5.0(1 Reviews)Port O'Connor Private 8-Hour Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing adventure with expert guidanceSmall group experience accommodating up to four guestsEarly morning departure returning at dusk
If you're looking for a top-rated fishing experience along the Texas coast, this private 8-hour charter with Captain Tim Strakos is exactly what you need. Starting at 7:00 AM, we'll spend the entire day working the productive waters around Port O'Connor, targeting everything from slot redfish to massive tarpon. With room for up to 4 anglers, this is your chance to fish some of the best inshore waters on the Gulf Coast without dealing with crowds or rushed schedules. We'll hit the flats early when the bite is hot, then move to deeper structure as conditions change throughout the day.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing from spot to spot. With 8 full hours, we have time to really dial in the bite and put you on fish. We'll start in the shallows working sight-casting opportunities for redfish and sea trout, then transition to targeting black drum around structure and possibly make a run to the jetties for tarpon action. The beauty of Port O'Connor is the variety - we can fish grass flats, oyster reefs, channel edges, and rock piles all in the same day. Captain Tim reads the conditions and adjusts our game plan accordingly, whether that means staying shallow if the trout bite is on fire or heading to deeper water when the drum are stacked up. You'll experience the full spectrum of what makes this area a world-class fishery.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificial presentations depending on what the fish are telling us. For the reds and trout, we'll work soft plastics on jig heads, topwater plugs during the right conditions, and live shrimp under popping corks when they're being finicky. The black drum fishing involves heavier tackle with cut bait or live crabs worked along the bottom near structure. If we make the run for tarpon, we'll set up with live croakers on circle hooks and sturdy gear that can handle a Silver King's powerful runs. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, along with a full selection of proven baits and lures. Captain Tim will match your skill level to the right techniques, whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing these species for years.
"Henry David Thoreau once said, 'many men fish their whole lives without knowing, it's not the fish they are after.' Today, it was about the fish. About fulfilling a lifelong dream. About checking something off my bucket list, thanks to Captain Tim Strakos. I was able to carry out that very dream. At 6:30 a.m., Laura and I met Tim Strakos at his boat slip, the early light just beginning to spill across the Port O'Connor marina. Tim greeted us with his easy confidence, and we loaded up, anticipation buzzing between us. We set out across the bay, the air still cool, heading for a promising flat where we quickly hooked a few spirited redfish. The rods bent, the reels sang, and laughter echoed across the water. After about an hour, as the sun tried to break through the overcast sky, Tim looked back with a glint in his eye and said, 'Let's go get a tarpon.' Excitement surged as we motored out to the jetties, the boat slicing through gentle swells. Here, the hunt truly began. We set up for our drift along the rocks, adrenaline and hope mingling with the salt air. On the first pass, nothing. But on the second drift, as we bounced live croakers over the bottom, I suddenly felt a jolt—a heavy slam at the rod tip that sent my heart racing. It was just after 8 a.m., the morning gray and expectant, when the Silver King struck. The line screamed and the fight began, twenty-five minutes of raw power and determination. The tarpon leapt, scales flashing, tail slapping thunder into the air. My arms burned, sweat beaded my brow, and Laura captured the chaos on camera and video, even handing me a bottle of water as I struggled to keep my grip. Tim's calm instructions kept me focused as the 85-pound beast tried every trick to throw the hook. Finally, slowly, I wore the tarpon down. With Tim's help, we hauled the magnificent fish aboard for a quick photo session, Laura beaming behind the lens, me grinning with the exhaustion and exhilaration of victory. The Silver King's image was immortalized to share with friends and family, a memory I knew I'd carry with me for a lifetime before we gently released him back to the wild, where he vanished with a single flick of his mighty tail. That day, alongside Laura and with Tim's expert guidance, I joined the ranks of Port O'Connor's tarpon anglers, forever bonded by the battle with the Silver King. Thank you, Tim, for the trip of a lifetime!" - Joe
Southern Flounder are ambush predators that lay buried in sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. These flatfish typically range from 14 to 20 inches in our waters, with some doormat-sized specimens pushing 24 inches or more. Fall and early winter are prime time for flounder fishing around Port O'Connor, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. What makes flounder so exciting to catch is their sneaky bite - you'll feel a subtle tap, then steady pressure as they try to swim back to their hiding spot. The key is patience on the hookset since they need time to fully engulf the bait.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay system, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs along the bottom. These copper-colored fighters typically run 15 to 30 pounds in our area, though we occasionally hook monsters over 40
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Port O'Connor aboard our well-equipped 25-foot Tran Sport center console. This spacious boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly into shallow flats and back lakes where redfish and speckled trout like to feed, while the GPS keeps us on productive spots and safely navigating the bay system. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. Whether you're targeting reds in the grass or working live bait under the birds, this center console setup gives us the versatility to chase whatever's biting in Port O'Connor's renowned fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. These bottom feeders love crushing oysters and crabs with their powerful jaws around shallow flats, oyster reefs, and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're incredible fighters that will test your gear with long, bulldogging runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough and stringy. You'll find them in 2-15 feet of water, especially around structure. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom and be patient - they're picky eaters but once hooked, they don't give up easy.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are some of the most exciting fish you'll tangle with out here. They average 4-5 feet but can reach 8+ feet and really test your tackle. These guys are famous for their spectacular jumps - they'll launch 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and structure, especially during warmer months when baitfish are thick. They're pretty social and can get worked up in feeding frenzies. What makes them special is their speed and acrobatics - pure adrenaline from hookup to boat. They're catch-and-release only for us. Best approach is heavy tackle with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or bonito. Once you get them chummed up, the action can be non-stop. Keep your drag tight - they'll peel line fast on that first run.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of our Texas coast, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but we also target the bigger bull reds offshore that can push 40+ pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. You can catch them year-round, but fall is prime time when they're thick. What guests love is their powerful runs and stubborn fights. They're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. These fish will eat almost anything - live shrimp, soft plastics, topwater plugs, you name it. Here's my tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're headed and let your bait sink naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They typically run 14-20 inches with some nice ones hitting 24+ inches and 5+ pounds. These beauties have distinctive black spots across their silvery sides and love grass flats, shell bars, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light conditions like dawn and dusk. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their acrobatic fights. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - just don't overcook it since it's pretty delicate. They feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. My go-to technique: throw a popping cork with live shrimp or a soft plastic under it. Work it slow and steady over the grass beds.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms in our bays and nearshore waters. These ambush predators can change color to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some pushing 30+ inches that really put up a fight. They're found in 2-20 feet of water around structure, grass beds, and drop-offs. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up for their offshore spawn. What makes them special is both eyes sit on one side of their head - pretty wild to see. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My best tip: work your bait slow along the bottom and watch for that subtle tick - they don't slam baits like other fish, just inhale them gently.
5.0 out of 5.0Henry David Thoreau once said, “many men fish their whole lives without knowing, it’s not the fish they are after.” Today, it was...
Joe Meador, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Port O'Connor, TX