Full Day Guided Fishing in Rockport, TX
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour guided fishing adventure targeting redfish and speckled troutExpert local guide provides insider knowledge of prime fishing locationsSmall group experience accommodates up to two guests maximum
Get ready for an all-day fishing adventure that'll have you talking for years. Guide Bryce Wickliffe knows these Rockport waters like the back of his hand, and he's about to show you why this stretch of Texas coast consistently produces some of the best inshore action you'll find anywhere. We're talking 8 solid hours chasing redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder in some of the most productive shallow water fisheries on the Gulf Coast. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, Bryce tailors every trip to match your experience level. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter – it's a personalized fishing experience designed around what's biting and what gets you excited.
Your day starts early when you meet Bryce at the dock, ready to hit prime fishing spots while the morning bite is hot. Rockport's shallow bay systems and grass flats create perfect habitat for our target species, and Bryce has spent years mapping out the most consistent producers. You'll fish a variety of structures – from oyster reefs that hold monster black drum to grass beds where speckled trout ambush baitfish. The beauty of fishing these waters is the diversity. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're working deeper channels where flounder lie in wait. Bryce provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels matched to the techniques we'll be using, to a full selection of lures and live bait. The boat's equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable day, including a cooler to keep your catch fresh. Weather permitting, you'll cover a lot of water, hitting multiple spots to stay on the fish as conditions and tides change throughout the day.
Rockport fishing requires versatility, and that's exactly what you'll get. We'll be using a mix of artificial lures and live bait depending on what the fish are telling us. Soft plastics rigged on jig heads are bread and butter for working grass flats and drop-offs where trout and redfish feed. When black drum are schooled up on oyster reefs, we'll switch to heavier tackle and fresh shrimp or crab to get down to where these bruisers are feeding. Topwater action is legendary here during certain times of year – there's nothing quite like watching a red explode on a spook or She Dog in shallow water. For flounder, we'll drag live finger mullet or bounce soft plastics along sandy bottoms where these ambush predators wait. Bryce matches tackle to conditions and target species, so you might find yourself throwing everything from ultralight spinning gear for trout to medium-heavy baitcasters when we're sight-fishing big reds. The key is reading water and adjusting techniques based on tide, wind, water clarity, and fish behavior. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all these methods – part of what makes this trip valuable is learning from someone who's mastered these waters.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Rockport fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish and the occasional oversized bull that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some memorable days when conditions align. What makes reds special is their willingness to feed in shallow water where you can sight-cast to individual fish. Watching a red track your lure across a grass flat, then inhaling it right at the boat, never gets old. They're smart fish that require good presentation, but once hooked, they'll make multiple runs and use their broad tails to pull drag.
Speckled trout are the most popular target species along the Texas coast, and Rockport consistently produces quality fish. Most trout here run 14-18 inches, with 20+ inch specimens available for anglers who know when and where to target them. Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best bite, especially around grass lines and drop-offs. Specks are structure-oriented fish that relate to bottom changes, current breaks, and bait concentrations. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both artificials and live bait, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The fight isn't as bulldogged as a redfish, but trout are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and last-second headshakes at the boat.
Black drum don't get the press that reds and trout do, but they're absolute powerhouses that'll humble even experienced anglers. These bottom-feeders can exceed 30 inches and 10+ pounds in Rockport's deeper waters, especially around oyster reefs and channel edges. They're primarily a cool-weather species here, with peak action from November through March. What makes black drum special is their incredible pulling power – they don't jump like a tarpon or run like a red, but they'll dig toward the bottom with surprising strength. Finding a school of quality black drum often means non-stop action, as they typically feed in groups and compete for baits.
Flounder might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're among the best eating and provide unique fishing opportunities. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud bottoms waiting to ambush passing prey. Most Rockport flounder run 14-17 inches, with doormat-sized fish available for persistent anglers. They're year-round residents, but fall migration periods can produce exceptional numbers. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – they often mouth baits softly before committing, so detecting bites takes practice. Once hooked, they fight with surprising strength for their size, often making strong runs parallel to the bottom.
This full-day
You'll be fishing aboard a brand-new 2025 Fat Cat BoatWorks 25', perfectly built for chasing redfish and trout in Rockport's shallow waters. This tunnel hull design lets us slip into those skinny spots where the big fish like to hide, while still delivering a smooth, stable ride when we're running between fishing holes. The specialized hull cuts through chop with ease and gets you into water so shallow you could almost wade it. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without crowding each other. The boat's designed for serious inshore fishing – whether we're sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass or drifting over trout structure, this rig handles it all. Captain Bryce knows every productive spot these Texas waters have to offer, and this Fat Cat gets us there fast and quiet.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds and muddy flats in 1-4 feet of water, using those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're incredible fighters that'll test your drag, and smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster reefs. The crabs won't get stolen by catfish like shrimp will, and drum can't resist them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black eyespots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow coves in just 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. These fish are bulldogs - they'll make powerful runs and really test your equipment. The meat on slot-sized fish is fantastic, mild and sweet. Watch for tailing fish in skinny water during moving tides. Throw a gold spoon ahead of them and work it slowly - the flash drives them crazy and triggers aggressive strikes.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats and shallow areas around 2-6 feet deep, especially near drop-offs and channels. Best fishing happens during cooler months and low-light periods when they move shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. They're scrappy fighters with soft mouths, so you need to play them carefully. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild flavored, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Pro tip: work topwater plugs early morning over grass beds, then switch to soft plastics as the sun gets up and they move to deeper water nearby.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand waiting for prey to swim by. You'll find them in 10-30 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, especially during fall months when they're most active. They're sneaky fighters that make great eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The key to consistent flounder fishing is using live bait like mullet or croakers and dragging it slowly across the bottom. Keep your bait moving just fast enough to stay clean but slow enough for them to catch up and commit.
Rockport