Full Day Bay Fishing in Port Aransas Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting mackerel, snapper and redfishAll equipment provided including rods, reels and tackleExpert guides lead small groups to prime Aransas Bay spots
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive waters? This full-day guided bay fishing trip puts you right in the heart of Aransas Pass, where the action runs hot from sunrise to sunset. With just two anglers max, you're getting the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a day you'll be talking about for years. Our local guides know exactly where the fish are holding, and they're bringing decades of Port Aransas fishing knowledge to put you on the bite.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. We're talking intimate, hands-on fishing where every cast counts. Your guide will have you rigged and ready before you even leave the dock, with quality rods, reels, and tackle that can handle everything from scrappy trout to bull reds. The day kicks off early, giving you maximum time in prime fishing zones around Aransas Pass. You'll work shallow flats for redfish, hit structure for snapper, and maybe even get into some king mackerel if conditions are right. The beauty of bay fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you're working live bait along channel edges where the big trout hang out. Weather plays a huge role in where we fish, but that's where local knowledge shines. Your captain knows backup spots that most weekend warriors never see.
Bay fishing in Port Aransas is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish want. We'll be running everything from topwater plugs at first light to live bait under popping corks when the bite slows down. Drift fishing with soft plastics is deadly here, especially around shell reefs and drop-offs where snapper and sheepshead like to hang. When we're targeting kings, we'll troll spoons and live bait along structure. The tackle is sized perfectly for the species we're after – medium spinning gear that gives you the feel to detect subtle bites but has the backbone to turn a good fish away from structure. Your guide will handle all the rigging and re-rigging, plus they're constantly adjusting based on tide, wind, and what the fish are telling us. Live bait is often the key, and we'll spend time catching croakers, piggy perch, or shrimp depending on what's available and what the target species prefer.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and when they're biting in Aransas Pass, it's game on. These bottom dwellers average 15-25 pounds but can push much bigger. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll be working around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom. Snapper hit hard and fight harder, making long runs toward the safety of structure. Peak season runs from June through August, though they're catchable year-round in deeper water.
Sheepshead are the masters of bait theft, but that's what makes them so fun to target. These black-and-white striped bottom feeders have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish. They're finicky biters that require finesse and sharp hooks. Most sheepshead here run 2-4 pounds, though 8-10 pounders show up around deeper structure. Winter months are prime time when they school up for spawning.
King Mackerel bring the speed and power that gets every angler's heart racing. These silver bullets can hit 30+ mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Port Aransas kings typically range from 15-35 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 50+. They're migratory, so timing matters – spring and fall migrations offer the best shots at multiple hookups. Live bait trolled along current breaks and structure is the money technique.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots are ambush predators that love grass flats, shell reefs, and channel edges. A good trout here runs 3-6 pounds, though trophy fish over 8 pounds are possible. They're most active during cooler months and respond well to both artificial lures and live bait. The fight isn't overpowering, but their willingness to bite makes them perfect for building confidence.
Redfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in shallow water. These copper-colored bruisers cruise flats looking for crabs and shrimp, often with their backs out of water. Slot-size reds run 18-27 inches, but oversized bulls can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds. They're year-round residents, though fall brings the best numbers as they school up for spawning runs. Redfish fight with bulldogging power, making multiple runs and using their broad sides against the current.
Port Aransas bay fishing doesn't get much better than this – small groups, expert guidance, and access to some of the most productive waters on the Texas coast. With everything provided except your fishing license and cooler for your catch, all you need to bring is sunscreen and enthusiasm. The intimate setting means you'll learn techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends. These spots fill up quick, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Your next great fishing story is just a phone call away.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable Gulf Coast motorboat, powered by a dependable Suzuki 150 outboard that'll get you to the productive waters of Aransas Bay with ease. This well-equipped vessel comes with GPS navigation to pinpoint the hottest fishing spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of mackerel, snapper, and other targets lurking below. Perfect for up to 2 anglers, this boat offers plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without feeling cramped. The setup is ideal for working the inshore waters where redfish cruise the shallows and trout hide near structure. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position the boat over the best fishing grounds throughout your full day on the water. Whether you're targeting bottom species or working topwater lures, this boat provides a stable platform for landing your next great catch in the productive waters around Port Aransas.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your drag and your nerves. These silver bullets typically weigh around 30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds, with females getting bigger than males. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often roaming the open Gulf looking for baitfish schools. They're most active when water temps hit 68-84°F, making spring through fall our best seasons. What gets anglers hooked is that initial run - kings are fast as lightning and will peel line like crazy. The olive-colored backs fade to white bellies, and their razor-sharp teeth mean business. They make decent table fare with their grayish, fatty flesh, but handle with care due to mercury content. For success, troll with heavy tackle and wire leaders, or use live bait with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind, because they love attacking the tail end of their prey.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of the most prized catches in the Gulf, and for good reason. These beautiful fish turn bright red as they mature and typically run 1-2 feet long, weighing under 10 pounds, though we've seen some monsters over 35 pounds. You'll find them around structure in 30-200 feet of water - reefs, platforms, and rocky bottoms are their home. They're bottom dwellers with a serious attitude and will give you a real fight when hooked, often trying to run straight back to cover to cut your line. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps hit that sweet spot. The meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: use heavy weights and multiple hooks with fresh squid or live pinfish, and be ready to muscle them up quick before they wrap you around structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, and they never disappoint. These copper-colored fighters typically run 28-33 inches and can push 50 pounds, with that distinctive black eyespot near their tail that fools predators. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow bays in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they school up. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and the way they'll drag you through the shallows. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat on the table. They're not picky eaters and will hit everything from live shrimp to big topwater plugs. Pro tip: look for "tailing" fish in super shallow water and throw your bait just ahead of where they're moving - the strike will wake up the whole bay.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with their torpedo-shaped bodies covered in distinctive black spots. You'll find them over grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. They love cooler months when they school up in deeper channels, but summer evenings and nights can be magic on the flats. What makes them special is their willingness to hit artificials - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and jerk baits all work great. The meat is delicate and flaky with a mild flavor, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and make good runs. Best tip: work shallow grass flats at dawn or dusk with a popping cork and live shrimp, or try slow-trolling soft plastics along the edges.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, and they're some of the trickiest fish to hook in the bay. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but we've pulled 20-pounders from around the jetties. These guys live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings covered in barnacles. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing shellfish, which makes them notorious bait thieves. Spring is prime time when they move to spawn around channel passes and offshore platforms. What makes them special is the fight and that sweet, mild white meat - though those scales are tough to clean. They're picky eaters that'll nibble your bait clean off the hook. My advice: get your bait tight against the structure, use light tackle with shrimp or fiddler crab, and set the hook hard the moment you feel them.
Aransas Pass