5.0(2 Reviews)Port Aransas 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and black drumExpert local guides provide light tackle fishing instructionSmall group experience with two guest maximum capacity
Nothing beats getting out on the Texas coast with a rod in your hand and the morning sun warming your back. Captain Mark's 4-hour inshore charter puts you right in the heart of Port Aransas' best fishing grounds, where the bays are loaded with redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and sea trout. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting started. Plus, you'll likely have some dolphin company along the way, which always makes for a good story back at the dock.
Your 4-hour adventure starts early when the fish are most active and the Texas heat hasn't kicked in yet. Mark runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want quality time on the water without the crowds. The boat accommodates just two anglers, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. We'll cruise the productive flats and channels around Port Aransas, hitting spots that consistently produce fish year-round. The shallow inshore waters here are absolutely perfect for light tackle fishing, giving you that heart-pounding fight when a red hits your bait. Don't worry about experience level – Mark's patient with beginners and knows how to challenge seasoned anglers too. The dolphins that frequently show up are just icing on the cake, often following the boat and putting on a show while you're fighting fish.
We fish light tackle exclusively on these trips, which means you'll feel every headshake and run when you hook up. Mark provides all the gear you need – quality spinning rods matched with reels that can handle whatever these inshore species throw at you. We'll work with live bait, soft plastics, and topwater lures depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The beauty of Port Aransas fishing is the variety of structure – grass flats for reds, deeper channels for black drum, and oyster reefs where sheepshead like to hang out. Mark reads the water constantly, adjusting techniques based on tide, wind, and fish movement. You'll learn to work a soft plastic through the grass, present live shrimp around structure, and maybe even get some topwater action if the trout are cooperating. The shallow water sight fishing here is world-class when conditions align – there's nothing like watching a big red cruise up to your bait in crystal clear water.
"Took my family - me, wife, 18 yr old, and 13 yr old on 1/2 day bay trip. We each caught a slot redfish, and one speckled trout. Capt. Mark was knowledgeable and took us to where the fish were. He was patient with my family and I and stayed longer to try to catch more fish. Although the bite was a little slow, we had a great time. I wouldnt hesitate to use Capt. Mark again." - Derek
"Captain Mark was great. Be accepted a last minute request and was a true professional about it. The fishing was tough but he put his resources and knowledge to use. He tried several areas and talked with other guides to get us on fish. He's a great guide and I wouldn't hesitate to use him again." - Henry
Black drum are the heavyweights of the Port Aransas flats, and these bruisers will test your drag system when they decide to run. They hang around oyster bars and deeper channels, especially during cooler months from November through March. What makes black drum so exciting is their size – we're talking fish that can push 30 pounds or more. They're also incredibly strong fighters that use their broad sides to leverage against you. Mark knows exactly where to find them based on tide and season, and landing one of these tank-like fish is always a trip highlight.
Sheepshead might be the most challenging fish you'll target on this trip, but that's what makes them so rewarding. These convict-striped bait thieves have human-like teeth and can steal your bait faster than you can blink. They love structure – think pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs where they pick off crabs and barnacles. Winter months from December through February are prime time for sheepshead, when they school up in deeper water. The key is using the right bait presentation and developing lightning-fast reflexes for the hookset. When you finally connect with a good sheepshead, you'll understand why they're considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Port Aransas fishing. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch specks year-round in these productive waters. They school up over grass flats and sandy potholes, often feeding in water shallow enough to see them. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to bite and the variety of techniques that work. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner table when prepared right.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Port Aransas has some of the most consistent redfish action on the coast. These copper-colored fighters are built for shallow water battles, with broad tails that let them make blistering runs across the flats. Reds feed year-round but really turn on during fall months when they school up for their spawning runs. They're opportunistic feeders that'll crush everything from cut bait to artificial lures. The sight fishing opportunities for reds here are world-class – watching a 28-inch red inhale your bait in two feet of clear water never gets old. They're also excellent table fare, though many anglers practice catch and release to keep the fish
Step aboard our 2020 Haynie 24-footer and get ready to chase redfish and flounder in the productive waters around Port Aransas. This center console runs on a smooth 250HP Mercury that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 45 knots when the fish are biting elsewhere. The GPS keeps us on track to the best fishing grounds while the fish finder shows exactly where your next catch is hiding below. Perfect for 2 anglers who want plenty of elbow room to work their lines without bumping into each other. The shallow draft design lets us slip into those back-bay areas where the big reds like to feed, and when dolphins start following the boat, you know you're in prime fishing territory. This boat handles Port Aransas' inshore waters like a dream, whether we're drifting over oyster reefs for sheepshead or working the grass flats for black drum and pompano.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90+ pounds. These powerful bottom-feeders love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around Port Aransas, using their crusher jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're famous for their bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a fish-finder rig and keep your bait right on bottom - they won't chase anything more than a few inches up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, with that copper-bronze color and signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches, but the shallow flats around Port Aransas hold some real bruisers. They love water so skinny their backs show, cruising oyster reefs and grass beds hunting for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What gets anglers hooked is their powerful runs and that explosive topwater strike - pure adrenaline. They're also fantastic on the table with sweet, firm meat. Key tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then make long casts ahead of them with gold spoons or topwater plugs.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, typically 14-24 inches and perfect for light tackle action. These spotted beauties love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around Port Aransas where the bay systems provide ideal habitat. Dawn and dusk are prime times, with cooler months bringing some of the best fishing when they school up in deeper pockets. They're aggressive strikers that'll hit topwaters, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The delicate white meat is fantastic eating - just don't overcook it. Local secret: work the edges of grass beds with a popping cork and live shrimp, letting it drift naturally with the current. When you see bait jumping, get your lure in there fast.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, typically running 1-8 pounds though 20-pounders lurk around the jetties. They're structure junkies - anywhere you find barnacle-covered pilings, bridge supports, or oyster beds, you'll find sheepshead picking at their favorite meal. Spring brings the best action when they gather in big schools. What makes them fun is those human-like teeth and their reputation as bait thieves - they'll nibble your hook clean if you're not paying attention. The white, mild meat is outstanding eating. My go-to trick: get your bait tight to structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they have crushing power in those jaws.
5.0 out of 5.0Took my family - me, wife, 18 yr old, and 13 yr old on 1/2 day bay trip. We each caught a slot redfish, and one speckled trout. ...
Captain Mark was great. Be accepted a last minute request and was a true professional about it. The fishing was tough but he put...
Port Aransas