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Spotted Weakfish Fishing with Cory Russell
Spotted Weakfish Fishing in Port Aransas, TX
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The Cynoscion Nebulosus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 12 and 39 inches in length, with a weight range from 3 to 17 lbs. Habitat: onshore, nearshore, coastal river. - Popular gamefish in Gulf of Mexico waters. - Found from Maryland to Florida along the coast. - Excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat.
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 Saturday June delivered an outstanding 4-hour inshore fishing charter in Port Aransas, targeting spotted weakfish and redfish in the productive waters around Conn Brown Harbor. Using live bait fishing and artificial lures, this half-day morning trip showcases the best of Texas coastal fishing with all gear provided. Perfect for families and small groups, these guided trips offer excellent opportunities to land trophy spotted weakfish, redfish, and trout in the shallow inshore waters of the Coastal Bend. Book your Port Aransas fishing adventure with experienced local guides who know exactly where the fish are biting.
Fishing Charter with Captain Cory Russell – Rates & Booking
Captain Cory Russell of Russell & Sons Outdoors on Saturday June offers 4-hour inshore fishing charters starting at dawn for the best bite. These half-day morning trips target spotted weakfish, redfish, and trout using live bait and artificial lures around Conn Brown Harbor and Redfish Bay. All fishing gear, rods, reels, bait, and tackle are included in your charter rate. Perfect for up to 2 guests, these private charters provide personalized attention from a licensed local guide with years of experience in Port Aransas waters. A 20% cash tip is appreciated after each successful trip. Book online or call to reserve your spot for an unforgettable day on the Texas coast.
Highlights of 4 Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas
This morning charter focuses on the productive inshore waters where spotted weakfish, redfish, and trout feed actively in the early hours. Captain Cory uses a combination of live bait fishing, artificial lures, and bottom fishing techniques depending on conditions and fish activity. The trip launches from Conn Brown Harbor, giving you quick access to prime fishing spots in Redfish Bay and surrounding flats.
Expect to target multiple species during your 4-hour adventure, with spotted weakfish being a particular highlight. These fish are known for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. The charter includes all necessary equipment, so you can focus entirely on fishing and enjoying the coastal scenery of the Coastal Bend region.
Local Species Insights: Spotted Weakfish
Spotted weakfish thrive in the shallow inshore waters around Port Aransas, particularly in areas with grass flats, oyster reefs, and soft bottom structure. These fish are most active during moving tides and low-light conditions, making early morning trips highly productive. Captain Cory targets them using live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures depending on water conditions and seasonal patterns. The 22-inch specimen caught during this trip represents the quality fishing available in these waters, where spotted weakfish between 15-25 inches are common catches.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour morning charter begins at dawn from Conn Brown Harbor with all fishing equipment provided. The boat accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably, ensuring a personalized fishing experience. Captain Cory provides rods, reels, bait, tackle, and local expertise to maximize your success on the water. Bring sun protection, drinks, and snacks for the trip. The charter focuses on inshore waters, providing a comfortable fishing environment suitable for anglers of all experience levels while targeting the area's most popular gamefish species.
Fishing & Hunting in Port Aransas, TX: Spotted Weakfish
The Spotted Weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus), also known as spotted seatrout, is a highly prized gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This popular species features distinctive dark spots scattered across its silvery sides and back, making it easily recognizable to anglers. In Port Aransas waters this June, spotted weakfish are particularly active during early morning hours when they feed aggressively in shallow grass flats and around oyster reefs.
Spotted Weakfish Overview
Spotted weakfish are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Texas coast, valued for their fighting ability and excellent eating qualities. These fish are actually members of the drum family despite their common name, and they produce distinctive drumming sounds using specialized muscles and their swim bladder. Anglers prize them for their willingness to take both live bait and artificial lures.
Spotted Weakfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and coastal river environments throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast from Maryland to Florida. Around Port Aransas, they prefer shallow grass beds, oyster reefs, and sandy bottoms where they can ambush prey. They move with the tides and are commonly found in water depths ranging from 2 to 30 feet.
Spotted Weakfish Size and Weight
Spotted weakfish typically range from 12 to 39 inches in length, with weights between 3 and 17 pounds. Most fish caught by recreational anglers measure 15 to 25 inches and weigh 2 to 8 pounds. Trophy specimens over 8 pounds are considered excellent catches and represent mature breeding fish.
Spotted Weakfish Diet and Behavior
These predatory fish feed primarily on shrimp, small crabs, marine worms, and small baitfish like anchovies and menhaden. They are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they can be caught throughout the day. Spotted weakfish often feed in schools and are known to create feeding frenzies when baitfish are abundant.
Spotted Weakfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs from March through November in Texas waters, with peak activity during warmer months. During spawning season, males produce distinctive drumming sounds to attract females. Water temperatures between 68-84°F trigger spawning behavior, and fish often move to deeper channels and passes during this period.
Spotted Weakfish Fishing Techniques
Live shrimp under popping corks is the most popular technique for targeting spotted weakfish. Soft plastic baits like paddle tails and shrimp imitations work well when bounced along grass beds. Topwater lures are effective during low-light periods, while spoons and jigs produce fish around structure. In June, anglers around Port Aransas find success using live croaker and finger mullet near oyster reefs and channel edges.
Spotted Weakfish Is It Good to Eat?
Spotted weakfish are considered excellent table fare with mild, sweet, flaky white meat. The flesh is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy seafood choice. Popular cooking methods include grilling, blackening, frying, and baking. The meat is delicate and should be handled carefully to prevent breaking apart during cooking.
Spotted Weakfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for spotted weakfish?
A: Live shrimp is the top choice, followed by live croaker, finger mullet, and soft plastic paddle tails. Popping corks help attract fish and keep bait at the right depth.
Q: Where can I find spotted weakfish near Port Aransas?
A: Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges in Redfish Bay, Conn Brown Harbor area, and the Intracoastal Waterway. They prefer water depths of 3 to 15 feet.
Q: Is spotted weakfish good to eat?
A: Yes, spotted weakfish have mild, sweet, flaky white meat that's excellent grilled, fried, or blackened. They're considered one of the best eating fish in Texas coastal waters.
Q: When is the best time to catch spotted weakfish?
A: Early morning and late evening during moving tides produce the best results. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with summer months being particularly productive in Texas waters.
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!
