Get ready to hit the flats and backwaters of Rockport on this full-day inshore adventure. We're talking 8 solid hours chasing after the Texas inshore slam - redfish, black drum, and speckled trout. This ain't no quick half-day trip; we're going all-in to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have you on the bite in no time.
We'll meet up bright and early at 7 AM, so grab your coffee and let's hit it. The boat's rigged and ready with all the gear you need - rods, reels, and tackle for two anglers. Got a bigger crew? No sweat, we can take up to 4 total for an extra $100 per person. There's a $75 bait fee for the group, but trust me, it's worth every penny to have the right stuff to entice those bulls and gators. Pack your license, sunscreen, grub, and drinks, and we'll take care of the rest. We're talking a full 8 hours on the water, so come prepared to put in work and reap the rewards.
This ain't your grandpa's sit-and-wait fishing. We'll be on the move, hitting prime spots as the tide and bite dictate. Might start off sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, then switch gears to work some deeper holes for black drum. As the day heats up, we could find ourselves drifting grass lines for specks. The captain's always got his finger on the pulse, reading the water and adjusting our game plan to keep the rods bent. We're talking popping corks, soft plastics, maybe even some topwater action if the conditions are right. It's all about adapting and overcoming to put fish in the boat.
Redfish are the rock stars of the flats, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can turn on a dime and strip line faster than you can say "fish on!" They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with subtle swirls or that telltale tail waving above the surface. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but we catch 'em year-round in Rockport.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These bottom-feeders can grow to monster sizes, earning the nickname "Big Uglies." They're suckers for fresh shrimp or crab, and when they decide to eat, hang on tight! Winter and early spring see huge schools of these fighters move through.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are known for their delicate mouths and acrobatic jumps. They're suckers for a well-presented lure, especially topwater plugs in the early morning. Summer and fall are your best bets for hooking into a true gator trout, but we catch 'em year-round in these parts.
Look, there's a reason Rockport's known as the "Fishing Capital of Texas." Our waters are teeming with life, from the grass flats to the oyster reefs. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're battling a bruiser black drum in the depths. It's this variety that keeps folks coming back year after year. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like that moment when your line goes tight and you know you're hooked up with something good. Whether it's your first redfish or your hundredth trout, that thrill never gets old.
So there you have it, folks. Eight hours of non-stop inshore action, targeting some of the best gamefish Texas has to offer. We're talking quality over quantity here, but don't be surprised if we put some numbers on the board too. The captain's got the local knowledge, you've got the motivation, and the fish are out there waiting. All that's left is to pick a date and book your spot. Trust me, after a day on these waters, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and bend some rods!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often reaching 30 pounds or more. You'll find them in Rockport's shallow bays and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. These fish are adaptable, so we can target them year-round, but spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They're bottom feeders, so we'll use fresh crab or shrimp on a simple bottom rig. One local trick: listen for their distinctive croaking sound to locate schools. Remember, Black Drum have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so make sure your gear can handle their strength.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the stars of Rockport's flats. They love super shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. Look for that distinctive spot near their tail – it's actually a fake eye to fool predators. Most of our reds run 20 to 30 inches, but big bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. They hang around oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and mud bottoms. Fall's the prime season when they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard fights and excellent table fare. We'll use a variety of lures, from topwater walking baits to soft plastics. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their copper-colored backs breaking the surface as they feed. Match your lure to what they're eating, and you're in for some explosive action.
Around here, we call 'em Speckled Trout. These silvery fish typically run 14 to 24 inches, with some monsters pushing 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're here year-round, but winter's when they school up in deeper channels. Sea Trout are popular for their sporty fight and tasty, flaky white meat. They're aggressive feeders, so we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures like topwater plugs or soft plastics. One tip: when the bite's slow, try trolling at idle speed along grass lines. These fish are pretty sensitive to temperature, so we'll adjust our tactics based on the weather. Careful not to overcook 'em if you're planning a fish fry – they can get mushy fast.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury 250 pro XS
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250