Rockport Full Day Family Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day family fishing adventure in Rockport watersTarget Redfish, Black Drum, and Spotted Seatrout inshoreLight tackle fishing designed for all family ages
Looking for a fishing trip that actually delivers what it promises? Live Oak Outfitters runs full-day family charters out of Rockport that don't quit when the first few fish hit the boat. We're talking about guides who understand that families want their money's worth – and that means staying on the water for the entire day, not cutting things short because someone caught a couple reds. This top-rated charter targets the productive inshore waters, flats, and backcountry spots where Rockport's famous for holding fish year-round. Whether you've got little ones who've never held a rod or teenagers ready to outfish dad, these trips are built around making sure everyone gets plenty of action with light tackle that's perfect for family fishing.
Your captain knows Rockport's inshore waters like the back of his hand – we're talking about guys who've been running these flats and backcountry spots for years. The boat launches early, and you'll spend the day working different areas depending on tides, weather, and where the fish are biting. This isn't a rushed trip where you hit one spot and call it done. Instead, you'll cover productive ground from the shallow grass flats where reds cruise looking for bait, to deeper pockets where black drum hang out, and everything in between. The guide handles all the navigation and spot selection while your family focuses on what matters – getting fish to the boat. Kids get plenty of hands-on instruction without feeling overwhelmed, and parents can actually relax knowing the guide's got everything under control. The whole vibe stays laid-back and fun, which is exactly what family fishing should be about.
These charters run light tackle setups that make fighting fish exciting for everyone in the family, including younger kids who might struggle with heavy gear. We're talking about spinning rods and reels that are perfectly matched for inshore species – strong enough to handle a good-sized red or drum, but light enough that a 10-year-old can work a fish without getting worn out. The guide provides all the tackle, bait, and gear you'll need, plus he knows exactly which presentations work best in Rockport's varied inshore terrain. You'll fish everything from shallow grass flats where the water's barely knee-deep to deeper channel edges and oyster reefs where bigger fish like to hold. Bait selection changes throughout the day based on what's working – live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials depending on the bite and what species you're targeting. The boat's equipped to handle different fishing situations, so whether you're drifting a flat or anchored up on structure, everyone stays comfortable and ready to fish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Rockport inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters are perfect for family trips. Reds typically run anywhere from 18 inches up to the upper slot limit, with plenty of fish in that sweet spot around 24-28 inches that give great fights without being too overwhelming for kids. Fall and winter months are prime time for reds in Rockport, when they school up in big numbers and feed aggressively in the shallows. What makes reds so popular with families is their willingness to eat different baits and their habit of fighting hard but fair – they'll make some runs and put a good bend in the rod without going completely crazy. Plus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few within the slot.
Black Drum are another customer favorite, especially for families who want to feel some serious pull on their rods. These fish grow big in Rockport's waters – we're talking about fish that can push 30-40 pounds or more, though you'll catch plenty in the smaller, more manageable 5-15 pound range too. Black drum love oyster reefs and structure, and they're known for that steady, bulldogging fight that gets everyone excited. Spring through fall offers the best black drum action, and they're not picky about bait – cut mullet, shrimp, or crab all work well. Kids love catching drum because they feel substantial on the line, and the fight stays predictable enough that younger anglers can successfully land them with some coaching.
Spotted Seatrout, or "specks" as locals call them, add some finesse fishing to your family day. These fish are scattered throughout Rockport's grass flats and provide consistent action when you find them. Trout typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with occasional bigger fish pushing the 24-inch mark. They're most active during cooler months, and they respond well to both live bait and artificials. Trout have softer mouths than reds or drum, so landing them requires a bit more technique – which makes them perfect for teaching kids about fighting fish properly and using their drag. The bonus with specks is that they often travel in schools, so when you find them, everyone on the boat usually gets plenty of action.
Southern Flounder bring an element of surprise to Rockport family fishing trips. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush bait. Flounder fishing requires a different approach – you're often working soft bottoms in channels and near structure, using bait presentations that get down to where these fish live. Most flounder in Rockport run 14-18 inches, though keeper-sized fish over 15 inches provide excellent table fare. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore spawning run, and catching one always gets the whole family excited because they look so different from the other species you'll encounter. Kids especially love seeing flounder because of their unique flat shape and the way their eyes are positioned on top of their heads.
Sheepshead round out the mix with their distinctive black stripes and challenging bite. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster reefs, pilings, and rocks where they feed on barnacles and crabs. Sheepshead have small mouths an
You'll fish aboard a sleek 23' Stoner Bay Boat that's perfect for working Rockport's inshore waters with your family. This 2021 beauty runs on a reliable 200HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising smoothly at up to 40 knots across the flats and backcountry spots where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Built for serious bay fishing, it's equipped with GPS navigation to help your guide put you right on top of the action. Whether you're chasing drum in shallow water or working deeper pockets for flounder, this boat handles it all while keeping the whole crew comfortable during your full day on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of the bay - powerful fish that can really test your drag when they get going. Most run 5-15 pounds around Rockport, but we see some real tanks over 30 pounds that'll give you a workout. They love hanging around oyster beds, shallow mudflats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water, using their strong jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love is their raw power once hooked - no fancy jumps, just pure strength pulling toward structure. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, mild white meat. Here's the trick: use fresh blue crab or peeler crab on the bottom, and when you feel them picking at it, resist setting the hook too quick - let them commit to the bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. These bruisers typically run 20-28 inches around Rockport's flats, with slot-size fish being perfect for the table. They love cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and marshy shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - once hooked, they'll bulldoze toward the nearest structure. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, slightly sweet meat that's perfect for blackening. The secret is sight fishing: look for their tails or backs in shallow water, then cast your bait ahead of their path and let them find it naturally rather than spooking them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout, or "specks," are beautiful silver fish covered in distinctive black spots that make them easy to identify. They typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with larger ones over 5 pounds being real prizes. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels, especially during cooler months when they school up. Spring and fall provide the best action when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What guests love about specks is their willingness to hit topwater lures early and late in the day, plus they're outstanding table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. The key is not overcooking them since the meat is softer than other inshore fish. Pro tip: work your lures slowly over grass beds in 3-6 feet of water, and use a light drag - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you horse them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs with ease. These crafty fish hang tight around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, and reefs - rarely venturing far from cover. Most run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we catch some nice ones over 5 pounds. They're year-round residents, but late winter through spring is when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites that'll test your patience. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the bay - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel them pecking, set the hook hard and fast before they steal your bait.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. You'll find them in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near structure in 2-10 feet of water. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and a few pounds, but bigger ones over 20 inches make great table fare with their sweet, flaky white meat. Fall and winter are prime times when they're most active and feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is watching that sandy bottom suddenly explode when they strike your bait. My tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or mud minnows on a light jig head, and when you feel that subtle tap, give it a second before setting the hook - they like to grab bait sideways first.
Rockport, TX