5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Inshore Charter for Redfish & Black Drum
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore charter targeting redfish and black drumProfessional captain handles navigation and fishing logisticsSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer? This full-day charter with Bent Rod Guide Service puts you right in the heart of Rockport's legendary fishing grounds, where redfish cruise the shallows and black drum patrol the deeper pockets. You'll spend the day working the flats, grass beds, and structure that make this stretch of the Texas coast a world-class fishery. With room for just two anglers, you get personalized attention from your captain and plenty of elbow room to work your favorite techniques. The scenic beauty is just a bonus – the real draw is hooking into some serious fish.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish from the get-go. Rockport's shallow bays and protected coves create the perfect habitat for sight fishing redfish in knee-deep water, while the deeper channels and oyster reefs hold quality black drum and speckled trout. You'll start early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime feeding times. The boat is rigged with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. Your captain handles the navigation, tide timing, and spot selection while you focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. Don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before you head out – it's required and easily purchased online.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to inshore techniques. You'll likely throw everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics bounced along the bottom for drum. Sight casting to tailing redfish in the shallows is pure adrenaline – watching a big red turn on your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water never gets old. For the black drum, expect to use heavier tackle and crab or shrimp baits fished near structure. The trout bite best on artificial lures like soft plastics rigged on jig heads, worked slowly through the grass. Your captain will match the technique to the conditions and what the fish are telling you. Medium to medium-heavy spinning gear handles most situations, though your guide has backup rods ready if something bigger shows up than expected.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Rockport consistently produces some of the best red fishing on the coast. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size fish around 20-28 inches up to bull reds that can top 40 inches and fight like freight trains. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can surprise you with some monster fish. Redfish are ambush predators that love to cruise shallow flats looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights – they'll peel drag and make multiple runs before coming to the net.
Black drum might not be as flashy as redfish, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to fighting power. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes in Texas waters, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon around Rockport's deeper structure. They're most active during cooler months, making winter and early spring prime time for targeting quality drum. Black drum are suckers for fresh crab and cut bait fished on the bottom near oyster reefs, channel edges, and deeper holes. Their initial run when hooked is something to experience – pure, unstoppable power that'll test your drag and your arms.
Speckled trout round out the inshore slam and provide consistent action throughout most of the year. These spotted beauties are aggressive predators that respond well to artificial lures, making them a favorite among anglers who love the artificial bite. Trout in the 15-20 inch range are common, with trophy fish over 25 inches possible during peak seasons. They school up in grass beds and along drop-offs, especially during spring and fall migrations. What makes specks so appealing is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their acrobatic fights – they'll jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook.
This top-rated charter gives you access to some of the most productive inshore waters in Texas, guided by someone who knows exactly where and how to find fish. With space for just two anglers, you're guaranteed personalized service and the flexibility to target whatever species are biting best. Whether you're looking to sight cast to redfish, battle bruiser black drum, or fill the box with speckled trout, this full-day adventure delivers the goods. The combination of Rockport's world-class fishery and Bent Rod Guide Service's local expertise makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your shot at some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for navigating Rockport's productive inshore waters. This nimble vessel comes loaded with GPS navigation to hit the best fishing spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of redfish and black drum lurking in the shallows. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without crowding. The boat's shallow draft lets your captain slip into those hard-to-reach back bays and grass flats where the big reds like to feed. Whether you're sight casting to tailing fish or working structure for drum, this setup gives you the perfect platform to make the most of Texas coastal fishing.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our shallow flats, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 90. You'll find them crushing oysters and crabs in muddy shallows, around oyster beds, and near creek mouths where the water's brackish. Spring's your best bet when they school up for spawning - that's when the action really picks up. These fish are serious fighters with jaws that can crack shells, so they'll test your drag for sure. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit right on the bottom near those oyster bars. They can't resist it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, running 20-35 inches on average but capable of reaching 45+ inches. These copper-colored beauties cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of water, hunting around oyster reefs and grass beds. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they're actively feeding before and after spawning. What gets people hooked is their bulldogging fight and that classic black spot near the tail. They're also fantastic on the table when kept within slot limits. The key here in Rockport is sight fishing - polarized sunglasses are a must. When you spot their tails or backs, cast well ahead of them and work your bait slowly into their path. They spook easily but hit hard.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore species, typically running 14-24 inches with some reaching 5 pounds. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around structure like downed trees or shell bars. Cool mornings and evenings are prime time, and they really turn on during winter when they school up tight in deeper channels. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite - nothing beats watching one blow up on a surface plug. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we have with delicate, flaky white meat. Pro tip: work your lures slow and low when the water's cold. A soft plastic on a light jig head bounced just above the grass will trigger strikes when nothing else works.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great trip! Captain Donny put us on fish and gave us tips. He’s very personable. We limited on Black Drum.
Thank you, Barbara!
Rockport, TX