Bay Fishing in Rockport, Texas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target worldclass Redfish and Trout in Rockport watersSmall group experience accommodates up to two guestsProfessional inshore fishing with flexible trip pacing
Looking for some serious action on the Texas coast? Jody Starr Outfitting's got you covered with world-class redfish and trout fishing right here in Rockport's legendary bay system. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to get into some of the best inshore action the Gulf Coast has to offer. Whether you're dead set on filling your cooler with limits or just want to soak up some Texas sun between strikes, we'll make it happen. With room for two anglers max, you're getting the personalized attention that makes all the difference when the fish are finicky.
Rockport's shallow bay system is pure gold for inshore fishing, and we know every grass bed, oyster reef, and drop-off where the big ones like to hang out. Your day starts early when the water's still cool and the fish are active. We'll cruise through the maze of protected waters, reading the signs – looking for bait schools, bird activity, and those telltale slicks that scream "fish here." The beauty of fishing these bays is the variety – one cast you might be working a shallow flat where redfish are tailing in knee-deep water, the next you're drifting a deep channel where speckled trout are stacked up waiting for an easy meal. The pace is totally up to you. Want to grind it out all day chasing your limits? Let's do it. Prefer to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and savor each fish? That works too. The Texas coast doesn't rush anybody, and neither do we.
We fish these waters the right way – with live bait, artificials, and whatever it takes to put you on fish. Depending on conditions, we might be throwing topwater plugs at first light, watching redfish blow up on the surface like dynamite going off. When the sun gets higher, we'll switch to soft plastics, working them slow through the grass beds where trout like to ambush their next meal. The key spots around Rockport are the back lakes, the main bay reefs, and those productive flats that hold fish year-round. Copano Bay, Aransas Bay, and the protected waters behind the barrier islands all have their own personality and fishing style. We carry a full arsenal of tackle – from 1/8-ounce jigheads for shallow work to heavier spoons for windy days. The boat's rigged with a shallow-water anchor system, so we can lock down on productive spots without spooking fish in skinny water. Most days we'll cover several different areas, adapting our approach as conditions change and fish move with the tides.
Redfish are the kings of these flats, and Rockport's got some absolute slobs cruising the shallows. These copper-colored bruisers can push 30+ inches and will test your drag system when they make their initial run. Peak season runs from spring through fall, but honestly, we catch quality reds year-round. What makes them so addictive is how they feed – sometimes you'll see them tailing in shallow water, their backs almost out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Other times they'll crush a topwater bait with zero warning, nearly yanking the rod out of your hands. The slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the bigger bulls are pure adrenaline on light tackle.
Speckled trout are the other half of the Rockport slam, and these silvery speedsters know how to put on a show. They're most active in cooler months, but we find them throughout the year in deeper holes and around structure. A good trout will run 15-20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 25+ inches and several pounds. What's cool about specks is their feeding behavior – they're ambush predators that rely on quick strikes, so the action is often fast and furious when you find a school. They love soft plastics worked just right, and when you dial in the retrieve speed, you can catch them back-to-back until your arm gets tired. The meat is as good as it gets – flaky, white, and perfect for the grill.
Bottom line – this is the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to the Texas coast year after year. Jody Starr Outfitting knows these waters inside and out, and with only two spots on the boat, you're getting the kind of personalized guide service that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Gulf Coast species to your list or someone who just wants to experience world-class fishing in one of Texas's most productive bays, this trip delivers. The redfish and trout are here, the techniques are proven, and the only thing missing is you. Don't let another season slip by – book your Rockport bay fishing adventure and find out why anglers travel from all over the country to fish these legendary waters.
Jump aboard our well-equipped motorboat for some serious bay fishing in Rockport's productive waters. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need to target those trophy redfish and speckled trout – a reliable fish finder to mark schools, GPS to hit the hotspots, and VHF radio for safety. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you work the grass flats and shell reefs. Perfect for two anglers who want to fish hard until you box your limits, then kick back and soak up some Texas sun. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or drifting live bait over structure, this boat gets you where the fish are biting in Aransas Bay.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our bay fishing here in Rockport. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails love our shallow flats, often cruising in just 1-4 feet of water where you can sight-fish them. Most of our slot fish run 20-28 inches, but we see plenty of bull reds over 30. They're year-round residents but really turn on during fall and spring. What guests love most is watching them crush topwater lures in skinny water - it's pure adrenaline. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Local secret: look for them tailing in the grass on calm mornings, and throw your bait well ahead of where they're heading, not where they are.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable targets here in Rockport's bays. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around oyster reefs and drop-offs. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning and evening are prime time. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious when cooked right. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials. My go-to tip: work your lure slowly near the bottom in winter since they school up deep, but switch to topwater in warmer months when they're feeding shallow.
66 Redfish Dr, Rockport, TX