Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious rod-bending action in the heart of Texas coastal waters? Our Afternoon Bay Fishing Trip out of Port Aransas is just the ticket. We're talking about four solid hours of fishing in some of the most productive inshore waters you'll find anywhere. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, we've got you covered. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the bay!
Here's the scoop: We'll launch out of Aransas Pass and cruise into the rich, fish-filled waters of Aransas Bay. This isn't some run-of-the-mill fishing trip – we're talking about a chance to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after inshore species. Black drum, sheepshead, speckled trout, and the crown jewel of Texas flats fishing, redfish, are all on the menu. And the best part? You don't need to be a pro to get in on the action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or you've never held a rod before, our experienced guides will make sure you're in the right spot at the right time to maximize your chances of success.
Alright, let's talk tactics. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might be drift fishing over grass flats, sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, or working structure around oyster reefs. We provide all the gear you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can just focus on the fishing. We'll start you off with some basic techniques, like how to work a popping cork for trout or the best way to present a bait to a cruising redfish. As the trip goes on, we'll fine-tune our approach based on what's working. And don't worry if you're new to this – our guides have the patience of saints and love nothing more than helping folks catch their first big fish.
"We're a family of four who originally booked a bay fishing trip with Captain Josh on a rainy day. The weather and water conditions weren't ideal, but Josh was super flexible and rescheduled us for the next day when things cleared up. He took us to several different spots, and we ended up catching a great mix of fish. Josh was friendly, patient, and made sure everyone on board was taken care of. We all had a fantastic experience and would definitely recommend booking with him!" - Lacy
Let's break down the heavy hitters you might encounter on this trip:
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the bay. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. Black drum can grow to over 30 pounds in the bay, and when they decide to eat, it's game on. They love crustaceans, so we often use shrimp or crab for bait. The best time to target them is typically in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring.
Sheepshead: Don't let those weird human-like teeth fool you – these striped bandits are no joke when it comes to putting up a fight. Sheepshead are structure-oriented fish, so we'll often target them around jetties, pilings, or oyster reefs. They're notoriously finicky eaters, which makes hooking one even more satisfying. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take home a meal.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures. Trout fishing can be hot year-round, but the bigger specimens (we call 'em gator trout) are often caught in the cooler months. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Redfish: Ah, the redfish – the rock stars of Texas flats fishing. These copper-colored beauties are what draw many anglers to our waters. Redfish can be caught year-round, but the fall "bull red" run is something special. Sight-casting to tailing reds in shallow water is an experience you won't soon forget. And when a big red takes off on a screaming run, you'll understand why so many anglers get hooked on redfishing for life.
Alright, folks, let's recap what we've got here: A top-notch afternoon fishing trip in one of the best inshore fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast. You've got a chance at hooking into some real quality fish, all while soaking up the beautiful coastal scenery of Port Aransas. Our experienced guides will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast, whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer.
Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack and your favorite beverage). This trip is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to experience the thrill of Texas bay fishing.
So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give us a call or book online to reserve your Afternoon Bay Fishing Trip. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be glad you did. See you on the water!
July 25, 2024
Black Drum are the big boys of the drum family, often weighing 5-30 pounds but sometimes hitting 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds. They love crunching on shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring's the best time to target them when they school up to spawn. Listen for their trademark croaking sounds! These fighters put up a good battle, but be selective about keeping the big ones - the meat gets tough over 15 pounds. For bait, you can't beat fresh crab or clams. My pro tip: use a 9-weight fly rod with weighted black flies if you want to try for them on the fly. Just remember to present it right on the bottom where they feed.
Redfish are shallow water experts - you might even see their backs out of the water in 1-4 feet depths. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud flats. Most are in the 28-33 inch range, but they can get much bigger. That black spot near the tail? It's like a fake eye to confuse predators. These fish are known for explosive topwater strikes, which is a blast for anglers. They're also great eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Spring and fall are prime seasons. My local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud. Cast a gold spoon or shrimp imitation just ahead of them for best results.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em, are a favorite around here. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. These fish put up a scrappy fight and are great eating - just don't overcook the delicate meat. Artificial lures work great - try topwater plugs, jerk baits, or plastic shrimp. My go-to trick is trolling slowly along grass flats if they're being stubborn. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's not too hot or cold. Watch for jumping bait fish - that's often a good sign trout are feeding nearby.
Sheepshead are some characters - those human-like teeth and prison stripes give 'em the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might luck into a 20-pounder. Look for them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, jetties. They're master bait thieves, so set the hook fast when you feel that nibble. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Folks love catching these oddballs, and they make great eating too. The white meat is sweet and mild. My local trick? Scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them in. Just check if it's allowed first. Light tackle and small hooks are the way to go.
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We’re a family of four who originally booked a bay fishing trip with Captain Josh on a rainy day. The weather and water conditions weren’t ideal, but Josh was super flexible and rescheduled us for the next day when things cleared up. He took us to several different spots, and we ended up catching a great mix of fish. Josh was friendly, patient, and made sure everyone on board was taken care of. We all had a fantastic experience and would definitely recommend booking with him!