Duck Hunt & Wade Fishing Combo in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Morning duck hunting followed by wade fishing for redfish and troutCaptain Cory guides guests through prime Texas coastal hunting locationsEquipment rental available with valid hunting and fishing licenses required
There's nothing quite like a cast and blast adventure along the Texas coast, and Captain Cory knows how to make it count. This 9-hour combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – early morning duck hunting when the birds are flying, followed by wade fishing for redfish and speckled trout. You'll hit prime hunting spots around Port Aransas before the sun gets too high, then switch gears and work the flats with artificial lures. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to add some fishing action or someone who's always wanted to try this classic combo, you're in for a full day of outdoor action that shows off what makes the Texas coast special.
Captain Cory starts things off before dawn, getting you positioned in productive duck hunting areas around Port Aransas where birds naturally funnel through during their morning flights. The hunt kicks off during legal shooting hours when ducks are most active, moving from roosting areas to feeding grounds. You'll set up in strategic locations that take advantage of wind patterns and flight paths that local waterfowl use regularly. After a solid morning hunt, the action shifts to wade fishing the shallow flats and grass beds where redfish and speckled trout cruise for baitfish. This isn't a rushed transition – Captain Cory times everything so you're fishing during prime hours when these species are actively feeding. The beauty of this combo is that you're always doing the right activity at the right time of day, maximizing your chances for success on both fronts.
The hunting portion focuses on reading bird behavior and understanding how weather affects duck movement along the coast. Captain Cory positions hunters where they can take advantage of natural cover and prevailing winds that bring birds within range. You'll learn to spot incoming flights early and understand when to call versus when to stay quiet. For the fishing segment, you'll be wading knee-deep flats using artificial lures that mimic the baitfish these predators hunt. The technique involves covering water methodically, reading subtle signs like nervous baitfish, slight color changes in the water, and small wakes that give away feeding fish. You can bring your own shotgun and fishing gear, or rent equipment for an additional fee. Either way, make sure you've got your hunting and fishing licenses sorted before the trip – Texas Parks and Wildlife doesn't mess around, and Captain Cory runs a clean operation.
Blue-winged Teal are some of the most exciting ducks to hunt in this area, especially during early season when they're migrating through in good numbers. These small, fast-flying ducks test your shooting skills with their erratic flight patterns and tendency to decoy well when conditions are right. They typically weigh around a pound and provide excellent table fare. Peak season runs from September through October, though some stragglers stick around into November.
Redhead ducks offer a completely different hunting experience, being larger diving ducks that often work in flocks over deeper water. They're challenging birds that require patience and good calling skills, but when they commit to the decoys, they provide some of the most satisfying shooting you'll find. These chunky ducks can weigh 2-3 pounds and are prized for their size and the skill required to hunt them successfully. They show up consistently from November through January.
Northern Pintail are the elegant athletes of the duck world, with long necks and sleek profiles that make them unmistakable in flight. They're known for their wariness and tendency to circle multiple times before committing, which keeps hunters on their toes. Bulls can reach nearly 3 pounds and sport those distinctive long tail feathers that give them their name. December and January typically offer the best pintail action around Port Aransas.
American Wigeon bring a different dynamic to the hunt with their distinctive whistling calls and habit of feeding in shallow water where they can tip up to reach vegetation. They're medium-sized ducks with beautiful plumage, especially the males with their white crown patches. They respond well to calling and often decoy with confidence once they've decided to work a spread. Peak wigeon hunting runs from December through February.
Bufflehead are the smallest ducks you'll encounter on this hunt, but don't let their size fool you – they're incredibly fast and provide challenging shooting. These little diving ducks have striking black and white plumage and tend to work in small groups over slightly deeper water. They're less common than other species, which makes taking one feel like a real accomplishment. Late December and January offer your best shot at bufflehead.
This cast and blast combo gives you two completely different outdoor experiences in one action-packed day, guided by someone who knows these waters and hunting spots inside and out. You'll come away with skills and knowledge that'll serve you well on future hunts and fishing trips, plus hopefully some ducks for the freezer and fish for dinner. The trip accommodates up to two hunters, so it stays personal and focused on what you want to accomplish. Captain Cory appreciates a 20% cash tip at the end of the day – standard practice for quality guide service that delivers results. For larger groups, give Russell & Sons Outdoors a call to work out custom arrangements. Don't wait too long to book, especially during prime duck season when spots fill up fast.
Our center console flats boat gets you into the prime duck hunting spots and shallow fishing waters around Port Aransas with ease. Built for navigating the Gulf's back bays and flats, this rig handles up to 6 hunters and anglers comfortably. The shallow draft design lets us access those hard-to-reach marshes where the ducks are working, then quickly transition to productive wade fishing areas for reds and specks. Onboard fish finder helps locate schools during the fishing portion of your cast and blast adventure, while GPS keeps us on the best hunting and fishing spots. Plenty of cooler space for your birds, fish, drinks, and gear. The open layout gives everyone room to move around safely whether you're calling ducks at sunrise or working the grass flats for speckled trout. Captain Cory knows these Texas coastal waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the action from dawn till dusk.
American Wigeon are medium-sized puddle ducks known for their distinctive whistling call and white crown patch on the drakes. They typically weigh around 1.5 pounds and love grazing in shallow waters and adjacent grasslands. These birds show up in our area from October through February, with the best hunting coming during cold fronts when northern birds push south. Wigeon are unique because they're part-time vegetarians - they'll actually graze on land like geese, which makes them fun to watch and hunt. Their meat is mild and tasty, especially early in the season. What makes them interesting targets is their social nature; they often travel with other puddle duck species and respond well to mixed decoy spreads. Here's a local trick: if you see wigeon working your spread but staying high, try tossing some corn or wheat in shallow water near your decoys the day before. They'll remember the food source and be more likely to commit.
Blue-winged Teal are small, fast ducks weighing about a pound that show up in our shallow bays and ponds from September through November. They love feeding in water less than two feet deep, especially around grass flats and muddy shorelines where they can tip forward to grab seeds and small invertebrates. These birds are among the first ducks to migrate south, so early season hunting is your best bet. What makes them popular with hunters is their tendency to fly in tight groups and decoy well to a good spread. They're also excellent table fare - their smaller size means they cook evenly and have a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: set your decoys in shallow water near vegetation edges and use a lot of movement on your jerk string. Blue-wings are curious and will often circle back for a second look if your setup looks active and natural.
Bufflehead are the smallest diving ducks you'll encounter here, with drakes weighing just over a pound. These compact birds with striking black and white plumage prefer protected bays, coves, and deeper ponds where they dive for small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. They show up from November through March, with steady numbers throughout the winter months. Bufflehead are popular targets because they're fast, challenging shots that test your wing-shooting skills. They fly low and direct, often in small groups of 3-6 birds. While they're small, they're surprisingly good eating with tender, mild meat. The secret to hunting bufflehead is finding their routine - they're creatures of habit that use the same flight paths and feeding areas daily. Set up small decoy spreads in 8-12 feet of water near points or channel edges where they travel. Use minimal calling since they rely more on sight than sound, and be ready for quick shooting when they buzz your spread.
Northern Pintail are elegant, medium-sized ducks with long necks and distinctive pointed tails that make them easy to spot in flight. These birds prefer shallow marshes, flooded rice fields, and muddy flats where they can tip-feed on seeds and aquatic plants. Around Port Aransas, they show up in good numbers from November through January, with peak hunting usually in December. Pintails are wary birds that like to circle high before committing to decoys, but their size - about 2 pounds for a drake - makes them a rewarding target. They're excellent eating with mild, tender meat that doesn't have the strong flavor of some waterfowl. The trick with pintails is patience and realistic calling. They respond well to soft feeding chuckles rather than loud hail calls. Set your spread with plenty of open water landing zones since they prefer to drop in with room to maneuver, unlike some puddle ducks that pile into tight spots.
Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks that weigh around two pounds and prefer the deeper waters of our bays and nearshore areas. You'll find them in 6-15 feet of water where they can dive down to feed on submerged vegetation, small fish, and shellfish. Peak season here runs from December through February when big rafts of them settle in for the winter. These ducks are prized because they're challenging - they're smart, wary birds that don't decoy easily and require patience. When you do connect, they're worth it on the table with rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for the grill. Redheads often travel with other divers like Canvasback, making mixed bags possible. The key to success is setting up near their feeding areas early and staying still. Watch for large groups working the deeper flats, then position yourself along their flight path between roosting and feeding spots.
Port Aransas, TX