5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Rockport
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum inshoreExpert guide provides equipment and local water knowledgeSmall group experience with maximum two guests
Captain Bryce Wickliffe knows these Rockport waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical charter – it's a personalized 6-hour fishing adventure where you'll target some of the Texas coast's most prized inshore species. With just 2 anglers max, you get the kind of attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with a cooler full of fish. Bryce has built his reputation on consistent results, and whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, he'll make sure you have every opportunity to bend some serious graphite.
You'll launch from Rockport's protected waters and head out to where the redfish are cruising the grass flats and the speckled trout are holding in deeper pockets. Bryce runs top-shelf tackle – we're talking about rods and reels that won't let you down when that bull red makes its first screaming run. The boat's rigged for inshore work with a shallow draft that gets you into those skinny water spots where the big fish feel safe. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and some snacks if you want them – Bryce has the gear, bait, and local knowledge locked down. The beauty of a small group means you're not fighting for the best spots on the boat or waiting your turn to get guidance on your technique.
Depending on conditions and what the fish are doing, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along drop-offs, or sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows. Bryce reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day – if the trout are schooled up and feeding aggressively, you'll stay on them until your arms are sore. If the reds are pushing bait in the back lakes, that's where you'll head. The gear is matched to the fishing: medium-light spinning setups for trout work, beefier tackle when you're after drum and bulls that can peel drag. You'll learn proper bait presentation, how to work different lures, and most importantly, how to read the signs that tell you fish are around. It's hands-on learning that makes you a better angler even after the trip's over.
"Capt. Bryce was very knowledgeable and friendly. We both limited out on trout. First time for my wife to limit out on trout. We will definitely be going out with Capt. Bryce again." - Dusty
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Rockport's got them in spades. These copper-colored bruisers range from schoolie reds around 20 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest fish as they stage up for their spawning runs. What makes reds so special is their fighting ability – they're bulldogs that use their broad sides to leverage against you, and in shallow water, they'll make blistering runs that'll have your heart pounding. Plus, they're excellent table fare in the slot size range.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing, and when they're biting, the action can be non-stop. These beautiful fish love structure – oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time, but Rockport's year-round fishery means you've got shots at specks any season. They're notorious for their soft mouths, so there's real technique involved in keeping them pinned. A good speckled trout will jump, shake its head, and do everything possible to throw your hook. The best part? They're absolutely delicious, and a cooler full of 2-3 pound trout means some world-class fish fries in your future.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute tackle-busters that'll teach you respect for inshore fishing. These bottom-huggers can grow massive – we're talking fish that weigh as much as a small child. They're most active in cooler months and love to feed around structure where they can root out crabs and shrimp. When you hook into a big drum, there's no mistaking it – they'll head straight for the bottom and try to wrap you around every oyster shell and piling they can find. The smaller "puppy drum" are fantastic eating, while the big breeders make for incredible catch-and-release battles.
Summer flounder add variety to your day and challenge your technique. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in sandy areas and ambushing prey that swims overhead. They require a different approach – slower presentations, bouncing baits along the bottom, and patience. When a flounder hits, it's often subtle at first, just a tap or extra weight on your line. But don't let their flat profile fool you – they're strong fighters that use their body shape to create maximum resistance. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
This is exactly the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong memories and turns casual anglers into serious addicts. With Captain Bryce's local expertise, quality gear, and commitment to putting his clients on fish, you're looking at a world-class inshore fishing experience. The small group size means personalized attention, better fishing spots, and more shots at the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just get away from the dock-and-talk crowd, this trip delivers.
Get ready to chase redfish and speckled trout aboard this brand-new 2025 Fat Cat BoatWorks 25' with Guide Bryce Wickliffe. This specialized tunnel hull design lets us slip into the skinny water where the big fish hide, while still delivering a smooth ride when we're covering ground between spots. The shallow-draft capability means we can access those hard-to-reach backwater areas that other boats can't touch – perfect for stalking redfish in the grass flats around Rockport. With seating for just 2 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lures. The stable platform makes sight fishing a breeze, whether we're drifting over oyster reefs for trout or poling the shallows for tailing reds. This boat's built for serious fishing in Texas coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around Rockport, using their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're incredible fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the dinner table since the big ones get tough and stringy. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a circle hook right on the bottom - they can't resist it, and it stays put better than soft baits that other fish steal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches around Rockport, and they'll cruise water so shallow their backs stick out. These fish love oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. They're bulldogs that'll make long runs and test your equipment, plus they're excellent eating when kept within slot limits. My favorite approach is sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics - when you see that red back cruising the shallows, cast ahead of them and work it slow and steady.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Rockport fishery, typically running 14-24 inches with those beautiful black spots covering their silvery sides. These fish love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they move up to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer nights can be magic when they're actively feeding in 2-4 feet of water. They're scrappy fighters with delicate mouths, and the meat is some of the best eating you'll find - white, flaky, and mild. The secret here is using a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below it. Work it slow over the grass beds and listen for those explosive strikes on top.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, perfectly camouflaged. These ambush predators typically run 15-20 inches, though some reach impressive sizes over 20 pounds. They hang out on structure like reefs and drop-offs, waiting to nail unsuspecting baitfish swimming overhead. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests love the challenge of finding these sneaky fish and the sweet, flaky meat they provide. The key trick here in Rockport is using a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid - bounce it slowly along the bottom and be ready for that distinctive flounder thump when they grab it.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt. Bryce was very knowledgeable and friendly. We both limited out on trout. First time for my wife to limit out on trout. We w...
Rockport