Half Day Redfish And Black Drum Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and black drumCaptain Ron provides expert guidance with flexible departure timesFamilyfriendly trip with kids under 12 fishing free
Captain Ron knows exactly where the redfish and black drum hang out in Rockport's prime waters, and he's ready to put you on them during this customizable 6-hour fishing adventure. This isn't your typical rigid charter schedule—you've got flexibility here. Want to start at sunrise when the fish are most active? Perfect. Need to push back to an afternoon departure? Just give Captain Ron a call and he'll work with your timeline. The trip runs until you're satisfied with your catch or you've hit your limits, whichever comes first. With space for just two anglers, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowd.
Captain Ron runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun for everyone aboard. The morning bite is usually best for both redfish and black drum, so most folks opt for an early start to maximize their chances. You'll be targeting these species in Rockport's shallow bays and protected waters where they love to feed. The captain provides all the tackle and knows exactly which baits work best for the conditions you'll face that day. Families especially love this trip since kids under 12 fish absolutely free when accompanied by a paying adult—that's a deal that's hard to beat anywhere along the Texas coast. The boat handles well in the protected waters around Rockport, making it comfortable even for first-time saltwater anglers.
You'll be fishing with medium to medium-heavy rods spooled with braided line to handle these hard-fighting inshore species. Captain Ron typically uses circle hooks with live or cut bait, depending on what's working that particular day. Redfish often fall for live shrimp, mullet, or crab, while black drum have a preference for crab and cut bait fished on the bottom. The fishing style is mostly sight casting and bottom fishing in 2-8 feet of water around grass flats, shell beds, and structure where these fish congregate. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing—Captain Ron will show you the proper techniques for setting the hook and fighting these powerful fish. The shallow water fishing around Rockport means you can actually see some of the redfish you're targeting, which adds a whole new level of excitement to the experience.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Rockport's waters hold some real bruisers. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18 to 30 inches in this area, with the occasional bull red pushing 40+ inches that'll test your tackle and stamina. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, but you can catch them year-round in Rockport's consistent waters. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight—they'll make multiple runs and use their broad sides to battle you all the way to the boat. The slot-size fish (20-28 inches) make excellent table fare with their firm, white meat.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute powerhouses that provide some of the best fights you'll find in shallow water. These bottom-dwellers can range from 14 inches up to massive 30+ pound specimens that locals call "big uglies." They're most active during the spring spawning season from February through May, when they move into the shallows to feed heavily on crabs and mollusks. Black drum use their powerful tails and stocky build to wage war against your drag system. The smaller ones (under 30 inches) are fantastic eating, while the big ones provide trophy photo opportunities before release. Their drumming sound, created by special muscles vibrating against their swim bladder, often gives away their location to experienced anglers.
This top-rated charter fills up quickly, especially during peak redfish and black drum seasons. Captain Ron's reputation for putting customers on fish, combined with his flexible scheduling and family-friendly pricing, makes this one of Rockport's most sought-after fishing experiences. With only two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and the best fishing spots without competing with a crowded boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Texas inshore species to your list or a family wanting to create lasting memories on the water, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of productive waters, expert guidance, and flexible timing makes this a customer favorite that keeps people coming back season after season.
Captain Ron's 2022 Long Beach Custom aluminum boat is built tough for the shallow waters around Rockport's redfish flats. This 20-footer cuts through the bay with a reliable 150HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 33 knots when you need to cover water quickly. The aluminum hull handles the oyster reefs and grass beds where black drum love to feed, while the spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight those bull reds. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot Texas mornings on the water. GPS navigation helps locate those productive spots where the fish are holding, whether you're working the shorelines or deeper channels. Perfect for a relaxed day of sight fishing with room for up to four anglers to spread out and cast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. These dark, barrel-shaped fish love our brackish bays and hang around oyster beds where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning – that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What draws anglers to drum fishing is the raw power these fish pack. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones are pure sport. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the bottom works best. Pro tip: use circle hooks and let them eat – don't set the hook hard or you'll pull the bait away from these deliberate feeders.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Rockport flats. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches in our shallow bays. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in just 1-4 feet of water – sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight and that distinctive "thump" when they hit your lure. They're also fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat. My local tip: watch for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast topwater lures or live shrimp just ahead of their path. These fish spook easily, so quiet approaches pay off big time.
Rockport