Get ready to soak up some Texas sun and wet a line on this laid-back 4-hour fishing trip in Port Arthur. We'll cruise out at 1 PM sharp, giving you plenty of time to get your caffeine fix before we hit the water. With room for 3 anglers max, it's the perfect excuse to round up a couple buddies or treat the family to some quality time on the boat. We've got our sights set on some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches - from hard-fighting redfish to tasty flounder. Just remember to grab that fishing license before you hop aboard!
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the worries of the work week melt away. We'll motor out to some of my favorite spots where the fish have been biting. Depending on what's running, we might hit some shallow flats for reds or work the deeper channels for flounder. I'll get you set up with the right gear and show you a few local tricks to entice those fish. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - I'll walk you through everything from baiting your hook to reeling in the big one. And if you're an old pro? Well, let's see if we can't put you on that new personal best.
We'll be using light to medium tackle - perfect for the inshore species we're after. I'll provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you need. We'll likely be doing a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are in the mood for that day. Might throw some popping corks for trout or bounce some jigs along the bottom for flounder. If the redfish are tailing on the flats, we could even do some sight fishing - that's always a blast. Just bring your sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a camera to document your catch. Oh, and don't forget that fishing license - Texas game wardens don't mess around!
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the bay. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they put up a fight! Black drum love to hang out near structure and will absolutely crush a crab or shrimp bait. They're available year-round, but spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Expect anything from 2-30 pounds, with the bigger ones putting your drag to the test.
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They'll bury themselves in the sandy bottom, waiting to ambush their prey. We'll often drift or slow-troll, bouncing jigs or live bait along the bottom to tempt them. Summer's the best time to target these tasty fish, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of feeling that thump when a flounder inhales your bait.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive set of chompers, sheepshead are a unique catch. They love structure like jetties and pilings, where they use those teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Catching them can be tricky - they're notorious bait stealers. But once you get the hang of it, it's addictive. Plus, they're excellent eating!
Sea Trout: Speckled trout are a favorite among local anglers. These sleek predators are known for their spotted patterns and delicate flavor. We often find them around grass flats or oyster reefs, especially during the cooler months. They'll hit everything from live shrimp to topwater lures, and their acrobatic fights make them a blast to catch.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what many anglers dream about. These copper-colored beauties can be found in the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature tail waving above the water as they root for crabs. They'll test your gear and your skills, especially when they make those powerful runs. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch them year-round in Port Arthur.
Port Arthur might not be as flashy as some coastal towns, but that's part of its charm. We're all about the fishing here - no pretenses, just good times on the water. The diversity of our fishery means there's always something biting, whether you're after a cooler full of fillets or that trophy catch of a lifetime. And let's be honest, there's something special about being out on the water as the afternoon sun starts to dip, casting lines and swapping stories. It's the kind of trip that'll have you checking your calendar for the next free weekend before we even get back to the dock.
If you're itching to get out on the water and see what Port Arthur fishing is all about, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, we only run these afternoon trips on Saturdays and Sundays, so spots can fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, surprise your buddy with a different kind of weekend hangout, or just need a few hours away from the grind, this trip fits the bill. Grab your hat, sunglasses, and a good attitude, and let's go make some memories on the water. Don't forget that fishing license, and I'll see you at the dock!
Redfish are a real favorite around here. You'll find these copper-colored beauties in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging out near oyster reefs, grass flats, and around old structures like piers. Most are in the 20-30 inch range, but they can grow much bigger offshore. What makes redfish fun to catch is their aggressive bite and strong fight. They'll hit topwater lures, jigs, or live bait with equal enthusiasm. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Look for their distinctive tail spots - it helps them fool predators. When you're sight-casting, move slowly and quietly. These fish have great eyesight and spook easily in clear shallows. One local trick: on windy days, fish the lee shores where bait gets pushed up. Redfish gather there to feed. They're also excellent eating - firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's hard to beat.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple around here. Most run 14-20 inches, but big gator trout over 25 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them in the grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near drop-offs. They're here year-round, but fall and spring are prime as they follow bait migrations. Trout are fun to catch - they hit lures aggressively and put up a good fight on light tackle. Try topwater plugs early morning for explosive strikes, or soft plastics deeper in the day. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet too. Here's a pro tip: on calm mornings, listen for their distinctive "pop" as they feed on the surface. That's your cue to cast nearby. Anglers love specks for their sporty fight and excellent table fare. Mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
Sheepshead are one of our oddballs - those human-like teeth are unmistakable! Most run 1-8 pounds, perfect for a fun fight on light tackle. You'll find them around any kind of structure - docks, jetties, reefs - anywhere there are barnacles to munch on. They're here year-round, but winter and early spring are best as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are tricky to catch - they're experts at stealing bait. Use small hooks, sharp and strong. Fiddler crabs are the top bait, but shrimp work too. Here's a local secret: when you feel a bite, count to three before setting the hook. It takes them a moment to get the bait past those teeth. Anglers love the challenge, and the payoff is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea. Firm, white meat that's sweet and mild.
Black drum are the biggest members of the croaker family, known for the deep drumming sound they make. You'll typically catch them in the 5-30 pound range, but they can get much larger. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings where they use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black drum are fun to catch because of their strong pull - they'll give you a good workout on light tackle. They're not the prettiest fish, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. Use fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait on the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, wait a moment before setting the hook. Let them get the bait in their mouth good. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are best for eating - nice white meat with a sweet flavor.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250