Hey there, fishing fans! Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Captain Larry's got you covered with this laid-back 4-hour trip that's perfect for newcomers but still a blast for seasoned anglers. We'll be cruising the rich fishing grounds of Aransas Pass and Rockport, hunting for those prized Texas trio: redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – the captain's been fishing these parts longer than most folks have been alive, and he knows just how to put you on the fish.
Picture this: You're aboard a sweet 24-foot Haynie, rigged to the gills with all the gear you need. We're talking rods, reels, bait, tackle – the works. All you gotta do is show up with your fishing license, some grub, and whatever you want to drink. The boat's set up for two anglers, but if you've got a bigger crew, no worries – we can squeeze in up to three more for a full party of five. And get this – if you're staying over in Port A, we can even swing by Fisherman's Wharf to pick you up (for a small fee, of course). Just remember, once you put that deposit down, it's locked in – no refunds, 'cause we're holding that spot just for you.
Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be hitting up some of Captain Larry's favorite honey holes – spots where the fish are practically lining up to jump on your hook. We might start off drifting some grass flats, tossing soft plastics for those speckled trout. Or maybe we'll post up near some oyster reefs, where the redfish love to hang out. Black drum? Those big uglies are often cruising the deeper channels, and we've got just the right bait to tempt 'em. The captain's gonna show you all the tricks – how to work a popping cork, when to set the hook, and how to reel in that big one without losing it at the boat. By the end of the trip, you'll be slinging lures like a pro.
Now, I could tell you all day about the monster reds and gator trout we've pulled in, but let's hear it straight from the folks who've been there. Unfortunately, we don't have any customer reviews to share just yet. But trust me, once those testimonials start rolling in, this section's gonna be packed with fish stories that'll make your eyes pop!
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the stars of Texas inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your biceps, often tipping the scales at 20-30 pounds. Reds love to hang around structure – pilings, jetties, you name it. When they're tailing in the shallows, sight-casting to them is an absolute rush. Fall's prime time for bull reds, but we catch 'em year-round.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these "specks" are anything but small fry. Known for their spotted sides and delicate flavor, trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. They're ambush predators, so we'll be working grass beds and drop-offs where they like to lurk. Spring and fall are your best bet for big ones, but summer can be red hot too.
Black Drum: These bruisers might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you a workout. Black drum can grow huge – we're talking 30-40 pounds or more. They've got a face full of whiskers (barbels) that they use to root around the bottom for crabs and shrimp. Winter's the prime time for the big ones, but we catch 'em pretty much all year.
Look, whether you're a total greenhorn or you've been fishing since you could walk, this trip's gonna be a good time. Captain Larry's seen it all, caught it all, and he's itching to share his local knowledge with you. You'll come back with new skills, maybe a few fish for the dinner table, and definitely some stories to tell. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's go bend some rods in Port A. The fish are biting, and the tide's just right – time to make some memories on the water!
Black drum are a local favorite, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90. They're cousins to redfish but with a unique look – dark gray to black with powerful jaws for crushing shellfish. You'll find 'em in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's prime time when they school up for spawning. These guys make a cool drumming sound underwater, which is pretty neat to hear if you're lucky. They put up a good fight and make decent table fare, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. When we're targeting drum, I like to use fresh crab for bait – it's like candy to them and doesn't get picked off by other fish as quickly. Just remember to fish it right on the bottom where these guys like to hang out.
Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. They're easy to spot with that black dot near the tail – nature's way of confusing predators. Most of our reds run 28 to 33 inches, but they can grow much bigger offshore. These guys love shallow water, often in just 1 to 4 feet deep. You'll find them cruising flats, around oyster reefs, and near structure like old piers. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to catch on all kinds of lures and bait. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. Redfish put up an awesome fight and are excellent eating too. One local trick: look for their tails sticking up out of the water when they're feeding in really shallow areas. It's called "tailing," and sight-casting to those fish can be some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever do.
Around here, we call 'em speckled trout. These silvery beauties typically run 14 to 24 inches and put up a great fight for their size. You'll find them in our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang out where there's structure and bait fish. Winter's actually a great time to target them – they school up in deeper channels when it gets cold. Trout are popular because they're fun to catch and taste fantastic. Light, flaky meat that's hard to beat. When we're after trout, I always tell folks to work their lures with a slow, twitching retrieve. These fish are ambush predators, so mimicking an injured baitfish really gets their attention. Topwater lures at dawn can lead to some exciting strikes too. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 400