Half Day Pro-Level Fishing Trip In Port Aransas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Advanced 6-hour charter targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled troutExpert sight fishing techniques on productive Port Aransas flatsSmall group experience limited to 2 experienced anglers only
When you've mastered the basics and you're ready to push your angling skills to the next level, Captain Levi Price and The Fish Guide Service deliver exactly what serious fishermen are looking for. This 6-hour charter isn't your typical guided trip—it's designed specifically for experienced anglers who want to dive deep into advanced techniques while targeting some of the Texas coast's most sought-after species. Operating out of Port Aransas and Rockport, two of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds, this seasonal charter puts you right where the action is hottest.
Captain Levi runs a tight ship when it comes to maximizing your time on the flats. With only 2 anglers per trip, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one. The boat launches early to beat the crowds and position you on prime structure before the fish get spooked. You'll spend your morning working the grass flats around Port Aransas, then transition to the deeper cuts and oyster reefs near Rockport as conditions and fish behavior dictate. This isn't a leisurely sightseeing cruise—every minute is focused on putting you on fish using techniques that separate weekend warriors from serious anglers. The captain reads water conditions, tide movements, and baitfish activity like a playbook, constantly adjusting strategy to keep you in the strike zone.
This charter is all about precision and technique. Captain Levi specializes in sight fishing, which means you'll be spotting individual fish before making your cast—talk about putting your skills to the test. The shallow flats require pinpoint accuracy with topwater plugs during early morning sessions, transitioning to soft plastics rigged on jig heads as the sun climbs higher. You're welcome to bring your own tackle if you have preferred setups, but the boat comes equipped with top-tier rods and reels specifically chosen for these waters. Expect to work with 7-foot medium-action spinning rods paired with quality reels spooled with 15-pound braided line. Lure selection changes based on seasonal patterns, but you'll typically throw everything from She Dogs and Skitter Walks for surface action to DOA shrimp and Bass Assassin paddle tails when fish are holding deeper. The captain also employs advanced techniques like working drift lines along channel edges and targeting specific structure that most guides never touch.
Redfish are the backbone of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow flats year-round, with peak action typically happening during spring and fall transitions. Mature reds in this area commonly run 24-30 inches, with occasional bull reds exceeding 35 inches testing your drag system to its limits. What makes redfish so exciting here is their willingness to eat topwater lures in skinny water—watching a 20-pound red explode on a surface plug in 2 feet of water never gets old. They're notorious for their initial run toward structure, so be ready to apply pressure immediately.
Black Drum often get overlooked, but Captain Levi knows exactly where these bottom-huggers congregate around oyster bars and channel drops. These fish are pure muscle, typically ranging from 15-25 pounds in these waters, with some monsters pushing 40 pounds during winter months. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and cut bait worked slowly along the bottom. The fight is all about endurance—black drum don't jump, but they'll test your back muscles with their bulldogging runs straight to the bottom.
Sea Trout, particularly the speckled variety, provide consistent action throughout most of the year, with prime time running from April through October. The quality fish in this area average 2-4 pounds, but 6-pound-plus specimens are common enough to keep things interesting. Specks are structure-oriented, holding around grass beds, channel edges, and shell bars. They respond well to soft plastics worked with subtle twitches, and during low-light periods, they'll hammer topwater baits in spectacular fashion.
Southern Flounder add a different dimension to the trip, especially during their fall migration when they stage near pass mouths and channel confluences. These flatfish are ambush predators that require a completely different approach—slow presentations with baits that stay in the strike zone longer. Flounder in this area commonly reach 3-5 pounds, with doormat-sized fish over 6 pounds providing bragging rights for the rest of the season.
Crevalle Jack round out the target list and serve as the trip's wild card. These aggressive fighters show up in schools during warmer months, providing arm-burning action when other species are being finicky. Jacks hit hard and fight harder, making multiple runs and testing your tackle's limits. They're not picky eaters—topwater, jigs, and live bait all produce when you locate a school.
This world-class charter experience fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the bite is at its hottest. Captain Levi's reputation for putting experienced anglers on quality fish has made this trip a customer favorite among serious fishermen who demand results. The seasonal availability means you need to plan ahead—prime dates book months in advance. Whether you're looking to sharpen your sight fishing skills, learn advanced techniques, or just spend a day fishing with someone who knows these waters inside and out, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of productive waters, expert guidance, and a focus on advanced angling makes this the top-rated choice for discriminating fishermen. Don't let another season pass watching from the sidelines—book your spot today and experience what pro-level fishing is all about.
The 24' Haynie Custom is built for serious anglers who demand performance on the flats around Port Aransas and Rockport. This high-performance flats boat cuts through shallow water with ease, powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki 250SS that can push speeds up to 50 knots when you need to cover water fast. The shallow draft design gets you into those productive skinny water spots where redfish and speckled trout like to hang out. Equipped with a wireless trolling motor for silent approaches during sight fishing, plus GPS and fish finder to locate structure and baitfish. The boat comfortably handles up to 2 guests, giving everyone plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. Whether you're poling the grass flats or drifting oyster reefs, this Haynie delivers the stability and maneuverability that technical fishing demands.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our flats - powerful, stubborn fighters that can range from 5 pounds up to massive 40+ pounders. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. These fish are built for crushing shellfish with their pharyngeal teeth, so expect a serious fight when you hook one. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are great eating with firm, white meat. Larger ones are better released since the meat gets tough. They make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. Pro tip: use fresh cut crab or shrimp on a fish finder rig, and be patient - they're deliberate feeders who take their time inspecting bait.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are pure muscle - silver torpedoes that average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds when we find the right schools. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often betrayed by diving birds working baitfish. These fish are active year-round but peak during warmer months when bait is thick. What makes them special is their raw power and willingness to crush fast-moving lures. They're not great eating, but the fight is addictive - long, bulldogging runs that test your drag. You'll often smell a watermelon scent when schools are feeding aggressively. They hunt in packs and respond to aggressive retrieves. Pro tip: when you see birds working, cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and burn them back through - jack attacks are explosive and immediate.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of sight fishing - bronze-backed bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we also target oversized bulls that can hit 40+ inches. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed, around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being peak times. What guests love is watching these fish push water in skinny areas and the explosive surface strikes on topwater lures. They fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes. The slot-sized ones are excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. Their eyespot near the tail confuses predators - and sometimes anglers too. My secret is casting past cruising fish and working your lure back into their path rather than directly at them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing - sleek, spotted beauties that average 14-20 inches with some pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and sandy potholes in 3-8 feet of water. Best action happens during spring and fall when water temps are in the 70s. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with authority. Their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find inshore. What makes them exciting is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their acrobatic fights. They're also very temperature sensitive, so we adjust our depth based on seasonal patterns. My favorite technique is working a soft plastic under a popping cork around grass edges during moving water.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of disguise are flat, oval-shaped fish that bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we've seen some push over 30 inches. They're perfect targets for our shallow water drifts since they hang out in 2-6 feet around grass beds and drop-offs. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're feeding heavy before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is their incredible camouflage ability and solid fight once hooked. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. My go-to trick is using a slow drift with live shrimp or finger mullet on a Carolina rig, keeping your bait moving just above bottom. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap-pull, count to three before setting the hook.
Port Aransas