Exclusive Port Aransas Inshore Trip - Russell & Sons

Discounted Port Aransas Inshore Trip

Captain Cory Russell has something special cooking for his newsletter subscribers – a full-day inshore fishing charter at a price that'll make you do a double-take. For just $800, two anglers get the VIP treatment on Port Aransas waters, chasing down Black Drum, Redfish, Sea Trout, and Southern Flounder with one of the most respected guides on the Texas coast. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip; it's Captain Cory's way of giving back to his loyal followers who've been reading his reports and soaking up his fishing wisdom. The catch? You've got to be on his mailing list to snag this deal.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at 7 AM sharp, when the Port Aransas flats are just starting to wake up and the fish are getting active. Captain Cory knows these waters like the back of his hand – every grass bed, every drop-off, every current break that holds fish. He's not the type to stick to the same old honey holes either. Depending on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing, you might find yourself working shallow grass flats for redfish, drifting deeper channels for sea trout, or targeting structure where black drum like to hang out. The beauty of booking with a local pro is that flexibility – he reads the water and adjusts the game plan on the fly. You're looking at a solid 8-hour day on the water, plenty of time to get into multiple species and really dial in your technique. Don't worry about bringing your own gear; Captain Cory has you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need.

Techniques and Tactics

Port Aransas inshore fishing is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish want. Captain Cory runs a mix of live bait and artificial presentations, depending on conditions and target species. You might be tossing soft plastics on jig heads along grass edges, working topwater plugs over shallow flats at first light, or dropping live shrimp near oyster reefs. The key is staying versatile and letting the fish tell you what they want. When the redfish are tailing in knee-deep water, you'll be sight-casting with lightweight tackle. If the trout are suspended over deeper grass, you might be working the mid-water column with slow-sinking baits. Captain Cory's boat is rigged for success – a shallow-draft bay boat that can get into the skinny water where big fish like to feed, but stable enough to handle choppier conditions when you need to run to deeper spots. He's got a top-notch fish finder, but honestly, his eyes and experience are worth more than any electronics when it comes to locating productive water.

Customer Stories

"Our trip with Captain Cory was absolutely fantastic! I brought my 8-year-old twin boys, who are obsessed with fishing, and this experience exceeded our expectations completely. Captain Cory was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and made the entire trip fun and memorable for the kids. He took the time to teach them, keep them engaged, and celebrate every catch—big or small. His passion for fishing and working with kids really shows, and my sons felt happy the whole time. They haven't stopped talking about it since, and they've already asked when they can go back. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure, Captain Cory is the one to book! Highly recommend—we'll definitely be back for the next year!" - Elena

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the flats, and they're absolute blast to target when you know where to look. These flatfish love hanging out along current breaks, channel edges, and anywhere baitfish get swept by moving water. Fall months are prime time for flounder around Port Aransas, when they're staging for their offshore spawning run and feeding heavily. You'll typically find them in 2-8 feet of water, often buried in sand with just their eyes showing. The trick is working your bait slow and low – they're ambush predators that prefer an easy meal drifting right past their nose. A quality flounder can run 3-5 pounds, and they fight with surprising power once they realize they're hooked. The table fare is outstanding too, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to bring dinner home.

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and Port Aransas has some legitimate monsters cruising the flats and structure areas. These fish can live for decades and reach weights over 50 pounds, though you're more likely to tangle with fish in the 5-20 pound range. They're bottom feeders with serious crushing power in their throats, perfect for munching crabs and shellfish along oyster reefs and rocky areas. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they move shallow to feed and spawn. What makes black drum special is their fighting style – they don't jump or make blazing runs, but they use that broad body and powerful tail to dig deep and test your drag system. You'll hear them coming before you see them too; black drum actually make drumming sounds by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder, especially when they're spawning.

Sea Trout, or more accurately Spotted Seatrout, are probably the most popular inshore species along the Texas coast, and for good reason. They're aggressive biters, fight well on light tackle, and taste fantastic on the table. Port Aransas trout fishing can be lights-out good, especially during spring and fall transitions when water temperatures are in that sweet spot between 65-75 degrees. These fish are structure-oriented, loving grass beds, shell bottoms, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. The beauty of trout fishing is the variety – you might catch them on topwater plugs at dawn, soft plastics