Port O'Connor Afternoon Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon inshore fishing trip departing at 1:00 PMExpert guides navigate Port O'Connor's productive fishing watersPrivate charter accommodates up to four anglers for $500
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water without breaking the bank? This 4-hour private charter out of Port O'Connor puts you right in the heart of some of Texas' best inshore fishing grounds. We're talking about those productive back bays, grass flats, and shell reefs where the fish actually live – not just passing through. At $500 for up to 4 anglers, you're getting a hell of a deal for a private boat with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. We launch at 1:00 PM, which gives you time to grab lunch and still get home for dinner with a cooler full of fish.
This isn't some cattle boat operation where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. You get the whole boat to yourselves, which means we can fish at your pace and hit the spots that are producing. The afternoon bite in Port O'Connor can be absolutely lights-out, especially when the sun starts getting lower and those fish start moving up shallow to feed. We'll work the grass beds, drift the drop-offs, and maybe even get up in some skinny water if the tide's right. The beauty of a 4-hour trip is we can cover a lot of water without feeling rushed. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly – that's what separates the good guides from the weekend warriors.
We keep it simple but effective out here. Most of the time, you'll be throwing live shrimp under popping corks or working soft plastics on jig heads. The grass flats around Port O'Connor are perfect for wade fishing if you're up for it, but we can just as easily work from the boat if you prefer to stay dry. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included – we're talking quality gear that can handle anything from a schoolie trout to a bull red. The captain will have you rigged up with the right setup for the conditions and target species. Don't worry if you're new to this; we'll get you dialed in quick. For the more experienced anglers, feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. These flatfish typically run 14-20 inches in Port O'Connor waters, with the occasional doormat pushing 4-5 pounds. Fall is prime time for flounder, especially October and November when they're staging to head to the Gulf to spawn. They're ambush predators, so working a soft plastic slowly along the bottom or drifting live bait near structure usually gets their attention. What makes flounder so fun is that strike – they absolutely crush the bait and then try to bury themselves in the mud.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene, and Port O'Connor has some real bruisers. These fish can range from puppy drum around 16-20 inches up to massive bulls that'll test your drag system. They love crab, shrimp, and cut bait worked near oyster reefs and structure. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Black drum fight completely different than other inshore species – they use their body weight and stay deep, making long powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. The bigger ones are catch-and-release, but those mid-size fish make excellent table fare.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are probably the most consistent fish in these waters. They school up over grass beds and love live shrimp under popping corks or soft plastics worked with a slow retrieve. Most specs run 14-18 inches, but the Port O'Connor area is known for producing some real gator trout over 25 inches. They bite best in the morning and evening, but afternoon trips can be productive, especially when working deeper grass beds. What makes trout fishing so addictive is the variety – you never know if the next bite is going to be a schoolie or a wall-hanger.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Port O'Connor is redfish central. These copper-colored fighters can be found in everything from 6 inches of water to the deeper ship channels. Slot-size reds (20-28 inches) are perfect eating and put up one hell of a fight, while the over-slot bulls are pure adrenaline on light tackle. Reds are year-round residents, but fall brings some of the best action when they school up in massive groups. They're not picky eaters – live bait, artificials, topwaters – they'll eat it all. The sight-fishing opportunities here are world-class when conditions line up right.
At $125 per angler for a private 4-hour trip, you're looking at some of the best value fishing on the Texas coast. Port O'Connor's afternoon bite is legendary for good reason – the fish are here, the guides know where to find them, and the price point makes it accessible for families and serious anglers alike. Whether you're looking to put fish in the box or just spend some quality time on the water, this trip delivers. The boats book up quick, especially during prime season, so don't sit on this one. Give Reel Salty Charters a call and get your dates locked in. Trust me, you'll be planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Step aboard our 25-foot Tran Sport center console and get ready to fish the productive inshore waters around Port O'Connor. This well-kept boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without crowding each other. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the afternoon heat. When we need to move quietly through shallow flats or sneak up on feeding fish, the wireless trolling motor lets us position perfectly without spooking anything. GPS navigation helps us hit the best fishing spots and get back to the dock safely. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, so whether we're targeting redfish in the grass flats or speckled trout along the drop-offs, you'll have clear casting room. The boat handles the Texas coastal waters smoothly, making it easy to focus on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These bottom-dwellers love our oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is your best bet, especially during spawning season when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What guests love about drum fishing is the solid, steady fight - no jumping, just pure power pulling back. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. These fish are picky eaters, so be patient and keep your bait right on the structure where they're feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. They love our shallow flats, often in water so skinny their backs show above the surface. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and mud flats year-round, though fall brings the best action. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll pull drag and test your tackle. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat that grills perfectly. The real thrill is sight-casting to tailing fish in inches of water. My go-to technique: throw a gold spoon or topwater plug just past a cruising red and work it back slowly. When they blow up on a topwater lure, it's pure magic.
Salmo TruttaAlso called speckled trout, these beautiful fish are Port O'Connor favorites running 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They cruise our grass flats and shallow bays, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. The bite really picks up in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable, though you can catch them year-round here. Guests love trout because they hit hard and make great table fare - the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the bay. They're also willing biters on both live bait and artificials. During warmer months, fish the grass beds early morning or late evening when they're most active. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in and the shrimp seals the deal.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of disguise, changing color to match the sandy and muddy bottoms they call home. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push over 20 pounds. You'll find them in our shallow bays and estuaries where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What makes flounder trips fun is watching guests realize both eyes are on one side of the fish - always gets a laugh! The meat is sweet and flaky, making them a favorite for the dinner table. My tip: fish slow with live shrimp or bull minnows on a Carolina rig, and when you feel that tap, wait a second before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait around.
Port O'Connor, TX