Get ready for a day of fishing, laughter, and memories on the Texas coast! Our 4-hour family charter in Port Aransas is tailor-made for groups looking to bond over bent rods and beautiful views. Whether you're introducing the kids to their first catch or aiming to land a personal best, this trip has something for everyone. We'll cruise the rich inshore waters, targeting a mix of hard-fighting game fish while soaking in the coastal atmosphere. And who knows? You might even spot a playful pod of dolphins along the way!
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll waste no time getting to the prime fishing spots. We provide all the gear you need - from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Don't worry if you're new to fishing; we're here to show you the ropes. We'll teach you how to cast, set the hook, and reel in your catch like a pro. The shallow, protected waters we fish are perfect for anglers of all skill levels, making this an ideal trip for families with kids or mixed experience levels.
In Port Aransas, we're all about light tackle fishing. It's the best way to feel every nibble and really connect with your catch. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's biting. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in the flats, working a popping cork for trout, or dropping a shrimp-tipped jig near structure for sheepshead. Our guides are always happy to share their local knowledge, so don't be shy about asking for tips. We'll hit a variety of spots throughout the trip - from grass flats and oyster reefs to deeper channels - giving you the best shot at a mixed bag of inshore species.
Black Drum: These bruisers are a Port A staple. They're known for their strong, dogged fights and distinctive "croaking" sound. Black drum can grow to over 30 pounds in these waters, though we often catch them in the more manageable 5-15 pound range. They love crustaceans, so we'll often use shrimp or crab to entice them. The best part? They're excellent eating fish, with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the grill.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you - these striped powerhouses are crafty fighters. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, thanks to their human-like teeth (yep, you read that right). We target them around structures like jetties and pilings where they feed on barnacles and crabs. The challenge of hooking them combined with their tasty white meat makes them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted beauties are prized for both their sporty fights and their delicious fillets. We often find them in deeper grass flats or around drop-offs. Trout are ambush predators, so we'll use techniques like drifting with live shrimp or working topwater lures to trigger strikes. The "gator" trout (big ones over 25 inches) are catch-and-release trophies that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what many anglers come here hoping to catch. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and tendency to "tail" in shallow water, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools of bull reds cruise the coast. Whether you're casting to a tailing red in inches of water or battling a bruiser in the surf, hooking into one of these fish is an experience you won't forget.
There's something special about fishing the waters around Port Aransas. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as it rises over the Gulf. Or how a perfect cast to a tailing redfish gets your heart racing. For many, it's the simple joy of spending quality time with family and friends, away from screens and distractions. Our trips are designed to create those lasting memories. Whether it's a child's first fish, a spouse finally outfishing their partner, or grandpa sharing stories of the ones that got away - these are the moments that keep folks coming back year after year.
We know taking kids fishing can sometimes be a challenge, but our trips are set up to make it fun and easy for the whole family. Our boats are spacious and stable, perfect for little ones who might be a bit wobbly on their sea legs. We always pack extra snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up (because let's face it, hungry kids and fishing don't mix well). Our guides are patient teachers who love introducing youngsters to the sport. And don't forget about those dolphin sightings - they're often the highlight of the trip for the kiddos (and plenty of adults too)!
While we provide all the fishing gear, there are a few things you'll want to pack for a comfortable day on the water: - Sunscreen (trust us, the Texas sun is no joke) - Hat and sunglasses - Light, long-sleeved shirt for sun protection - Non-slip, closed-toe shoes - Camera or phone for photos (waterproof case recommended) - Any snacks or drinks you prefer (we've got the basics covered) - A small cooler if you plan to keep fish for dinner Remember, the weather can change quickly on the coast, so it's always good to bring a light jacket or rain gear, just in case.
Here in Port A, we take pride in preserving our fishery for future generations. We'll teach you about size and bag limits, proper catch-and-release techniques, and why they're important. It's all about ensuring that your kids (and maybe even their kids) can enjoy the same great fishing we have today. Don't be surprised if you see us taking a moment to pick up any trash we spot floating by - keeping our waters clean is a community effort we're passionate about.
Ready to make some waves (and memories) in Port Aransas? Our family fishing charters book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're planning a special family outing, a fun day with friends, or looking to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, we've got you covered. Remember, no experience is necessary - just bring your sense of adventure and we'll handle the rest. Give us a call or book online to reserve your spot. We can't wait to show you and your crew why Port A is the jewel of Texas coast fishing!
Black Drum are hefty fighters, often weighing 5-30 pounds, with some topping 90. They're known for their powerful jaws and teeth, perfect for crushing oysters and shellfish. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. Spring's the prime time, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love 'em for their strong fight and tasty meat, though stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best eating. These fish make a distinctive drumming sound, which can help you locate them. When targeting Black Drum, use fresh crab or clam for bait and fish it right on the bottom. A local trick: try fishing near creek mouths during incoming tides for your best shot at hooking into a big one.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple of our inshore fishing. They love shallow water, often tailing in just 1-4 feet. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even old piers. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 20-30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches. They're known for their distinctive black tail spot – a great target when sight casting. Redfish put up a strong fight and are excellent table fare. Fall is prime time when they school up in the shallows. Anglers love 'em for their versatility – they'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, cruise the flats and look for their tails breaking the surface. A well-placed cast with a gold spoon can lead to an explosive strike you won't forget.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em, are a favorite inshore target. They typically run 14-24 inches and put up a good fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so artificial lures work great – try topwater plugs or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. The best time to catch 'em is during their fall and spring runs. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when the water's calm, look for their distinctive v-shaped wakes as they cruise the flats. Cast ahead of the wake, and you're in for some exciting topwater action.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty fish usually run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and jetties. Look for them near barnacle-covered pilings where they feast on crustaceans. Spring's prime time when they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching these bait stealers – they've got human-like teeth that can easily nibble bait off your hook. For the best shot, use light tackle and small, strong hooks. Fresh fiddler crab or shrimp are top baits. Here's a tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, give a quick, sharp hook set. Sheepshead make for excellent eating too, with sweet, white meat that's worth the effort of cleaning those tough scales.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250