8 Hour Wade Fishing Charter - Port O'Connor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private inshore fishing charter for two guests maximumWade fishing experience along scenic South Texas coastline watersGuests provide own equipment with professional guide service included
Ready to get your boots wet in some of the best wade fishing waters Texas has to offer? Captain Oscar Estringel's 8-hour private charter puts you right in the thick of Port O'Connor's legendary inshore action. This isn't your typical boat-bound fishing trip – we're talking about getting out there on foot, feeling the sand beneath your waders, and working the flats like a seasoned pro. With just you and one buddy, you'll have the whole day to focus on technique, explore prime wading spots, and chase down the fish that make this stretch of coastline famous. Pack your own wade gear because nobody knows your preferred setup better than you do.
Your day kicks off early when Captain Oscar picks you up for a full 8 hours of wade fishing along Port O'Connor's pristine shoreline. We're talking about some serious time on the water – enough to really dial in your technique and hit multiple spots as conditions change throughout the day. The beauty of wade fishing here is the variety you get to experience. One minute you're working shallow grass flats in knee-deep water, the next you're wading along drop-offs where the bottom falls away into deeper channels. The South Texas coast serves up everything from crystal-clear back lakes to slightly stained bay waters, each holding different opportunities. Captain Oscar knows these waters like his own backyard and will position you where the fish are most active based on tides, wind, and seasonal patterns. Since you're bringing your own wade gear, make sure you've got quality chest waders, a good wading belt, and all your favorite lures dialed in. The captain provides the local knowledge and boat transport between spots – you bring the gear that's proven successful for your fishing style.
Wade fishing the Texas coast is an art form that separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. You're not just casting from the boat deck – you're becoming part of the environment, reading water structure with your feet, and positioning yourself for the perfect presentation. The key is moving slowly and methodically, feeling for drop-offs, grass beds, and sand pockets where gamefish ambush prey. Your approach matters everything out here. Too much splashing and commotion will shut down a flat faster than you can say "redfish." Captain Oscar will show you how to read the water for nervous baitfish, working birds, and subtle color changes that indicate structure below. Soft plastics rigged weedless are the go-to choice for most situations, but don't overlook topwater plugs during low-light periods when fish are feeding aggressively in skinny water. The wading belt becomes your mobile tackle shop – keep it organized with the essentials because there's no running back to the boat for that one lure you forgot. Learning to cast accurately while maintaining balance in moving water takes practice, but that's what this 8-hour trip is all about. You'll have plenty of time to work on technique while covering serious ground.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms until an unsuspecting shrimp or baitfish comes within striking distance. These flatfish can stretch over 20 inches and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their body type. Fall months bring the best flounder action as they stage for their offshore spawning runs, fattening up in the shallows. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the challenge – you're essentially sight fishing for invisible fish. Look for subtle impressions in the sand, slight color variations, or the telltale eye movement that gives away their position. When you hook one, they bulldoze toward the bottom with surprising power before coming to the surface.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the shallow water game, with mature fish pushing 30-40 pounds or more. These bruisers patrol oyster reefs and shell beds, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and oysters. Spring brings the best black drum fishing as they move shallow to spawn, often in water so skinny you can see their backs. The fight is all about power – black drum don't jump or make blazing runs, but they use their broad sides and sheer weight to test your drag system. You'll hear them before you see them, making distinctive drumming sounds by vibrating muscles against their swim bladders. It's like having a conversation with the fish before you even make your cast.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of wade fishing along the Texas coast. These spotted beauties are found year-round in Port O'Connor waters, with peak action during spring and fall transitions. A good speck runs 15-20 inches, though trophy fish over 25 inches are always a possibility. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around grass beds, shell pads, and drop-offs where they can ambush passing prey. Specks have relatively soft mouths, so fighting them requires finesse – too much pressure and you'll pull the hook. What makes them special is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare. Many anglers consider a limit of quality specks the perfect end to a day of wade fishing.
Redfish are the poster child of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldozers are built for shallow water living, with downturned mouths perfect for rooting around oyster bars and grass flats. Reds push the 20-30 inch range regularly, with oversized bull reds exceeding 40 inches not uncommon in these waters. They're year-round residents, though summer months bring the most consistent action. What sets redfish apart is their aggressive nature and powerful runs – when a big red grabs your lure in 2 feet of water, you'll think you hooked a submarine. They're also incredibly sight-fishable, often feeding with their backs out of water or creating nervous water as they push through skinny areas. The combination of size, fight, and visual excitement
Step aboard this sleek 2022 Majek flats boat and get ready for some serious wade fishing action along the Texas coast! This 24-footer cuts through Port O'Connor waters at speeds up to 45 knots thanks to its powerful 250HP Mercury engine. Built specifically for flats fishing, she'll get you to those shallow water hotspots where the redfish and speckled trout love to feed. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when positioning for the perfect cast, while the GPS ensures we find those productive fishing zones every time. With an icebox to keep your drinks cold and plenty of deck space for two anglers, this boat is your ticket to wading the pristine flats and grass beds that make this area legendary. Bring your own wade gear and let's hunt some trophy fish in the shallows!
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-25 pounds with some real bulls pushing 40+. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster reefs, muddy flats, and shallow bay margins looking for crabs and shellfish. Their powerful jaws can crush oysters like potato chips. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll hear their drumming sounds underwater before you see them. They're incredible fighters, using their broad sides to pull hard and steady. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare, but release the big breeders. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water around structure. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig - pin it through the back corner of the shell. When they pick it up, let them run with it a few seconds before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these bruisers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches, with that distinctive black eyespot near the tail making them unmistakable. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall brings the best action as they feed heavily before winter. What makes redfish special is their raw power and willingness to eat almost anything - topwaters, spoons, soft plastics, or live bait. They fight like freight trains, using their broad sides to pull drag. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor. My secret: look for muddy water or "tailing" fish with their heads down feeding. Cast past them and work your lure back slowly. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't try to muscle them in the shallows.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas wade fishing - beautiful silver sides covered in distinct black spots make them easy to identify. Most run 14-20 inches, but trophy fish over 25 inches lurk in our deeper grass beds. They love shallow grass flats, especially around drop-offs and potholes where baitfish gather. Spring through fall are peak seasons, with early morning and evening being magic hours. These fish have a soft mouth and delicate flesh, so they require finesse - that's part of what makes them challenging. The meat is fantastic, flaky white with a mild flavor. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwaters, soft plastics, and live shrimp equally well. Key tip: when wading grass flats, look for nervous water or baitfish activity. Keep your drag light and don't horse them - their soft mouths tear easily. A smooth, steady retrieve often works better than erratic action.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of camouflage - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches, but we've seen them push 25+ inches in our local waters. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster reefs, and near creek mouths where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our area heading to deeper water. What makes them special is their ability to change color to match the bottom - it's like hunting ghosts. The meat is excellent, mild and flaky. My tip: use a Carolina rig with live shrimp and fish it slow. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around.
Corpus Christi