Full Day Rockport Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced local captainAccommodates up to six guests with no prior experience required
When you're looking to get serious about Texas coastal fishing, this 8-hour guided trip with Bills and Gills Guide Service delivers exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day on some of the most productive inshore waters along the Gulf Coast, where redfish cruise the grass flats and speckled trout stack up in the deeper channels. Captain Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting clients on fish while teaching them the techniques that work here in Rockport. Whether you're brand new to saltwater fishing or looking to dial in your approach to these Texas flats, this charter gives you the time and guidance to really figure out what makes these fish tick.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Bill at the dock, where he'll have everything rigged and ready to go. We're talking quality rods and reels matched to the conditions, fresh bait that's been working recently, and a tackle box full of the artificials that consistently produce here in Rockport Bay. The boat is set up specifically for inshore fishing – shallow draft design that lets us get into those skinny water spots where the big reds like to cruise, plus a poling platform so we can work the flats quietly when the fish are spooky. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and everyone gets their shot at the action. Captain Bill reads the conditions each morning – wind, tide, water clarity – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days we'll start on the grass flats looking for tailing redfish, other days we might hit the deeper shell bars where the trout school up. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having time to work multiple spots and really dial in what's working.
Rockport Bay fishing is all about adapting your approach to the conditions and the fish you're targeting. When we're working shallow for redfish, we'll set you up with medium-light spinning gear spooled with 15-20 pound braid and a fluorocarbon leader. The artificials that consistently produce here include soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations rigged on jigheads, plus topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes early in the morning. For live bait fishing, we'll use circle hooks with shrimp or small crabs, especially when targeting black drum around the oyster reefs. Captain Bill takes the time to show you the retrieve cadence that works – sometimes it's a steady swim, other times you need to work it with short hops along the bottom. The key is learning to read the water and understand where these fish position themselves based on tide movement and structure. We'll cover everything from sight casting to cruising reds to blind casting drop-offs where trout ambush baitfish. By the end of the day, you'll have hands-on experience with multiple techniques and a real understanding of how to approach these productive waters.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Rockport Bay, and these copper-colored bruisers provide some of the most exciting fishing on the Texas coast. These fish typically run 20 to 30 inches here, with the occasional bull red pushing over 35 inches and really testing your drag system. Reds are active year-round, but fall and winter months often produce the best action as they school up and feed heavily before spawning season. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat both artificials and live bait, plus their tendency to cruise shallow water where you can actually see them coming. When a big red crashes a topwater plug in two feet of water, that's a memory that sticks with you. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters when kept within slot limits.
Speckled trout are the bread-and-butter species that keep action consistent throughout the day. These spotted beauties typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing over 25 inches and providing a real trophy for the cooler. Trout are structure-oriented fish that relate to drop-offs, grass edges, and shell bars, making them predictable once you understand their patterns. Spring and fall produce the most consistent trout action, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What trout fishermen love is the species' responsiveness to artificial lures – they'll hit everything from soft plastics to topwater plugs, and they often school up so where you catch one, there's usually more. Their excellent table fare makes them a favorite target for anglers looking to bring home dinner.
Black drum round out the slam opportunity and provide some serious pulling power when hooked. These bottom-dwelling fighters typically run 15 to 25 inches in Rockport Bay, though the occasional monster drum over 30 inches will really test your tackle and technique. Drum are most active during cooler months and are often found around oyster reefs and shell bars where they root for crabs and mollusks. What makes black drum special is their raw power – pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fish in these waters, often making long runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're primarily caught on live or fresh dead bait, making them a great target when you want to slow down and focus on bottom fishing techniques. Their firm, white meat is excellent eating, especially from fish in the 16 to 24-inch range.
This full-day charter with Bills and Gills Guide Service gives you everything needed for a top-rated fishing experience on Rockport Bay. With 8 hours on the water, quality equipment provided, and Captain Bill's local knowledge guiding the way, you're set up for success whether you're new to saltwater fishing or looking to improve your technique. The combination of multiple target species, diverse fishing locations, and hands-on instruction makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Rockport's productive inshore waters are waiting
The 22' Diamondback Airboat is your ticket to Rockport's prime fishing grounds. This shallow-water specialist cuts through skinny flats where redfish cruise and black drum feed, reaching spots bigger boats can't touch. Built for these Texas coastal waters, the airboat's unique design lets you glide over grass beds and oyster reefs silently, getting you close to fish without spooking them. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The elevated seating gives you great visibility to spot redfish tailing in shallow water, while the smooth ride keeps you comfortable during the full 8-hour adventure. Whether you're working live bait around structure or casting artificials along the shoreline, this proven platform puts you in position to connect with Rockport's legendary inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll find in these waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with occasional giants over 50. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with flaky white meat, while the big ones are pure sport. Fresh crab on the bottom is your best bet - they can smell it from way off. Pro tip: when you feel that steady pull and head shake, don't horse them in. Let them run and tire themselves out in the shallows first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target, running 20-35 inches around Rockport with that classic copper-bronze back and signature black spots near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with backs out of water, feeding around oyster reefs and grass beds. Year-round fishery here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. What guests love most is watching them crush topwater lures in skinny water - pure visual excitement. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Topwater plugs, gold spoons, and live shrimp are go-to baits. Here's the key: when you spot tailing reds, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your lure back slowly through their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Rockport waters, typically running 14-24 inches with some beautiful 4-5 pounders mixed in. These spotted beauties love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. They bite best in cooler months and early mornings when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the table - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp under popping corks. Local trick: when the water's clear, downsize your leader to 15-20lb fluorocarbon. These fish can be line-shy in shallow water.
Rockport, TX