Premier Port Aransas Inshore Fishing Adventure

Half-Day Inshore Fishing with Captain Cory

There's something special about getting out on Redfish Bay with the morning sun hitting the water just right. This half-day inshore charter puts you right in the heart of some of the best fishing Port Aransas has to offer. Captain Cory Russell and his team at Russell & Sons Outdoors have been running these waters for years, and they know exactly where to find the reds, trout, flounder, and black drum that make this stretch of the Texas coast famous among anglers. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking for a reliable guide, this charter delivers the kind of experience that keeps folks coming back year after year.

What to Expect on the Water

Your half-day trip starts early to take advantage of those prime feeding times when fish are most active. Captain Cory will pick you up right at the marina, and within minutes you'll be cruising through the shallow flats and grass beds where redfish love to cruise. The beauty of inshore fishing in Port Aransas is the variety - one minute you're working a grass flat for spotted seatrout, the next you're sight-casting to a school of reds pushing through the shallows. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's choppy outside, you'll have a comfortable ride. All your gear is provided - quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait - so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. Captain Cory runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun, especially when kids are on board. Don't be surprised if he extends the trip a bit when the fish are biting - that's just how he rolls.

Tactics and Target Areas

Inshore fishing in Redfish Bay is all about reading the water and adapting to conditions. Captain Cory uses a combination of live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish want that day. You'll learn to work soft plastics through the grass beds, drift live shrimp under popping corks, and maybe even get some sight-casting action when the water's clear. The shallow draft boat lets you access those skinny water spots where big reds like to hunt, places other boats can't reach. Techniques vary with the season - winter months might mean deeper structure fishing for trout and drum, while summer brings those exciting shallow water redfish opportunities. Captain Cory is big on teaching as you go, showing you how to read bird activity, water color changes, and tidal movements that indicate where fish will be holding. The gear is top-notch spinning tackle that's perfect for the species you're targeting, and there's always a backup plan if one spot isn't producing.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"We always enjoy our trips with Capt Cory...5 and counting! He's great with my daughter and is very knowledgeable about the area. We look forward to our annual fishing trips and would highly recommend him to anyone." - Marcos. "Great guide, super personable and patient with beginner fisherman. Top-notch equipment." - Jay. "Capt Cory is the best fishing guide I have ever used. Very friendly and personable. He answer's all of your questions and makes it fun for everyone. He will go the extra mile to make sure you have a good time and caught fish. He does not look at his watch to see if times up. He fished us 15 mins past time and we caught 2 redfish." - Randall.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Port Aransas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range from school-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds pushing 30-plus pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when big schools move through the bay systems, but you can catch them year-round in these waters. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll crush a topwater plug or inhale a live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. When you hook into a good red, you'll know it immediately from that head-shaking, line-peeling fight they're famous for.

Spotted seatrout are another local favorite and one of the most consistent fish in Redfish Bay. These beautiful game fish love the grass flats and can be caught using everything from live shrimp to soft plastic lures. The best trout fishing typically happens during cooler months when they move into deeper holes, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. A good trout has that distinctive spotted pattern and puts up a scrappy fight with lots of jumping and head-shaking.

Southern flounder might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're definitely one of the tastiest. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Fall is prime flounder season when they're moving toward the Gulf to spawn, but Captain Cory knows the structure and drop-offs where they hang out year-round. Flounder fishing requires a bit more finesse - you've got to keep your bait moving along the bottom and be ready for that subtle pickup.

Black drum are the workhorses of the inshore scene, especially the bigger fish that can weigh 20 pounds or more. These fish are built like tanks and fight accordingly, making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. They're bottom feeders that love crab and shrimp, so you'll typically target them around structure like shell reefs and jetties. Winter is peak black drum season in Port Aransas when big schools congregate in deeper water, but smaller drum can be caught throughout the year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Cory's half-day inshore trips book up fast, especially during peak season, and there's a reason why so many customers become regulars. This isn't just about catching fish