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Caught a Black Drum Inshore in Port Aransas
Black Drum Fishing in Port Aransas, TX
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The Black Drum belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae, making it the largest member of this diverse family that includes nearly 300 species. These powerful fish inhabit brackish waters and onshore environments, with adults typically weighing between 15 to 90 pounds. - Known for distinctive drumming or croaking sounds they produce. - Possess powerful crushing jaws capable of breaking shellfish and oysters. - Popular cousin to the well-known Redfish species.
Fishing Charter & Guided Hunts by Captain Cory Russell in August
Meet your Captain Cory Russell
- Best Port Aransas Fishing Charter
Summary
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Friday July delivered an outstanding 4 Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in the productive waters around Port Aransas. This half-day morning trip combines live bait fishing, drift fishing, and sight casting techniques to target black drum, redfish, and speckled trout in the shallow flats and deeper channels of Redfish Bay. All gear, rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided, making this charter perfect for families and experienced anglers alike. The early 7:00 am start maximizes fishing success before the Texas heat builds, while the partly cloudy conditions create ideal sight casting opportunities along the Gulf Coast.
Fishing Charter with Captain Cory Russell – Rates & Booking
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Friday July offers a comprehensive 4-hour inshore fishing experience departing from 1300 Port St. This half-day morning charter runs from 7:00 am and includes all necessary equipment—rods, reels, bait, and tackle—so you can focus entirely on the fishing. The trip accommodates up to 2 guests and targets prime inshore species including black drum, redfish, speckled trout, and flounder using proven live bait and drift fishing techniques. A 20% cash tip is appreciated after each successful trip. Book online to secure your preferred date and experience why Port Aransas remains one of Texas' premier coastal fishing destinations.
Highlights of 4 Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas
This morning charter showcases the best of Port Aransas inshore fishing with multiple proven techniques. Live bait fishing and drift fishing allow you to cover productive water while sight casting adds excitement when conditions permit. The early start time takes advantage of cooler temperatures and active fish before the day heats up. Recent trips have produced quality black drum in the 17-inch range and impressive redfish up to 26 inches, demonstrating the consistent action these waters provide.
The charter operates in the protected waters of Redfish Bay and surrounding flats, offering excellent fishing opportunities regardless of your experience level. All gear is provided and maintained to professional standards, while Captain Russell's local knowledge ensures you fish the most productive spots based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns.
Local Species Insights: Black Drum
Black drum thrive in the brackish waters around Port Aransas, particularly in areas where oyster reefs and shell beds provide abundant food sources. These powerful fish use their crushing jaws to feed on crabs, shrimp, and mollusks, making them excellent targets for live bait presentations. During summer months, black drum often move into shallower water to feed, creating ideal opportunities for sight casting and drift fishing techniques. Their fighting ability and size potential—ranging from keeper-sized fish to trophy specimens—make them a favorite among Port Aransas anglers seeking both action and table fare.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour inshore fishing adventure begins with a 7:00 am departure from 1300 Port St, taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and prime feeding times. The charter accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably and includes all fishing equipment, bait, and tackle needed for a successful trip. Captain Russell provides expert guidance on techniques ranging from live bait fishing to sight casting, adapting the approach based on current conditions and target species activity. The boat is equipped for safety and comfort, allowing you to focus on enjoying the fishing experience while exploring the productive waters of Redfish Bay and the surrounding Port Aransas flats.
Fishing & Hunting in Port Aransas, TX: Black Drum
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is the largest member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers. These distinctive fish are known for the repetitive drumming or croaking sounds they produce, giving the family its common name. Black drum are characterized by their dark gray to black coloration and powerful jaws equipped with strong pharyngeal teeth capable of crushing shellfish, crabs, and oysters.
Black Drum Overview
Black drum are highly prized by Port Aransas anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These fish can live over 40 years and grow to impressive sizes, with adults commonly weighing between 15 to 90 pounds. Their robust build and powerful tail make them formidable opponents on light tackle, providing exciting battles for anglers of all skill levels.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
Black drum inhabit brackish waters, estuaries, and nearshore environments along the Gulf Coast. Around Port Aransas, they frequent oyster reefs, shell beds, and shallow flats where their preferred prey is abundant. These fish move between deeper channels and shallow feeding areas based on tides, temperature, and food availability, making them accessible to both boat and wade fishermen.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Adult black drum typically range from 15 to 90 pounds, though smaller juvenile fish are commonly caught in the 12 to 20-inch range. Trophy specimens can exceed 50 pounds and measure over 40 inches in length. The fish caught during this Port Aransas charter measured 17 inches, representing a solid keeper-sized black drum perfect for the dinner table.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black drum are opportunistic feeders that use their powerful jaws to crush crabs, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. They often feed by rooting through soft bottom sediments, creating muddy water that can reveal their presence to observant anglers. During July in Port Aransas waters, black drum actively feed in shallow areas during early morning hours, making them ideal targets for live bait presentations.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Black drum spawn in nearshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. Large schools gather in deeper water for spawning activities, after which smaller fish move into estuarine nursery areas. Summer months find juvenile and adult black drum distributed throughout brackish water systems, providing consistent fishing opportunities.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Live bait fishing with blue crab, shrimp, or cut bait produces excellent results for black drum. Drift fishing allows anglers to cover productive water while presenting baits naturally near oyster reefs and shell beds. In July around Port Aransas, anglers find success using circle hooks with live shrimp or crab pieces, allowing the bait to settle near structure where black drum actively feed.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller black drum under 24 inches provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. The flesh is lean and high in protein while remaining low in mercury compared to many saltwater species. Black drum can be prepared by grilling, blackening, or frying, with the meat holding together well during cooking due to its firm texture.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for black drum?
A: Live or fresh dead shrimp, blue crab, and cut mullet are top choices. Black drum have excellent senses of smell and taste, making fresh natural baits most effective.
Q: Where can I find black drum near Port Aransas?
A: Look for black drum around oyster reefs, shell beds, and shallow flats in Redfish Bay and surrounding waters. They often feed in 2-8 feet of water during morning and evening hours.
Q: Is black drum good to eat?
A: Yes, smaller black drum under 24 inches are excellent eating with firm, white meat and mild flavor. Larger fish tend to be coarser and are often released for conservation.
Q: When is the best time to catch black drum?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best action, particularly during moving tides. Summer months offer consistent fishing as black drum remain active in the warmer waters around Port Aransas.
More species you can explore on this trip
Russell & Sons Outdoors Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Get ready for a laid-back morning of fishing in the scenic Redfish Bay near Port Aransas. Our 4-hour guided charter takes you to prime spots where you can reel in local favorites like redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle you'll need. This trip is perfect for small groups of friends or family looking to spend some quality time on the water together. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, our knowledgeable captain will help ensure you have a great time out on the bay. After your trip, don't forget that a 20% cash tip for the crew is appreciated. Book your spot now for a relaxing half-day of coastal fishing fun in Port Aransas!
