Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're itching to wet a line in some of the best inshore fishing spots Texas has to offer, you've come to the right place. Captain Larry here, ready to take you on a 4-hour morning adventure that'll have you hooked from the start. We'll be hitting the sweet spots around Port Aransas and Rockport, targeting the holy trinity of inshore fishing: redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. My 24' Haynie is gassed up and ready to go, so grab your fishing buddies (or fly solo if that's your style) and let's make some memories on the water.
Picture this: You're cruising out at dawn, the smell of salt in the air, and the anticipation of what's swimming below. This trip is tailor-made for you seasoned anglers who know your way around a rod but want that local edge to really crush it. We've got room for two die-hard fishermen, plus space for three more if you want to bring along some spectators (or future fishing converts). I'll supply all the gear you need - rods, reels, and tackle that I know work in these waters. All you need to bring is your license, some grub, and whatever you want to drink. Oh, and if you're staying in Port A, I can even swing by Fisherman's Wharf to pick you up for a small fee. Just remember, once you're in, you're in - deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to an awesome day on the water.
Alright, let's talk strategy. We'll be working the flats, cuts, and channels where our target species love to hang out. Depending on the conditions, we might start off drift fishing across some productive flats, using live bait or soft plastics to entice those specks and reds. If the bite is on, we could be in for some fast action. For the black drum, we might need to anchor up near some structure and use more patience - but trust me, when those big uglies start biting, it's worth the wait. I'll show you how to read the water, spot the signs of feeding fish, and present your bait just right. Whether you're a pro at working a popping cork or want to learn the finesse of sight-casting to tailing reds, I've got you covered.
"Very knowledgeable guide. We left the dock and stopped at one location and hit our limit on trout. We had two younger boys with us(12&9). He was really great with them and took the time to teach them. Will definitely use him again." - Cody
"We had booked with Larry for April but the weather got too bad. He was terrific in working with us so we re-booked in June. The weather was perfect and Larry kept us on fish. We could only keep six but we brought in 16 trout, three catfish and one tenacious crab. He also teaches as you go so that you've not only had a good time but learned something as well. We highly recommend Larry." - Julia
"Second time with Captain Larry and again did not disappoint! Limited out on some good reds, great conversations and always a great time. The only guide we'll book in Rockport or Port A! Thanks Larry!!!" - Ty
Let's break down the stars of our show - the fish you'll be chasing on this trip. First up, the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful runs and that distinctive spot on their tail. They love to cruise in shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out, giving you a shot at some exciting sight-fishing. Reds can range from "rat reds" under 20 inches to bull reds over 40 inches, but our sweet spot is usually those slot-sized fish between 20-28 inches. They're at their best in the fall when they school up, but honestly, you can catch them year-round here.
Next, we've got the speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em. These guys are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're beautiful fish with a mouth full of teeth (hence the name "trout") and can be downright acrobatic when hooked. Specks are notorious for their soft mouths, so finesse is key when fighting them. We typically catch them in the 15-20 inch range, but there's always a chance at a gator trout over 25 inches if luck is on our side. Spring and fall are prime time for trout, but summer can be great too if you know where to look.
Last but not least, the black drum. These are the workhorses of our inshore waters. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. Drum love to hang around structure and can grow to massive sizes - we're talking 30-40 pounds or more. The ones we usually target are in the 14-30 inch range, perfect for both sport and the dinner table. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, and when you hook into a big one, get ready for a workout. Winter and early spring are peak seasons for drum, but we catch them year-round.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but the best way to experience it is to get out there yourself. This 4-hour trip is the perfect taste of what Port A and Rockport have to offer. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer, catch that personal best, or just enjoy a morning on the water with some good company, I've got you covered. The fish are out there waiting, and spots on my calendar fill up fast. So what do you say? Ready to see why they call this the "Fishing Capital of Texas"? Book your trip now, and let's make some fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come. Tight lines!
August 4, 2024
Captain Larry was a Great guide!! I would highly recommend his guide services to everyone!!
October 16, 2022
Such a great trip! We took two littles with us (6 and 9) and they not only had a blast but Captain Larry was super patient and helped them every step of the way. Both kids can’t wait to go back again next year. We loved this trip and will 100% be booking all of our trips with him.
June 27, 2022
Good captain put us on reds.
April 3, 2022
We had booked with Larry for April but the weather got too bad. He was terrific in working with us so we re-booked in June. The weather was perfect and Larry kept us on fish. We could only keep six but we brought in 16 trout, three catfish and one tenacious crab. He also teaches as you go so that you've not only had a good time but learned something as well. We highly recommend Larry.
June 12, 2023
Overall, it was a great first-time experience.
September 7, 2023
Second time with Captain Larry and again did not disappoint! Limited out on some good reds, great conversations and always a great time. The only guide we’ll book in Rockport or Port A! Thanks Larry!!!
October 8, 2023
Black drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, often tipping the scales at 30-90 pounds. You'll find these bruisers hanging around oyster beds and mudflats in depths of 1-10 feet. They use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so crab and shrimp make great bait. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love battling these bulldogs - they pull hard and don't give up easy. For eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best flavor and texture. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root around the bottom. Sight-casting to tailing drum is a rush. Just remember to fish your bait slow and on the bottom where these guys feed.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches and 3-12 pounds in the bays. You'll spot them tailing in super shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep. They love to hang around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Reds are known for their hard-pulling fights and tasty flesh. They'll hit just about anything - live bait, soft plastics, or topwaters. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, cruise the shallows and look for their backs or tails breaking the surface. It's exciting sight-fishing when you can actually see the fish before you cast. Just remember to approach quietly or you'll spook the whole school.
Speckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, usually running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them cruising grass flats and hanging around structure in 2-6 feet of water. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but soft plastics work great too. Fall and spring are peak seasons as the water cools. Trout put up a good fight with some acrobatic jumps, and they're excellent eating with delicate, flaky white meat. Night fishing can be red hot - look for trout under dock lights attacking baitfish. Here's a tip: if you find a good trout bite, stick with it. They often school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. Just vary your retrieve speed until you dial in what they want that day.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 400
Very knowledgeable guide. We left the dock and stopped at one location and hit our limit on trout. We had two younger boys with us(12&9). He was really great with them and took the time to teach them. Will definitely use him again.