Advanced Redfish & Black Drum Trip - Rockport
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour advanced inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and black drumFocuses on advanced techniques and reading tides for bigger catchesFlexible departure times based on optimal fishing conditions
Captain Ron's advanced half-day fishing charter puts serious anglers right where they want to be—deep in Rockport's most productive inshore waters with 6 full hours to work the flats and channels. This isn't your typical tourist trip. We're talking about targeting two of the Gulf Coast's most respected gamefish using techniques that separate weekend warriors from dedicated anglers. You'll be working proven honey holes where big redfish cruise the grass beds and black drum patrol the deeper cuts. Ron's been guiding these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to position you when conditions are right. With flexible departure times, we can time your trip around optimal tides and weather windows. Pack your patience and bring your A-game—these fish don't give up easy.
This top-rated charter focuses on skill development and trophy potential rather than just putting fish in the boat. Captain Ron will have you working structure, reading water color changes, and understanding how redfish and black drum relate to bottom contours and bait movements. The 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to master sight fishing techniques, perfect your presentation, and work through different scenarios as conditions change throughout the day. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped inshore boat that can handle both shallow flats and deeper channel edges where these species like to hang out. Ron provides quality tackle, but serious anglers often bring their own rods to match their preferred techniques. The 2-angler capacity keeps things focused and allows for personalized instruction on advanced methods like working soft plastics in current, reading redfish tails, and identifying black drum feeding signs.
This charter emphasizes precision casting, lure selection, and reading fish behavior rather than just covering water. You'll learn to work live bait presentations around oyster bars, master the art of skipping lures under docks, and understand how tidal movement affects fish positioning throughout the day. Ron teaches anglers to identify subtle feeding signs—nervous water from pushing reds, mud clouds from tailing fish, and the distinct way black drum work structure. The techniques focus on stealth approaches, accurate presentations, and fighting fish properly in shallow water with structure nearby. You'll work with both artificial lures and live bait depending on conditions, learning when to switch tactics based on water clarity, wind direction, and fish activity levels. Understanding seasonal patterns, moon phases, and how weather fronts affect fish behavior becomes part of the education process during these extended trips.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Rockport's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches in these waters, with slot fish being the most common targets. Reds are year-round residents, but they really turn on during fall months when they school up for spawning runs. What makes them exciting to catch is their aggressive strike, powerful runs, and the way they use their broad tail to fight in shallow water. They're sight fishing opportunities when tailing in skinny water, but they also respond well to properly presented baits around structure. The key is understanding their feeding patterns and seasonal movements between shallow flats and deeper channels.
Black drum might not get the press that redfish do, but they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These fish commonly reach 15-25 pounds in Rockport waters, with larger specimens pushing 40+ pounds during peak seasons. Spring and early summer produce the best black drum action as they move into shallower waters to spawn. What gets anglers fired up about black drum is their incredible fighting power—they use their deep body and strong tail to make powerful runs toward structure. They're also extremely wary fish, requiring precise presentations and quality drag systems to land consistently. Finding feeding black drum often means locating subtle mud plumes where they're rooting for crabs and shellfish along bottom structure.
This world-class advanced fishing experience gives dedicated anglers exactly what they're looking for—quality time on productive water with an experienced guide who understands both the fishery and advanced techniques. The 6-hour format provides enough time to work through different scenarios, adjust tactics based on conditions, and really dial in your approach for consistent success. Captain Ron's flexible scheduling means you can plan around optimal fishing windows rather than being locked into standard departure times. Whether you're working toward personal bests, developing new skills, or just want to fish with someone who knows where the big ones live, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf Coast's most challenging and rewarding gamefish.
You'll be fishing from a solid 20-foot Long Beach Custom aluminum boat that's built to handle Rockport's inshore waters with confidence. This 2022 vessel packs a reliable 150HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to those prime redfish and black drum spots quickly, cruising at up to 33 knots when conditions call for it. The aluminum hull cuts through choppy bay water smoothly while staying quiet enough not to spook fish in shallow flats. GPS navigation keeps you on target for the hottest bite locations, and the onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those long battles with trophy drum. With room for up to four anglers, there's plenty of space to work your rods without crowding, plus enough deck room to land those big reds that Rockport is famous for. This boat's designed for serious fishing - no frills, just the reliable gear you need to focus on reading water, working lures, and bringing home some serious fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, running anywhere from 15-40 pounds with some real monsters pushing 60+. These bottom-huggers patrol oyster beds and muddy flats, using their crusher 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. They're tough fighters that use their bulk and the structure to their advantage. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones are better released. My go-to technique? Fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig, right on the bottom near oyster shell. Keep your rod tip low and feel for that subtle pickup - they don't always slam it like a redfish. Patience pays off with these fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Rockport flats. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and love cruising shallow water from 1-4 feet deep around oyster reefs and grass beds. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near their tail. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Fall through early spring gives us the best action when they school up in predictable patterns. The meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead of their direction and let your bait settle. They spook easy, but once hooked, they'll give you a fight worth bragging about. These fish are why serious anglers keep coming back to our waters.
Rockport