Half Day Wade Fishing in Rockport, Texas
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour wade fishing targeting redfish, sea trout, and black drumProfessional guide provides all equipment and expert inshore techniquesMaximum two guests for personalized instruction in shallow flats
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning a whole day? This four-hour wade fishing trip puts you right in the heart of Rockport's best shallow water fishing grounds. You'll be working alongside an experienced guide who knows these flats like the back of their hand, targeting three of the Texas coast's most popular species - redfish, sea trout, and black drum. We've got all the gear covered, so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and putting some quality fish in the boat. Whether you're new to wade fishing or you've been doing it for years, these productive waters offer something for everyone.
Rockport's shallow bays and grass flats create perfect conditions for wade fishing. You'll be stepping out into knee to waist-deep water, moving quietly through the shallows while scanning for tailing redfish, nervous water, or the telltale signs of feeding activity. The beauty of wade fishing here is the intimate connection you get with the environment - feeling the bottom structure under your feet, reading the water movement, and positioning yourself for the perfect cast. Your guide will point out subtle changes in water color, bird activity, and current breaks that most anglers miss. The relatively calm, protected waters make this an ideal spot for beginners to learn proper wading techniques, while experienced anglers appreciate the abundant fish population and variety of structure. Expect to cover different areas throughout the trip, from shallow sand flats where redfish cruise to deeper grass beds that hold sea trout.
All rods, reels, and tackle come included, typically medium-light spinning gear perfect for the species you'll be targeting. Your guide will set you up with appropriate lures - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons are staples in these waters. You'll learn sight casting techniques, working lures through grass beds without getting hung up, and reading water conditions to determine the best approach. Wade fishing requires a different mindset than boat fishing - you're moving slowly, making precise casts, and often targeting fish you can actually see. The guide will teach you how to approach feeding fish without spooking them, proper retrieval speeds for different conditions, and how to handle fish in shallow water. Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable wading gear or old tennis shoes. The bottom here is mostly sand and shell, so sturdy footwear is important for both comfort and safety.
Redfish are the stars of the show in Rockport's shallow waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 28 inches in these flats, with some bigger bulls pushing 30-plus inches during certain times of the year. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes redfish so exciting is their aggressive nature and the visual aspect - you'll often see them tailing in shallow water or creating wakes as they cruise the flats. They hit hard and make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Fall and spring offer the best action, but you can find quality reds here year-round.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are abundant in the grass beds and deeper pockets around Rockport. Most fish run 14 to 20 inches, with occasional heavyweights pushing 24 inches or better. They're more finicky than redfish but incredibly rewarding when you dial in their pattern. Trout love structure changes - edges of grass beds, drop-offs, and areas where different bottom types meet. They're most active during cooler months, from October through March, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Their delicate mouths require a softer touch, making them perfect for honing your fish-fighting skills.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats, offering pure pulling power once hooked. These fish range from smaller "puppy drum" around 16 to 20 inches up to larger specimens that can exceed 30 inches. They're bottom feeders with excellent senses, often found rooting around oyster bars and shell beds. Black drum are less spooky than redfish or trout, making them great targets for beginners. They fight differently than the other species - less flash, more sustained pressure. Spring brings the best black drum fishing as they move into shallow water for spawning, but they're catchable throughout most of the year in deeper sections of the flats.
This top-rated half-day wade fishing experience gives you a real taste of what makes Rockport one of the Texas coast's premier fishing destinations. With all gear provided and expert guidance throughout the trip, you're set up for success whether this is your first time wading the flats or you're looking to improve your inshore game. The combination of excellent fish populations, fishable water conditions, and knowledgeable local guidance creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to work on your technique. Book now to secure your spot and get ready to experience some of the best wade fishing the Texas coast has to offer.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bruisers of our flats - these gray-black fighters typically run 5-30 pounds but can hit 50+ in deeper water. They love cruising oyster beds and muddy bottoms where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning in February and March. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during this time. They put up a solid fight and smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom - fresh crab works best since it won't get picked off by catfish. Look for them tailing in shallow water early morning.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water game here in Rockport. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-28 inches in our bays and flats. They love cruising in water so shallow their backs break the surface. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best fishing when they're most active. What guests love is the visual aspect - watching a big red cruise by in 18 inches of water gets your heart pumping. They fight hard and taste great. My tip: when you spot one, cast well ahead of where it's going and let your lure sink to the bottom before starting a slow retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for sight casting on our grass flats. These spotted beauties average 1-3 pounds with some pushing 5+ pounds. They love shallow bays and grass beds, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small fish. Cool fronts in fall and spring really fire them up. What makes them special is their delicate white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're scrappy fighters that'll give your drag a workout. The trick here in Rockport is working topwater plugs and soft plastics slow over the grass. When the water's gin clear, approach quietly and cast past where you see them feeding.
Rockport