5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Evening Guided Fishing on Rockport Bay
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour evening fishing trip targeting redfish and sheepsheadPrivate guided experience accommodates up to four guests maximumCooler evening conditions from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
When the sun starts dropping toward the Texas coast and the water cools down, that's prime time for some of the best inshore fishing Rockport Bay has to offer. Our evening charters run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., giving you five solid hours to work the productive waters around Rockport without dealing with the heat and boat traffic of midday. Captain Williams and the crew at Redhead Fishing Guide know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before. The evening bite can be absolutely phenomenal here, especially when you're targeting species like redfish, sheepshead, black drum, and speckled trout that really start moving as temperatures drop.
This private charter accommodates up to four anglers, so you're not sharing space with strangers or fighting for the captain's attention. We'll pick our spots based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. Rockport Bay offers everything from shallow grass flats perfect for sight fishing to deeper structure where the bigger drum like to hang out. The evening hours give us a huge advantage because baitfish start moving, and predators follow. You'll notice the water coming alive as we fish into twilight – it's something special that a lot of anglers miss when they only fish during the day. Our guides carry all the tackle you'll need, from lighter setups for trout to heavier gear when we're after bull reds or big black drum. They'll also adjust techniques based on your skill level, so beginners get the coaching they need while experienced anglers can focus on honing their presentation.
We fish a variety of methods depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. Live bait is king out here – we'll use everything from live shrimp under popping corks for trout and reds to cut bait on the bottom for sheepshead and drum. When conditions are right, we'll sight fish the flats with soft plastics, which is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish movement, and make accurate casts to feeding fish. Our boats are rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from finicky trout to bruiser drum that'll test your drag. We keep a variety of terminal tackle on board because these fish can be picky about presentation. Circle hooks for live bait, jig heads in different weights for soft plastics, and specialized rigs for bottom fishing – we've got it all dialed in. The guides will teach you proper hook sets, how to fight fish without losing them, and techniques you can use on your own trips later.
"Captain Williams was a great guide! Not only did we catch many many fish, but he was very knowledgeable and professional when it came to fishing and all that goes with fishing. We highly recommend Captain Williams as your next fishing guide! We will be calling him again to take us out fishing soon!" - Christina
"We had a great time and caught fish for basically the entire trip! Captain Wesley is a real pro and was willing to teach my partner tips and tricks as it was her first time on a charter. Wonderful experience overall - we will be booking again next time we are in town!" - Dominic
Redfish are the bread and butter of Rockport Bay fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18 to 27 inches in our waters, with plenty of oversized bulls mixed in during certain times of year. Reds feed aggressively in the evenings, especially around structure like oyster reefs and grass lines. They're not particularly line-shy, which makes them perfect for newer anglers, but they'll still test your skills when hooked. What makes redfish so special here is their willingness to eat just about anything – live shrimp, cut mullet, soft plastics, even topwater lures when they're really fired up. The fight is what hooks most people – they make strong runs and use their broad sides to fight against the current.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated fish in these waters. These black and white striped convicts are absolute tackle thieves, but once you figure out their game, they're a blast to catch. They average 2 to 4 pounds around the bay's structure, with occasional slabs pushing 6 pounds or better. Sheepshead have tiny mouths relative to their body size, so you need small hooks and patience. They're structure-oriented fish that love oyster reefs, pilings, and any hard bottom where they can pick off crabs and barnacles. The evening hours can be prime time for sheepshead because they often feed more aggressively as light levels drop. Fresh shrimp fished right on the bottom is the go-to bait, but you'll need to feel every little tick and nibble.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and Rockport Bay holds some genuine giants. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 2-pounders all the way up to 40-pound bulls that'll smoke your drag and test your backbone. Drum are bottom feeders with a keen sense of smell, making them perfect targets for cut bait presentations. They're often found around the same structure as sheepshead but prefer areas with mud or sand bottoms where they can root around for crabs and worms. What's really cool about black drum fishing is the variety – you might catch a dozen smaller fish and then hook into a monster that changes everything. Evening fishing can be particularly productive because drum often move shallow to feed as temperatures cool.
Speckled trout, or specs as locals call them, are the most popular inshore species for a reason. These spotted beauties are fun to catch, great to eat, and can be found throughout the bay system. Most of our trout
Your evening fishing adventure starts aboard our trusty 1995 Haynie 20-footer, a proven flat boat that's been working these Rockport waters for decades. This shallow-draft vessel gets you into those prime redfish spots where the big boats can't reach, especially during those productive evening hours when fish are actively feeding. The boat's spacious casting deck gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. When the redfish are being picky, our wireless trolling motor lets your guide position the boat silently over structure and grass beds where sheepshead and black drum love to hang out. The GPS keeps us on productive spots, while the fish finder shows exactly what's happening below – crucial for locating those evening schools. Built tough for Texas coastal conditions, this Haynie handles Rockport Bay's shallow flats and deeper channels with equal confidence. The wide beam provides solid stability for casting and fighting fish, while the clean deck layout means you can move around safely even when the action heats up. Perfect for two anglers who want a authentic bay boat fishing experience without all the fancy bells and whistles getting in the way of good fishing.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use those crusher jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season around February-March is prime time when they school up and become much easier to target. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear them underwater. They're strong fighters that'll test your gear, and smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip: use fresh crab bait and keep it right on the bottom - they won't chase anything more than a few inches off the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of Texas flats, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 18-30 inches in our shallow bay waters, though bigger "bull" reds patrol deeper areas. These fish love 1-4 feet of water around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines year-round, with fall being exceptional when they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp with authority. The fight is memorable too, with strong runs and head shakes. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. Best tip: look for nervous water or actual backs showing in skinny water, then cast past them and work your lure back through their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are beautiful spotted fish that typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds in our waters. They love grass flats and shallow areas, especially during evening hours when they move up to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. These fish are most active in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable, though they school up in deeper channels during winter cold snaps. Anglers enjoy them for their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table quality - tender, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key is not overcooking since the meat is delicate. My favorite technique is working soft plastics or topwater plugs over grass beds at dusk - they'll often blow up on surface baits in spectacular fashion.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, typically running 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches. These crafty bait thieves hang around any structure they can find - dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster reefs where they feast on barnacles with those human-like teeth. They're year-round residents but really active in cooler months. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious for stealing bait and require quick hook sets with their powerful jaws. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: get your bait tight against the structure and when you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard and fast before they strip your hook clean.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Williams was a great guide! Not only did we catch many many fish, but he was very knowledgeable and professional when it ...
We had a great time and caught fish for basically the entire trip! Captain Wesley is a real pro and was willing to teach my partne...
Rockport