Half-Day Inshore Fishing with Pure South Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targets Redfish, Speckled Trout, and FlounderExpert guides provide all necessary gear for successful catchesSmall group charter accommodates up to three guests maximum
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip in Rockport? You've come to the right place. Pure South Fishing Charters runs top-rated inshore trips that'll put you on some serious fish without eating up your whole day. We're talking about a focused 5-hour hunt for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in some of the best shallow water fishing grounds on the Texas coast. Whether you've been throwing lines for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, our guides know how to put everyone on fish. All your gear's included, so just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods.
Your morning kicks off early when we meet at the dock in Rockport. The boat's loaded and ready to go – we're running a clean, well-maintained inshore rig that'll get us to the fish efficiently and keep you comfortable while we're working the flats. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's already checked the tide charts, wind conditions, and recent bite reports before you even show up. We'll cruise out to productive areas where the water's just right for targeting our main species. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you might be working a grass bed for trout, the next you're sight-casting to tailing reds in knee-deep water. It's hands-on fishing that keeps you engaged the whole time. The boat holds up to 3 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to cast without getting tangled up with your buddies.
We fish light to medium tackle on these trips because it's perfect for the species we're after and makes every fight more fun. You'll be throwing artificial lures most of the time – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons are our go-to baits depending on conditions. When the trout are schooled up, nothing beats a good paddle tail on a jig head worked through the water column. For reds, we might switch to topwater early in the morning or late in the trip when they're more aggressive. If the fish are being picky, we'll drop down to live or cut bait – shrimp and finger mullet are always reliable producers. The guide will rig everything for you and coach you through the techniques, but don't be afraid to ask questions. These guys have been doing this for years and they genuinely want you to catch fish. We fish everything from 2 feet of water over grass flats to 8 feet along channel edges and drop-offs. Wade fishing is an option if conditions are right and you're up for it – there's nothing quite like stalking redfish in shallow water with your feet in the sand.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Rockport's waters are loaded with them. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-28 inches in our area, with plenty of slot fish and some oversized bulls mixed in. Spring through fall is prime time, but honestly, you can catch reds here year-round if you know where to look. They love shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds where they can ambush prey. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to really put pressure on your drag. Plus, they're not shy about hitting topwater baits, which makes for some explosive strikes you'll remember for years.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishery. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides are abundant from spring through fall, with the best action typically happening in 3-6 feet of water over grass beds and sand pockets. A good keeper trout runs 15-20 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 24-25 inches that'll really test your skills. They're structure-oriented fish that like to hold around oyster shells, drop-offs, and areas where baitfish congregate. Trout are also excellent table fare, so if you're looking to take some fish home for dinner, these are your best bet. They respond well to both artificial lures and live bait, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Summer flounder, or fluke as some folks call them, are the wild cards of our inshore trips. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sandy bottoms and ambushing prey that swims overhead. They're typically most active during the warmer months and prefer areas with good current flow and sandy or muddy bottoms. Flounder fishing requires a bit more finesse – you'll be bouncing baits along the bottom and feeling for that distinctive tap-tap bite. When you hook into a good flounder, don't expect a drag-screaming run like you'd get from a red. Instead, they fight with heavy head shakes and try to use their flat profile to leverage against your line. A nice flounder runs 16-22 inches and makes for outstanding eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
This half-day trip hits the sweet spot for a lot of anglers – enough time to get into good fish without committing your entire day. Whether you're visiting Rockport for the weekend or you're a local looking to get your fishing fix, Pure South Fishing Charters delivers the kind of consistent, professional service that keeps customers coming back. The guides know the seasonal patterns, they maintain quality equipment, and they're genuinely excited about putting you on fish. With all gear included and a maximum of 3 anglers per trip, you're getting personalized attention and the best chance at success. Rockport's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and this trip gives you a real taste of what makes this area so special for anglers. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Your fishing adventure runs on a reliable 2011 Gulf Coast 22-foot center console, perfect for navigating Rockport's shallow inshore waters where redfish and speckled trout love to hide. This motorboat packs serious power with its Suzuki 200HP engine, cruising smoothly at 36 knots to get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly. The center console design gives everyone easy access to cast lines in any direction while staying comfortable during your 5-hour trip. Built-in GPS keeps you on course to productive waters, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of trout and flounder. With space for up to three anglers plus your guide, there's plenty of room to move around without tangling lines. The boat's shallow draft design lets you slip into those back bay areas where the big reds cruise, giving you access to prime fishing grounds that deeper boats simply can't reach.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water fishing here in Rockport - copper-colored bruisers with that signature black spot near the tail. Most fish we target run 20-35 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll peel line and make multiple runs. The smaller slot fish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Local tip: look for nervous water or "waking" fish in the shallows early morning. Cast ahead of them and let your bait sink naturally - reds hate being spooked by splashy presentations.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our Rockport waters - silvery fish with distinctive black spots that usually run 14-24 inches, though we catch plenty in the 2-3 pound range. They love grass flats and shallow areas, especially around structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with early morning and evening being peak times. What guests love about specks is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a solid fight for their size. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. During cooler months, they school up in deeper water, but summer finds them scattered across the flats. Here's a local trick: work your lure slow and steady near grass beds at dawn. Specks often suspend just above the grass waiting to ambush baitfish.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are unique flatfish that live on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side - they're like the chameleons of the sea, changing colors to match the seafloor. Most run 15-20 inches, but we've seen some push over 20 pounds. They love ambushing prey from the bottom, so you'll find them in shallow bays and deeper channels around Rockport. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're most active. What makes them special is that sneaky hit - one second your bait's sitting there, next second you've got a strong fish on. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: use a circle hook with live mullet or shrimp, and when you feel that tap, give them a few seconds to really take it before setting the hook. They bite sideways, so patience pays off.
Rockport, TX