Ready to dip your toes into the world of Texas coastal fishing? Captain Reggie Hanna's 4-hour charter in Aransas Pass is your ticket to a stress-free introduction to the flats. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to brush up on the basics, this trip is tailor-made for folks looking to get their feet wet without diving in headfirst. We'll cruise the shallow waters, hunt for redfish and sea trout, and have you casting like a pro in no time. It's all the fun of fishing without any of the pressure – just bring your curiosity and leave the rest to us!
Picture this: you're gliding across gin-clear shallows, the sun's warming your face, and you've got a seasoned pro by your side ready to spill all his secrets. That's what you're in for with Captain Reggie. This isn't some rushed cattle call of a trip – we're talking a laid-back, 4-hour session where you'll learn the ropes at your own pace. We'll cover everything from how to not tangle your line (trust me, it happens to the best of us) to reading the water for signs of fish. And the best part? It's just you and the captain, so you'll get all the attention you need to build your confidence.
Alright, let's talk shop. Flats fishing is all about stealth and precision. We'll be using light tackle – think spinning rods with 10-15 pound test line. Captain Reggie will show you the art of sight-casting, which is fancy talk for spotting fish and placing your bait right where they can't resist it. You'll learn how to work a soft plastic lure or maybe even try your hand at fly fishing if you're feeling adventurous. Don't worry about bringing any gear – we've got you covered from rod to reel to the secret lures that make the locals jealous.
Aransas Pass isn't just another dot on the map – it's a flats fishing paradise. The shallow bays and grass flats are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for redfish and trout. You might see a redfish tail waving at you like a little flag saying "I'm over here!" or spot a school of trout creating a ruckus on the surface. It's the kind of place where even beginners can feel like old salts by the end of the day. And with Captain Reggie's local know-how, you'll be fishing spots that most tourists never even hear about.
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you'll be chasing. First up, the mighty redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They can grow up to 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Redfish love to hang out in shallow water, often with their backs sticking out as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in Aransas Pass.
Then there's the speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em. These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of Texas flats fishing. They're known for their delicate taste and their willingness to slam a topwater lure (that's a lure that splashes on the surface – super fun to use). Trout tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Spring and fall are your best bets for big specs, but summer can be red hot too if you know where to look.
Look, I could go on all day about the joys of flats fishing in Aransas Pass, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This 4-hour trip with Captain Reggie is the perfect way to get your feet wet (sometimes literally – wading is always an option if you're up for it). You'll walk away with new skills, great memories, and probably a new addiction to chasing tails in the shallows. So why not give it a shot? The fish are waiting, the water's fine, and Captain Reggie's ready to show you the ropes. Book your spot now and let's make some waves!
Redfish are hard-fighting bruisers that'll test your tackle in Aransas Pass. They're easy to spot with that distinctive black tail spot. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for redfish tailing in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and mud flats. Fall is prime time when big schools move into the bays. Redfish put up a stubborn battle and make excellent table fare with their sweet, mild flavor. To hook one, try sight-casting gold spoons or scented soft plastics. A local secret is fishing with cut mullet on a circle hook during incoming tides. The thrill of watching a redfish track down your lure in clear water is hard to beat. Just be ready for some drag-screaming runs when you hook up!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target in Aransas Pass. These silver-sided fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are mild. Sea trout put up a good fight and taste great - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling. To catch 'em, try working jigs, soft plastics, or live shrimp near drop-offs or grass beds. One local trick is to fish topwater lures at dawn for explosive strikes. Sea trout can be finicky, so vary your retrieve speed until you figure out what they want. The satisfaction of outsmarting these wary fish keeps anglers coming back for more. Just remember not to overcook them if you're planning a fresh catch dinner.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 4
Horsepower per Engine: 225