Port O'Connor Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain John guides inshore fishing for Redfish, Trout, and FlounderEight-hour trip accommodates up to three guests with gear providedMultiple bait options available in Port O'Connor flats and bays
When you're looking for serious inshore action along the Texas coast, Port O'Connor delivers the goods. Captain John with Salty Peters Guide Service knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your drag scream. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 8-hour adventure gives you plenty of time to work the flats and back bays where the reds, trout, and flounder love to hang out. With spots for up to 3 anglers, you'll have room to spread out and fish without bumping elbows.
Captain John runs a top-rated operation that's all about putting fish in the boat while keeping things relaxed and fun. You'll start your day exploring the productive flats and back bay systems around Port O'Connor, areas that consistently produce quality fish year-round. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility - you can choose your poison when it comes to presentation. Want to throw artificials and cover water? No problem. Prefer the deadly effectiveness of live bait? Captain John can set you up with the good stuff for an extra $100. Dead bait works great too, especially when the fish are being picky. All your rods, reels, tackle, and ice are provided, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the day. The only thing you'll want to bring if you're planning to wade is your own boots - everything else is covered.
The inshore waters around Port O'Connor offer incredible variety in how you can target fish. Captain John will adjust tactics based on conditions, season, and what the fish are telling him. In the shallow flats, you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish or working topwater plugs over grass beds at first light. The back bays hold plenty of speckled trout, especially around drop-offs and shell reefs where baitfish gather. Soft plastics on jig heads are money here, but don't sleep on suspending twitch baits when the water's clear. Flounder fishing often means slowing down and working the bottom with gulp baits or live finger mullet near structure and channel edges. If you opt for live bait, you'll have shrimp, croaker, or whatever's running fresh - there's nothing like a lively bait to turn a slow day into a memorable one. Captain John reads the water, wind, and tides to put you in the right spots at the right time.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port O'Connor inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish that make for great eating and even better fights. Reds are year-round residents, but they really fire up in fall when they school up for their spawning runs. You'll find them cruising the flats, tailing in skinny water, or holding around oyster reefs and grass lines. What makes redfish so special is their attitude - they eat aggressively, fight hard, and you can target them multiple ways. Whether you're sight-fishing in knee-deep water or blind-casting structure, these fish will test your drag and your patience.
Speckled Trout are the finicky cousins that keep things interesting. These beautiful fish with their spotted sides and soft mouths are abundant in Port O'Connor's back bays and grass flats. They typically run 14-20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 24+ inches that'll make your trip. Specks are most active during cooler months, from October through March, when they gather in deeper holes and around structure. They're ambush predators that love to hold near drop-offs, shell beds, and anywhere baitfish congregate. The key with trout is presentation - they can be picky, but when you dial in the right retrieve or find the right depth, you might boat a dozen in an hour.
Southern Flounder are the sneaky bottom-dwellers that provide steady action when other fish get lockjaw. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush unsuspecting prey. Port O'Connor flounder typically range from 14-18 inches, with doormat-sized fish over 20 inches always a possibility. Fall and early winter are prime time for flounder as they move toward the gulf for spawning. They love channel edges, boat cuts, and anywhere current brings baitfish past their ambush spots. Flounder fishing teaches patience, but there's something satisfying about fooling these crafty bottom-dwellers and putting some quality table fare in the cooler.
Black Drum round out the slam opportunities and add some serious pulling power to your day. These bottom-feeders are built like bulldozers and fight just as hard. Port O'Connor drum range from smaller 16-20 inch fish perfect for the table to bull drum over 30 inches that'll test your tackle. They're most active in cooler months and love areas with shell, structure, or soft bottom where they can root for crabs and shrimp. Black drum aren't flashy, but they're reliable biters when you put the right bait in front of them, and their dogged fighting style will surprise anglers used to other species.
Port O'Connor's inshore fishing scene doesn't get much better than this. Captain John's local knowledge, quality equipment, and flexible approach means you're setting yourself up for success whether this is your first charter or your fiftieth. The 8-hour format gives you real time to explore different areas, try various techniques, and maximize your chances at a grand slam. With accommodations for up to 3 anglers, it's perfect for couples, small groups, or
The Mowdy is your gateway to Port O'Connor's best inshore fishing spots. This 2019 center console runs on a reliable 225HP Suzuki that'll get you to the flats and back bays at up to 50 knots when conditions call for it. Built for serious anglers, she's got GPS to navigate the shallow waters and a fish finder to locate those holding redfish, trout, and flounder. What makes this boat perfect for your fishing trip is the thoughtful design - easy boarding so you're not struggling to get in and out, plus plenty of storage space for your coolers, tackle boxes, and personal gear. Captain John knows these waters inside and out, and whether you want to cast artificials, fish live bait, or try dead bait, he's got you covered with all the rods, reels, and tackle you need. The center console layout gives everyone room to fish comfortably, and if you want to get out and wade the grass flats for that perfect redfish, just bring your own boots. With 8 hours on the water, you'll have time to work different spots and techniques until you find what's biting.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths looking for crabs and shellfish. Their powerful jaws can crush oysters like popcorn. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're built like bulldozers and fight dirty, using their weight and the current against you. Smaller fish under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones get tough and stringy. My go-to setup is fresh crab on a Carolina rig fished right on the bottom. The secret is using peeler crab when you can get it - the scent drives them crazy and catfish won't steal it like they do with shrimp.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers run 18-28 inches in the shallows, with occasional bulls over 30 inches that'll test your drag system. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's their calling card. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs out of the water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. They fight hard and smart, using their broad tail to pull drag. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. Year-round fishing here in Texas waters. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with gold spoons or topwater plugs early morning. Watch for wakes, tails, and nervous baitfish - that's where you'll find them feeding.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of our bay fishing. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional gator trout pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. Spring through fall are best, with dawn and dusk being magic hours. Cold fronts often turn them on. They're aggressive fighters with sharp teeth, so bring a net. The meat is soft and flaky - perfect for the table but easy to overcook. These fish are spooky, so quiet approaches work best. Topwater plugs at first light will get your heart pumping when they blow up on the surface. For consistent action, try a 1/8 oz jighead with a soft plastic under a popping cork - let it sit still for 10 seconds between pops.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that'll test your patience and skill. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud on shallow flats, waiting for prey to drift by. Most run 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, but we occasionally see doormat-sized fish pushing 8+ pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match the bottom perfectly. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our bays heading offshore to spawn. They're fantastic table fare with sweet, white meat that flakes beautifully. The key trick here is fishing slow - use a 1/4 oz jighead with live shrimp or mullet, and drag it right along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap, count to three before setting the hook. They bite soft and will spit your bait if you're too quick on the trigger.
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