Rockport Fishing & Lodging with Captain Dustin
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing trips for up to 2 guestsComfortable 3bedroom home with kitchen and living areasProfessional guide service with D Reel Guiding team
Picture this: you've just wrapped up a stellar day chasing redfish and trout in Rockport's legendary flats, and instead of driving hours back home, you're walking into a comfortable 3-bedroom house that's all yours. Captain Dustin at D Reel Guiding has put together something special here - a fishing trip that doesn't end when you step off the boat. You get the full Rockport experience with top-rated inshore fishing paired with quality lodging that actually feels like home. This setup is perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want to maximize their time on the water without the hassle of hotel hunting or long drives.
Captain Dustin knows these Rockport waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or still figuring out how to work a soft plastic. You'll be targeting the area's bread-and-butter species - spotted sea trout and redfish - in the shallow bays and grass flats that make this stretch of the Texas coast so productive. The trip accommodates up to 2 guests, which means you're getting personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space with a crowded boat. Dustin's approach is straightforward: get you to where the fish are holding, help you present your bait right, and make sure you're having a good time doing it. The lodging piece makes this whole deal even better - after a day of casting and fighting fish, you can kick back in the spacious living room and talk through every strike and hookup while planning tomorrow's spots.
Inshore fishing around Rockport is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Dustin will have you working with light tackle that's perfect for the shallow flats - think spinning reels spooled with braid and fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook fish in clear water. You'll likely be throwing soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations, working them slow along grass edges and oyster reefs where redfish like to cruise. For trout, the game changes a bit - topwater plugs early in the morning can produce some explosive strikes, while suspending twitch baits work great when fish are holding in deeper pockets. The beauty of fishing with someone who lives and breathes these waters is that Dustin will adjust tactics based on conditions. Wind blowing hard? He'll find protected coves. Water's muddy from recent weather? He knows the cleaner spots that still hold fish. Your job is to follow his lead and enjoy the process of learning what makes Rockport such a consistent fishery.
Spotted sea trout are the backbone of Rockport's inshore scene, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely beautiful - silver sides with distinctive black spots and that classic speckled trout mouth that's perfect for grabbing shrimp and small baitfish. They typically run anywhere from 15 to 25 inches in these waters, with the occasional monster pushing 30 inches or better. Trout love structure, so you'll find them around grass beds, shell pads, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime times, when water temperatures are in that sweet spot and bait is plentiful. What makes trout so fun to target is their willingness to hit artificials - a well-presented soft plastic or topwater plug can trigger some seriously aggressive strikes. Plus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table.
Redfish are the other star of the show, and they're what most anglers dream about when they think Texas coast fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are built for fighting, with broad shoulders and stamina that'll test your drag and your arms. Reds in Rockport's shallows typically range from 20 to 35 inches, with plenty of oversized fish that you'll want to photograph and release. The sight fishing opportunities here are world-class - watching a red's back break the surface as it roots around in knee-deep water is something every angler should experience. They're year-round residents, but late summer and early fall see some of the best action as schools of bull reds move through the area. What makes redfish special is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, from gold spoons to crab imitations. Hook into a slot red in shallow water and you'll understand why these fish have such a devoted following.
This fishing and lodging combo is exactly what Rockport trips should be - relaxed, productive, and focused on getting you the best possible experience on the water. Captain Dustin's local knowledge paired with comfortable accommodations means you can fish hard, rest well, and do it all again the next day if you want. The 3-bedroom house gives you space to spread out, cook your catch, and really settle into the coastal rhythm that makes this part of Texas so addictive. Whether you're looking to escape for a long weekend or planning a longer fishing adventure, this setup takes the guesswork out of where to stay and puts you with a guide who knows how to find fish. Don't wait too long to lock in your dates - quality guides and comfortable lodging in prime fishing towns like Rockport book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hottest.
This perfectly rigged motorboat gets you right where the fish are biting in Rockport's productive inshore waters. Built for serious anglers who want results, she's equipped with a whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor that won't spook the redfish and trout in shallow flats. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Stay connected with other boats and marina through the VHF radio system. With space for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. The boat handles Texas coastal conditions with ease, getting you into those back-country spots where trophy fish hide. After landing your limit, head back to your comfortable 3-bedroom home base where you can clean your catch in the full kitchen and swap fishing stories in the spacious living area before planning tomorrow's strategy.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed Drum are the bread and butter of our Rockport flats fishing. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches but can push 40+ pounds when you find the big bulls offshore. Look for them tailing in skinny water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They love oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are money when they're most active. What gets anglers hooked? That distinctive black spot, powerful runs, and excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - they spook easy in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaAlso called Speckled Trout, these spotted beauties run 14-24 inches and fight harder than you'd expect for their size. Here in Rockport's bays, you'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-4 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring through fall are prime, but they school up in deeper channels during winter cold snaps. What makes them special? That first run when they hit your lure is pure adrenaline, plus they're some of the best eating fish we've got - soft, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My go-to trick is working a soft plastic shrimp real slow along the grass edges on an incoming tide. They can't resist that presentation.
Rockport, TX