Winter Fishing Success: Catching Redfish and Drum in Aransas Pass Area

Fishing in the Aransas Pass, Ingleside, and Port Aransas area has been outstanding this week. Anglers are landing redfish and black drum consistently using both live and dead shrimp. Cooler water temperatures near 50 degrees have shifted fish behavior, making certain spots and techniques more effective. This post shares practical tips and insights from recent trips to help you enjoy winter fishing success in this region.

Clean Fun Fishing anchored near deep mud-bottom channel, ideal for winter fishing

Where to Find Fish in Cooler Water

As winter sets in, fish seek refuge in deeper channels and drop-offs where water stays slightly warmer and food is more abundant. In the Aransas Pass & Port Aransas areas, targeting channels with mud bottoms has proven especially productive. These areas provide shelter and attract baitfish, which in turn draw in redfish, black drum, and speckled trout.

Look for:

• Deep channels with soft mud bottoms

• Drop-offs near flats or oyster reefs

• Areas with current flow that bring food into the channel

  
  

These spots concentrate fish and make it easier to present your bait effectively.

Best Baits and Rigging Techniques

Shrimp remains the top bait choice, both live and dead. Live shrimp entice aggressive strikes, while dead shrimp work well when fish are less active. Using the right rigging method helps present the shrimp naturally on the bottom where these species feed.

Two rigging methods stand out:

• Carolina rigs: Excellent for black drum and larger redfish. The weight keeps the bait near the bottom while allowing natural movement. This rig works well in deeper channels where fish hold close to the mud.

• 1/4 ounce jig heads: Great for speckled trout, black drum and redfish. Jig heads provide a subtle presentation that triggers strikes from a variety of species.

  
  

Both rigs have produced consistent results this week. Switching between them depending on target species and conditions can increase your catch rate.

How to Fish the Bottom Effectively

Fishing on the bottom requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some tips to improve your success:

• Cast beyond the channel edge and slowly retrieve your bait along the bottom

• Use light rod action to feel subtle bites, especially from speckled trout

• Watch for changes in current or water depth that might concentrate fish

• Avoid dragging your weight too hard to prevent spooking fish or snagging

  
  

By focusing on these techniques, you can maximize your chances of hooking quality fish.

Handling and Releasing Oversized Fish

This week, a few oversized redfish and black drum were caught and released. Protecting these trophy fish helps maintain healthy populations for future seasons.

When handling large fish:

• Use wet hands or gloves to protect their slime coat

• Support the fish horizontally to avoid injury

• Remove hooks carefully with pliers or a dehooking tool

• Release the fish gently back into the water, allowing it to swim away on its own

  
  

Practicing responsible catch and release ensures these impressive fish remain part of the ecosystem.

Booking Your Winter Fishing Trip

Winter fishing in the Aransas Pass area offers a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. With the right spots, bait, tide movements and techniques, you can enjoy steady action on redfish, black drum, and speckled trout.

Captain Justin Coghlan of Clean Fun Fishing has been guiding successful trips this week. Booking a trip with Clean Fun Fishing gives you access to expert knowledge, quality gear, and prime fishing locations.

Visit cleanfunfishing.com to learn more and schedule your next adventure.