Full Day Redfish & Trout Charter in Rockport
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour private charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumBeginnerfriendly trip includes all equipment and expert guidanceTwoangler capacity with relaxed pace in productive inshore waters
If you're new to saltwater fishing or just want a relaxed day on the water without any pressure, this 7-hour inshore charter with Bills and Gills Guide Service is exactly what you need. We'll spend the entire day working Rockport's shallow flats and grass beds, targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most popular species—redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. This isn't a rushed half-day trip where you're watching the clock. Instead, we take our time, move with the tides, and give you plenty of chances to get comfortable with your technique. Perfect for two anglers who want personalized attention and a genuine introduction to Texas inshore fishing.
Your day starts early when we meet at the dock, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active. Rockport's inshore waters are famous for their year-round fishing opportunities, and we'll be working everything from shallow oyster reefs to deeper grass flats depending on what the fish are telling us. The beauty of a full-day trip is flexibility—if the trout are schooled up in one spot, we can stay and work them. If the redfish are tailing in the shallows, we'll pole over quietly and get you set up for some sight fishing. Every rod, reel, and piece of tackle is provided, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks. The boat is set up specifically for inshore work with a shallow draft that lets us get into those productive back-country spots where the big fish like to hang out. Your guide will be right there coaching you through everything from proper casting technique to reading the water, so don't worry if you've never held a saltwater rod before.
We fish primarily with live and artificial baits depending on conditions and what's working best that day. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a go-to setup for speckled trout, especially when they're holding over grass beds in 3-6 feet of water. For redfish, we might switch to cut bait on the bottom or work soft plastics along drop-offs and structure. Black drum love blue crab and fresh shrimp fished right on the bottom near oyster bars. The rods we use are medium-action spinning setups spooled with braided line—perfect for beginners because they're forgiving but still give you the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites. Your guide will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, but we'll teach you how everything works so you can start building your own knowledge. Wade fishing is also an option if conditions are right and you're up for it. There's nothing quite like standing waist-deep in clear water, sight-casting to redfish cruising the flats just a few feet away.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Rockport inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive, hard-pulling fish that'll test your drag and give you a real workout. They're most active during spring and fall, but you can find them year-round in our waters. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the bigger bull reds will give you a memory you won't forget. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat—they're not picky and they fight dirty, using their broad tails and thick bodies to make powerful runs toward structure.
Speckled trout are the other mainstay of our inshore fishery, and they're absolutely delicious. These fish are more finicky than redfish, requiring lighter tackle and more subtle presentations. During warmer months, they school up over grass flats and around shell bars. Winter finds them in deeper holes and channels. A good speckled trout will make several strong runs and has a habit of jumping, which always gets anglers excited. The state record came from right here in Texas waters, so you never know when that next cast might connect with something special.
Black drum are the heavy-weights of the inshore scene, and Rockport has some real monsters. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes—30 and 40-pound fish aren't uncommon. They're bottom feeders with powerful mouths designed for crushing shellfish, so when one picks up your bait, you'll know it. Black drum fight with pure power, making long, steady runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked the bottom. They're excellent eating when slot-sized, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or blackened on the grill.
This full-day beginner-friendly charter gives you everything you need for a successful day on Rockport's productive inshore waters. Seven hours on the water means plenty of time to learn, practice, and hopefully put some quality fish in the cooler. With all gear provided and expert instruction throughout the day, you'll come away with new skills, great memories, and likely a few fish stories to share. Bills and Gills Guide Service has built a reputation on putting clients on fish while making sure everyone has a great time, regardless of experience level. Don't wait too long to book—the best fishing days fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Meet your fishing platform for the day - a 22' Diamondback Airboat that's built specifically for working Rockport's shallow inshore waters. This 2000 model from Bills and Gills Guide Service handles the flats like a dream, getting you into those skinny water spots where the redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. With room for up to 6 anglers normally, you'll have plenty of space to move around and work different techniques as you target reds, trout, and black drum throughout your 7-hour adventure. The airboat design means you can access areas that traditional prop boats simply can't reach, opening up prime fishing grounds that stay productive when the tides shift. Perfect for beginners who want to learn proper inshore techniques while covering serious water around Rockport's bay system.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love cruising oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-8 feet of water, 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 them "drumming" underwater, a sound that'll give you chills. They fight hard and steady, perfect for beginners who want to feel a real fish on the line. Keep fish under 15 pounds for the table - the meat gets tough on bigger ones. My local tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit on bottom near oyster shell. The bite feels like you snagged a log, then it starts moving.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, averaging 18-27 inches with that distinctive black spot and copper-red color. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them tailing on mud flats, cruising oyster reefs, and hanging around grass lines in 1-4 feet of water. They bite year-round but fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes reds special is their power - they'll make long, bulldogging runs that'll test your drag. Plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing to them in skinny water. My go-to setup is a gold spoon or soft plastic paddletail. Cast past them and work the lure right in front of their nose - they can't resist it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our most popular inshore target, running 14-24 inches and putting up a scrappy fight that'll test any angler. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs in 3-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're most active in spring through fall when water temps are right, though winter can produce some of our biggest fish in deeper holes. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater plugs - nothing beats that explosive strike at sunrise. The white, flaky meat is outstanding table fare, making them a favorite with families. Here in Rockport, I always start with a soft plastic on a 1/8 oz jig head worked slowly over the grass. When they're feeding, you can see them pushing water and "popping" shrimp on the surface.
Rockport, TX