Professional Anglers Inshore Trip Port O'Connor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore charter targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black DrumCaptain John Ashley provides all gear and local expertiseSmall group experience accommodates up to three anglers
Captain John Ashley knows these Texas waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This 5-hour inshore charter targets the most sought-after species along the Gulf Coast - redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and even the occasional tripletail. Port O'Connor sits at the heart of some of the most productive inshore fishing on the Texas coast, where pristine bays and back lakes hold impressive numbers of game fish year-round. With all gear, bait, and tackle provided, you can focus entirely on reading the water, perfecting your presentation, and landing quality fish.
Captain Ashley runs a tight ship focused on putting anglers on productive water from the moment you leave the dock. The trip accommodates up to three guests, creating an intimate fishing experience where everyone gets plenty of shots at quality fish. You'll work the expansive bay systems around Port O'Connor, including the back lakes and grass flats that hold concentrations of feeding fish. The captain's local knowledge shines as he positions the boat on structure, points out subtle bottom changes, and explains how tides and weather affect fish behavior. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water or working deeper channels for speckled trout, every spot has been chosen for its fish-holding potential. The relaxed pace allows time to discuss technique, try different lures, and truly understand what makes these fish tick.
This charter emphasizes versatility in both technique and tackle selection. You'll primarily fish with light spinning gear perfectly matched to the target species - sensitive enough to feel the subtle tap of a speckled trout but with enough backbone to handle a bull redfish. The tackle box includes an arsenal of proven lures: soft plastics rigged on jig heads for working grass beds, topwater plugs for early morning action, and live bait when the fish demand a natural presentation. Captain Ashley demonstrates proper retrieve techniques for each lure type, explains how to fish different water columns, and teaches you to recognize productive structure. Wading opportunities arise when conditions allow, putting you directly into the fish's environment for closer encounters. The boat's shallow draft opens access to back-country waters where larger boats can't venture, giving you shots at fish that see less pressure.
Redfish anchor this inshore experience, with Port O'Connor's waters holding both slot-sized fish and oversized bulls that test your tackle and technique. These copper-colored fighters inhabit grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs throughout the bay system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter patterns can produce some of the largest fish of the year. Redfish feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, making them willing to hit both artificial lures and live bait. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back - powerful runs toward structure followed by bulldogging battles in shallow water.
Speckled trout provide consistent action and excellent table fare throughout much of the year. These spotted predators suspend over grass beds and shell reefs, feeding actively during low-light periods and tidal movements. Port O'Connor's trout run larger than many Texas bays, with fish over four pounds caught regularly during peak seasons. They respond well to soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom, though topwater action can be explosive during early morning hours. Cold fronts concentrate trout in deeper holes, while warming trends spread them across the flats.
Black drum offer a different challenge entirely, with their crushing bite and stubborn fighting style. These bottom-dwellers grow impressively large in Port O'Connor's waters, with fish over twenty pounds caught regularly. They feed primarily on crabs and shellfish around oyster reefs and structure. Fresh dead shrimp or crab makes excellent bait, though they'll occasionally hit soft plastics bounced along the bottom. The bite feels like hanging bottom until the fish moves, then you're connected to a freight train that uses its broad body to maximum advantage.
Sheepshead present a technical challenge that sharpens any angler's skills. These convict-striped fish possess human-like teeth for crushing shellfish, making them notorious bait stealers. They concentrate around structure - piers, reefs, and channel markers - where barnacles and other shellfish provide steady meals. Small hooks, light line, and fresh shrimp give you the best chance, though their bite remains subtle even when they're feeding aggressively. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes.
Tripletail represent the bonus fish that makes any trip memorable. These odd-shaped fish float near structure, mimicking debris while ambushing prey. They're not always present, but when conditions align, they provide some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities on the coast. Live shrimp presented quietly near floating debris or channel markers tempts these curious predators. Their acrobatic fights and excellent eating quality make them a favorite target when spotted.
Captain John Ashley's professional angler charter represents top-rated inshore fishing at its finest. The combination of prime Port O'Connor waters, expert guidance, and quality tackle creates conditions for both learning and catching fish. With only three spots available per trip, you'll receive personalized instruction and plenty of fishing time in some of Texas's most productive inshore waters. The captain's commitment to finding fish and sharing knowledge ensures you'll leave with improved skills and great memories. Don't wait - prime dates fill quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot and the weather cooperates.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These bruisers love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season from February through March is prime time when they school up and become much easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. They put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with white, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keep your bait right on the bottom - they rarely feed up in the water column.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the golden boys of Texas flats, running 18-35 inches with that distinctive copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with backs exposed, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. Guests love them for explosive topwater strikes and strong runs in shallow water. The meat on slot fish is excellent - firm and mild. These fish eat just about anything, from live shrimp to large topwater plugs. Look for tailing fish or nervous water on calm days. My go-to tip: cast past cruising reds and work your bait back into their path rather than dropping it right on their heads.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread and butter inshore species, averaging 14-24 inches with some reaching 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow. Best action happens in spring and fall when water temps are right, though night fishing in summer can be productive. These fish make great eating with tender, white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They're aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. The fight isn't overpowering, but they're willing biters that keep action steady. Key tip: work your lures slowly and pay attention to subtle strikes - trout often just swim off with the bait rather than hitting hard like redfish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the bay with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders show up around heavy structure. They stick tight to docks, pilings, jetties, and anywhere barnacles grow thick. Spring months are best when they're actively feeding and spawning around structures. Anglers love them for the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves and require quick hook sets. The white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the Gulf when prepared right. These guys are spooky, so approach quietly and get your bait as close to structure as possible. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are odd-looking fish that swim on their sides mimicking floating debris. They average 2-13 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds. You'll find them around weed lines, floating structure, and sometimes just hanging out near the surface looking like a piece of trash. Summer through early fall is peak season when they're most active in our waters. Anglers get fired up about them because they're acrobatic fighters and taste phenomenal - often compared to snapper or grouper. They're spooky fish that require stealth and accurate casting. Sight fishing is the name of the game. Pro tip: don't cast directly at them - throw past the fish and slowly work your bait back toward them to trigger an ambush strike.
Port O'Connor, TX