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Exclusive Port Aransas Inshore Trip - Russell & Sons
Port Aransas, TXWhat you will be catching:
Black Drum
Redfish
Sea Trout
Southern Flounder
- Captain Cory Russell is offering newsletter subscribers an exclusive full-day inshore fishing trip for just $800 for two anglers. You'll launch at 7 AM and spend the day targeting Black Drum, Redfish, Sea Trout, and Southern Flounder in prime Texas coastal waters around Port Aransas. This is a personalized charter experience where Captain Cory shares his local knowledge and puts you on fish in his proven spots. The discounted rate makes it a great value for serious anglers who want expert guidance without the crowds. You'll need to be signed up for his newsletter to book this special deal. A 20% cash tip is appreciated.
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
Discounted Port Aransas Inshore Charter
Captain Cory Russell's subscriber-only fishing charter is hands down one of the best deals you'll find on the Texas coast. For just $800, you and a fishing buddy get a full day chasing redfish, trout, black drum, and flounder in the pristine waters around Port Aransas. This isn't your typical crowded charter—with only two spots available, you're getting personalized attention from a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The 7 AM launch means you'll beat the heat and hit prime feeding times when fish are most active.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at the dock, where Captain Cory will have everything rigged and ready to go. He'll brief you on the game plan based on tides, weather, and recent fish activity. The beauty of inshore fishing around Port Aransas is the variety—you might start the morning working shallow grass flats for redfish, then move to deeper cuts for trout as the sun gets higher. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's choppy offshore, you'll have a comfortable ride. Captain Cory keeps the vibe relaxed but focused, sharing local knowledge about structure, bait movements, and seasonal patterns that make all the difference between a good day and a great day.
Techniques and Tackle
This charter covers all the classic inshore techniques that work best in Port Aransas waters. You'll likely start with live bait fishing using shrimp or small crabs around oyster reefs and drop-offs where big drum like to hang out. For redfish, expect to work shallow water with both live bait and artificials—soft plastics on jig heads are money when worked slowly through the grass. Trout fishing often means switching to topwater plugs early in the morning or suspending baits over shell bars. Captain Cory provides all tackle and bait, but he's more than happy if you want to bring your own rods. He runs quality gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bruiser drum that'll test your drag system.
What Anglers Are Saying
"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
Top Catches This Season
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying buried in sand waiting for unsuspecting bait fish to swim by. These flatfish love structure transitions where sand meets shell or grass, and they're most active during moving tides. Fall months from September through November are prime time when flounder are fattening up before their offshore spawning run. They hit live shrimp bounced along the bottom or slow-retrieved soft plastics. What makes flounder special is their fight—they don't jump or make long runs, but they use that flat body to create serious resistance, almost like pulling up a dinner plate that doesn't want to come. Plus, they're excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to eat their catch.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 30 pounds common in Port Aransas waters. These bottom-dwellers cruise oyster reefs and channel edges, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and oysters. You'll hear them before you see them—drum actually make drumming sounds by vibrating muscles against their swim bladders. Spring and fall bring the best action when big schools move through the area. They're not fast fighters, but their sheer weight and determination make for arm-burning battles. The younger "puppy" drum under 20 inches are fantastic eating, while the big bulls are typically released to keep the population strong.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout, are probably the most popular inshore target because they're willing biters and fight well for their size. These beauties love grass flats, spoil islands, and channel drop-offs throughout the year. Summer months can be tougher during midday heat, but early morning and evening bite windows are reliable. Trout are structure-oriented, hanging around anything that provides ambush points—pier pilings, shell bars, or grass edges. They'll hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who like variety in their presentations. A good trout will pull drag and make several jumps, and the distinctive black spots along their silver sides make them one of the prettier fish you'll catch.
Redfish are the poster fish of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are year-round residents that never lose their fighting spirit. Reds are incredibly adaptable, equally happy in inches of water on grass flats or holding in deeper channels. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything—live shrimp, cut bait, topwater plugs, spoons, you name it. The slot fish between 20-28 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide tackle-testing fights in shallow water. There's nothing quite like watching a big red's back fin cutting through skinny water as it hunts for prey, and the initial run when you hook one will test your drag and your nerves.
Time to Book Your Spot
This subscriber-only deal won't last forever
Customer Review
Captain Cory Rocks
Elena Bukreyeva
August 20, 2025
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with most fish running 10-30 pounds, though we catch some real bruisers over 50. They love oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them drumming underwater. They're built like tanks and fight accordingly, making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig near structure. Let it sit on bottom and wait for that slow, heavy pull - don't set the hook too early or you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
Redfish
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish we target run 20-30 inches, but we see plenty of bulls pushing 40+ inches in deeper water. They love super shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds - sometimes in water so skinny their backs show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime time when they school up. What makes them special is their power and that distinctive tail-slapping fight. Plus, slot fish make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters but can be spooky in shallow water. My best advice: keep your approach quiet and cast past cruising fish, then work your bait back into their path. Once hooked, keep pressure on - they love to run toward structure.
Sea Trout
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with those beautiful black spots scattered across their silver sides. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and shell bars in 2-8 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they bite year-round here. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their decent fight for their size. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. They school up in winter in deeper holes and channels. Here's a local trick: work soft plastics under a popping cork around dawn and dusk over grass beds. The cork creates noise while keeping your bait in the strike zone. When they hit, set the hook quick - their mouths are soft and they'll throw hooks easily.
Southern Flounder
These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They love shallow bays, grass flats, and muddy bottoms where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time when they move toward passes and deeper water. What makes them special is that unique fight - they'll hug the bottom hard, then make surprising runs. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Pro tip: when you feel that heavy thump and dead weight, don't horse them up. Keep steady pressure and let your drag work, or they'll throw the hook on those head shakes near the surface.
About the Freedom
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
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!