Full Day Port O'Connor Redfish Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and jack crevalleCaptain provides all equipment, bait, and expert instruction includedEight hours exploring Port O'Connor bays, flats, and channels
Looking for a serious fishing day on the Texas coast? Captain Justin Dudley knows these Port O'Connor waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the most reliable fish in the Gulf. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking 8 solid hours working the flats, channels, and back bays where the big reds cruise and jack crevalle tear up the surface. Whether you've been slinging lures for years or just picked up your first rod, Captain Justin's got the patience and know-how to make sure you leave with bent rods and fish stories worth telling.
Port O'Connor sits right in the sweet spot of Texas inshore fishing, where Matagorda Bay meets the Gulf and creates some of the most productive water you'll find anywhere along the coast. Captain Justin runs a clean, well-equipped boat that'll get you to the fish without beating you up in the process. We start early – usually around sunrise when the water's still calm and the fish are actively feeding. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we're not watching the clock every minute. If the bite's hot in one spot, we stay put. If things slow down, we've got time to run to three or four different areas without feeling rushed. You'll work everything from shallow grass flats where redfish tail in two feet of water to deeper channels where the big jack crevalle ambush baitfish. The captain provides all your gear – quality rods and reels that can handle these hard-fighting coastal species, plus all the bait and tackle you'll need. He'll also spend time showing you the ropes if you're new to saltwater fishing, from reading the water to working different lures effectively.
Inshore fishing in Port O'Connor means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Justin comes prepared with multiple game plans depending on conditions, tides, and what's been producing lately. We'll work live shrimp under popping corks when the trout are finicky, switch to topwater plugs when reds are cruising the shallows, and break out the bigger baits when jack crevalle are busting bait on the surface. The boat's rigged with everything from light spinning tackle for technical sight fishing to heavier gear that can handle a 20-pound jack crevalle on a screaming run. You'll learn to read the water – spotting redfish wakes, bird activity that signals feeding fish, and the subtle color changes that mark productive drop-offs and grass edges. Wade fishing might be on the menu if conditions are right and you're up for it. There's nothing quite like stalking a big redfish in knee-deep water with nothing but a rod and your eyes to guide you. The captain's also dialed in on seasonal patterns, knowing when to target deeper water during cold fronts and when to focus on the back lakes during stable weather.
Jack Crevalle are the bulldogs of the inshore world, and Port O'Connor's got some genuine monsters. These fish show up in big schools during warmer months, often betraying their location by crashing bait on the surface. When you hook into a good jack – we're talking 15 to 25 pounds – you'll understand why they've humbled so many anglers. They fight dirty, using their broad sides to pull like a freight train, and they don't quit until they're in the boat. Captain Justin knows the channels and points where jacks stage, and he's got the heavy tackle to handle them properly. The best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak activity during the summer months when baitfish are thick.
Spotted Seatrout might not have the raw power of a jack crevalle, but they make up for it with finesse and fantastic eating quality. Port O'Connor's grass flats hold some impressive trout, with fish pushing 4 to 6 pounds showing up regularly for anglers who know where to look. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster reefs, grass edges, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. They're also moody – one day they'll crush anything you throw at them, the next they want a specific presentation at a precise depth. That's where Captain Justin's local knowledge pays off. He understands the seasonal movements, knows which flats produce during different tide stages, and has the patience to work through different techniques until we find what they want. Winter months can produce some of the biggest trout of the year in deeper water.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers combine size, fight, and beauty in one impressive package. Port O'Connor reds typically run anywhere from slot-size fish around 20 inches up to genuine bulls pushing 30-plus inches and 15-20 pounds. They're year-round residents, which means we've always got a shot at them regardless of season. Spring and fall tend to produce the most consistent action as schools of reds move through the area feeding heavily. Captain Justin's particularly skilled at sight fishing for reds – spotting them tailing in shallow water or cruising the flats. There's something primal about watching a big red inhale your bait in clear, shallow water. These fish are also incredibly strong fighters, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to test your tackle and your patience.
This full-day charter with Captain Justin represents some of the best value fishing you'll find on the Texas coast. Eight hours gives you real opportunity to experience different techniques, work multiple areas, and maximize your chances at all three target species. The captain's commitment to providing quality gear, local expertise, and patient instruction means you're set up for success whether this is your first saltwater fishing trip or your fiftieth. Port O'Connor's location puts you right in the heart of some of Texas's most productive inshore waters, and Captain Justin's knowledge
Hit the shallow flats and backcountry waters around Port O'Connor aboard this nimble Maverick 17 HPX-T skiff. Built specifically for sight-casting redfish in skinny water, this 17-footer cuts through the shallows with its 70HP Yamaha, reaching cruising speeds up to 36 knots to get you from spot to spot quickly. The shallow-draft design lets Captain Justin pole you into those prime redfish haunts where bigger boats can't reach. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space on the clean deck. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of jack crevalle and trout, while GPS keeps you on productive waters. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure chasing reds, black drum, and speckled trout across the bays and flats of the Texas coast.
Caranx HipposThese brassy-backed bullies are pure muscle and attitude. Most jacks we catch run 3-5 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them cruising our bays and flats, especially around structure like oil rigs and grass beds. They love to push baitfish to the surface, so watch for diving birds - that's your best sign. Spring through fall are prime times when they're most active. What makes them special? That raw power and the way they'll chase down almost any lure you throw. Here's the key: cast past the school and rip your bait back fast. They can't resist that aggressive retrieve, and once hooked, they'll test every bit of your drag.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches and put up battles that'll make your arms ache. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them tailing on grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in back lakes during warmer months. What makes reds special is their predictable behavior and willingness to eat. Plus, they're beautiful fish with those distinctive black spots near the tail. The meat is excellent too - firm and mild. Here's my local secret: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're moving and let it sit still. They'll find it with their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are hands-down one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These speckled beauties typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-3 pounds in our waters. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster reefs in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and love to feed at dawn and dusk. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great sight-fishing targets on the flats. My go-to tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and that natural presentation seals the deal.
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