Port Aransas Private Fishing Charter Experience
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter targets redfish and speckled troutExpert captain provides light tackle and jigging techniquesPrivate trips accommodate up to 2 guests maximum
When you're looking for a solid half-day fishing trip along the Texas coast, Port Aransas delivers some of the most consistent inshore action you'll find anywhere. This 4-hour private charter gives you and one other angler exclusive access to our top-rated fishing grounds, where redfish, black drum, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead are waiting. With eight years of guiding experience in these waters, I know exactly where to find fish when others are coming back empty-handed. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing reds for decades, this trip is built around what's biting and what you want to learn.
We'll launch from Port Aransas and head straight to productive inshore waters where the fish actually live. No long boat rides or wasted time – we're talking about getting lines wet within minutes of leaving the dock. The morning trips typically start around sunrise when the water's calm and the fish are actively feeding. Afternoon charters catch that second feeding window when the tide turns and baitfish start moving again. You'll be fishing in water that ranges from two to eight feet deep, working around grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where predator fish set up to ambush their next meal. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's breezy outside the pass, we're still fishing comfortably. This isn't about enduring rough conditions – it's about putting you on fish in the most productive zones Port Aransas has to offer.
Light tackle fishing is what makes this experience special. We're using spinning reels with 15 to 20-pound test line, which gives you the perfect balance of sensitivity and strength for inshore species. You'll feel every tap and run without overpowering the fish or breaking them off in structure. Jigging is our bread and butter technique here – working soft plastics and bucktail jigs along the bottom where black drum and sheepshead hang out, or bouncing them through the water column to trigger reaction strikes from trout and redfish. Popping is where things get visual and exciting. When fish are feeding on top or cruising shallow flats, we'll throw topwater plugs that create commotion and draw explosive strikes you can see coming from 20 feet away. I'll have you rigged with the right lure for whatever we're seeing, and I'll walk you through each technique until you're working the bait like you've been doing it for years. All tackle and bait are included, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats – these fish pull hard and don't give up easily. They spend most of their time rooting around oyster bars and mud bottoms, looking for crabs and shrimp. You'll find them in water anywhere from three to six feet deep, and they're most active during moving tides. Black drum here in Port Aransas typically run between five and fifteen pounds, though we occasionally hook into much larger fish. What makes them fun to catch is their fighting style – they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll pull steady and strong right to the boat. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall give you the best shot at bigger numbers and larger fish.
Summer flounder are masters of camouflage and ambush predation. They bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. The key to catching flounder is patience and proper presentation – you need to keep your bait moving along the bottom without rushing it. Port Aransas flounder are typically in the 14 to 20-inch range, with some reaching keeper size and others going back to fight another day. They're most active from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warm and baitfish are abundant. What anglers love about flounder fishing is the challenge – these fish are smart and selective, so when you do hook up, you've earned it.
Sheepshead are the ultimate structure fish and arguably the best table fare you'll find in these waters. They hang around anything vertical – pilings, rocks, oyster clusters – using their strong jaws to crush barnacles and small crabs. Sheepshead fishing requires finesse and quick reflexes because they're notorious bait stealers. You need to feel the bite and set the hook immediately, or they'll clean you out and leave you wondering what happened. Port Aransas sheepshead are typically in the one to three-pound range, and they're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn. The reward for mastering sheepshead technique is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Port Aransas has some of the most consistent red fishing on the coast. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive predators that will eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Reds here typically run between 18 and 28 inches, putting them right in the slot for keeping or in that trophy range where you'll want photos before releasing them. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat and their fighting ability – they'll make long runs, pull drag, and give you a workout on light tackle. You can catch redfish year-round in Port Aransas, but late summer and early fall are prime time when they school up in big numbers. Whether you're sight fishing them on shallow flats or working deeper grass beds, reds are always willing to play.
This private charter gives you the flexibility and personalized attention you won't get on larger boats. With just two anglers maximum, you're getting hands-on instruction, prime fishing spots, and the ability to focus on what you want to catch. Eight years of experience in Port Aransas waters
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 23' Majek M2 Illusion, a specialized inshore boat built for serious angling in Port Aransas waters. This sleek fishing machine handles up to 5 anglers comfortably while targeting redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder, and sheepshead in the shallow coastal waters. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water. Twin Raptor power anchors keep you positioned perfectly over fishing spots, while the wireless trolling motor lets us approach fish quietly without spooking them. The live well keeps your bait fresh and active, and the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where fish hang out. Stay comfortable under the shade top during those hot Texas afternoons, and keep your drinks cold in the onboard icebox. GPS navigation ensures we hit all the best fishing spots efficiently. All rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait are provided, so you can focus on what matters most – landing fish and enjoying your time on the beautiful Texas coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our waters, running 5-30 pounds typically, but monsters over 50 pounds show up regularly. These grey-black bruisers love oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the best action. What makes them special? They're incredibly strong fighters with those crushing jaws built for shellfish. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab on a circle hook and keep your bait right on bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, wait a beat before setting - they like to mouth the bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature species - bronze-colored beauties with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They range from slot-sized fish around 20-28 inches up to bull reds over 30 pounds. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster reefs, and shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs - they'll take topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. The meat on slot fish is mild and sweet. Pro tip: when sight-fishing, cast your lure 3-4 feet ahead of cruising fish and let them find it - drop it right on their head and you'll spook them every time.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're crafty bait thieves. Most run 2-5 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles. Winter and early spring are peak times when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them fun is the challenge - those human-like teeth can steal bait faster than you'd believe. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, firm white meat. The secret is using small pieces of fresh shrimp or fiddler crab on a #1 circle hook, keeping your bait tight to the pilings. When you feel them pecking, set the hook hard and fast - hesitate and they'll clean you out.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some real doormat-sized fish pushing 5-6 pounds. They love structure transitions where sand meets shell or grass beds in 8-25 feet. Fall months from September through November give us the best shots when they're feeding heavily before winter. What guests love most is how they fight - that sideways pull feels completely different from other fish. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig tipped with live shrimp or mullet, bouncing it slowly along bottom near structure edges.
Port Aransas, TX