Half Day Family Redfish Trip - Rockport Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour private inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutFamilyfriendly trip accommodates all ages and experience levelsCaptain Wesley provides patient instruction in calm Rockport Bay waters
Captain Wesley's family-friendly fishing charter on Rockport Bay is designed with one thing in mind: getting everyone hooked on coastal fishing without the pressure. This isn't your typical hurry-up-and-catch-fish trip. Instead, it's a relaxed 5-hour morning adventure where kids get patient instruction, parents can actually enjoy themselves, and grandparents don't feel left behind. The shallow waters of Rockport Bay provide the perfect classroom for learning inshore techniques while targeting two of the Gulf Coast's most popular species - redfish and speckled trout. With a maximum of 2 guests, you'll have Captain Wesley's undivided attention and plenty of room to cast without worrying about tangled lines or crowded conditions.
Your morning starts early when Captain Wesley picks you up at one of Rockport's launch points. The beauty of fishing Rockport Bay lies in its protected waters - even when the Gulf gets choppy, these flats stay calm and fishable. You'll spend your time working the grass beds, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where redfish and trout love to feed. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with pelicans diving nearby and dolphins occasionally making an appearance. Captain Wesley keeps the pace comfortable, taking time to explain why certain spots produce fish and how to read the water. Kids especially love the hands-on approach - they'll learn to spot fish tailing in shallow water and understand why certain baits work better than others. The boat stays in relatively shallow water, typically 2-6 feet deep, which means you can actually see the fish you're targeting. This visual element makes the experience more engaging for young anglers who might lose interest on deeper water trips.
Captain Wesley specializes in light tackle fishing that's perfect for family groups. You'll primarily use spinning reels with 15-20 pound braided line - strong enough to handle big redfish but light enough for kids to manage comfortably. The techniques focus on artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons, though live bait is available if the fish are being picky. Wading isn't typically part of this trip, keeping everyone comfortable on the boat while still getting close to the action. The captain will show you how to work a paddle tail through the grass, how to retrieve a topwater lure to create that explosive surface strike, and when to switch tactics based on water conditions. For families new to saltwater fishing, this hands-on instruction is invaluable. You'll learn about tidal movements, how structure holds fish, and why certain areas produce better during different parts of the day. The gear is all provided and maintained in top condition - no need to worry about bringing your own equipment or wondering if it's suitable for the conditions.
Redfish are the true stars of Rockport Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-28 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized "bull" red making an appearance. What makes redfish perfect for family trips is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their habit of feeding in shallow water where you can actually see them. During warmer months, redfish will "tail" - feeding head-down with their tails sticking out of the water like copper flags. Kids absolutely love spotting these tailing fish, and the sight-casting opportunities create excitement that deeper water fishing simply can't match. Redfish are available year-round in Rockport Bay, but fall months typically produce the most consistent action as schools of fish move through the area following baitfish migrations.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, add finesse to your Rockport Bay experience. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots are abundant in the bay's grass flats and provide excellent light tackle action. Trout typically range from 14-20 inches, with the occasional "gator" trout stretching over 24 inches and providing serious bragging rights. What's special about speckled trout is their aggressive nature - they'll often hit topwater lures with spectacular surface explosions that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing, when cooler water temperatures make these fish more active throughout the day. Trout are also excellent table fare, making them a practical target for families wanting to take home a fresh seafood dinner. Captain Wesley knows the specific grass beds and shell bars where trout concentrate, and he'll teach you how to identify productive trout water for future fishing adventures.
This top-rated family fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active. Captain Wesley's patient teaching style and focus on creating positive fishing memories for all ages has made this trip a customer favorite among families visiting the Rockport area. The 5-hour duration gives you plenty of time to learn techniques, catch fish, and enjoy the coastal scenery without wearing out younger anglers. Morning trips typically produce the best fishing action, as both redfish and trout are more active before the Texas sun heats up the shallow flats. With space for only 2 guests, you'll receive personalized instruction and have the flexibility to adjust the trip based on everyone's skill level and interests. Book your family's Rockport Bay fishing adventure today and discover why this world-class inshore fishery keeps families coming back year after year.
Captain Wesley's 1995 Haynie 20-footer is built for families looking to explore Rockport Bay's productive redfish and trout waters. This shallow-draft flat boat gets you into those skinny water spots where the fish like to hang out, while the spacious deck gives everyone room to cast without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on feeding reds, and the fish finder helps locate those trout schools holding near structure. With GPS navigation keeping you on course, this reliable boat handles the bay's shifting conditions with ease. Perfect for kids learning to fish and grandparents who want a comfortable day on the water without the rough ride of offshore boats.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Rockport Bay trips, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches around here, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy bottoms. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the aggressive strike and that bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. Plus, slot-sized reds make great table fare with mild, sweet meat. They'll eat just about anything - live shrimp, crab, topwater plugs, or soft plastics. Local secret: look for nervous water or slight wakes in the shallows, especially on incoming tides.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are what we're actually targeting here in Rockport Bay - they're different from the true sea trout up north. These spotted beauties average 14-24 inches and love our shallow grass flats, especially around dawn and dusk. You'll find them cruising in 2-6 feet of water near structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with cooler months pushing them into slightly deeper channels. What makes specks special is their delicate fight and that sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're eager biters on live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: when you see birds working baitfish, cast just outside the commotion - specks often hang on the edges waiting to ambush whatever escapes.
Rockport