Get ready to wet a line in the fish-rich waters of Port Aransas! Our 4-hour charter trip is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing without spending all day on the water. We'll hit the hotspots where Black Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead, Pompano, and Redfish hang out. Our local guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. And hey, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins – these curious critters often pop by to say hello, adding a little extra magic to your day on the bay.
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our seasoned captains will get you right where the fish are biting. We use light tackle, which means you'll feel every nibble and really get to enjoy the fight when you hook into a big one. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. And if you're an old salt? Well, you'll appreciate our local knowledge and the chance to target some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after inshore species. Four hours flies by when you're having fun, so we'll make every minute count!
We keep things simple but effective on our charters. Light spinning tackle is our go-to – it's versatile and perfect for the inshore species we're after. We'll rig you up with live bait or lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, or dropping a line near structure for some big sheepshead. Our guides are always happy to share tips on reading the water, working your bait, and setting the hook just right. It's all about adapting to the conditions and outsmarting those fish!
Port Aransas is a year-round fishing destination, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, big schools of Black Drum move into the bays – these bruisers can really test your drag. Spring and fall are prime time for Redfish, with lots of slot-sized fish and some real bulls in the mix. Flounder fishing heats up in the fall, while Sheepshead are most active in the winter and early spring. And don't forget about the Pompano – these tasty fish show up when the water warms and put up a great fight for their size. No matter when you visit, there's always something biting in Port A!
Black Drum: These cousins of the Redfish are real crowd-pleasers. They've got a distinctive look with those barbels under their chin, and they can grow to monster sizes. We usually target the smaller "puppy drums" in the 5-30 pound range – they're better eating and more fun to catch on light tackle. Black Drum love crustaceans, so we often use shrimp or crab for bait. When you hook one, get ready for some heavy, determined runs. They're not the fastest fish in the bay, but they've got plenty of power to keep things interesting.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – Sheepshead are no joke when it comes to putting up a fight. These striped battlers hang around structure like jetties and pier pilings, using their chompers to crunch up crabs and barnacles. Catching them requires finesse and patience, as they're notorious bait-stealers. But when you do hook up, pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fish in the bay. Plus, they make excellent table fare if you're looking to take home dinner.
Sea Trout: Also known as Speckled Trout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing in Texas. They're beautiful to look at, with their spotted sides and yellow-tinged mouth. Sea Trout are ambush predators, so we often find them around grass flats or along drop-offs. They'll hit both live bait and artificial lures, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels. When you're reeling one in, be ready for some acrobatic jumps – they love to put on a show!
Redfish: Ask any Texas angler about their favorite fish, and there's a good chance they'll say Redfish. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot (or spots) near the tail. We catch them year-round in Port A, but fall is prime time when big schools move into the shallows to spawn. Sight-casting to tailing Reds in skinny water is an absolute rush. They'll test your gear with powerful runs, and larger specimens (we call 'em "bull reds") can top 40 inches. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, hooking into a nice Red is always a thrill.
Folks who fish with us in Port Aransas tend to make it a regular thing, and it's easy to see why. The fishing here is consistently good, with a nice mix of species to keep things interesting. Our guides work hard to put you on fish, but they also make sure you're having a good time out there. It's not just about catching – it's about soaking in that coastal vibe, feeling the salt breeze, and maybe spotting some wildlife along the way. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like that moment when your rod bends and the drag starts singing. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy some catch-and-release action, Port A delivers.
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Port Aransas' finest finned residents, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 4-hour charters are perfect for fitting some quality fishing into a busy vacation schedule or for those mornings when you just need to scratch that fishing itch. Remember, we can only take two anglers per trip, so it's a nice, personalized experience. Bring your sense of adventure, a hat, and some sunscreen – we'll take care of the rest. Don't forget, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Ready to make some fishing memories in Port A? Give us a shout and let's get you on the calendar. The fish are waiting!
Black Drum are a real treat to catch around here. These big boys can weigh up to 90 pounds, though most are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them in shallow, muddy flats and near oyster beds. They love hanging out in brackish waters and estuaries. Spring's the prime time to target them when they school up for spawning. Black Drum put up a good fight and make some weird croaking sounds while you're reeling them in. They've got powerful jaws for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy tackle. Fresh crab or clams on the bottom is your best bet for bait. Here's a local tip - if you're after the bigger ones, try fishing deeper water near inlets or channels. Just remember, the smaller drum under 15 pounds taste way better if you're planning to keep some for dinner.
Redfish are the rock stars of inshore fishing here in Port A. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark spot near their tail are a blast to catch. Most run 20-30 inches, but you might hook into a big bull red over 40 inches if you're lucky. You'll find reds in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out. They love cruising flats, hanging around oyster reefs, and tailing in just inches of water. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers go nuts for redfish because they pull hard, eat just about anything, and taste great on the grill. Try sight-casting to them with gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a tip - on calm days, look for their wakes or tails sticking up as they feed. Approach quietly and make a long cast just ahead of them for some heart-pounding action.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a blast to fish for in Port A. They're usually 14-24 inches long and put up a good fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These fish are fun because they school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They love to hit topwater lures, which makes for some exciting strikes. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons, but you can catch them year-round here. Trout are popular because they're great eating and always willing to bite. Try working a soft plastic shrimp imitation or a topwater plug over grass flats early in the morning. Here's a local secret - during winter, look for them in deeper holes where they school up to stay warm. A slow-trolled jig can be deadly in those spots.
Sheepshead are one of the coolest-looking fish you'll catch around Port A. They've got these crazy human-like teeth and black stripes that earn them the nickname "convict fish." Most are 1-8 pounds, but you might luck into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. These guys love structure - docks, bridges, jetties, you name it. Anywhere with barnacles is prime sheepshead territory. They're notorious bait stealers, so you gotta be quick on the hook set. Spring's the best time to target them when they school up to spawn. Folks love catching sheepshead because they put up a good scrap and taste great. Use light tackle and drop your bait right next to pilings or rocks. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs work well. Here's a pro tip - scrape some barnacles off the structure to chum them up. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250