Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Port Aransas

Published Date: September 8, 2025
Fishing

Rockport, TX
$300 - $1,700 price range

Summary

Ready for a family fishing adventure in Texas? Join Captain Larry for a 4-hour inshore trip around Port Aransas and Rockport. You'll be cruising on a roomy 24' Haynie boat, perfect for small groups. The waters here are teeming with redfish, speckled trout, and black drum – all local favorites. Cap'n Larry knows just where to find them, so you're in for some great action. This trip's set up for two anglers, but there's space for up to three more folks if you want to bring the whole crew. No need to lug your gear – all the rods, reels, and tackle are provided. Just remember your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks. If you're staying in Port Aransas, they can even pick you up from Fisherman's Wharf for a small fee. It's a hassle-free way to get out on the water and try your luck with some of Texas' best inshore fishing. Keep in mind, though, that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly.

Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Port Aransas

Coastal Catches

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Family Fishing Fun in Port A: Reds, Trout & Drums

Ready for some quality family time on the water? Captain Larry's got you covered with this 4-hour inshore fishing trip around Port Aransas and Rockport. You'll be cruising on a roomy 24' Haynie, perfect for getting the whole gang out there to reel in some of Texas' favorite gamefish. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want a laid-back day chasing reds, trout, and black drum, this trip hits the sweet spot.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on the fish. You'll hit up some of the best spots in the bay, from grass flats to oyster reefs. The trip's set up for two anglers, but there's room for up to three more folks if you want to make it a real family affair. No need to fuss with gear – all the rods, reels, and tackle are provided. Just remember to grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and you're good to go. Oh, and if you're staying in Port A, Captain Larry can even swing by Fisherman's Wharf to pick you up for a small fee.

Fishing Know-How for Port A

Inshore fishing around here is all about working the shallows and structure. You might be tossing soft plastics along grass lines for trout, sight-casting to tailing redfish in the flats, or dropping bait near oyster reefs for black drum. Captain Larry will show you the ropes, whether you're a first-timer or an old salt. He'll get you set up with the right bait and lures, and teach you how to read the water. Keep an eye out for birds working – that's often a dead giveaway for some good action below.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a Texas staple. They love to cruise the shallows, and when they're tailing, it's a sight to behold. Reds put up a great fight, often making strong runs and even some jumps. They're most active in the fall, but you can catch them year-round. Slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) make for excellent eating, with a sweet, mild flavor that's hard to beat.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are prized for both their sporty fight and their tasty fillets. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when reeling them in. Specks love to hang around grass beds and drop-offs. Early morning and late evening are prime times to target them, especially with topwater lures – there's nothing quite like seeing a big trout explode on your bait.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and great on the dinner table. These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes, but the smaller ones (under 30 inches) are what you want for eating. They love crustaceans, so crab or shrimp baits work well. You'll often find them around structure like jetties or pier pilings. When they're biting, it's not uncommon to catch a bunch in quick succession.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fishing the bays around Port Aransas and Rockport is something special. The diversity of fish, the beautiful coastal scenery, and the chance to create lasting memories with family – it all adds up to an experience you'll want to repeat. Captain Larry's trips are designed to be fun for everyone, from seasoned anglers to kids just starting out. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the smile on a kid's face when they reel in their first big fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure in Port Aransas, this trip checks all the boxes. Captain Larry's local knowledge, combined with the comfort of his 24' Haynie, sets you up for a great day on the water. Whether you're after your personal best redfish, a stringer full of trout, or just some quality time with the family, this 4-hour inshore trip delivers. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your crew, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't forget. Book now and get ready to make some waves – and memories – in Port A!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are hefty fighters that'll give your rod a workout. These cousins of the redfish can grow up to 90 pounds, though we usually catch 'em in the 5-30 pound range. Look for black drum around oyster beds, mudflats, and inlets in our shallow bays. They're bottom feeders with a taste for crabs and shellfish. Spring's the prime time to target them, when they school up to spawn. That drumming sound you might hear? That's the males calling for mates. For bait, nothing beats a fresh crab or piece of shrimp. Here's a local trick - use a circle hook to avoid deep hooking these guys. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating, with firm, white meat. Bigger ones can get a bit tough, so we usually release those to fight another day.

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. You can spot 'em by that trademark black dot near the tail. Most we catch run 20-30 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches in the right conditions. Reds love shallow water – we're talking 1 to 4 feet deep. You'll find them tailing on flats, prowling around oyster reefs, or hiding near structure. These copper-colored beauties put up a stubborn fight, often making screaming runs when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. Fall is prime time when big schools push into the bays. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to them in clear water. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp imitation works wonders. Remember, a stealthy approach is key – these fish can spook easily in skinny water.

Sea Trout

Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a favorite around here. These silvery fish with spotted backs typically run 14-24 inches, though we occasionally see some gators over 5 pounds. You'll find them hanging around grass flats, channels, and structure in the bay. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on a moving tide. Specks put up a good fight and are known for their acrobatic jumps. They're also mighty tasty on the dinner table – the meat is tender and flaky. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. Pro tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. These guys school up, so work an area thoroughly once you get a bite.

About the Haynie

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 60

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 400

Captain Larry's 24-foot Haynie boat is ready to take you and your family on a 4-hour fishing adventure in the rich waters around Port Aransas and Rockport. This roomy vessel is perfect for two anglers, with space for up to three more guests, making it a great choice for family outings. You'll be targeting local favorites like redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in proven fishing spots. No need to worry about gear - all rods, reels, and tackle are provided. Just remember to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks. For a small fee, Captain Larry can pick you up from Fisherman's Wharf in Port Aransas, adding a touch of convenience to your trip. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip offers a fun day on the water for everyone.

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