Ready to push your angling skills to the limit? Captain Randy's advanced half-day trip in Port Aransas is tailor-made for seasoned fishermen looking to tangle with Texas' top inshore species. In just four action-packed hours, you'll be sight-casting to tailing reds, working topwaters for speckled trout, and battling bruiser black drum. This ain't no leisurely cruise – we're talking fast-paced fishing that'll test your abilities and potentially put some real shoulders in the boat.
Forget the slow build-up. We hit the water running on this 4-hour blitz through Port A's most productive inshore haunts. Captain Randy knows these bays like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish fast. We're talking about the skinny water flats around Mustang Island, the grass beds of Redfish Bay, and the oyster reefs near Corpus Christi. Expect to cycle through multiple techniques as we hunt for that inshore slam – redfish, trout, and black drum. This trip is all about maximizing your time on the water and your chances at hooking into something special.
Leave the heavy offshore gear at home. We're fishing light and fast with top-quality inshore setups. Expect to sling artificial lures most of the time – we're talking soft plastics, topwaters, and maybe even fly gear if that's your thing. Captain Randy provides all the tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky stick. We'll be poling through shallow flats, drifting potholes, and working current seams. Wear clothes you don't mind getting a little wet and salty – we might even do some wade fishing if the bite is on fire.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, these copper-colored bruisers are known for their bulldog fights and tail-waving antics in the shallows. We target reds year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools push into the bays. Look for that telltale golden flash and get ready for some drag-screaming runs when you hook up.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your grandpa's pan fish. Specks are beloved for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps. We'll key in on bait movements and work grass lines and drop-offs. The trout bite can be on fire during summer, but big gator trout are a winter specialty in Port A.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, but pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. We target drum around oyster reefs and channel edges. Spring is prime time when big schools move in to spawn, offering a shot at true giants pushing 30+ pounds. Get ready for some serious pull when you hook into one of these bulldogs.
Port Aransas isn't just another cookie-cutter fishing destination. The diversity of habitats – from vast grass flats to deep channels and everything in between – means the fishing never gets stale. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you're working a topwater bite for aggressive trout. Captain Randy's local knowledge means adapting on the fly to give you the best shot at quality fish, no matter the conditions. Plus, let's be real – hooking into a bull red in knee-deep water or watching a trout demolish your lure on the surface... that's the kind of rush that keeps anglers coming back for more.
If you're an experienced angler looking to level up your inshore game, this half-day trip with Captain Randy is your ticket. We're talking focused fishing, premium gear, and a guide who knows how to put clients on fish. Remember, we're limited to just two anglers to maximize your time on the water. Port A's fishing pressure can get intense, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your spot. Whether you're chasing that personal best redfish or just want to experience some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer, this trip delivers. Give Captain Randy a call and get ready to bend some rods!
Black Drum are the big cousins of Redfish, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can get up to 90. You'll find 'em in brackish water and estuaries, especially around oyster beds. These guys are bottom-feeders with strong jaws, crushing shellfish like it's nothing. Spring's the prime time to target them when they school up for spawning. They make this weird croaking sound underwater – it's actually how they communicate. If you're after good eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big boys get tough and taste a bit off. For bait, you can't beat live crab or clams. My local trick? Use a heavy, slow-moving jig and make sure it's bumping the bottom. These fish aren't known for speed, but hook a big one and you're in for a stubborn fight.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our flats. You'll spot 'em by that trademark black dot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can push 50 pounds. These guys love shallow water – I'm talking 1-4 feet deep. Look for 'em around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms. They'll eat just about anything that fits in their mouth, which makes 'em fun to catch on all kinds of lures. Topwater action in the shallows is especially exciting. Fall's prime time when they school up. Redfish put up a great fight and taste fantastic on the grill. Here's a pro tip: when sight-casting, look for their copper-colored backs or tails breaking the surface. Cast beyond them and drag your lure into their path. Just be ready – when they hit, they hit hard.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em, are a blast to catch. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters hit 40. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. These fish are great fighters and even better eating – their meat is white, flaky, and mild. Best time to target them is fall through spring when the water's cooler. They love to ambush bait, so work your lures with quick, erratic movements. Artificial shrimp, topwater plugs, and soft plastics all work well. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for them "slicking" – leaving oily patches on the surface where they're feeding. Cast just beyond those slicks and you're in business. Remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300