Looking for a fun family day out on the water? Captain Richard Stroud's got you covered with this awesome 5-hour inshore fishing trip that's perfect for kids and parents alike. You'll be cruising the calm waters around Aransas Pass, targeting some of the area's most exciting fish species. It's the ideal way to introduce young anglers to the joys of fishing, with plenty of action and memories to be made!
This isn't your average fishing charter – it's tailored specifically for families with kids who want to get their feet wet in the world of inshore fishing. Capt. Richard knows how to keep things fun and engaging for the little ones, while still giving everyone a shot at landing some impressive catches. You'll be fishing in protected waters, so no need to worry about rough seas or long boat rides. The focus here is on having a good time and hopefully reeling in some fish!
If your kids are new to fishing, they're in for a treat. Capt. Richard will walk them through the basics, from baiting hooks to proper casting techniques. He's got a knack for explaining things in a way that kids can understand and get excited about. You'll be using light tackle that's easy for small hands to manage, and there's always a chance of hooking into something big enough to give the grown-ups a run for their money too!
Redfish are the stars of the show in Aransas Pass, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties put up a great fight and are a blast to catch. Kids love the way redfish pull on the line, and the excitement of seeing that signature spot on their tail when they come to the boat is hard to beat. Redfish in this area typically range from 20 to 30 inches, making them the perfect size for young anglers to handle.
Black drum are another local favorite that you might encounter on your trip. These cousins of the redfish are known for their distinctive chin barbels and powerful runs. They're often found in the same areas as redfish, hanging out near structures and along channel edges. Black drum can grow to impressive sizes, but the ones you'll likely catch on this trip are in the "puppy drum" range – perfect for kids to reel in.
Sea trout, also known as speckled trout, round out the trio of target species on this trip. These spotted predators are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're a bit more challenging to catch than redfish or drum, which makes landing one even more rewarding for young anglers. Capt. Richard can show the kids how to work a lure or bait to entice these wily fish to bite.
There's something special about watching a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. This trip is all about creating those moments and fostering a love for fishing and the outdoors. Capt. Richard goes out of his way to make sure everyone on board is having a good time, whether they're reeling in fish or just enjoying the scenery. It's a chance for families to bond, learn together, and maybe even start a new tradition.
To make the most of your family fishing adventure, here are a few local tips: 1. Dress in layers – the weather can change quickly on the water. 2. Don't forget the sunscreen and hats – the Texas sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. 3. Bring snacks and drinks – fishing makes everyone hungry! 4. Have a camera ready – you'll want to capture those big smiles and even bigger fish. 5. Listen to Capt. Richard – he knows these waters like the back of his hand and can put you on the fish.
If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing trip that's sure to create lasting memories, this is it. Capt. Richard's kid-focused approach, combined with the excellent inshore fishing around Aransas Pass, makes for an unbeatable day on the water. Whether your kids are seasoned anglers or total newbies, they're guaranteed to have a blast. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your adventure. Get ready to make some waves and catch some fish – your family's next great fishing story is waiting!
Black Drum are real bruisers, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can hit 90 in rare cases. You'll find 'em in brackish waters and estuaries, hanging around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. These guys make a unique croaking sound, earning their "drum" nickname. They're not picky eaters, so live bait like crabs or clams work great. For artificial, slow-moving jigs are the ticket. Just remember to keep your bait on the bottom where they feed. Black Drum put up a good fight and make decent table fare when smaller, but I'd release the big ones over 15 pounds - their meat gets tough. Pro tip: listen for that drumming sound on calm days, it can lead you right to 'em. They're not the prettiest fish, but landing a big one is always a thrill.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the stars of our shallow water fishing here in Aransas Pass. They love cruising in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes with their backs showing above the surface. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and muddy bottoms. They're easy to spot with that black dot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches when full-grown, but they can get much bigger offshore. Redfish put up an awesome fight and taste great too, with a mild, sweet flavor. They'll hit just about any lure, but topwater plugs in shallow water are a blast - nothing beats seeing a big red explode on your lure. For a challenge, try sight-casting to them on calm days. Local tip: when the water's clear, look for their copper-colored backs reflecting in the sun. It's like finding gold in the shallows.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters push 40. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love hanging around structure in estuaries. Winter's a good time to target them in deeper channels where they school up. These fish put up a scrappy fight and are known for their delicate, mild flavor. Light tackle with artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs works well. Live shrimp is always a winner too. When you're out there, keep an eye on the tide - moving water often triggers them to feed. And here's a local secret: try trolling slowly along grass edges if you're having trouble finding them. Sea Trout are great for kids and beginners, but even seasoned anglers get a kick out of their acrobatic jumps.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury XS
Maximum Cruising Speed: 107
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 20