Get ready to reel in some serious action on our morning half-day bay fishing trip out of Aransas Pass! We're talking prime inshore and nearshore fishing that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides at Jawjackers Charters know exactly where the fish are biting. We've got everything you need for a successful day on the water - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so all you have to worry about is landing that big one.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Port Aransas as the sun's just starting to warm things up. The bay's calm, the air's salty, and you've got a whole morning of fishing ahead of you. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll waste no time getting to the hotspots. We're targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches - Sheepshead, Black Drum, Redfish, and even Tuna if we venture a bit further out. This trip's perfect for a pair of anglers looking to make the most of their morning. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up - trust me, you'll need it when you're reeling in the big ones!
Let's talk technique. In these parts, we're all about light tackle fishing. It's a blast and gives you a real feel for the fight. Depending on what's biting, we might be drifting live bait, working soft plastics, or even sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. If we're after Sheepshead, get ready for some precision casting around structures - these striped bandits love hanging around jetties and pilings. For Black Drum, we might drop some crab or shrimp to the bottom. And if we're lucky enough to spot a school of Reds, hold onto your hat because it's about to get real! Our gear's top-notch, so even if you're new to this, you'll be fishing like a pro in no time.
"The captain, Josh, is the best charter in the area. Knowledgeable, safe, and had a blast! Highly recommend!" - Jason
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the heavyweight champs of the bay. They can grow up to 30 pounds or more, and when they decide to take your bait, you'll know it. Black Drum are bottom feeders with a sweet tooth for crustaceans. They're here year-round, but spring's when they really show up in numbers for their spawning run. Anglers love 'em because they put up a great fight and make for some tasty table fare.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - these striped fighters are no pushovers. Sheepshead are the ultimate structure-huggers, hanging around jetties, pilings, and reefs. They're notoriously tricky to hook, which is why landing one is such a badge of honor. Winter and early spring are prime time for Sheepshead, and if you can get the hang of feeling their subtle bite, you're in for some of the best light tackle action around.
Sea Trout: Also known as Speckled Trout, these guys are the bay's top predators. They're quick, they're aggressive, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Sea Trout love to hang out in deeper holes and around grass flats. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. The "gator" trout (the big ones) are the stuff of local legend, and hooking into one of those is like striking gold.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty Red Drum. These copper-colored beauties are probably the most sought-after inshore species in Texas. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and when they're "tailing" in shallow water, it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Reds can be caught year-round, but fall is when they really shine. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and their powerful runs will test your drag and your stamina. Plus, there's nothing quite like the "redfish slam" when they hit topwater lures.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in Port Aransas, but the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. This half-day trip is the perfect way to get a taste of what our waters have to offer. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just want to enjoy a morning on the water, we've got you covered. Our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Remember, the deposit's non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there feeling that first tug on the line, you'll know it was worth every penny. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddy, your cap, and your sense of adventure - the fish are calling, and Jawjackers Charters is ready to get you on 'em!
June 6, 2024
Black Drum are real bruisers, typically running 5-30 pounds but sometimes hitting 90. Look for them in shallow, muddy flats and around oyster beds. They use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so crab and shrimp make great bait. Spring's the prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The meat gets tougher in bigger fish. To land one, use a heavyweight setup and fish right on the bottom. Listen close and you might even hear their distinctive croaking sound. My local tip: try peeler crab on a circle hook. The scent drives 'em wild, and circle hooks make for an easier release if you're catch-and-release fishing.
Redfish are the rockstars of our flats. Look for that distinctive spot near the tail in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs and seagrass in 1-4 feet of water. Most run 28-33 inches when full grown, but they can get much bigger offshore. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for the fight - they'll crash topwaters or inhale a well-placed jig. And talk about good eating, especially those slot-sized fish. My local secret? On calm mornings, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud. Sneak up quietly and make a precise cast - the explosion when they hit is unreal.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. You'll find these silver beauties in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. Look for them year-round, but winter's when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love 'em for the fight and that mild, flaky meat. They're suckers for lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs. Live shrimp work great too. My local tip: troll slowly along grass edges on calm mornings. When you find a school, it's game on. Just remember, they're delicate fish, so handle with care if you're releasing. Nothing beats a limit of specks for dinner after a good day on the water.
Sheepshead are some crafty customers. You'll find these striped "convict fish" around barnacle-covered structures like docks and jetties. They usually run 1-8 pounds, but can hit 20 if you're lucky. Spring's the hot time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with those human-like chompers. But man, they're tasty if you can get past those tough scales. For the best shot, use light tackle and feel for that telltale nibble. Set the hook hard when you feel weight. My go-to trick? Scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum 'em up. Just check if it's allowed first. Once they start feeding, it can be non-stop action.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 36
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
The captain, Josh, is the best charter in the area. Knowledgeable, safe, and had a blast! Highly recommend!