Half Day Inshore Fishing in Port Aransas
Looking for a solid morning on the water targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species? Captain Joshua McDonald has been putting anglers on fish in these Texas waters for years, and his 5-hour guided trips consistently deliver. You'll fish the productive bays and grass flats around Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, and Aransas Pass - prime habitat for redfish, black drum, and speckled trout. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation. Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers looking to dial in their technique.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet Captain Josh at 900 Tarpon Street before heading out on his 23-foot Majek M2 - a serious inshore fishing machine powered by a reliable 250 HP Yamaha. The boat's designed for these shallow bay waters, letting you get into spots where the big fish like to hang out without spooking them. Josh provides all the tackle, bait, and gear you'll need, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about rigging up. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder technology, plus a quality livewell to keep your catch fresh. With space for up to two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The setup works great for couples, friends, or even solo anglers who want personalized attention on the water.
Tactics and Techniques
Captain Josh adapts his approach based on conditions, tides, and where the fish are holding. You might find yourself working shallow grass flats with topwater plugs at first light, or drifting deeper bay channels with live bait when the bite gets tough. The beauty of inshore fishing around Port Aransas is the variety - one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're working structure for hefty black drum. Josh will walk you through proper casting techniques, how to read the water, and when to switch up your presentation. Whether you're throwing artificial lures or soaking live shrimp, he'll make sure you understand why you're using specific tactics in different situations. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing - Josh has guided plenty of beginners and knows how to break things down so they make sense.
What Anglers Are Saying
Derek, a recent guest, shared his experience: "Josh was wonderful and kept trying hard so we could catch some nice fish. Appreciate his desire to make sure we were happy." This kind of dedication is what separates good guides from great ones - Josh doesn't give up when the bite gets tough, and he genuinely cares about putting his clients on fish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized bull showing up to test your drag system. Reds are most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when they move onto shallow flats to feed. What makes them so popular is their aggressive nature - they'll crush topwater plugs, inhale live bait, and put up a serious scrap once hooked. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare, while the bigger breeding stock provides memorable photo opportunities before release.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bruisers that will test your tackle and technique. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can range from keeper-sized fish around 15 inches all the way up to massive 40-plus pound specimens that local anglers call "big uglies." They're most active during cooler months, making fall through spring prime time for targeting them. Black drum have excellent hearing and will often respond to crab or shrimp clicking along the bottom. Once hooked, they use their broad sides and stubborn nature to wage war in the depths. Younger fish are fantastic on the dinner table, while the older giants are typically released to continue the cycle.
Speckled trout are the technical species of the trio, requiring finesse and proper presentation to consistently fool. These beautiful silver-sided fish with distinctive dark spots are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster bars, channel edges, and grass lines where they ambush unsuspecting prey. Most keeper trout in Port Aransas waters run 15 to 20 inches, but the area produces its share of hefty "gator trout" that exceed 25 inches. They're most active during stable weather periods and prefer specific water temperatures and salinity levels. Specks respond well to both artificial lures and live bait, but they can be finicky about presentation speed and depth. When you hook into a good trout, you'll appreciate their delicate mouth and spirited jumps - plus they're hard to beat on the dinner table.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Joshua McDonald's half-day trips offer serious value for anglers who want to experience top-rated Port Aransas inshore fishing without committing to a full day on the water. Five hours gives you plenty of time to work different areas, target multiple species, and really dial in your technique with professional guidance. The family-friendly approach means everyone from kids to grandparents can get in on the action, while experienced anglers will appreciate Josh's local knowledge and willingness to try different spots until the fish cooperate. With all gear, bait, and tackle provided, plus Josh's proven track record of putting clients on fish, this trip delivers everything you need for a successful day on these world-class Texas coastal waters. Book your spot now and see why Port Aransas continues to draw anglers from across the country.
4.9(24 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Port Aransas, TX
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