Half Day Scenic Fishing in Rockport, TX
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour scenic fishing trip targeting redfish, trout, and flounderSmall group charter with Guide Timothy Cleghorn accommodates two guestsRelaxed bay fishing experience perfect for families and beginners
Picture this: you're drifting through Rockport's pristine bay waters with Captain Timothy Cleghorn, rod in hand, watching the sun paint the Texas coast in golden hues. This isn't about grinding out numbers or pushing limits – it's about soaking up the scenery while working the shallows for some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches. With just two anglers max, you'll get the kind of personal attention that makes every cast count, plus plenty of time to chat with Timothy about the local waters he knows like the back of his hand.
Timothy keeps things relaxed but productive on these four-hour outings. You'll launch from Rockport and cruise into the protected bay systems where the water stays calm and the fish stay hungry. This trip strikes the perfect balance between serious angling and leisurely sightseeing – expect plenty of photo opportunities between hookups. The small group size means Timothy can adjust the pace to match your comfort level, whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or you're a weekend warrior looking to unwind. Don't worry about experience levels; Timothy's got the patience to walk newcomers through everything from bait presentation to fighting techniques. The scenic route takes you through some of Rockport's most photogenic waters, where dolphins often cruise alongside the boat and wading birds work the shallows just like you're doing with your rod.
Timothy runs a clean operation with quality gear that's perfect for Rockport's inshore game. You'll be working with medium-action spinning rods that handle everything from delicate trout presentations to the bulldogging runs of slot reds. The bay fishing here is all about reading structure – grass beds, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate and predators follow. Timothy knows exactly where to find the productive water based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. Live bait is the name of the game most days, with shrimp being the go-to choice for its universal appeal to redfish, trout, and flounder alike. You might also work some soft plastics around structure or throw topwater when conditions are right. The beauty of bay fishing is the variety – one drift might produce a feisty trout, while the next spot could yield a chunky redfish or a doormat flounder. Timothy's boat is rigged for comfort with plenty of shade and easy casting angles, so you can focus on fishing instead of fighting the elements.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Rockport's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in the bays, with plenty of slot fish that pull drag and make your arms burn. Reds are year-round residents here, but they really turn on during fall months when they school up for their offshore spawning runs. What makes them special is their attitude – they hit hard, fight harder, and never give up until they're in the net. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, tailing in knee-deep water, or holding tight to oyster bars where they ambush prey. The sight fishing opportunities for reds in Rockport are world-class, especially on calm days when you can spot their bronze backs and black spots from 50 yards out.
Speckled trout bring finesse to the equation, demanding lighter tackle and more subtle presentations. These silvery beauties with their distinctive black spots are abundant in Rockport's grass flats and deeper bay margins. Peak trout action happens during spring and fall transitions when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 65-75 degrees. What anglers love about specs is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic table fare when kept within regulations. A good trout will make several acrobatic jumps before coming to the boat, and their soft mouths require a gentle touch to avoid pulled hooks.
Summer flounder complete the slam possibilities on Timothy's trips, though they require patience and persistence. These flat predators are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sandy bottoms near channel edges and structure. Flounder fishing is all about bottom contact and slow presentations – they won't chase down a fast-moving bait like a redfish will. But when a doormat flounder engulfs your offering, that head-shaking fight is unmistakable. These fish can reach impressive sizes in Rockport's waters, with anything over 18 inches considered a trophy catch worth bragging about back at the dock.
Timothy's half-day scenic trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the weather's perfect and the fish are cooperative. This top-rated charter offers something special that the bigger boats simply can't match – personal attention, local knowledge, and the flexibility to adjust based on what you want out of your day on the water. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, celebrating a special occasion, or just need to decompress from the daily grind, this customer favorite delivers memorable moments along with quality catches. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly and check the weather forecast before committing to your dates. Book now with Barefoot Charters and experience why Rockport's inshore fishing scene has such a devoted following among anglers who know where to find the best guides and the most productive waters.
Our 23-foot Mowdy flats boat is your ticket to the shallow waters where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. Built in 2020 with a reliable Suzuki engine, she'll cruise at 45 knots when you need to cover water quickly between fishing spots. The shallow draft design gets you into those back-country areas where bigger boats can't reach - perfect for stalking redfish in skinny water around Rockport's grass flats and oyster reefs. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate productive structure and baitfish. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working soft plastics along drop-offs for flounder, this boat handles the shallow bay waters like a dream. The stable platform makes it easy for beginners to get comfortable, and there's enough deck space for everyone to fish comfortably during your scenic half-day adventure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing here in Rockport. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-28 inches in the bays. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They're catchable year-round, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power - they'll peel drag and make long runs that test your gear and skills. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. My local trick: look for nervous water and "tailing" fish in the shallows. When you spot one, cast ahead of where they're headed, not directly at them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Texas bays, and for good reason. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-18 inches, though we see plenty of 20+ inch "gator trout" during cooler months. They love grass flats, shell bars, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak times, but they bite year-round here in Rockport. What guests love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures early and late in the day - nothing beats that explosive surface strike. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the table. They're scrappy fighters that'll make several runs before coming to the net. Pro tip: work your lure slowly around grass beds and listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound when they're feeding actively.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms with both eyes facing up. Around Rockport, we find them in 3-15 feet of water near structure and drop-offs. They typically run 15-20 inches but can surprise you with some real doormat-sized fish. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving deeper. What makes flounder special is their sneaky bite - they'll grab your bait and sit there, so patience pays off. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them table favorites. My tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, count to five before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around. Live shrimp or small finger mullet work great here.
Rockport