Target Redfish, Black Drum & Trout on Texas Coast
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3hour inshore charter targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled troutProfessional captain provides all equipment, bait, and local expertiseSmall group experience aboard 23' Majek boat with quality gear
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water without breaking the bank or burning a whole day? Captain Joshua McDonald's got you covered with this 3-hour inshore trip that hits all the right spots around Port Aransas. You'll be fishing the productive bays and shallow flats where the Texas coast serves up some of the best redfish, black drum, and speckled trout action you'll find anywhere along the Gulf. This isn't some rushed tourist deal – it's a legit fishing charter that gives you quality time on the water with a captain who knows exactly where these fish hang out and how to put you on them.
Captain Joshua runs a clean 23-foot Majek M2 that's built for these Texas bays – shallow draft, stable platform, and powered by a reliable 250 HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish fast and quiet. The boat's rigged with everything you need including a livewell to keep your catch fresh, GPS to hit the productive spots, and quality rods and reels that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. You're launching from 900 Tarpon St, which puts you right in the heart of Port Aransas with easy access to some of the most consistent fishing grounds on the coast. The afternoon timing works perfect – you're hitting the water when the morning boat traffic dies down and the fish start getting active again. With just 2 anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows.
This is classic Texas inshore fishing at its finest – working the grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where these species set up to feed. Captain Joshua comes loaded with fresh bait and knows when to switch between live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials depending on what the fish are showing him that day. You'll be using medium-action spinning gear that's perfect for the 15-30 inch fish these waters produce, with enough backbone to handle a big black drum but light enough to feel every head shake from a feisty trout. The beauty of fishing these Port Aransas flats is the variety – one cast you might be sight-fishing a tailing red in 18 inches of water, the next you're working a deeper channel for drum. Captain Joshua reads the tides, wind, and structure to put you where the action is, whether that means drifting oyster bars or anchoring up on a productive hole.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and Port Aransas delivers some beauties. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-28 inches in these waters and fight way above their weight class. They love the shallow grass flats and oyster reefs, especially during moving tides when they're actively hunting crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring are prime time, but you'll find keeper reds year-round in these productive bays. What makes them so fun is their attitude – they'll crush a bait and then bulldoze toward the nearest structure, testing your drag and Captain Joshua's boat positioning skills.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they'll definitely test your arms. These bottom-huggers can range from fun 2-pounders up to legitimate 20+ pound bruisers that'll have you wondering if you hooked the bottom. They love deeper holes and channel edges where they root around for crabs and oysters. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer, when big schools move through these bays. The fight is different from a red – more of a sustained, heavy pull that just won't quit. Plus, smaller drum make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
Speckled trout are the technical challenge of this trio, often requiring finesse presentations and proper lure action to trigger strikes. These spotted beauties prefer grass flats and sandy potholes, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper water. A good Port Aransas trout runs 15-20 inches with occasional 4-5 pounders that'll make your day. They're notorious for light bites and quick runs toward structure, so you need to stay alert and trust your gear. The reward is some of the best eating fish in Texas waters – firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.
Here's the deal – Captain Joshua's afternoon slots book up fast because they deliver exactly what anglers want: quality fishing without the all-day commitment, professional gear and guidance, and access to some of Port Aransas' most productive waters. Whether you're introducing someone new to saltwater fishing, want to squeeze in some action during a beach vacation, or just need your fishing fix without burning a whole day, this trip hits the sweet spot. The 3-hour window gives you real fishing time on multiple spots while keeping things relaxed and fun. Don't sleep on this one – grab your spot and get ready to bend some rods on the Texas coast.
Get ready to fish Port Aransas waters aboard Captain Joshua's 23' Majek M2, a 2018 beauty powered by a reliable 250 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast. This boat was built for Texas bay fishing - stable enough for casting in choppy water and shallow draft for sneaking into those redfish hideouts along the flats. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking spooky trout, while the GPS and fish finder help locate structure where black drum like to hang out. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox during those hot Texas afternoons, and use the livewell to keep your catch fresh. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space and personal attention from Captain Joshua as you work the productive waters around Port Aransas for some of the Gulf Coast's best inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our Texas bays, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These grey-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll hear their drumming calls underwater. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom works best. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: when you see muddy water stirred up in the shallows, that's usually drum rooting around for crabs and oysters. They fight hard and steady, making them perfect for kids and beginners who want to feel a serious fish on the line.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down the most popular inshore target around Port Aransas, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 20-35 inches in our shallow bays and flats. They're ambush predators that cruise 1-4 feet of water hunting crabs and shrimp, often with their backs showing above the surface. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. My go-to technique is working a gold spoon or soft plastic along drop-offs near oyster reefs. Watch for nervous baitfish - that's your cue redfish are nearby.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our Texas coast, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These silvery beauties with black spots love grass flats and shallow bay waters, especially around structure like reefs and drop-offs. They're most active in cooler months and low-light conditions - early morning and evening bites are money. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's prized at the dinner table. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and make runs, keeping things exciting on lighter tackle. Best approach is soft plastics or live shrimp worked slowly near the bottom around grass beds. Here's the key: don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft and you'll pull right through if you're too aggressive.
Port Aransas, TX