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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Pleasanton
Redfish fishing in Pleasanton, TX
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The Redfish, also known as Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), is a popular gamefish in the Gulf Coast and Atlantic regions. These powerful fighters are characterized by their copper-red coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. They typically range from 30-61 inches in length and can weigh between 10-45 pounds. - Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters, particularly grass flats and backcountry areas. - They're known for their distinctive 'tailing' behavior when feeding in shallow water. - The black spot near their tail is thought to confuse predators into attacking the wrong end of the fish.
Fishing Charter by Captain Larry Miller in October
Meet your Captain Larry Miller
- Rockport & Port Aransas Fishing Charters
Summary
Our Friday October fishing charter in Pleasanton delivered some quality inshore action. Launching early morning, we targeted the flats and channels around Port Aransas with drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques. The water was cooperative, and we used soft plastics to work different water columns. The speckled trout were biting steady throughout the morning, and we landed some nice redfish that put up a good fight. Port Aransas has been productive lately with its variety of structure and grass flats—perfect for this type of inshore fishing. Whether you're looking for a Port Aransas inshore fishing charter or want to target redfish and trout in Texas coastal waters, our 5-hour morning trips provide plenty of time to work different areas and techniques for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Larry Miller – Rates & Booking
Captain Larry Miller of Fishin' All The Time Guide Service on Friday October offers a 5-hour morning trip aboard a 24' Haynie boat. This Port Aransas inshore fishing adventure is designed for two anglers, with space for up to three additional guests. All fishing gear is provided—just bring your fishing license, snacks, and drinks. Optional pickup from Fisherman's Wharf in Port Aransas is available for a small fee. Note that deposits are non-refundable.
Highlights of Port Aransas Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish, Trout, and Black Drum
Our inshore fishing trips focus on productive fishing grounds around Aransas Pass and Rockport waters. The 24' Haynie boat is fully equipped for a comfortable day targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum at proven local fishing spots. These trips are tailored for beginners but enjoyable for anglers of all skill levels.
The fall fishing has been strong in this area, with steady action on both redfish and speckled trout. We employ multiple techniques including drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting soft plastics to maximize your chances of success on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Port Aransas area thrive in the shallow flats and channels with grassy bottoms. During our trips, we target them using soft plastics and natural baits near structure and along grass lines. Fall is an excellent time for redfish as they feed aggressively in preparation for winter. The clear conditions and moderate water temperatures create ideal situations for sight-casting to tailing redfish in shallow water. The fight of a redfish is distinctive—once hooked, they make powerful runs that will test your tackle and skills. The Port Aransas area offers diverse habitats that support healthy redfish populations year-round.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our fishing charters depart early morning to take advantage of the best bite. The 24' Haynie boat comfortably accommodates two anglers with room for additional guests if needed. We provide all the necessary fishing equipment, including quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore species. Just remember to bring your fishing license, sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, and camera to document your catch. A small cooler for drinks and snacks is recommended, and we suggest wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Our trips run in most weather conditions, but safety is our priority—we'll reschedule if conditions become unsafe.
Fishing in Rockport, Texas: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast. Known for its distinctive copper-bronze back that fades to white on the belly and the characteristic black spot near its tail, these fish are prized by anglers in Pleasanton waters throughout October for both their fighting ability and table fare.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are powerful, bottom-dwelling fish that have become icons of inshore fishing. They're highly adaptable predators that can live in various salinity levels from brackish estuaries to full saltwater environments, making them accessible to anglers fishing from boats or shore.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in shallow coastal waters including bays, estuaries, flats, and backcountry areas. In the Pleasanton area, redfish are commonly found around oyster bars, grass flats, channel edges, and marsh shorelines. They prefer depths of 1-4 feet when feeding but move to deeper waters during temperature extremes or for spawning.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Trophy-sized specimens, often called "bull reds," can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds. The current Texas state record stands at over 54 pounds, though most inshore catches average 3-10 pounds.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans (crabs, shrimp), small fish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting downward in shallow water, causing their tails to break the surface (known as "tailing"). They hunt most actively during morning and evening hours, using their sense of smell and lateral line to detect prey in murky waters.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Texas waters, redfish typically spawn from August through October in nearshore Gulf waters. During this period, large breeding-age fish (8+ years old) gather in schools to release eggs and milt. Each female can produce up to 2 million eggs during spawning season, contributing to the species' resilience despite fishing pressure.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
The most effective methods for targeting redfish include sight-casting with soft plastics or flies in clear shallow water, soaking natural baits like cut mullet or live shrimp near structure, and working gold spoons or weedless jigs through grass flats. In October around Pleasanton, concentrate on areas where baitfish are plentiful, particularly around marsh drains and oyster bars during falling tides. Early morning and late afternoon provide prime feeding periods when redfish are most aggressive.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white meat that has a mild, sweet flavor and flaky texture. It's versatile in preparation—blackened, grilled, broiled, or baked—and pairs well with bold seasonings. Nutritionally, it provides quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and relatively low mercury levels compared to other larger predatory fish. For best results, keep fish on ice immediately after catching and cook fresh within 1-2 days.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish?
A: Live or fresh-cut mullet, live shrimp, blue crabs, and fiddler crabs are all excellent natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics (especially paddle tails in gold/root beer colors), and weedless jigs work particularly well in the Pleasanton area.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Pleasanton?
A: Redfish in the Pleasanton area are typically found in the shallow grass flats, around oyster reefs, along channel edges, and in marsh ponds with good tidal flow. Port Aransas offers excellent redfish habitat with its mix of flats, channels, and backwater areas.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. Smaller "slot-sized" fish (20-28 inches in Texas) generally taste better than larger specimens. The meat is versatile for cooking and works well with various seasonings and preparations.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish?
A: Fall (September through November) is generally considered prime time for redfish in Texas waters, with October being particularly productive. Early morning and evening hours typically produce the best results, especially during moving tides. In Pleasanton area waters, redfish feed actively on incoming tides over shallow flats and around structure.
Q: What size Redfish can I keep in Texas?
A: Texas regulations typically allow keeping redfish between 20-28 inches (slot limit), with a daily bag limit of 3 fish per person. Anglers may keep one oversized redfish (28+ inches) per day with a properly completed redfish tag from their fishing license.
Q: How can I identify a Redfish?
A: Redfish are easily identified by their coppery-bronze to reddish color, white underbelly, and one or more distinctive black spots near the tail. They have a downturned mouth designed for bottom feeding and lack the prominent barbels found on similar species like black drum.
More species you can explore on this trip
Fishin' All The Time Guide Service Available Trips
24' Haynie
