Full Day Rockport Fishing - Reds, Trout & Drum
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private inshore fishing trip targets redfish, trout, black drumAll fishing gear, rods, reels, bait and tackle provided by guideAccommodates up to six experienced anglers with Bills and Gills service
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, this 8-hour private charter with Bills and Gills Guide Service is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day on some of the most productive inshore waters along the Texas coast, where redfish cruise the grass flats, speckled trout work the drop-offs, and black drum patrol the oyster reefs. This isn't a tourist trip—it's designed for anglers who know what they're doing and want to make the most of prime fishing time. You'll have an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the tides and adjusting tactics throughout the day to keep you on fish.
Your day starts early at one of Rockport's launch ramps, where you'll meet your guide and get briefed on the game plan. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility—we can hit multiple spots based on what's working best that day. Maybe we start working the shallow grass beds for reds during the incoming tide, then move to deeper structure for trout as the sun gets higher. Your guide will read the conditions and fish behavior, making calls on where to go next. The boat's equipped with everything you need: quality spinning and baitcasting setups, a variety of live and artificial baits, and all the terminal tackle to handle whatever we hook into. You can bring up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for a group of friends or family members who want to split costs while having the boat to yourselves.
We'll be fishing with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear most of the day, perfect for handling the variety of species in these waters. Your guide will have an arsenal of artificials—soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons—plus live shrimp and finger mullet when the bite calls for it. The techniques change throughout the day: sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water, working soft plastics along grass lines for trout, and dropping baits near structure for black drum. The boat will be rigged with a shallow water anchor system, letting us lock down on productive spots without spooking fish. Your guide will coach you on presentations, from the slow retrieve that triggers trout strikes to the aggressive topwater action that gets reds fired up. The gear is top-shelf stuff—no bargain bin tackle that'll let you down when a big fish hits.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Rockport's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 28 inches here, with plenty of oversized fish that'll test your drag system. Reds are most active during moving water, especially on the incoming tide when they push onto the flats to feed. What makes them so addictive is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights—once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to leverage against the current. Fall and spring offer the best action, but Rockport's reds bite year-round when you know where to look.
Speckled trout are the technical challenge that keeps expert anglers coming back. These fish are selective feeders that require finesse and timing. The best specimens here run 15 to 20 inches, with trophy fish over 25 inches showing up regularly during cooler months. Trout relate to structure—grass beds, shell bars, and channel edges—and they're most active during low-light periods. What makes them special is their wariness; you need to make precise casts and work baits with subtle action to fool educated fish. When the bite is on, though, you can rack up impressive numbers while sorting for keeper-sized fish.
Black drum are the surprise stars of Rockport's inshore fishing, especially for anglers who appreciate a serious fight. These fish average 20 to 40 pounds here, with monsters over 50 pounds cruising the deeper reefs and channels. Drum are bottom feeders that love oyster bars and structure, making them perfect targets when the other species are finicky. They're most active during winter months when they school up in predictable areas. What sets drum apart is their incredible pulling power—they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll bend your rod and test your patience with long, sustained battles that'll leave your arms burning.
This full-day charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. With 8 hours to work different spots and techniques, you'll have the best shot at connecting with quality fish while learning from a guide who lives and breathes these waters. The private boat setup means no crowds, no waiting for other anglers, and the flexibility to fish at your own pace. Bills and Gills Guide Service has built their reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, using local knowledge and quality equipment to give you every advantage. Whether you're looking to introduce experienced friends to Texas inshore fishing or chase personal bests in some of the state's most productive waters, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait—prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest.
The 22' Diamondback Airboat from Bills and Gills Guide Service is built for serious anglers who want to get into the shallow flats where the big redfish and trout hang out. This 2000 model pushes through skinny water that would strand most boats, getting you to those productive back-country spots around Rockport that other guides can't reach. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the flats without bumping elbows. The airboat design means you can fish water so shallow you can see the grass waving below, perfect for sight-casting to tailing reds or working the drop-offs where black drum cruise. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and this boat gets you there quietly, whether you're poling the shallows at first light or running to deeper structure when the bite moves offshore.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-8 feet of water, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're serious fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and keep it right on the bottom. When you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let that drag work and enjoy the fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter species, typically 18-28 inches with bulls over 27 inches providing serious fights. They cruise shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Fall and spring offer prime conditions when they're actively feeding on the flats. What guests love most is watching these copper-colored fish with black spots cruise the shallows and explode on topwater lures. They're also excellent table fare when kept under slot. The key here in Rockport is sight fishing - polarized glasses and a quiet approach. When you spot them tailing, cast a gold spoon or soft plastic ahead of their path and let them find it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are some of our most consistent fish, running 14-24 inches with the occasional trophy pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats and drop-offs in 3-10 feet of water, especially around structure during moving tides. Cool weather months bring the best fishing when they school up in deeper holes. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and great eating quality - tender, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit topwater plugs at dawn and dusk, but soft plastics work all day. Here's a local trick: when the bite gets tough, downsize to a 1/8 oz jig head with a small paddle tail and work it slow along the bottom near grass edges.
Rockport, TX