Full-Day Rockport Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targeting redfish, black drum, and sea troutEight hours of guided inshore fishing with rods and tackle includedAccommodates up to four anglers with experienced local captain
There's something special about being on the water at first light in Rockport, watching the sun come up while you're already working productive flats and grass beds. This 8-hour private charter with Bent Rod Guide Service puts you right in the heart of some of Texas' best inshore fishing grounds. Starting at 7 a.m., you'll have the whole day to chase redfish, black drum, and sea trout across the diverse waters that make this stretch of coast so legendary. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, and with all tackle provided, you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. Eight hours gives you real time to work different spots, adjust to conditions, and make the most of whatever the fish are doing that day. Your captain will read the tides, wind, and water conditions to keep you on productive water all day long. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers total, with the base rate covering 2 people and additional spots available for $100 each. You'll move between shallow flats, deeper channels, and structure depending on what's biting best. The $75 bait fee covers live and cut bait for the entire group, so you'll have everything needed to tempt these coastal favorites. Pack your own drinks, snacks, and lunch – you'll want to stay fueled for a full day of steady action.
Rockport's inshore waters call for versatility, and your guide comes prepared with the right gear for every situation. You'll fish with medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle loaded with quality reels that can handle the drag-screaming runs these fish are known for. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be throwing soft plastics over grass beds, working live shrimp under popping corks, or pitching cut bait to structure. The beauty of this fishery is the variety – one minute you're sight-fishing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're bouncing bottom for black drum in a deeper channel. Your captain will adjust techniques throughout the day, teaching you the nuances of reading water, working lures, and playing fish in different scenarios. All rods, reels, tackle, and terminal gear are included, though you're welcome to bring your own favorites if you prefer.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Rockport's inshore scene, and for good reason. These bronze bulldozers average 20-28 inches through most of the year, with some real bulls pushing 35+ inches during peak times. Fall months bring some of the best redfish action as they school up in preparation for their spawn, creating opportunities for multiple hookups. What makes reds so special here is their willingness to eat in shallow water – there's nothing quite like watching a red's back break the surface as it crashes your topwater plug. Black drum offer a completely different fight, using their broad sides and bulldogging power to test your drag system. These bottom-dwellers can range from smaller puppy drum to massive 40+ pound giants, and they're year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species get finicky. Sea trout round out the slam, offering numbers and eating quality that keeps anglers coming back. Spring and early summer produce the biggest trout, with fish over 20 inches common during prime conditions. They're also the most willing biters when conditions get tough, ensuring you'll have action even on challenging days.
Redfish define Rockport fishing, and these copper-colored fighters live up to their reputation as one of the Gulf Coast's premier gamefish. They feed aggressively in water from 6 inches to 6 feet deep, often giving away their location with wakes, tails, or nervous water. Peak redfish season runs from September through November when cooler water temperatures trigger feeding binges, but quality fish are caught year-round. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and spectacular fights – a good red will make multiple drag-screaming runs and isn't caught until it's in the boat.
Black drum bring the muscle to your inshore experience, with their broad shoulders and relentless pulling power creating fights that will test your endurance. These bottom-feeders are most active during cooler months from November through March, though smaller drum provide action throughout summer. They're structure-oriented fish that love oyster reefs, drop-offs, and channel edges. The bigger specimens – often called "big uglies" by locals – can exceed 50 pounds and provide arm-burning battles that last 15-20 minutes. Fresh-cut bait is the key to consistent drum fishing, and patience pays off when targeting the larger fish.
Sea trout are the bread-and-butter species that keep your rod bent when reds and drum get stubborn. These spotted beauties are most active during spring and early summer, with the biggest fish often caught during cooler water periods in winter and early spring. They're structure-oriented but also roam grass flats and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificial presentations. Trout over 20 inches are considered keepers by most anglers, and the 25+ inch "gator trout" are true trophies. Their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make them fun on light tackle, and they're excellent table fare when you want to take a few home.
A full day on Rockport's inshore waters with Bent Rod Guide Service gives you the time and expertise to experience this world-class fishery at its best. With 8 hours of fishing time, quality tackle provided, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish, this charter delivers the kind of consistent action that builds fishing memories. The private boat means you fish at your own pace, target the species you want most, and learn techniques you can use for years to come. Don't forget your
Step aboard this well-equipped motorboat designed for serious inshore fishing around Rockport's productive waters. With advanced GPS navigation and a quality fish finder, your captain can pinpoint the best spots where redfish, black drum, and sea trout are feeding. The boat comfortably handles up to 2 anglers with plenty of room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll have access to all the rods, reels, and tackle needed for targeting these sought-after species in the shallows and flats. The fish finder technology helps locate structure and baitfish that attract your target species, while the GPS ensures efficient travel between productive fishing areas. This setup gives you the perfect platform for an 8-hour day of steady action, allowing you to cover plenty of water and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some real monsters pushing 90. These dark, powerful fish love crushing oysters and crabs around shallow flats and oyster reefs with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the best action. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab on the bottom and keep your bait right in the structure. They won't chase much, so put it where they live.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 18-35 inches and love cruising super shallow flats where you can actually see their backs. They're year-round residents that eat just about anything - shrimp, crabs, small fish. What makes them special is the visual fishing; watching a big red crush a topwater lure in 18 inches of water never gets old. They fight hard and make long runs. The meat on slot-sized fish is excellent too. Pro tip: when you spot tailing reds, cast well ahead of them and work your bait slowly into their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 1-5 pounds and love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. Night fishing can be outstanding when they move shallow to feed. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll jump and make solid runs, plus they're some of the best eating you'll find - mild, white meat that's perfect on the grill. The trick here is working topwater plugs or soft plastics over the grass beds early morning. Listen for them popping shrimp on the surface.
Rockport, TX