Half-Day Inshore Charter with Captain Cory
Looking for a solid fishing trip that puts you on the fish without breaking the bank? This half-day inshore charter in Port Aransas is exactly what you're after. Captain Cory Russell knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's been putting anglers on redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum for years. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in your inshore game, this charter delivers. We're talking about real fishing here – not just a boat ride with poles in the water.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll launch out of Port Aransas and head into Redfish Bay, one of the most productive inshore fisheries on the Texas coast. Captain Cory's got this area dialed in – he knows where the fish hold during different tides, weather conditions, and seasons. This isn't a cattle boat operation either. With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and coaching throughout the trip. The captain provides everything you need: quality rods and reels, fresh bait, tackle, and most importantly, the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Expect to fish grass flats, shell bars, and drop-offs where these inshore species love to hang out. The beauty of Redfish Bay is its protection from rough Gulf conditions, so even when it's blowing outside, you can still get after them in the back bay waters.
Techniques You'll Master
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Cory will have you working everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics on jig heads, depending on what the fish want that day. You'll learn to work the grass edges where trout like to ambush bait, and how to present lures to tailing redfish in skinny water. The captain's not one of those guides who just hands you a rod and tells you to reel when it bends – he's constantly teaching and adjusting tactics. You might start the morning drift fishing a shell bar for trout, then move to sight casting reds on the flats when the sun gets higher. The gear is top-notch stuff that can handle these hard-fighting inshore fish. When you hook into a bull red or a gator trout, you'll appreciate having quality tackle that won't let you down during the fight.
Customer Stories
"Capt Cory is the best fishing guide I have ever used. Very friendly and personable. He answer's all of your questions and makes it fun for everyone. He will go the extra mile to make sure you have a good time and caught fish. He does not look at his watch to see if times up. He fished us 15 mins past time and we caught 2 redfish. You can tell he enjoys what he is doing!!! Thanks Capt Cory and we will be back." - Randall
"Great day fishing with Captain Cory! We caught several nice reds and one whopper on a slow-to-bite kinda day. If you're looking for a likeable, good with kids guide who'll put you on the fish - Cap'n Cory's your man." - David
"Super nice guy, and got us on the fish, even in the 35 degree, 25 mph wind. 10/10." - Nathan
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port Aransas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are available year-round, though fall and winter offer some of the best action when they school up in massive numbers. A slot red (20-28 inches) will give you a solid fight and make excellent table fare, while the oversized bull reds will test your drag and leave your arms burning. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat – they'll crush everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, and there's nothing quite like watching a big red explode on a surface lure in two feet of water.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the most popular target for Texas inshore anglers. These fish are structure-oriented, holding around grass beds, shell bars, and drop-offs throughout Redfish Bay. The best trout fishing typically runs from spring through fall, with early morning and late evening producing the most consistent action. A good trout will run 15-20 inches and fight with surprising strength for their size. They're also some of the best eating fish in the bay, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Southern flounder are the chameleons of the bay system, lying flat against the bottom and perfectly camouflaged until they ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish are more challenging to target consistently, but Captain Cory knows the muddy flats and channel edges where they like to set up. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage near passes before heading to deeper water to spawn. A nice keeper flounder will go 14 inches or better, and they're hands-down one of the finest eating fish you'll find in Texas waters.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they'll certainly test your tackle and technique. These bottom-dwellers are found around shell reefs and structure throughout the bay system. The smaller drum, called puppy drum, make excellent table fare, while the bigger fish are powerful fighters that will have you questioning your drag setting. Black drum feed primarily on crabs and shellfish, so they're typically targeted with cut bait fished on the bottom. They're most active during cooler months and provide consistent action when other species might be finicky.
Time to Book Your Spot
Half-day trips like this fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons and weekends. Captain
5.0(19 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Port Aransas, TX
Half-day inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum
