They're bottom feeders that love shrimp and crab, making them fairly predictable to catch when you know the right spots.
Summer flounder, or "fluke" as locals call them, are another customer favorite on these family trips. These flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy bottoms and ambushing bait that drifts overhead. They typically run 14 to 20 inches in these waters, with larger specimens possible during summer months. Kids get a kick out of their unique appearance and the way they seem to "pop" off the bottom when hooked. The fight is manageable for small hands, but still exciting enough to create lasting memories.
Sea trout are the most abundant species you'll encounter, and they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. These spotted beauties range from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to hefty 20-plus-inch specimens that will test a young angler's skills. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning being prime time – exactly when this trip takes place. Sea trout are aggressive feeders that often hit bait hard, giving kids that instant gratification that keeps them engaged and excited about fishing.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and when kids hook into one of these bronze bulldogs, they never forget it. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18 to 27 inches in the bay systems around Port Aransas. What makes reds special for young anglers is their powerful, sustained runs that feel much bigger than they actually are. They're most active during spring and fall, but can be caught year-round in these protected waters. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify, and kids love learning about how these fish use their superior senses to hunt in shallow, murky water.
This world-class introduction to fishing combines the perfect location, experienced guidance, and kid-focused approach that sets families up for success on the water. Captain Justin's patient teaching style and the calm bay waters of Port Aransas create an ideal learning environment where young anglers can build confidence and develop real fishing skills. With all gear included and plenty of species to target, this best trip choice takes the guesswork out of planning a family fishing adventure. The early morning departure means you'll be back on shore before the day gets too hot, leaving plenty of time for other Port Aransas activities. Don't wait – these popular family slots fill up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Captain Justin's 25-foot Mowdy bay boat is your ticket to a perfect morning on Port Aransas waters. Built in 2018 with a powerful 250HP Mercury engine, this fishing machine cuts smoothly through the bay while keeping young anglers comfortable and safe. The spacious layout gives kids plenty of room to cast their lines without getting tangled up, and the stable platform means less wobbling when they're reeling in their catch. An onboard icebox keeps drinks cold during the 4-hour trip, while the wireless trolling motor lets us quietly approach fish without spooking them. GPS navigation ensures we hit the best fishing spots in the bay. With space for your family and all the fishing gear included, this boat is set up to make your kids' first fishing adventure both successful and memorable on the calm inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season when they school up and become easier to target. They're fantastic fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Spring around March and April gives you the best shot at multiple fish. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom near oyster reefs. Be patient - they're deliberate feeders but worth the wait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and signature black spots near the tail. These beauties typically run 20-35 inches and fight like freight trains in skinny water. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and marshy shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action as they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. The smaller "slot" fish are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Watch for tailing fish in the shallows and approach quietly. Topwater plugs at sunrise create explosive strikes you'll never forget.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful silver fish covered in distinctive black spots. They typically range 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle fun. These fish love grass flats and shallow bay waters, especially around dawn and dusk when they feed most actively. Spring through fall provides consistent action, but cooler months can produce some of the biggest fish. Kids love them because they're eager biters and put up a great fight without being too overwhelming. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it. They're schooling fish, so where you catch one, you'll often find more. Pro tip: work topwater plugs over grass flats early morning or try live shrimp under a popping cork around structure.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on sandy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can surprise you with doormat-sized specimens over 5 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall months from September through November offer the best action as they feed heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is their unique sideways bite and excellent table quality - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They hang around sandy areas, channel edges, and structure in 10-30 feet of water. The key trick is using a slow drift with live minnows or strips, keeping your bait moving just off the bottom to trigger their predatory instincts.
Port Aransas