Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, trout, flounder, and black drumAll fishing gear, rods, reels, bait, and tackle providedSmall group experience with maximum capacity of two guests
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species? Russell & Sons Outdoors has you covered with this top-rated Port Aransas fishing charter that puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking prime Texas bay fishing at its finest – shallow flats loaded with redfish, trout holes that produce consistently, and flounder structure that'll keep your rods bent. This isn't some crowded party boat deal either. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and the kind of fishing spots that only locals know about. The afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal here, especially when the baitfish start moving and predators follow them into the shallows.
Your afternoon starts at the dock where Captain Russell will get you rigged up and ready to fish. We're launching into some of the most productive inshore waters Texas has to offer – the back bay systems around Port Aransas that have been producing trophy fish for decades. The beauty of afternoon charters is you're hitting that prime feeding window when the sun starts to angle down and fish get active again after the midday lull. You'll be working everything from grass flats where redfish cruise in inches of water to deeper pockets where speckled trout stack up. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's breezy offshore, we're still fishing comfortably. Don't worry about bringing anything but yourself and maybe some snacks – we've got all the rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait covered. The goal is simple: put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
We fish smart here, not hard. That means reading the conditions and adjusting our approach to match what the fish want that day. Some afternoons we'll be sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats using topwater plugs that'll make your heart skip a beat when they explode on the surface. Other days, we're working live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds where trout like to ambush baitfish. For flounder, we'll drift soft plastics along structure and channel edges where these flatfish wait to ambush prey. The tackle is perfectly matched to each technique – medium-action rods with smooth drags for those redfish runs, lighter setups for finicky trout, and sensitive tips for feeling those subtle flounder bites. Black drum fishing often involves heavier jigs bounced along the bottom near shell beds and structure. Captain Russell reads the water like a book and adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on tides, wind, and what the fish are telling us.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Port Aransas has some absolute bulls. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches but can push well over 30 inches and 10 pounds. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster fish. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs toward structure and use their broad shoulders to bulldoze through the water. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail and bronze coloration that gleams in the afternoon sun.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional specimens pushing 25+ inches and 6-7 pounds. They're most active during cooler months but bite year-round in deeper holes and around structure. Trout have a delicate bite that requires finesse, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Their silver sides dotted with black spots make them one of the prettiest fish in the bay, and they're known for acrobatic jumps when hooked.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat against sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically range from 14-18 inches but can grow much larger – a 4-5 pound "doormat" flounder is a real trophy. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward passes to spawn, making them more aggressive and easier to target. Flounder provide excellent table fare and their unique appearance always gets newcomers excited. The key is feeling their subtle pickup – they'll inhale a bait and barely move, so you need to stay alert.
Black drum are the heavy hitters of the inshore scene, often weighing 5-15 pounds with occasional giants pushing 30+ pounds. These dark, stocky fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and put up a strong, steady fight that'll test your tackle. They're most active in spring and fall around structure like jetties, reefs, and shell beds. Black drum have a distinctive barbel under their chin and produce a drumming sound using special muscles – hence the name. They're not the prettiest fish but they're tremendous fighters and excellent eating when prepared properly.
This customer-favorite afternoon charter consistently delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back to Port Aransas year after year. With Russell & Sons Outdoors, you're getting decades of local knowledge, top-quality gear, and access to productive waters that produce fish when others struggle. The 2-angler limit means you get personalized instruction and maximum fishing time without dealing with crowds. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just enjoy a few hours on beautiful Texas bays, this trip delivers. Remember to bring cash for that well-deserved 20% tip – your captain will earn it by putting you on fish and sharing the kind of local knowledge you can't get anywhere else. Don't wait too long to reserve your spot, especially during peak seasons when the best dates fill up fast.
Jump aboard this center console flats boat built for chasing redfish and trout through Port Aransas's shallow waters. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the onboard fish finder helps locate those productive spots where the action happens. You'll have access to GPS navigation to hit the best fishing grounds, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained between bites. This versatile boat handles the shallow flats and deeper bay waters with ease, getting you to where the redfish are cruising and the speckled trout are feeding. Perfect for targeting flounder along the drop-offs or working the grass beds for black drum. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring your appetite for some serious Gulf Coast fishing action.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore scene, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These bruisers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow bay areas where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is your best shot when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them drumming underwater. They put up a serious fight with strong, steady runs that'll test your drag. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic eating, but the big ones get tough and wormy. My go-to setup is fresh blue crab on bottom with enough weight to stay put. Fish the incoming tide around oyster reefs, and be patient - they're not speed demons but when they bite, you'll know it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots cruise flats in 1-4 feet, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They average 20-28 inches and put up fights that'll make your drag sing. You'll spot them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and marsh edges year-round, but fall brings the best action. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and strong runs through shallow water. They're also great eating when kept within slot limits. My favorite approach is throwing topwater plugs early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: when you see their backs or tails, cast past them and work your bait into their path - spook one and you'll spook the whole school.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter fish here in Port Aransas bays. These beauties average 14-18 inches with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. You'll find them over grass flats, around shell pads, and near drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare - tender, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They school up and once you find them, it's game on. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics work great too. Here's my trick: when the bite gets tough, switch to a slower presentation and downsize your bait. These fish can be picky but they're worth the effort.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our bay waters. These flat fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, changing color to match perfectly. You'll find them in 1-6 feet of water around structure like jetties, drop-offs, and oyster reefs. They average 15-18 inches but can hit 25+ inches. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward passes and deeper water to spawn. What makes them special is their ambush-style feeding and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: use a slow retrieve with your bait right on bottom. Bull minnows and live shrimp work best, but don't rush the hookset when you feel that subtle tap. Count to three, then drive it home.
Port Aransas, TX