Port Aransas Fishing Report: Black Drum, Redfish & Speckled Trout

Fishing around Port Aransas and the surrounding bays has been producing a good mix of black drum, redfish and speckled trout this week. Live shrimp continues to be one of the most dependable baits, and I'm catching fish both under a popping cork and on the bottom with a Carolina rig.

With several species biting, I've been changing the presentation depending on the water depth, structure and where I'm finding the fish.

This Port Aransas fishing report covers black drum, redfish and speckled trout biting well on live shrimp under popping corks and Carolina rigs.

Port Aransas Fishing Report: Live Shrimp Producing

Live shrimp has been working well for black drum, redfish and speckled trout. Two simple setups have been producing most of the action.

A popping cork with live shrimp has been effective when the fish are feeding higher in the water column or working shallower areas. The cork lets me cover water while keeping the shrimp suspended where redfish and speckled trout can find it.

When the fish are holding deeper or close to the bottom, I've been switching to a Carolina rig with live shrimp. This gets the bait down and allows the shrimp to move naturally near the bottom.

Redfish Bite Continues to Improve

Redfish have continued to show up, and live shrimp has been producing good action.

I've been catching reds under popping corks as well as on Carolina rigs. Where they're holding determines which setup I use. In shallower areas, a popping cork can be a great way to locate feeding fish. When they're holding deeper or near structure and drop-offs, fishing live shrimp on the bottom can be the better option.

As we move farther into fall, I'll continue watching the bait movement and changing conditions to stay on the better redfish bite.

Speckled Trout on Live Shrimp

Speckled trout are also becoming a bigger part of my fishing trips again.

Live shrimp under a popping cork has been one of my favorite ways to target trout. I'm looking for areas with moving water, bait activity, grass and nearby depth changes. Working the cork through these areas gives the shrimp plenty of movement and helps attract feeding trout.

The trout bite can change from one area to another, so I'm moving and adjusting until I find concentrations of fish.

Black Drum Fishing on the Bottom

Black drum are still providing good action, especially when fishing live shrimp near the bottom.

For these fish, I've been using a Carolina rig to keep the shrimp down where the drum are feeding. Rock edges, deeper water, drop-offs and other structure can all be productive places to look.

Sometimes a small change in where the bait is positioned can make a big difference, especially when fish are concentrated along a particular edge.

Port Aransas Inshore Fishing

I fish Port Aransas and the surrounding waters, including Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Rockport and Corpus Christi Bay. Where I fish on a particular trip depends on the conditions and where the better bite is happening.

Right now, having black drum, redfish and speckled trout all in the mix gives me several options. Live shrimp is keeping things simple, with popping corks covering shallower water and Carolina rigs targeting fish closer to the bottom.

Book a Port Aransas Fishing Charter

If you're searching for Port Aransas fishing charters or Port Aransas fishing guides, come spend a morning on the water with Clean Fun Fishing.

I provide the rods, reels and tackle for my regular bait-fishing trips, and fish cleaning is included. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing the family fishing, I'll adjust the trip to the conditions and experience level.

Book your trip: Clean Fun Fishing booking page