Get ready to hit the water for a full day of inshore action in Rockport, Texas! This 8-hour private charter with Bent Rod Guide Service puts you right in the heart of some of the best redfish, trout, and drum fishing the Lone Star State has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert captain will make sure you're on the fish and having a blast from start to finish. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to bend some rods!
Picture this: You and a buddy, cruising the scenic Rockport bays and flats in a top-notch fishing boat, with nothing but the sound of lapping waves and the occasional "Fish on!" to break the silence. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be hitting all the honey holes where the big ones love to hang out. We're talking sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, drifting for monster trout over grass beds, or maybe even finding a school of black drum that'll make your drag sing. The best part? It's just you and your fishing partner, so there's no fighting over the best spot or feeling rushed. This is your day on the water, and we're here to make it count.
Listen up, folks – this ain't no beginner's bobber fishing (though if that's your speed, we can make it happen). We're talking serious inshore tactics that'll have you feeling like a pro in no time. Depending on what's biting and where, we might be chunking soft plastics along grass lines, working topwater lures at dawn for explosive trout strikes, or slow-rolling spoons to tempt those redfish. Your guide will hook you up with all the gear you need, from light tackle setups perfect for finesse fishing to beefier rods when we're targeting the big boys. And don't worry if you're new to this – our captain is a walking encyclopedia of local fishing knowledge and will have you casting like a champ before you know it. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you show up, and we'll take care of the rest!
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, these copper-colored beauties are what dreams are made of. Known for their hard-fighting spirit and that signature spot on their tail, redfish (or red drum) can range from little "rat reds" to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time for reds in Rockport, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the rush of seeing a big red crush your lure in gin-clear water!
Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these spotted predators are the ninjas of the inshore world. They're lightning-fast, hit lures with incredible force, and put on aerial displays that'll have you whooping with excitement. Trout love to hang around grass beds and drop-offs, often feeding aggressively at dawn and dusk. In Rockport, you can target them year-round, but spring and fall tend to be the sweet spots. Don't be fooled by their slender profile – a big trout can give you one heck of a fight!
Black Drum: The unsung heroes of inshore fishing, black drum might not be as glamorous as their redfish cousins, but they more than make up for it in fight and flavor. These striped bruisers can grow to massive sizes, with some trophy fish topping 50 pounds! They're bottom feeders, so we'll often use natural baits like crab or shrimp to entice them. Winter and early spring are prime time for big black drum in Rockport, especially around pier pilings and oyster reefs. And let me tell you, hooking into one of these giants on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget!
Look, I could go on all day about the insane fishing Rockport has to offer, but here's the real deal: It's not just about filling the cooler (though we'll do our best to make that happen). It's about that moment when your line goes tight, and you lock eyes with your buddy, both grinning like idiots because you know something good is on the other end. It's about learning new techniques from a guide who eats, sleeps, and breathes this stuff. And it's about spending a day on the water, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Texas coast, maybe spotting some dolphins or bird life between casts. Whether you're a hardcore angler looking to check some species off your list or just want to enjoy a relaxing day fishing with a friend, this Rockport charter delivers the goods.
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, this 8-hour Rockport charter is calling your name. With Bent Rod Guide Service, you're getting a private trip tailored to your skill level and fishing goals, led by a captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand. We'll provide all the gear, knowledge, and good vibes – you just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you bragging to your buddies for years to come. Trust me, once you've felt the pull of a big Rockport red or watched a speckled trout demolish your topwater lure, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
July 29, 2023
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but sometimes hitting 90. They're most active in spring during spawning, when they school up in shallow flats and oyster beds. Look for them around inlets, pier pilings, and estuaries too. These bruisers put up a great fight and make that distinctive drumming sound. For eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds - the big ones get tough. To catch 'em, use live bait like soft crabs or sea clams on the bottom. If you're not getting bites, try a slow-moving bucktail jig. Here's a local tip: listen for that drumming sound in shallow water, especially on calm days. It's a dead giveaway that you've found a school.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple of Rockport fishing. You'll spot 'em by their copper color and black tail spot. They love shallow water, often in just 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud bottoms. Most are 28 to 33 inches, but they can grow much bigger. Redfish put up a heck of a fight and taste great too - mild and sweet. They'll hit just about any bait, but topwater lures in shallow water are a blast. Try walk-the-dog style baits like Skitter Walks for some explosive strikes. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking out of the water as they feed in the shallows. It's called "tailing" and it's a dead giveaway. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round here.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Rockport. They typically run 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds, though some monsters push 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper waters up to 160 feet. These fish are known for their delicate, flaky white meat - just don't overcook it. They're aggressive feeders and put up a good fight, making them fun to catch. Use artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, or plastic shrimp. A local trick: try trolling at idle speed along grass flats if you're having trouble locating them. Sea Trout are good year-round, but fall and winter are prime times when they're fattening up.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury 250 pro XS
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
We had a great trip! Captain Donny put us on fish and gave us tips. He’s very personable. We limited on Black Drum.