Full Day Rockport Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and flounderExpert local guide provides handson instruction for all skill levelsSmall group experience accommodates up to two guests maximum
Looking for a solid day on the water chasing redfish, trout, and flounder? Captain Timothy Cleghorn at Barefoot Charters knows these Rockport bays like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – Timothy's been working these flats for years, watching tides, studying structure, and learning where the fish like to hang out during different seasons. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this full-day charter gives you plenty of time to dial in your technique and land some quality fish. The pace is relaxed but productive, and you'll come away with stories worth telling and hopefully a cooler full of dinner.
Your day starts early when you meet Timothy at the dock in Rockport. He'll get you set up with quality tackle and walk you through the game plan based on current conditions – wind, tide, water temperature, and where he's been seeing action lately. The boat is rigged for inshore work, meaning you'll have everything you need to target these three species effectively. Timothy keeps things low-key but focused. He's not going to overwhelm you with technical jargon, but he will share the kind of local knowledge that makes the difference between a decent day and a memorable one. You'll spend your time working different areas – shallow grass flats where redfish cruise, deeper channels where trout stack up, and sandy bottoms where flounder lay in ambush. The beauty of a full day is you're not rushed. If one spot isn't producing, there's time to relocate and try different water.
Timothy runs artificial lures most of the time – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that match what these fish are feeding on naturally. You'll learn to work a paddle tail through grass beds without hanging up, how to walk a topwater over shallow structure, and the subtle retrieve that triggers strikes from pressured fish. The tackle is medium-light spinning gear that gives you good feel and control without being too heavy for these inshore species. Live bait comes into play when conditions call for it – piggy perch for flounder, shrimp for trout, and mullet or crab for reds. Timothy reads the water and adjusts tactics accordingly. Some days the fish want noise and commotion, other days they prefer a quiet presentation. Part of what makes him a top-rated guide is knowing when to switch things up and having the patience to work with anglers until they get the hang of it.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Rockport fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats year-round, though they're most active in spring through fall. A keeper red runs 20 to 28 inches, and they fight like fish twice their size. What makes them special is how they feed – tailing in skinny water, creating nervous ripples that give away their location to sharp-eyed anglers. Timothy knows the flats where reds like to root around for crabs and shrimp, and there's nothing quite like watching one blow up on a topwater lure in two feet of crystal-clear water. They're smart fish that get educated quickly, so having a guide who understands their patterns makes all the difference.
Speckled trout are the most sought-after inshore species along the Texas coast, and Rockport's grass flats and shell reefs provide perfect habitat. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster beds, drop-offs, and areas where baitfish congregate. A good trout runs 15 to 20 inches, with fish over 24 inches considered trophy class. They're more finicky than reds, requiring precise presentation and often preferring subtle lures worked slowly. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures are in the sweet spot, but Timothy knows the deep holes and channels where they hold during summer heat and winter cold fronts. Landing a chunky speck on light tackle is pure satisfaction – they fight clean and make excellent table fare.
Southern flounder might not get the same respect as reds and trout, but they're incredible ambush predators that provide plenty of excitement. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to hammer unsuspecting prey that swims too close. They're most active during their fall migration when they're heading to deeper Gulf waters to spawn. A keeper flounder measures 15 inches, and the big girls can push 6 to 8 pounds. What's fun about flounder fishing is the technique – you're often dragging baits along the bottom or working soft plastics right where they live. The bite feels like you've snagged bottom until the fish realizes it's hooked and starts that distinctive head-shaking fight. They're excellent eating and a species that many anglers overlook, which means more opportunities for you.
A full day with Timothy gives you the chance to experience Rockport fishing at its finest. You're not just hiring a boat ride – you're getting access to years of local knowledge, quality equipment, and the kind of patient instruction that helps you become a better angler. The two-person limit means you'll get plenty of individual attention, whether you're learning to read water, perfect your casting, or just trying to keep up with fast action. Timothy's laid-back approach creates the perfect environment for friends, couples, or family members to enjoy a day together without feeling pressured or rushed. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so commit to your date and be ready for what could be your best day on the water this year. Rockport's inshore fishery is world-class, and there's no better way to experience it than with a guide who lives and breathes these waters every day.
Our 23-foot Mowdy Flats Boat is built for serious fishing in Rockport's shallow bays and backwaters. This 2020 vessel runs on a reliable Suzuki engine that'll get you to the best redfish and trout spots quickly, hitting speeds up to 45 knots when you need to cover water fast. The boat handles beautifully in skinny water where the big reds like to cruise, and with room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on tailing redfish or working structure for flounder. No spooking fish with engine noise when stealth is key. The GPS keeps us on productive spots, while the fish finder helps locate baitfish and structure that hold trout and other species. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds or drifting live bait over grass flats, this boat puts you in position to succeed on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here in Rockport. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 20-30 inches, and that distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. They love shallow flats from 1-4 feet deep, often cruising oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy shorelines where they root for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and fall provide the most consistent action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power - they'll make screaming runs and test your drag like no other inshore fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water. Pro tip: when you see their tails sticking up while they're feeding head-down, cast your bait 3-4 feet ahead of where they're moving and let it settle to the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but can push 5+ pounds when you find the right fish. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and sand holes within the grass beds. Spring and fall offer the best action, though we catch them year-round. What guests love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats watching a good trout blow up on a surface plug at dawn. They're also fantastic eating with delicate, flaky white meat. The key is being quiet and making long casts since they spook easily in shallow water. During warmer months, target them early morning and late evening when they move up to feed. A soft plastic on a light jighead worked slowly through the grass is hard to beat.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish change color to match the bottom they're lying on. They typically run 15-20 inches in our area and are ambush predators that bury in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. You'll find them on sandy bottoms in 8-25 feet of water, especially around channel edges and drop-offs. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. What makes flounder fishing special is the unique challenge - they bite sideways and can feel like you're snagged on bottom at first. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. My go-to tip: use live finger mullet hooked through the eyes and fish it slow along the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap, give them a few seconds before setting the hook since they grab prey from the side and need time to turn it around.
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