Half Day Redfish & Black Drum Family Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing targeting Redfish and Black DrumChildren under 12 fish free with paying adultMorning or afternoon departures available with Captain Ron
Captain Ron's got something special brewing for families looking to get out on the water together. This 6-hour inshore fishing adventure in Rockport, TX brings parents and kids together targeting two of the Gulf Coast's most reliable fighters - Redfish and Black Drum. The best part? Kids under 12 fish absolutely free with a paying adult, making this one of the most family-friendly deals on the Texas coast. Whether you're dealing with first-time anglers or seasoned family members, Ron knows how to keep everyone engaged and excited about what's happening at the end of their line.
You'll launch into Rockport's protected bay systems where the water stays calm and comfortable for the whole crew. Captain Ron runs a top-rated operation that focuses on creating positive fishing experiences rather than just filling coolers. The morning trips usually kick off around sunrise when the fish are most active, while afternoon departures work perfectly for families who prefer a more relaxed start to their day. Ron's boat accommodates up to 2 guests, keeping things intimate so everyone gets plenty of individual attention and coaching. The shallow flats and grass beds around Rockport create perfect hunting grounds for sight fishing, where you can actually watch these bronze and black shadows cruise through crystal clear water before making your cast.
This isn't about complicated tournament rigs or advanced techniques - Captain Ron keeps things simple and effective. You'll be working with medium-action spinning rods loaded with 20-30 pound braided line, perfect for feeling every bump and head shake. The main approach involves casting live shrimp, cut bait, or soft plastics near structure like oyster reefs, grass lines, and shallow drop-offs where these fish love to feed. Ron's a master at reading the tides and water conditions, positioning the boat so you're always casting with the wind at your back and the sun in the right spot. When the fish are spooky, he'll break out the popping corks to create just enough noise and movement to trigger strikes. For families with younger kids, he's got lighter tackle ready to go so even the smallest angler can feel like they're in complete control of the fight.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Rockport's shallow bays produce some real beauties. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-28 inches in these waters, with that distinctive black spot near their tail making them easy to identify. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon when they push up into super shallow water to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes Reds so special for families is their fighting style - they don't jump like a trout, but instead make long, powerful runs that get everyone's heart pumping. The slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) make excellent table fare, while the bigger bull reds provide catch-and-release excitement that kids will talk about for years.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that test your drag system and patience. These chunky, dark-colored fish can range from 3-4 pound "puppy drum" perfect for kids, all the way up to 20-30 pound giants that'll make your arms burn. They're bottom feeders with incredible sense of smell, which is why Captain Ron often uses fresh cut bait and live shrimp to draw them in. Black Drum are most productive during cooler months from October through March, making them perfect targets for winter family trips when other species might be less active. Their fighting style is pure power - no fancy moves, just steady, determined pulls that make even experienced anglers work for every inch of line recovered.
Captain Ron's family-friendly approach combined with that kids-fish-free policy makes this trip book up fast, especially during school holiday periods and summer months. The 6-hour format gives everyone plenty of time to get comfortable on the water, learn some new techniques, and hopefully put some fish in the cooler. Morning trips typically produce more action, but afternoon departures can be magical when the light starts getting soft and the fish move shallow to feed. Don't wait until the last minute - Rockport's inshore fishing stays consistent year-round, but the best family dates fill up weeks in advance. This is your chance to create those fishing memories that turn into family stories told for decades.
This 2022 Long Beach Custom aluminum boat is built for serious inshore fishing action in Rockport's productive waters. At 20 feet with a powerful 150HP Suzuki engine, she'll get you to the redfish and black drum spots quickly, cruising at up to 33 knots when you need to cover water fast. The aluminum construction handles shallow flats and oyster reefs like a champ, while the spacious layout gives your family plenty of room to fight fish and move around safely. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Texas afternoons. The GPS navigation system helps locate productive fishing zones and ensures you're always on the right track. Whether you're working the grass beds for reds or targeting drum around structure, this boat provides the perfect platform for making family fishing memories that'll last a lifetime.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our bay system - powerful, stubborn fighters that'll test your tackle. These grey-black bruisers average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ in deeper water. They love oyster beds and muddy bottoms where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is your best bet when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great table fare, but the big ones get tough and stringy. They're bottom feeders, so live or cut crab is your best bet - it won't get stolen by catfish like shrimp will. Pro tip: use enough weight to stay on bottom and fish the incoming tide around shell structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties run 20-30 inches on average and love our shallow flats, especially around oyster reefs and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot that telltale black eyespot near their tail - nature's way of confusing predators. They hit topwater lures hard in the morning, but live shrimp under a popping cork works all day. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up in the back lakes. What makes them special? They fight like crazy, pulling drag and making long runs. Plus, they're excellent eating - mild, sweet meat that's perfect for blackening. My local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on calm mornings around shell bars.
Rockport