Rate Card ID: 25504

Port Arthur TX nearshore fishing charter boat targeting redfish and black drum at jetties

Rate Card ID: 25504

Nearshore Fishing Charter, Port Arthur TX, Redfish and Drum

Sabine Lake Charters, LLC Captain: Sidney Shetley

Port Arthur Nearshore Fishing: Wrecks & Jetties

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Private Trip

Wrecks/Reefs Fishing

What you will be catching:

About This Trip:

Six
hour nearshore trip targeting redfish and black drum off Port Arthur jetties.
Captain Sidney Shetley provides all professional rods, reels, and lures included.
Small group charter accommodates up to three anglers near productive short rigs.

Jetty Fishing Action

"Tripletail fish catch on fishing boat in Port Arthur TX"

"Redfish catch displayed on fishing boat in Port Arthur TX waters"

"Two large redfish caught while fishing in Port Arthur TX waters"

"Speckled trout catch while fishing in Port Arthur TX waters"

"Speckled trout caught while fishing in Port Arthur TX waters"

"Angler holding caught speckled trout while wade fishing in shallow water near Port Arthur TX"

"Speckled trout fishing catch in Port Arthur TX coastal waters"

"Two black drum fish caught during fishing trip in Port Arthur TX"

"Large redfish caught while fishing in Port Arthur TX waters"

"Black drum fishing catch held on boat deck in Port Arthur TX waters"

Port Arthur Nearshore Fishing: Wrecks & Jetties

Captain Sidney Shetley knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour nearshore charter targets the productive jetties and short rigs just off the Port Arthur coast, where redfish and black drum stack up in good numbers. We're talking about a 7 AM departure that gets you to the honey holes while the bite is hot. At $650 for up to three anglers (plus $100 for a fourth), you're getting access to some of the Gulf's most consistent fishing grounds without the long boat ride to blue water.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – we're heading to where the real action happens. The jetties create current breaks and structure that attract baitfish, and where you find bait, you find gamefish. Captain Sidney positions the boat around these productive areas, working the short rigs and nearshore structure that holds fish year-round. You'll be fishing in relatively protected waters, so even if there's a little chop outside, we can still have a great day on the water. The boat stays stable while you're fighting fish, which makes it perfect for anglers who want to experience offshore-style fishing without dealing with rough seas. All your rods, reels, and lures are provided – just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods.

Techniques & Tackle Setup

We fish these wrecks and jetties using a variety of proven methods that Captain Sidney has dialed in over years of working this area. Live bait is king out here – we'll have fresh shrimp and cut bait that the redfish and drum can't resist. The short rigs provide excellent structure fishing opportunities, where we'll drop baits down to the fish and let them do the work. Around the jetties, we mix it up between bottom fishing and working the current seams where predators ambush prey. The captain provides medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle the big drum and bull reds that frequent these waters. When the bite gets hot, we might switch to lighter tackle for the trout and flounder to give you more of a fight. The key is reading the conditions and adapting – some days the fish want cut mullet on the bottom, other days they're crushing live shrimp in the water column.

Target Species Breakdown

Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the structure around the jetties and wrecks, where they hunt crabs and shrimp. You'll find them ranging from slot-sized fish perfect for the dinner table up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we catch them year-round in these waters. What makes redfish so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll make long runs and use every bit of structure they can find to try and break you off.

Black drum are the heavyweight champions of this area, and the short rigs hold some absolute monsters. These fish can exceed 40 pounds and provide a completely different fight than redfish – think slow, powerful runs that'll make your arms burn. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and cut bait, and they're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn. The smaller "puppy drum" are excellent table fare, while the big breeders provide trophy photo opportunities before we release them to fight another day.

Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They're most active during their fall migration when they move from the bays to the Gulf to spawn. These flatfish might not jump like a tarpon, but they provide excellent eating and a fun light-tackle challenge. We target them around structure edges where they wait in ambush, using live shrimp and small jigs to entice strikes.

Sea trout round out the lineup as willing biters that provide consistent action throughout the trip. These spotted beauties prefer the grass flats and shell beds near the jetties, where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time for trout fishing, when cooler water temperatures make them more active. They're excellent on light tackle and make great fish for beginners to cut their teeth on before targeting the bigger drum and redfish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Sidney's nearshore fishing charter offers something you won't find everywhere – consistent access to quality fish without the expense and rough ride of deep-sea fishing. The combination of jetties, short rigs, and nearshore structure creates a unique fishery that produces year-round. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target trophy drum or someone new to saltwater fishing who wants to learn the ropes, this trip delivers. The small group size means personalized attention and more fishing time for everyone aboard. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the Gulf Coast's best nearshore fishing – book your trip with Sabine Lake Charters and get ready to make some memories on the water.

Vehicle

Sabine Lake Skeeter

Hit the water in style aboard our brand-new 2025 25' Skeeter center console, designed specifically for chasing redfish and drum in Port Arthur's productive waters. This fishing machine packs a serious 300HP Yamaha that'll push you to 50 knots, getting you to the jetties and short rigs where the action happens. With room for up to 4 anglers, the center console layout gives everyone plenty of casting space and easy access to fish the entire boat. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into shallow spots without spooking wary reds, while the fish finder helps locate structure where black drum stack up. GPS keeps you on productive water, and the multimedia system means you can stay connected or pump up the crew between bites. Built for stability in nearshore conditions, this Skeeter handles the Gulf chop with confidence while providing the shallow-water capability needed for Port Arthur's back lakes and marsh edges.

Length

24 ft

Capacity

4 passengers

Engines

Type

Boat

Features:

Multimedia system onboard
Wireless trolling motor for quiet maneuvering
GPS navigation system
Fish finder for locating targets

Target Species

Pogonias Cromis

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of our waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These bruisers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure around the jetties where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time, especially March through May when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to smaller fish under 15 pounds for the table since the big ones get tough and stringy. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait - it stays on the hook better than shrimp and the drums can't resist it. Fish it right on the bottom with enough weight to hold in the current, and be patient - they're methodical feeders.

Sciaenops Ocellatus

Redfish

Redfish are the bread and butter of our Texas coast, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and jetty rocks. They typically run 20-30 inches and put up a serious fight with long, powerful runs. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers. They're fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat that's hard to beat. What guests love most is watching them cruise the shallows and the explosive strikes on topwater lures. The fight is honest and strong - they'll pull drag and make multiple runs. Local tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your lure slowly back toward them.

Salmo Trutta

Sea Trout

Speckled Trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, averaging 14-24 inches with that beautiful spotted silver body. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding on shrimp and baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats the explosion when a good trout smashes a surface plug at dawn. They're also excellent eating with tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key is working lures slowly and varying your retrieve. During winter, look for them in deeper channels where they school up. My go-to trick: throw a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork and work it just fast enough to make the cork pop occasionally.

Paralichthys Lethostigma

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are flat, ambush predators that sit camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting for baitfish to pass overhead. These "doormat" fish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach 33 inches and over 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around our jetties where they feed on mullet, shrimp, and crabs. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move toward deeper water to spawn. They're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. The fight isn't spectacular, but watching one come off the bottom is always satisfying. My tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or bull minnows on a Carolina rig, and when you feel that telltale thump, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook.

Nearshore Fishing Charter, Port Arthur TX, Redfish and Drum