Full-Day Port Aransas Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and black drumExpert local guide provides knowledge of Port Aransas fishing patternsLight tackle techniques for up to six skilled anglers
When you're looking for a serious day on the water targeting Port Aransas' best inshore species, this 8-hour charter with Mark's Guide Service delivers exactly what skilled anglers want. You'll fish the most productive flats, channels, and structure around Port Aransas where Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Sea Trout congregate in numbers. This isn't a tourist trip – it's designed for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to make every cast count. With room for just 2 guests, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that larger groups simply can't access.
Your day starts early, heading out to the prime inshore waters that make Port Aransas a top-rated fishing destination on the Texas coast. We're talking about fishing the grass flats behind Mustang Island, working the jetties, and hitting the deeper channels where big fish cruise looking for baitfish. The boat stays mobile throughout the day, moving from spot to spot based on tides, wind, and where the fish are biting. You'll cover a lot of water in 8 hours, from shallow flats where Redfish tail in knee-deep water to deeper structure where hefty Black Drum stack up. The dolphins that frequent these waters often put on a show, but the real entertainment comes when your drag starts screaming and you're fighting a quality fish in the gin-clear Texas coastal waters.
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing, which means you'll feel every headshake and run when you hook into a solid fish. We're using spinning gear and conventional reels spooled with 15-20 pound test, matched with rods that have enough backbone to turn fish but still let you feel the bite. Live bait is king here – we'll have fresh shrimp, croakers, and mullet depending on what's available and what the fish are eating. Artificial lures play a big role too, especially soft plastics worked along drop-offs and topwater plugs when conditions are right. Your guide knows exactly which presentations work best for each species and location, switching up techniques throughout the day based on tide movement, weather conditions, and fish behavior. Bottom fishing with circle hooks keeps things simple when targeting Sheepshead around structure, while wade fishing the flats with lighter gear puts you right in the action when Redfish are shallow.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with fish ranging from 20 to 40 pounds common in Port Aransas waters. These fish love structure – bridge pilings, jetty rocks, and oyster reefs where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, and when you hook a big drum on light tackle, you're in for a serious fight. They're not the fastest fish in the water, but they use their bulk and stubbornness to test your tackle and patience. The meat is excellent when properly prepared, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the table.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as the "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes and a serious attitude about structure. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, which makes them notorious bait stealers. Port Aransas jetties and piers hold good numbers year-round, with the biggest fish showing up in cooler months. They require patience and skill – light line, small hooks, and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs for bait. When you finally connect with a quality Sheepshead, their initial run and dogged fight makes all the stolen baits worth it. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Sea Trout, or Spotted Seatrout, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. Port Aransas grass flats come alive with trout activity from spring through fall, especially during early morning and late evening periods. These fish respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect targets for varied fishing techniques. Quality trout in the 3-5 pound range put up a spectacular fight on light tackle, jumping and making runs that test your drag settings. They school up in good numbers, so when you find them, the action stays consistent. The seasonal patterns are predictable – deeper water in winter, shallow flats in summer, with the biggest fish often holding in slightly deeper water adjacent to the main schools.
Redfish represent the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Port Aransas consistently produces quality fish in the 20-30 inch range. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive predators that attack everything from live bait to topwater plugs with authority. Summer months bring sight-fishing opportunities when reds cruise shallow flats with their backs out of water, creating heart-stopping visual encounters. Fall sees large schools of reds moving through the area during their spawning runs, providing world-class action for anglers who time it right. A hooked redfish makes powerful runs, using its broad tail and stocky build to put serious pressure on light tackle. They're also excellent table fare, though many anglers choose to release the bigger breeder fish to maintain the fishery.
This 8-hour inshore charter gives serious anglers the time and expertise needed to target Port Aransas' best fishing opportunities. With space for just 2 guests, you'll enjoy a personalized fishing experience that larger charter operations simply can't match. Your guide's local knowledge of seasonal patterns, productive structure, and effective techniques maximizes your chances of connecting with quality fish throughout the day. The combination of light tackle fishing, diverse target species, and 8 hours on the water creates the perfect recipe for a memorable fishing experience. Book your spot now and get ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after inshore species. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so secure your preferred date early.
Hit the productive inshore waters of Port Aransas aboard this sharp 2020 Haynie center console. At 24 feet with a powerful 250HP Mercury outboard, this fishing machine cruises at 45 knots to get you on the fish fast. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access – perfect for working light tackle on Redfish, Black Drum, and Flounder in the shallows. GPS navigation keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder helps locate schools of Pompano and Sheepshead. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of casting space without crowding. The boat's shallow draft lets your guide work those back bays and grass flats where the big Reds hide. Built for serious fishing, this Haynie handles Port Aransas' varied inshore conditions with ease.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the powerhouses of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring around spawning season is prime time when they school up and become much easier to target. What makes them special is that distinctive drumming sound they make - you'll actually hear them before you see them. They're solid table fare under 15 pounds, but the big ones are all about the fight. My go-to tip: use fresh crab for bait since it won't get picked off by catfish, and keep it right on the bottom where they feed. The key is being patient - they'll test your bait before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, easily spotted by their copper-bronze backs and that signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches, but we see plenty of slot fish perfect for dinner. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing - around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings some of the best action when they school up. What guests love is their powerful runs and that explosive topwater strike when they're feeding shallow. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The beauty is they'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, topwater plugs, soft plastics. My tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then approach quietly and make long, accurate casts.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with that beautiful spotted silver body. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially at night when they move up to feed. Spring and fall provide the most consistent action, though they bite year-round here. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic table fare with delicate white meat. Just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. They're scrappy fighters that will give you multiple jumps and runs. My favorite technique is working topwater plugs early morning over grass beds, or drifting live shrimp under a popping cork. The key is staying quiet - they spook easily in shallow water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black and gray stripes are some of the craftiest thieves in Port Aransas waters. Running 1-8 pounds typically, they hang tight around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties - feeding on barnacles and crabs. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they gather for spawning. What guests love is their scrappy fight and those famous human-like teeth that make for great photos. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet white meat. The challenge is their notorious bait-stealing skills - they'll nibble and pick at your offering. Here's the trick: get as close to structure as possible with fresh shrimp or crab, feel for that subtle weight, then set the hook hard and fast. Don't hesitate or they'll clean you out.
Port Aransas