Ready to get your feet wet in some of the best flats fishing Port Aransas has to offer? Capt. Cory's 4-hour morning wade fishing trip is your ticket to hooking into trophy reds, specs, and flounder. We'll hit the skinny water spots that boat anglers can't reach, giving you a shot at the big ones that call these flats home. Whether you're a seasoned wader or it's your first time shuffling through the shallows, this trip's got something for everyone. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks) - we'll take care of the rest.
We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting up at the dock while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. After a quick run to our first spot, we'll hop out and start working the flats. Capt. Cory knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll get you set up on the prime areas where the fish are hanging out. You'll be wading in anywhere from knee to waist-deep water, casting to structure, drop-offs, and those subtle changes in bottom contour where the big ones like to ambush their prey. The morning bite can be on fire, so be ready for some fast action. We've got four solid hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to dial in your technique and put some solid fish in the boat.
Wade fishing is all about stealth and precision. We'll be creeping through the shallows, keeping our eyes peeled for signs of fish - a tail breaking the surface, a push of water, or even the shadow of a red cruising by. You'll learn to read the water and spot the subtle clues that give away a fish's location. We'll be throwing a mix of soft plastics, topwaters, and maybe even some live bait if the situation calls for it. Capt. Cory will show you how to work your lures to trigger those aggressive strikes that get your heart racing. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing - he'll walk you through the basics and have you casting like a pro in no time. Just remember to bring your own waders or rent a pair locally. And if you need a rod, we've got rentals available for a small fee.
The flats around Port A have been on fire lately. We've been putting clients on some absolute stud redfish, with several over the 30-inch mark coming to hand in the past few weeks. The trout bite has been consistent too, with plenty of solid keeper-sized specks and a few gators mixed in to keep things interesting. And for you flounder fanatics out there, we've been finding some nice flatties holding on the edges of the grass beds. It's not uncommon to hit the Texas slam (redfish, trout, and flounder) on these trips, so come ready to bend some rods!
Redfish: These copper-colored bulldogs are the stars of the show on the Texas flats. They'll test your drag and your patience, often tailing in water so shallow their backs are out of the water. We target reds year-round, but the fall bull red run is something special. These fish can reach over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. Look for them cruising the grass lines or rooting around for crabs in the potholes.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will smash topwater lures with reckless abandon, making for some heart-stopping surface strikes. Spring and fall are prime time for big specks, but we catch them all year. The real trophies, called "gator trout," can push past 30 inches and are a true prize of the flats.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. While we catch them year-round, the fall flounder run is legendary, with big females moving offshore to spawn. This is when you have a shot at a real doormat - a flounder so big you could use it as a welcome mat!
There's something special about wade fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the intimacy of being right there in the fish's world, feeling the bottom change beneath your feet as you move from sand to grass to shell. Or it could be the heart-stopping moment when a big red crashes a topwater lure just feet from where you're standing. Whatever it is, once you've experienced it, you'll be hooked. And with Capt. Cory's local knowledge and easy-going style, you're in for a trip that'll have you checking your calendar for your next open date before you even get back to the dock.
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and Capt. Cory's calendar is filling up fast. This 4-hour morning wade trip is the perfect way to get a taste of what Port Aransas flats fishing is all about. Whether you're looking to put some fillets in the cooler or just want to experience the thrill of sight-casting to tailing reds, this trip's got you covered. Remember to bring your own waders (or rent locally), and don't forget that 20% cash tip at the end of the trip - it's how we say thanks for a job well done out here. So what are you waiting for? Give Russell & Sons Outdoors a call and let's get you out on the water. The flats are calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this bite!
Redfish are one of our top targets here in the shallows around Port Aransas. These copper-colored bruisers love to cruise the flats in just 1 to 4 feet of water. You can often spot their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. Most reds we catch run 20 to 30 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. They put up a stubborn fight, especially in shallow water. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and mangroves. Redfish will hit just about any bait or lure, but topwater plugs are hard to beat for excitement. Try working a Skitter Walk or other walk-the-dog bait across the shallows at dawn. The explosive strikes will get your heart racing. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. One local tip: on a falling tide, focus on channels and cuts where bait gets washed out of the marsh. The reds will be stacked up waiting to ambush an easy meal.
Sea Trout are a favorite among anglers here in Port Aransas. These silvery fish typically run 14 to 24 inches and put up a nice fight. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper waters up to 164 feet. Sea trout love to chase shrimp, crabs, and smaller fish. That makes them fun to target with artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs. Their delicate, flaky white meat is tasty too, just be careful not to overcook it. The best time to catch sea trout is usually spring through fall when the water's warmer. They're most active at dawn and dusk. One local trick: try drifting a live shrimp under a popping cork - that commotion on top really gets their attention. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to bend a rod, sea trout offer consistent action for anglers of all skill levels.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15 to 18 inches, but can reach over 30 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find flounder in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They love to ambush prey from the bottom, so look for them around drop-offs, channel edges, and structure. Fall is prime time as they migrate to deeper waters offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing takes patience, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish around. They're not big fighters, but outsmarting them is half the fun. Try drifting or still-fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to swallow the bait, then reel steadily to bring it in. These "doormats" make for some fantastic table fare, so be sure to keep a few for dinner.
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