Weekend Inshore Fishing Charter Port O'Connor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumCaptain John Ashley provides all gear and expert instructionSmall group experience accommodates up to three guests
Captain John Ashley knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Port O'Connor is quickly becoming one of Texas' top-rated inshore fishing destinations. This 8-hour weekend charter takes you deep into the productive bays and back lakes where trophy redfish and speckled trout call home. You'll fish alongside a seasoned guide who's spent years perfecting his approach to these waters, learning every grass flat, oyster reef, and tidal movement that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. With all gear, tackle, and bait included, you can focus entirely on what matters most – putting fish in the boat and soaking up everything this renowned fishing area has to offer.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain John at the dock, coffee in hand and anticipation building. The boat is already rigged and ready, loaded with quality rods, fresh bait, and everything needed for a productive day targeting the flats and deeper channels around Port O'Connor. You'll spend your time exploring a mix of shallow grass beds where reds love to cruise, deeper holes that hold black drum, and structure-rich areas where speckled trout ambush baitfish. This isn't a rush-around kind of trip – John takes the time to position the boat perfectly, read the conditions, and put you on fish that are actually feeding. Whether you're a complete beginner learning to feel that first subtle bite or an experienced angler looking to dial in your technique, the pace adjusts to match your group's experience level and interests. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is having enough time to really work different areas without feeling rushed, giving everyone aboard multiple opportunities to connect with quality fish.
Captain John runs a fishing operation that focuses on proven techniques for these specific waters. You'll primarily fish with live and artificial baits, using everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastic lures worked along grass edges and oyster bars. The boat comes equipped with quality spinning gear perfectly matched to the species you're targeting – medium-action rods with smooth drags that can handle a strong redfish run without overpowering a delicate speckled trout bite. John's approach emphasizes reading water conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the day as tides shift and fish behavior changes. You might start the morning drifting live bait over shell beds, switch to sight-casting topwater lures during the middle hours, and finish the day working soft plastics along drop-offs as the sun gets lower. The captain provides hands-on instruction for anglers who want to learn, covering everything from proper hook sets to playing fish effectively in shallow water with structure nearby.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Port O'Connor's inshore scene, and these copper-colored fighters provide some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere along the Texas coast. These fish typically range from keeper-sized 20-inchers up to impressive 30-plus-inch bulls that'll test your tackle and technique. Reds feed aggressively in the shallow grass flats during moving tides, often giving themselves away with nervous water or actual tails sticking up as they root around for crabs and shrimp. What makes them so exciting to target is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they fight hard right to the boat with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, offer a completely different but equally rewarding fishing experience in these waters. These beautifully marked fish are typically more finicky than reds, requiring a bit more finesse and attention to detail. The best speckled trout fishing happens around shell beds, grass edges, and drop-offs where they can ambush small baitfish. Port O'Connor's trout run from solid 15-inch keepers up to impressive 6-7 pound fish that old-timers call "gator trout." They're most active during lower light conditions and moving water, making early morning and late afternoon prime time for connecting with quality fish.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but these bottom-dwelling powerhouses provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience in shallow water. These fish love oyster reefs and shell-covered bottom where they can root around for crabs and mollusks with their powerful mouths. Black drum in this area commonly run 5-15 pounds, with occasional larger fish that can really put a bend in your rod. They're excellent table fare when prepared properly, and their strong, steady fights make them a customer favorite, especially for anglers who prefer the satisfaction of a good tug-of-war over flashy jumps.
Sheepshead round out the target species list as some of the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch in these waters. Known for their incredible bait-stealing abilities and paper-thin mouths, sheepshead require patience and quick reflexes. They hang around structure like dock pilings, oyster bars, and any kind of hard bottom where they can find barnacles, crabs, and other crustaceans. These black-and-white striped fish are absolutely delicious and provide a fun change of pace from the more aggressive species, testing your ability to detect subtle bites and set hooks at just the right moment.
This 8-hour weekend charter with Captain John Ashley represents everything great about Port O'Connor fishing – experienced guidance, productive waters, quality equipment, and enough time to really experience what makes this area special. With space for just three anglers, you'll get personalized attention and instruction that larger boats simply can't provide. The combination of multiple target species, varied fishing techniques, and access to both shallow flats and deeper structure means every trip offers something different depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. Whether you're planning a family fishing adventure, a small group of friends looking to get away from it all, or a solo angler wanting to learn
Captain John Ashley's motorboat gets you to the best fishing spots around Port O'Connor's bays and back lakes. This reliable fishing machine comes equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint productive waters where Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum hang out. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, the boat handles shallow inshore waters with ease, letting you access those prime fishing areas that bigger vessels can't reach. Whether you're casting into grass flats or working structure in the back lakes, this setup gets you there safely and positions you right where the fish are biting. Built for serious fishing with enough room to move around and fight fish comfortably.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are powerful bottom-feeders that range from 5-30 pounds, though some monsters can hit 90 pounds. They love our shallow muddy flats and oyster beds, using their crushing jaws to feed on crabs and shellfish. You'll hear them "drumming" - they make actual croaking sounds, especially during spring spawning season when they school up and get easier to target. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Spring around March is prime time when they gather in numbers. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom - they rarely chase anything more than a foot off the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze beauties with signature black spots near their tails - those spots confuse predators and make them instantly recognizable. Most slot fish run 18-28 inches, but the big bulls offshore can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They cruise our shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing above the surface. Year-round fishing with peak action in fall when they school up for spawning runs. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight that'll test your equipment. They're great table fare too - mild, sweet meat that grills perfectly. Watch for nervous water and tail movement - sight-casting to cruising reds is what inshore fishing is all about.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are gorgeous silver fish with distinct black spots covering their backs and fins. Most run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water during winter months. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Guests enjoy their acrobatic fights and the fact that they're some of the best eating fish we have - delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. My go-to trick is working soft plastics slowly over grass beds on calm mornings.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with black and white stripes and eerily human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles - that's their candy. They're notorious bait thieves who'll nibble your hook clean, so you need to set hard when you feel weight. Spring spawning season from February through April is when they group up in massive schools near passes and jetties. Anglers love them because they're excellent table fare - mild, white, sweet meat that's worth the tricky cleaning job. The key is getting your bait tight against structure and staying alert. They'll test your patience but reward it with some of the best-eating fish in these waters.
Port O'Connor, TX