Port O'Connor Inshore Fishing with Captain Justin
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting Black Drum and Jack CrevalleAll skill levels welcome with gear and guidance includedSmall group experience for up to 2 guests
Looking for a solid half-day of fishing along the Texas coast? Captain Justin Dudley with 3rd Coast Sightcast knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some quality fish out of Port O'Connor. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter – Justin targets the prime inshore spots where Black Drum, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout hang out. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or just picked up a rod last week, this trip works for everyone. You'll get quality gear, fresh bait, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years of working these flats and channels.
Port O'Connor sits right in the sweet spot of the Texas coast, with access to some of the most productive inshore waters you'll find anywhere. Captain Justin runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – you're here to fish, not sit through a lecture. The boat launches early, and within minutes you're cruising toward the day's fishing grounds. Justin reads the tides, weather, and seasonal patterns to put you where the fish are feeding. Some days that means working the grass flats for reds, other days you'll be targeting structure where the drums like to hang out. The beauty of a half-day trip is you get quality fishing time without burning your whole weekend. Justin provides everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish to the boat.
Inshore fishing around Port O'Connor means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Justin keeps his boat stocked with live bait, including shrimp and finger mullet, plus a full arsenal of artificial lures. For Black Drum, you might be dropping baited rigs near structure or working live shrimp along the bottom. Jack Crevalle often respond to topwater action or shiny spoons worked fast through the water column. When targeting reds and trout, Justin switches between live bait presentations and artificial lures depending on water clarity and fish behavior. The tackle setup is straightforward but effective – medium action spinning rods matched with reels that can handle the runs these fish are known for. Circle hooks keep fish healthy for release, and Justin always has backup gear ready if something decides to take your rig to the bottom. He'll walk you through proper technique, from setting the hook to fighting fish without losing them at the boat.
Black Drum around Port O'Connor are some of the hardest-fighting inshore fish you'll encounter. These bronze bulldogs can push 20-30 pounds and will test your drag system when they make their powerful runs toward structure. Fall through spring offers the best action, with cooler water temperatures bringing larger fish into the shallows. What makes drum fishing exciting is the anticipation – these fish often pick up baits gently before making that first screaming run that'll make your reel sing.
Jack Crevalle, or "jacks" as most anglers call them, are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These silvery torpedoes travel in schools and attack baits with aggressive strikes that'll nearly pull the rod from your hands. While they might not win any beauty contests, jacks are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the bay. They're most active during warmer months and often feed near the surface, making for explosive topwater action. Once hooked, they'll make multiple runs and fight right to the boat.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Port O'Connor's waters hold healthy populations of these copper-colored fighters. Reds feed in shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they root around oyster bars and grass flats. They're available year-round but peak during fall months when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a solid fight with powerful runs and head shakes.
Spotted Seatrout, or "specks," are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Port O'Connor. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots along their sides are most active during spring and fall months when water temperatures are moderate. Trout often suspend in the water column and can be finicky feeders, making them a technical challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back. When you find a good school of trout, the action can be fast and steady.
Southern Flounder add another dimension to the trip, especially during their fall migration runs. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottom areas waiting to ambush prey. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique, but landing a nice "doormat" flounder makes for great table fare and fishing memories. They're most active during cooler months and often hit baits worked slowly along the bottom.
Captain Justin Dudley and 3rd Coast Sightcast offer exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing with a captain who knows his stuff, quality gear, and access to some of the best inshore waters along the Texas coast. This half-day charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water without committing to a full day. With a maximum of just two anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of fishing time. The boat stays busy, so booking ahead is smart, especially during prime fishing seasons. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, this Port O'Connor charter delivers the goods. Don't wait – these productive fishing days book up fast, and Captain Justin's local knowledge of these waters is exactly what you need for a successful day of inshore fishing.
The Maverick 17 HPX-T is built for serious flats fishing around Port O'Connor's productive bays and channels. This 17-foot skiff cuts through shallow water with ease, powered by a reliable 70HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish quickly at speeds up to 36 knots. Perfect for targeting black drum and jack crevalle in tight spots where bigger boats can't reach. The shallow draft design lets Captain Justin position you right where the redfish and trout are feeding. Onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on productive structure. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Texas summer sessions. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to fight those hard-pulling jacks without getting tangled up. This nimble skiff handles the choppy bay conditions and lets you focus on what matters - putting fish in the boat.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our bays - thick, powerful fish that'll test your arms and your drag system. Most run 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can hit 40+ and feel like you're hooked to a truck tire. They love cruising oyster beds, muddy flats, and channel drops in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is magic time when they school up for spawning and you can hear them drumming underwater. What guests love is the raw power - these fish don't jump but they'll pull steady and hard for minutes. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab on a knocker rig and be patient. When they pick it up, let them run a few seconds before setting the hook - they're notorious for spitting quick hooksets.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bullies of our bays - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. They typically run 12-24 inches and 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20+ pounds of pure muscle. Look for them busting bait on the surface around channel mouths, reefs, and open water. Spring through fall they school up and create feeding frenzies that bring in the birds. What makes them special is their raw power - they don't jump much but they'll pull steady and fight dirty right to the boat. While they're not great table fare, they're perfect for catch-and-release fun. Here's the trick: when you see birds working, get close fast and throw anything silver that moves quickly. Cast past the school and burn your lure back through - they love the chase.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - bronze-colored fighters with that signature black spot near their tail. Most run 20-28 inches, but we regularly see bulls over 35 inches that'll smoke your drag across the flats. They cruise super shallow water from 6 inches to 4 feet, hunting around oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy shorelines. Fall is prime time, but they bite year-round here. What guests love most is sight-casting to tailing fish in skinny water and watching that explosive strike. They're strong, stubborn fighters that make long runs. The slot-sized fish are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. My secret: when you see a redfish tailing, cast your spoon or soft plastic 3-4 feet past them and work it back slowly. They spook easily if you land it too close.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing. They typically run 14-20 inches with occasional trophies over 25 inches that'll make your day. You'll find them around grass flats, shell bars, and channel mouths in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active during spring and fall, especially on moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their delicate, sweet-tasting white meat. They're also great for teaching kids since they bite consistently and fight just hard enough to be fun. Pro tip: when working grass flats, throw a soft plastic on a 1/4 oz jighead and work it just above the grass tops. Trout will come up to hit it, and you'll avoid most of the snags.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms around our bays and channels. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we see some pushing 25+ inches that really test your drag. They're perfect for beginners since they hold tight to structure like oyster reefs and channel edges in 2-8 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they stage for their offshore spawn. What makes them special is watching that perfectly camouflaged fish suddenly appear from nowhere to crush your bait. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find. My tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp on a Carolina rig and keep it moving just off the bottom - they like that slight motion.
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