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Caught a trophy Redfish Inshore in Port Aransas
Redfish Inshore in Port Aransas
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore gamefish, known for its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. Port Aransas waters provide ideal habitat for Redfish with extensive grass flats, channels, and structure that these fish use for feeding and protection. - Redfish typically range from 30-61 inches and 10-45 pounds. - Fall is prime season for targeting Redfish in Texas coastal waters. - They feed primarily on crustaceans, smaller fish, and mollusks found in shallow waters.
Fishing Charter by Captain Larry Miller in December
Meet your Captain Larry Miller
- Rockport & Port Aransas Fishing Charters
Summary
Friday October brought perfect conditions for our Port Aransas fishing charter targeting inshore species. Captain Larry guided us through the productive flats and channels around Port Aransas, where the fall fishing has been excellent. Using drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques with soft plastics, we connected with speckled trout throughout the morning and landed some quality redfish that put up strong fights. The 5-hour trip aboard the 24' Haynie provided ample time to work different areas, resulting in a productive day on the water. Port Aransas continues to deliver great inshore fishing opportunities, especially when working the variety of structure and grass flats that make this area a top destination for redfish and trout.
Fishing Charter with Captain Larry – Rates & Booking
Captain Larry Miller of Fishin' All The Time Guide Service offers Friday October inshore fishing charters that put you on the action in Port Aransas waters. The 5 Hour Morning Trip runs $425 for two anglers aboard a fully-equipped 24' Haynie, with space for up to three additional guests. All fishing gear and licenses are included—just bring your snacks, drinks, and camera. Trips launch early morning to target the best bite, with all necessary tackle provided by this licensed local guide with years of experience on these waters.
Highlights of Port Aransas Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish, Trout, and Black Drum
This 5-hour guided inshore fishing trip focuses on the productive waters around Aransas Pass and Rockport. Captain Larry specializes in targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum at proven local fishing spots using effective techniques like drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting with soft plastics. The trip is perfectly tailored for beginners but remains engaging for experienced anglers looking to put together a solid day on the water.
The 24' Haynie provides a stable, comfortable platform designed specifically for these inshore waters. With room for two anglers (and space for up to three additional guests), you'll have plenty of deck space to work your techniques. Fall fishing has been particularly strong in Port Aransas, with the variety of structure and grass flats creating ideal habitat for quality redfish and speckled trout.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in the Port Aransas flats and channels, where they feed aggressively around structure and grass beds. Fall is prime time for targeting these copper-colored fighters as they school up and become more predictable in their feeding patterns. The local redfish respond well to soft plastics worked along bottom structure, particularly during morning hours when they're most active. Their powerful runs and dogged fights make them a favorite target for anglers fishing the Texas coast. Captain Larry's expertise in reading the water and locating productive areas dramatically increases your chances of connecting with quality redfish during your Port Aransas fishing charter.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your trip aboard the 24' Haynie begins early morning at the launch point near Port Aransas. The boat comfortably accommodates two anglers with room for additional guests, and all necessary fishing gear is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Captain Larry recommends bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, snacks, and drinks for your comfort. Weather conditions are monitored closely, with clear skies typically providing the most productive fishing, though Captain Larry can adapt to varying conditions to keep you on fish throughout your charter.
Fishing in Rockport, Texas: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These striking fish are easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot(s) near the tail, which helps confuse predators by creating a false "eye." In Port Aransas waters this October, anglers target these hard-fighting gamefish as they feed aggressively in the shallows.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast. Their popularity stems from their strong fighting ability, accessibility to shore anglers, and excellent table fare. These fish are known for powerful runs and dogged battles, making them a favorite target for light tackle enthusiasts.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in diverse coastal environments including shallow bays, estuaries, flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore areas. They prefer depths of 1-4 feet where they can root through bottom sediment for food. Around Port Aransas, they're commonly found around oyster reefs, grass flats, channel edges, and marsh drains, particularly during falling tides when prey is concentrated.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. Younger "slot-sized" fish (those within legal harvest limits) are usually 20-28 inches and 4-8 pounds. Bull Redfish, the larger specimens often found in nearshore waters, can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting downward and rooting through bottom sediments, creating visible "tailing" behavior in shallow water. They're most active during early morning and evening hours, and often reveal their presence by creating wakes or "pushing water" in shallow areas.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn from late August through October in Gulf waters, with peak activity in September. During this time, mature fish form large schools near passes and in nearshore Gulf waters. After spawning, juvenile redfish use estuaries and backcountry waters as nursery habitat until reaching maturity at around 3-5 years.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective techniques work well for targeting Redfish. Drift fishing with live or cut bait (shrimp, mullet, or crab) produces consistently, especially along channel edges and deeper holes. Soft plastic lures in natural colors worked slowly along bottom structure are highly effective, especially paddle tails and shrimp imitations. In October, anglers around Port Aransas find success targeting redfish around shallow flats during morning hours when water temperatures are cooler and fish are actively feeding.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, blackening, or baking. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to other gamefish. Smaller specimens (under 30 inches) generally provide the best eating quality, while larger fish can sometimes have a coarser texture.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Port Aransas?
A: Live or cut mullet, fresh shrimp, and blue crabs are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics (particularly in new penny or chartreuse colors), and weedless jerkbaits are consistently productive.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Port Aransas?
A: Focus on grass flats, oyster reefs, channel edges, and marsh drains, particularly during moving tides. Aransas Bay, Redfish Bay, and the backwater areas around Port Aransas hold good numbers of Redfish year-round.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white meat. Smaller slot-sized fish (typically under 28 inches in Texas) provide the best eating quality. Blackening, grilling, or baking with light seasonings highlights the natural flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Port Aransas?
A: Fall (September through November) offers prime Redfish fishing as water temperatures moderate and fish feed aggressively before winter. Early morning and evening periods during moving tides (particularly falling tides) typically produce the best action.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium spinning tackle with 15-20 lb test line works well for most inshore Redfish. A 7-foot medium-action rod paired with a 3000-4000 series reel provides good casting distance while maintaining enough backbone to handle their strong runs.
Q: Are Redfish hard to catch?
A: Redfish can be relatively forgiving for beginners when located, as they're often aggressive feeders. However, they can become wary in heavily pressured areas or very shallow water, requiring more refined presentations and stealth from anglers.
