Port O'Connor Fishing Guides
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, and flounder in Port O'Connor watersFive-hour inshore fishing trip accommodates up to three guestsAll fishing gear provided by Salty Peters Guide Service
Looking for a solid day on the water in one of Texas' premier fishing destinations? Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Port O'Connor sits right where Matagorda Bay meets the Gulf, creating the perfect setup for targeting reds, trout, flounder, and black drum. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 5-hour adventure gives you plenty of time to dial in your technique and make some memories with up to 2 other people in your group.
Captain John runs a clean operation and keeps things simple – you bring yourself and your fishing license, he handles the rest. All rods, reels, tackle, and terminal gear come with the trip, so you don't need to stress about packing half your garage. The only exception? If you're planning to wade fish, bring your own boots – trust me, you'll want a pair that fits right when you're walking those flats. The boat launches from Port O'Connor, and depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself working the shallow grass flats, cruising the back bays, or posted up on structure where the fish like to hang out. Captain John gives you options on how to fish too – artificial lures if you want to cover water and work on your technique, or live bait if you want to maximize your chances (just know that live bait runs an extra $100, but it's often worth every penny when the fish are finicky).
The beauty of fishing Port O'Connor is the variety of approaches that work. On the flats, you'll likely be throwing soft plastics on jig heads – think paddle tails and shrimp imitations worked slowly along the bottom. When the water's clear and the fish are spooky, topwater plugs at first light can produce some heart-stopping strikes. Captain John keeps his tackle boxes stocked with proven producers like Bass Assassins, DOA shrimp, and topwater baits that have fooled thousands of fish in these waters. If you opt for live bait, expect to work with shrimp under popping corks or freelined croaker depending on what's available and what the fish want. The key in these back bays is being quiet and methodical – fish here get pressured, so presentation matters. Wade fishing opportunities come up regularly, especially when working the grass beds where reds like to cruise. There's something special about being waist-deep in the water, making that perfect cast to a tailing red.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port O'Connor fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs average 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish that fight like they're twice their size. Reds here are year-round residents, but fall and winter months often produce the most consistent action as they school up in the back bays. What makes reds so addictive is their aggressive nature – they'll absolutely crush a well-presented bait, and once hooked, they use every inch of their broad tail to try and break you off in the nearest oyster reef.
Spotted sea trout bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These fish are pure finesse – they've got excellent eyesight and can be incredibly selective about what they eat. The trout in Matagorda Bay system run anywhere from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to genuine wall-hangers pushing 6-7 pounds. Spring and fall are prime time for numbers, while summer heat pushes them to deeper water and structure. When you hook into a big trout, that first jump and head shake will get your attention real quick. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table.
Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're masters of disguise and incredibly fun to target. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush anything that swims by. Port O'Connor's extensive flats and drop-offs create perfect flounder habitat, and these fish can be caught year-round with peak action typically in fall as they migrate toward deeper water. A good flounder will go 16-20 inches, with some real doormats pushing 4-5 pounds. The bite is often subtle – just a slight tick or the bait feeling heavy – but once you set the hook, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for a fish that spends most of its time lying flat on the bottom.
Black drum round out the roster and provide some serious muscle when they show up. These fish can range from smaller 2-3 pound specimens up to genuine bruisers that'll test your drag and your patience. Black drum are bottom feeders with excellent noses for finding food, making them perfect targets for cut bait or live shrimp fished on the bottom. They're not the fastest fish in the bay, but what they lack in speed they make up for in pure pulling power. A big drum will take line and keep taking it, using its broad body and stubborn nature to wear you down. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or blackened fillets.
Port O'Connor fishing doesn't get much better than this – an experienced captain who knows where the fish live, all the gear you need, and 5 solid hours to put it all together. Captain John's been working these waters long enough to read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly, whether that means hitting the flats at first light or working structure during the heat of the day. The boat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for a family trip or a small group of friends looking to get away from the daily grind. Just remember to grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks (no meals included), and decide whether you want to
Step aboard The Mowdy, a 2019 center console that's built for serious inshore fishing around Port O'Connor's productive waters. This sleek boat packs a 225HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the fish fast, hitting speeds up to 50 knots when you need to cover ground quickly. Captain John knows these flats and back bays like the back of his hand, and with the onboard GPS and fish finder, you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of searching for fish. The boat's designed with easy boarding and plenty of storage for your coolers and gear – no cramped quarters here. Whether you're targeting redfish on the flats, trout in the grass beds, or flounder in the back country, this boat handles the shallow water with ease. Up to 3 anglers can fish comfortably with room to move around when that big red makes its run. All fishing equipment is included, so just bring your appetite for some quality time on the water chasing Port O'Connor's finest game fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, making them serious fighters that'll test your drag. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they root around the bottom like underwater vacuum cleaners. Spring is money time when they school up for spawning - that's when we get multiple hookups. They make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear through the boat hull. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great table fare, but the big bulls are better as trophy photos. My go-to trick: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit still on the bottom near oyster bars. When they pick it up, count to three before setting - they're not in any hurry.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing here. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails run 20-35 inches on average, with bull reds over 40 inches putting up legendary fights. They cruise grass flats, oyster reefs, and back bay shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What hooks guests is watching these fish cruise the flats like submarines, then exploding on topwater lures or perfectly placed live shrimp. They're strong fighters that make long runs and great eating when kept within slot limits. Local secret: look for nervous water or slight wakes in shallow areas during moving tides. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are the bread and butter of Port O'Connor fishing. These silvery beauties with black spots run 14-24 inches typically, though we catch some nice 4-5 pounders. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is peak season, with early morning and evening bites being hottest. They're active feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with aggressive strikes. What makes guests happy is their willingness to bite and excellent table quality - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Winter fishing can be great when they school up in deeper channels. Pro tip: work your lure slowly around grass edges during moving water. When you find one trout, work that area thoroughly since they typically travel in small groups.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud on the bay bottom, changing color to match their surroundings. They're ambush predators with both eyes on their left side, typically running 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them on shallow flats, back bays, and around structure where they wait for shrimp, crabs, and baitfish to drift by. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active. Guests love the challenge of spotting their outline on the bottom, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. Here's my tip: when drifting with live shrimp or mullet, use just enough weight to stay down and fish slow - they'll grab bait and sit there, so give them time to swallow before setting the hook.
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