Port O'Connor Fishing With Captain John
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain John guides inshore trips targeting redfish, trout, and flounderFivehour adventures accommodate up to three guests with gear providedMultiple bait options available including artificial lures and live bait
Port O'Connor sits right where the Texas coast gets serious about fishing. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best inshore action the Gulf Coast has to offer. This isn't your typical charter – it's a 5-hour adventure that'll have you working the flats and back bays where the big reds cruise and the trout stack up. Whether you're bringing the family or hitting the water with your fishing buddies, Captain John's got the experience to make it count.
You'll be fishing prime inshore waters where Port O'Connor's reputation was built. Captain John runs a tight ship that accommodates up to three anglers, so you're not fighting for elbow room or competing with a crowd. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility – you can throw artificials if you want to work for your fish, or Captain John can set you up with live bait for $100 extra when the fish are being picky. Dead bait's also on the table when conditions call for it. All your gear comes with the trip, but if you're planning to wade the flats, bring your own boots or let Captain John know ahead of time. The back bays around Port O'Connor are where the magic happens – shallow, clear water where you can sight-fish and watch these fish work. The flats fishing here is world-class, and Captain John knows exactly when to move and where to set up based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing.
Port O'Connor fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain John switches between techniques based on what's working – some days the fish want topwater action early, other days they're hugging structure and you need to get down deep with soft plastics. The artificial game here is strong, with everything from spoons and spinners to soft plastics and topwater plugs producing fish. When the bite gets tough, live bait becomes your ace in the hole. Shrimp, finger mullet, and live croaker can turn a slow day around fast, especially when you're targeting trophy reds or finicky trout. The wading opportunities are what set this area apart – getting out of the boat and stalking fish in knee-deep water is as good as it gets for inshore fishing. Captain John reads the conditions and knows when it's time to wade versus staying in the boat and covering water.
Redfish are the backbone of Port O'Connor fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what most anglers come here to catch. Reds in this area run from slot-sized fish perfect for dinner to oversized bulls that'll test your drag and your patience. They cruise the flats in schools during the warmer months and stack up in the deeper back bay areas when it cools off. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater baits and put up a serious fight in shallow water. The sight of a red's back cutting through two feet of water never gets old, and Captain John knows exactly where to find them based on tide and time of year. Spring and fall are prime time for numbers, while summer brings the big bulls that'll make your arms ache.
Sea trout are the other major player in these waters, and Port O'Connor's trout fishing is legendary along the Texas coast. These fish are structure-oriented and love to hang around shell reefs, drop-offs, and grass beds where they can ambush baitfish. Trout fishing here requires finesse – light tackle, precise presentations, and knowing how to work soft plastics just right. The best trout action happens early morning and late evening, and Captain John times the trips to hit these prime feeding windows. Winter months bring some of the biggest trout of the year, when the cold water concentrates fish and the big sows move shallow to feed. A good trout bite can produce dozens of fish, and the eating quality is top-notch.
Southern flounder add variety to the mix and are a customer favorite for their unique fighting style and excellent table fare. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for prey to swim by. Flounder fishing is all about working the bottom with live bait or dragging soft plastics slowly across their territory. The back bays around Port O'Connor hold solid populations of keeper-sized flounder, especially during their fall migration when they're moving toward the Gulf to spawn. Captain John knows the productive mud flats and channels where flounder concentrate, and he'll put you on fish that most anglers never find. Fall months are peak season, but these fish are catchable year-round if you know where to look.
Black drum round out the target species list and provide some of the most consistent action in the area. These fish are bottom-feeders that love crabs, shrimp, and cut bait, making them perfect targets when you want steady action. Black drum in Port O'Connor waters range from smaller fish perfect for kids and beginners to bruiser bulls that can top 30 pounds. They're not the prettiest fish in the bay, but they fight hard and are surprisingly good eating when prepared right. The great thing about drum fishing is the consistency – when other species are being temperamental, you can usually count on finding drum willing to bite. Captain John targets them around structure and in the deeper holes where they school up.
Port O'Connor fishing with Captain John delivers the complete inshore experience. Five hours on the water gives you time to work different areas, try various techniques, and put together a solid day of fishing. The flexibility to choose your bait approach means you can fish your style or try something new. With all gear provided and a captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you step on the boat. Whether you're after a family fishing trip that'll create lasting memories or a serious fishing adventure with your crew, Captain John's got the local knowledge and experience
Set out on Port O'Connor's productive inshore waters aboard The Mowdy, a well-equipped 2019 center console that handles the shallow flats and back bays with ease. This fishing machine runs on a reliable 225HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the fish fast, hitting speeds up to 50 knots when conditions allow. The boat's design makes boarding simple, and there's ample storage for your coolers and personal gear. Captain John knows these waters inside and out, targeting prime redfish, trout, and flounder spots using GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate the action. Whether you prefer casting artificials, fishing with live bait, or using cut bait, all tackle is provided. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 3 anglers, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. These 5-hour trips cover the best fishing grounds around Port O'Connor, from grass flats where reds cruise in skinny water to deeper bay structure where trout stack up. If you want to get out and wade the flats, just bring your own boots. Live bait runs an extra $100 but can make the difference when fish are finicky.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with most fish running 10-20 pounds, though we hook into 30-40 pounders regularly. They cruise oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time, especially during spawning when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up - no crazy jumps, just pure bulldog power. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating; the big breeders get tough and stringy. Pro tip: fresh crab is king for bait, and don't set the hook too quick - let them really take it before you lean into them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the golden boys of our flats, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and that signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-28 inches, perfect slot fish that fight like bulldogs in shallow water. They cruise grass flats, oyster reefs, and back bay shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. Guests go crazy for the visual fishing - watching these copper missiles cruise the shallows and blow up on topwater lures. The smaller slot fish are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's the key: when you see them tailing or cruising, cast well ahead and work your bait slowly past their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our bay system, running 14-20 inches on average with those beautiful black spots covering their silver sides. They hang around grass flats, deeper holes, and drop-offs, especially where baitfish gather. Cool mornings and evenings are money time, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. The meat is top-notch too, with delicate white flakes that taste great fried or grilled. My local secret is to target them around dawn with topwater plugs over grass beds. When you see them busting bait on the surface, get ready for some fast action.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches around here, though we've seen some push 25+ inches. They love shallow bays, flats, and anywhere with soft bottom where they can hide. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What makes them special is watching one materialize from what looked like empty bottom - plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick is to work your bait slow along the bottom and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite. They don't slam it like a trout, so stay patient and set the hook on anything that feels different.
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