Port O'Connor Charter Fishing with Captain John
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain John guides inshore fishing for Redfish, Trout, and FlounderEighthour trips accommodate up to three guests with gear providedMultiple bait options available in Port O'Connor flats and bays
Looking for a solid day on the water in Port O'Connor? Captain John knows these flats and back bays like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't just another charter – it's your chance to work the shallow waters where redfish cruise the grass beds and speckled trout hang out around the drop-offs. Whether you're slinging artificials, fishing live bait, or working dead shrimp, we'll dial in the right approach for the conditions. You'll spend a full 8 hours exploring the prime fishing spots that make Port O'Connor one of the Texas coast's top destinations.
Captain John runs a tight ship and knows how to adapt to what the fish are doing. Your day starts early, hitting the water when the conditions are prime. The shallow flats around Port O'Connor are perfect for sight fishing redfish, especially when they're tailing in skinny water. If you're up for it, we can wade some of the best grass flats – just bring your own boots since that's the only gear we don't provide. Everything else is covered: rods, reels, tackle, and all the artificials you need. When the fish are keyed in on live bait, we can upgrade your trip with fresh shrimp or finger mullet for an extra $100. The back bay systems here hold fish year-round, and Captain John knows exactly where to find them based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
The beauty of fishing Port O'Connor lies in the variety of techniques that work in these waters. When redfish are up shallow, we'll work topwater plugs and spoons over the grass beds at first light. As the sun gets higher, switching to soft plastics on jigheads lets you work deeper pockets and channel edges where trout like to ambush bait. The live bait game here is phenomenal – when conditions are tough or the fish are finicky, nothing beats a live shrimp under a popping cork. Captain John reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on wind, tide, and what the fish are telling us. The back bay areas offer protected water on windy days, while the main lake opens up more opportunities when conditions are calm. Each spot has its own personality, from shallow sand flats perfect for flounder to deeper grass lines where big trout patrol.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port O'Connor fishing, and these copper-colored fighters know how to put on a show. Spring and fall are prime time when schools of reds move through the shallows, but you'll find fish here year-round. Look for tailing fish in water so shallow their backs are showing – that's when the fishing gets really exciting. A good Port O'Connor red will pull drag and make multiple runs, especially in shallow water where they can use their bulk. Speckled trout are the other main target, and the grass flats here produce some beautiful fish. These spotted beauties are most active during cooler months, but summer nights can produce spectacular trout fishing. They're ambush predators that love structure changes and grass edges. Southern flounder are the bonus fish that keep things interesting – these flat fish are masters of camouflage and hit with surprising aggression. Black drum round out the slam possibilities, especially around shell reefs and deeper holes where they root for crabs and worms.
Port O'Connor's reputation as a world-class fishing destination didn't happen by accident – the combination of pristine back bays, abundant grass flats, and year-round fishing opportunities makes every trip memorable. Captain John's local knowledge and willingness to work with your preferences, whether that's artificial lures or live bait, ensures you're fishing the right way at the right time. With space for up to three anglers, this 8-hour adventure gives you plenty of time to explore different areas and techniques. The memories you'll make working these flats with friends or family are worth their weight in redfish. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot.
Set your sights on prime fishing waters aboard The Mowdy, a reliable 2019 center console that'll get you to the hottest spots around Port O'Connor's flats and back bays. This fishing machine packs a 225HP Suzuki engine that hits 50 knots, cutting through chop to reach those productive areas where redfish, trout, and flounder are waiting. The spacious layout gives your crew of three plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, plus generous storage for tackle boxes and that essential cooler. GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder marks schools below - technology that gives you the edge when targeting those grass flats and oyster bars. Easy boarding means less time getting situated and more time with lines in the water, whether you're casting artificials, soaking live bait, or working dead bait along structure.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These powerful fish have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, making them tough fighters that'll test your gear. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths in water from 2-20 feet deep. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. They're known for their drumming sounds underwater - you can actually hear them from the boat sometimes. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with mild, white meat. The big bulls are better released for the next angler. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. When they pick it up, let them run with it a bit before setting the hook - they're deliberate feeders.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing here in Port O'Connor. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-28 inches in the shallows, but the big bulls offshore can hit 40+ inches and really test your tackle. You'll spot them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and shorelines - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is that distinctive black spot near their tail and their powerful runs when hooked. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range with mild, sweet meat. The sight-fishing aspect gets addictive - watching them cruise the flats and making that perfect cast. My local tip: look for nervous water or "waking" fish, and always lead them by several feet when casting.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from 12-24 inches with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 6+ pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, drop-offs, and areas with good tidal flow. They're most active during spring and fall, though summer nights and winter warm spells can be productive too. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - topwater plugs at dawn create explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is soft and flaky, perfect for the dinner table, but handle them gently since they're delicate. They're also great for kids since they bite readily and fight just enough to be fun. Here's a local trick: look for slicks on the surface where they've been feeding, and work soft plastics slowly through the area.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that live camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our bays and flats. These ambush predators typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches that really bend the rod. 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're moving toward deeper water and feeding heavily. What makes them special is their sneaky nature - you'll feel a gentle tap, then suddenly your drag is screaming. The meat is some of the best eating you'll find, white and flaky. My tip: when you feel that first soft bite, count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first, then turn it around to swallow it head-first.
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