Beginner's Inshore Fishing Trip in Aransas Pass

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Aransas Pass, TX
$500 price range

Summary

Ready to dip your toes into the world of fishing? This 5-hour trip with Capt. Richard Stroud is tailor-made for newcomers. You'll be casting lines for Redfish, Black Drum, and Sea Trout in the calm waters near Aransas Pass. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before – Capt. Richard's got you covered with patient instruction and all the gear you need. He'll show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to reeling in your catch. The laid-back vibe is perfect for learning without pressure. There's room for two anglers, but up to four folks can come along for the ride. Just grab your fishing license, pack some snacks, and get ready for a fun morning on the Texas coast. It's a great way to get hooked on fishing without feeling overwhelmed. Who knows? You might even land the catch of the day!

Beginner's Inshore Fishing Trip in Aransas Pass

Beginner's First Catch

Six redfish caught during fishing trip in Aransas Pass

Reel in the good times in Port Aransas

Spotted weakfish caught by angler in Aransas Pass

Hooked on Port Aransas fishing!

Two redfish, 26 inches, caught while fishing in Aransas Pass

Big fish, big smiles in Texas waters!

7 fishing friends enjoy a great day in TX

Casting lines, making memories!

Learn to Fish: Beginner's Inshore Adventure

Ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? Captain Richard Stroud's got you covered with this laid-back 5-hour trip in Aransas Pass. Perfect for first-timers and families, you'll get hands-on experience targeting some of Texas' most popular inshore species. No need to stress about gear or know-how – the Captain provides everything you need and plenty of patience to boot. It's all about having fun and maybe landing your first big catch!

Trip Overview

Kick off your morning with Captain Richard as he shows you the ropes of inshore fishing. This isn't your typical high-pressure charter – it's a relaxed introduction to the sport. You'll cruise the calm waters around Aransas Pass, learning the basics of rod handling, how to bait your hook, and the art of reeling in a catch. The trip's designed for two anglers, but up to four folks can tag along to soak up the sun and scenery. Whether you're looking to spark a new hobby or just want a fun day on the water with the family, this trip hits the spot. And hey, if you end up hooking a monster redfish, that's just the cherry on top!

Fishing 101: Inshore Edition

Inshore fishing is the perfect starting point for beginners. You'll be working with light tackle, which means gear that's easy to handle and won't wear you out. Captain Richard will show you how to use live bait – usually shrimp or small fish – to entice the local species. You might try drift fishing, where you let the boat move slowly with the current, or anchoring up near structures where fish like to hang out. The waters around Aransas Pass are pretty forgiving, so you won't have to worry about seasickness or rough waves. It's all about getting a feel for the rod, learning to sense those subtle bites, and mastering the excitement of the fight when you hook up.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active. After a quick safety rundown, you'll head out to Captain Richard's favorite spots. He's got a knack for finding where the fish are biting, whether it's along grass flats, near oyster reefs, or in the deeper channels. Throughout the trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction. Don't be shy about asking questions – that's what this trip is all about! You might start with some basic casting practice before moving on to more targeted fishing. And when you do hook up, Captain Richard will be right there to guide you through landing your catch. Between fish, you'll soak in the coastal scenery and maybe spot some local wildlife like dolphins or pelicans.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties put up a great fight and can grow to impressive sizes. In the shallows, you might see their tails breaking the surface as they root around for food – it's a sight that gets even seasoned anglers excited. Redfish are around all year, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers.

Black Drum are like the bulldogs of the bay – stocky and strong. They're not as flashy as redfish, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. These guys love hanging around structure and can grow to over 30 pounds in inshore waters. They're especially fun to target in late winter and early spring when they gather to spawn.

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are the finesse fighters of the bunch. They're known for their spotted sides and delicate mouths, which makes them a bit trickier to hook and land. But man, are they fun to catch! These guys are most active in the cooler months and love to hang around grass beds and drop-offs. When you hook one, get ready for some acrobatic jumps and quick runs.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Aransas Pass is a gem for inshore fishing, and Captain Richard's trip is the perfect way to experience it. The mix of species means you never know what you might catch next. Plus, the sheltered waters make for a comfortable day even if you're not used to boats. Many first-timers find themselves hooked (pun intended) after just one trip. It's not uncommon to see folks come back year after year, gradually building their skills and tackling new challenges. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in your first big redfish or the satisfaction of a cooler full of fresh-caught dinner.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you've been on the fence about trying fishing, this is your sign to give it a go. Captain Richard's beginner-friendly trip takes all the guesswork out of getting started. You'll learn the basics, have a blast on the water, and maybe even discover a new passion. Remember, all you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and a good attitude. Everything else – the gear, the know-how, and the hot spots – is covered. So why not round up a couple of friends or bring the family for a morning of laughs and potential bragging rights? The fish are waiting, and Captain Richard's ready to show you the ropes. Book your spot now and get ready to make some waves in the world of inshore fishing!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the big cousins of Redfish, often hanging out in the same spots. These bruisers can get huge - up to 90 pounds - but the sweet spot for eating is under 15 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's the prime time as they school up to spawn, making some wild drumming sounds underwater. They're not the prettiest fish, but man, can they pull! Use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom, and be ready for a fight. Black Drum are perfect for beginners since they're not too picky and give you a real workout. My local tip? Try fishing near creek mouths on an incoming tide - that's when they often move in to feed. Just remember, if you hook a big one, take a quick photo and let it go. Those old-timers are tough eating and better left to make more drum.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our flats. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark tail spot love shallow water - we're talking 1 to 4 feet deep. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and even tailing in water so shallow their backs stick out. They grow fast, hitting 28 to 33 inches in just a few years. What makes Reds so fun is their versatility - they'll hit topwater lures with explosive strikes or gobble up a well-placed jig. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch 'em year-round here. Anglers love 'em for their strong fights and excellent table fare. My go-to trick? Look for them pushing water or "tailing" in super shallow areas during high tide. Sneak up quietly and toss a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp right in front of their nose. Just be ready - when they hit, they hit hard!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Specks as we call 'em, are a favorite around here. These guys typically run 14 to 24 inches, perfect for a good fight and a tasty dinner. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase bait, so live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic small fish work great. In winter, they school up in deeper channels, sometimes down to 164 feet. Anglers love Specks for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're not as tough as Redfish, but they'll give your rod a good bend. Best time to catch 'em is usually early morning or dusk. Here's a local secret: try using a popping cork with a soft plastic about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and they can't resist that trailing bait. Just remember, these fish can be sensitive to pressure, so always check regulations before you keep any.

About the AGS Motorboat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury XS

Maximum Cruising Speed: 107

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 20

Hop aboard Capt. Richard Stroud's comfortable fishing vessel for a laid-back morning on the water in Aransas Pass. This 5-hour inshore trip is tailor-made for newcomers to fishing, with patient instruction on the basics of rod handling, baiting hooks, and reeling in your catch. You'll be targeting popular Texas coast species like Redfish, Black Drum, and Sea Trout in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. The captain provides quality gear for two anglers, though there's room for up to four guests total if you want to bring along friends or family to enjoy the ride. All you need is a valid fishing license and some snacks to fuel your adventure. It's the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill, soak up some coastal scenery, and maybe even land your first big catch – all under the guidance of an experienced local captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.

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