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Ready to crush your next fishing tournament in Port Aransas? Capt. Cory Russell's your guy. With years of competitive angling under his belt, Cory knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're gearing up for the big event or just want to sharpen your skills, this charter's all about putting you on the money fish. Let's dive into what makes fishing with Capt. Cory a game-changer for tournament anglers.
Stepping aboard Capt. Cory's boat, you're in for a day of serious fishing and strategic insights. This ain't no lazy day cruise – we're talking about dialing in your tactics, finding the hot spots, and honing those skills that'll give you the edge when it counts. Cory's got room for up to 4 anglers, so bring your A-team or come solo to soak up all the knowledge. Just remember, there's no free lunch on this trip (literally – meals aren't included), so pack some grub to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones.
Tournament fishing is a whole different ballgame, and Capt. Cory's your seasoned coach. He'll break down the techniques that consistently put fish in the boat – we're talking everything from reading the water and finding structure to perfecting your presentations. You'll get hands-on with top-notch gear, learning how to make the most of every cast. And let's not forget the local intel – Cory's got the scoop on seasonal patterns, tides, and those secret spots that can make or break your tournament day. It's like having a cheat code for Port A's inshore waters.
"My team and I hired Captain Cory for our female fishing tournament. Capt Cory was very professional and informative. We caught a lot of great fish and felt safe on the water. I look forward to many more trips with Capt Cory and would definitely recommend him to friends and family." - Melissa
"This is our 2nd time having Cory as our captain for Babes on the Bay and we're already counting down to next year with him. He is very knowledgeable, patient and an absolute blast! If you're looking for a great fishing experience you found your guy. Thank you Cory again for all your hard work and for helping us be so successful at the tournament. -Take the F'kn Bait" - Cari
Port Aransas is home to some real bruisers, and Capt. Cory knows how to put you on 'em. Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting:
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the inshore world. Masters of camouflage, they'll test your sight-fishing skills and make for some of the tastiest fillets around. Fall's the prime time to target big flounder as they migrate to spawn. Capt. Cory's got the lowdown on drifting techniques and the best soft plastics to entice these bottom-dwellers.
Black Drum: When you're after a fish that'll make your drag sing, black drum are the ticket. These chunky fighters can push 50 pounds in the bay, and they love to hang around structure. Cory'll show you how to work crabs or cut bait along channel edges and oyster reefs. Spring's the hot season, but you can tangle with drum year-round in Port A.
Speckled Trout: The bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, specks are a tournament angler's dream. They're wily, hard-hitting, and make for some spectacular topwater action. Capt. Cory's dialed in on their patterns, whether they're prowling grass flats in summer or stacked up in deep holes during winter. Get ready to perfect your twitch-and-pause retrieve!
Redfish: No Port Aransas fishing trip is complete without targeting these copper-colored bulldogs. Redfish will test your gear and your stamina, especially when you hook into a big bull red. Cory knows all their haunts – from shallow flats where you can sight-cast to schools, to the deeper channels where the giants lurk. Fall's prime time for reds, but they're a year-round target that'll keep you coming back for more.
Listen up, tournament anglers – if you're serious about upping your game in Port Aransas, Capt. Cory Russell's your ace in the hole. This isn't just another fishing trip; it's your secret weapon for the next big event. Whether you need a practice day to dial in your strategy or want to stack the deck in your favor during the actual tournament, Cory's got you covered. Don't see your date on the calendar? Give him a call anyway – he might just be able to squeeze you in. And remember, a 20% cash tip at the end of the day shows your appreciation for all that local knowledge and hard work. So what are you waiting for? Lock in your date with Capt. Cory and get ready to climb that leaderboard. The big ones are calling, and it's time to answer!
August 4, 2024
This is our 2nd time having Cory as our captain for Babes on the Bay and we're already counting down to next year with him. He is very knowledgeable, patient and an absolute blast! If you're looking for a great fishing experience you found your guy. Thank you Cory again for all your hard work and for helping us be so successful at the tournament. -Take the F'kn Bait
May 19, 2025
Black Drum are the big bruisers of our inshore waters. Adults average 5-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds. You'll find 'em in brackish areas around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating (stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best taste). They're not picky eaters - crabs, shrimp, and clams all work well. For the best shot at a big one, fish the bottom in 3-6 feet of water using fresh crab on a circle hook. Here's a local trick: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate schools. Once you hear 'em, you know you're in the right spot.

Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular gamefish here in Port A. They typically run 28-33 inches when mature but can reach over 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find 'em in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Look for 'em around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshes. Fall's prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers love reds for their hard-fighting spirit and that distinctive tail spot. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwaters to jigs. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water. Local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their coppery backs or swirls as they feed. Once you spot 'em, a well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike.

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a Port A staple. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but trophies over 30 inches aren't unheard of. Look for 'em in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They like cooler water, so winter can be prime time when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are popular for their sporty fight and excellent table fare. They hit a variety of lures - topwaters, jigs, and soft plastics all work well. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet too. One local tip: focus on areas with moving water like cuts between islands or near creek mouths. The trout set up to ambush bait in these spots, especially on a falling tide.

Southern Flounder are a flatfish favorite here in Port A. They typically run 15-18 inches but can get up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find 'em hiding on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall's the prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They put up a decent fight too once you get 'em on the line. To improve your odds, try drifting or still fishing near drop-offs or structure. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a slip-lead rig. My local tip: work your bait slowly along the bottom with short hops - flounder often grab it on the pause.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
My team and I hired Captain Cory for our female fishing tournament. Capt Cory was very professional and informative. We caught a lot of great fish and felt safe on the water. I look forward to many more trips with Capt Cory and would definitely recommend him to friends and family.