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Premium Rockport Inshore: Redfish & Drum Adventure
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Rockport, TX
- $670 - $1,500 price range
Summary
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Coastal Catch Showcase
Rockport fishing at its finest!
Texas Fishing
Rockport fishing guides
Hitting Limits in Rockport!
Rockport TX fishing
Hooked on Texas coast night fishing!
Sunrise, saltwater, and big catches!
Rockport hunting at its finest!
Fishing fun on the Texas Gulf!
Redfish action in Rockport!
Rockport fishing at its finest!
Texas Fishing
Rockport fishing guides
Hitting Limits in Rockport!
Rockport TX fishing
Hooked on Texas coast night fishing!
Sunrise, saltwater, and big catches!
Rockport hunting at its finest!
Fishing fun on the Texas Gulf!
Redfish action in Rockport!
Rockport fishing at its finest!
Texas Fishing
Rockport fishing guides
Hitting Limits in Rockport!
Reel in the Big Ones: Rockport's Inshore Action
Get ready to wet a line in some of the most productive inshore waters Texas has to offer. This full-day trip with Bills and Gills Guide Service puts you right where the fish are biting in Rockport's legendary bays and flats. Whether you're after bull reds cruising the shallows or doormat flounder lurking near structure, we've got the local know-how to put you on fish. Bring your A-game and leave the gear to us – we're talking 8 solid hours of non-stop fishing action tailored to what's hot that day.
What's the Skinny on This Trip?
Listen up, anglers. This ain't no pleasure cruise – we're here to fish, and fish hard. From the moment we shove off, it's all about maximizing your time on the water. We'll hit the honey holes where redfish, flounder, and black drum are known to hang out. Your guide's got eyes like a hawk and knows these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about reading the water, working the tides, and adjusting tactics on the fly. Whether you're looking to break your personal best or just want to bend some rods, we've got you covered. And don't worry about bringing anything but your game face – all the gear's provided, so you can focus on the fish, not the logistics.
Tactics and Terrain: The Nitty-Gritty
Alright, let's talk shop. In these parts, we're all about versatility. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next you could be working a soft plastic along a deep channel edge for flounder. We'll likely start the day throwing topwaters or working live bait under a popping cork – nothing beats the excitement of a surface strike. As the sun climbs, we might switch to bouncing jigs off the bottom for those hard-fighting black drum. Drift fishing, wade fishing, or anchoring up on a hot spot – we'll do whatever it takes to put fish in the boat. And with a full 8 hours, we've got time to really dial in what's working and stick with it.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, the redfish – these copper-colored bruisers are the kings of the flats. They'll test your drag and your nerves with blistering runs and dogged fights. In Rockport, we see reds from slot-sized to over 40 inches, with the fall bull red run being a particular highlight. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature tail out of the water.
Next, we've got the southern flounder – the ninja of the inshore world. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. But don't let their looks fool you; they're aggressive predators with a mouth full of teeth. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they start their annual migration to the Gulf. A big flounder over 20 inches is a true trophy, and they're excellent on the dinner table to boot.
The black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These bulldogs of the bay can grow to over 30 pounds, using their powerful tails to give you a run for your money. They're bottom feeders, so we'll often use natural baits like crab or shrimp to tempt them. The bigger ones, called "big uglies" by locals, are catch-and-release, but the smaller ones are fantastic eating.
Last but not least, there's the sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em down here. These speckled beauties are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic jumps. They're often found around grass flats and oyster reefs, and they're suckers for a well-presented lure. A gator trout over 25 inches is the stuff of legend, but even the smaller ones provide great sport on light tackle.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing, but let's get real – it's more than just catching fish that keeps folks coming back to Rockport. It's about that moment when the sun's just coming up, and the water's like glass. It's the thrill of seeing a huge red push a wake in ankle-deep water. It's the satisfaction of outsmarting a crafty flounder or the surprise of hooking into a monster drum when you least expect it. And let's not forget the bragging rights – nothing beats showing off your catch at the cleaning table or sharing stories over a cold one at the end of the day. With Bills and Gills, you're not just getting a guide; you're getting a partner who wants to see you succeed just as much as you do.
Time to Lock In Your Spot
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. If you're serious about putting some bend in your rod and some fish in the cooler, this is the trip for you. We're talking 8 full hours of prime fishing time in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to dial in your technique or just want to experience what Rockport fishing is all about, Bills and Gills has got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your A-game and maybe a lucky hat. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Give us a shout, lock in your date, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. The fish are waiting – are you?
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish areas, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. They use their strong teeth to crush shellfish, so listen for that distinctive drumming sound. Spring is the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and good eating, though stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best flavor. Use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig, and fish it slow. Here's a tip: when you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. Black Drum have tough mouths, so a firm hookset is key. Just be ready for a workout when you hook into one of these bruisers!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. You'll spot 'em by that trademark black dot near the tail. They love shallow water, often tailing in just 1-4 feet deep around grass flats, oyster reefs, and mud bottoms. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much bigger. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try topwater lures in the shallows for explosive strikes, or use soft plastics and live bait like shrimp or mullet. Here's a local tip: look for "nervous water" or swirls – that's often Redfish feeding. Cast beyond them and work your lure through the area. When a Red takes off, hang on tight – these fish can really make your drag sing!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in our coastal waters. They typically run 14 to 24 inches and love to hang out in grass flats and shallow areas, especially at night. Look for them around structure like oyster reefs or deeper channels in cooler months. These fish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Anglers prize them for their delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. To catch Sea Trout, try using artificial lures like topwater plugs or soft plastics that mimic shrimp or small baitfish. Work these lures with a twitching retrieve to trigger strikes. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for "slicks" on the water surface – these oily spots often indicate feeding trout. Cast your lure nearby and hang on!
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and estuaries. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches. These ambush predators lie in wait for small fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, mild flavor. To catch 'em, use a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live bait like mullet or shrimp. Work your lure or bait along the bottom, especially near drop-offs or structures. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and sweep the rod to the side. These flatfish put up a unique fight, so hang on tight once you hook one!
About the Diamondback Airboat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 450
