Rockport Family Fishing: Redfish & Drum Adventure

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Rockport, TX
$670 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Looking for a full day of fishing action with the whole family? This 8-hour charter in Rockport, TX is perfect for groups up to six, no matter your skill level. We'll be targeting some of the most popular inshore species along the Texas coast - Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum. Your licensed guide from Bills and Gills Guide Service takes care of all the gear and knows just where to find the fish, so you can focus on making memories and reeling in some great catches. It's an ideal setup for introducing kids to fishing or spending quality time with relatives out on the water. With consistent action throughout the day, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of learning opportunities, this trip offers something for everyone in your group. Just bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a day of coastal fishing you won't soon forget.

Rockport Family Fishing: Redfish & Drum Adventure

Coastal Catch Highlights

Group of 5 people enjoying a fishing trip in TX

Rockport TX fishing

Hooked on Texas coast night fishing!

Sunrise, saltwater, and big catches!

Rockport hunting at its finest!

Family Fishing Fun in Rockport's Coastal Waters

Get ready for a day of non-stop fishing action with the whole family! This 8-hour charter in Rockport, TX is perfect for groups up to 6 looking to reel in some of the Gulf Coast's most popular inshore species. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or just want a relaxed day on the water with your crew, Bills and Gills Guide Service has you covered. We'll be targeting redfish, flounder, and black drum - all fun fighters that'll keep rods bent all day long.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't your average fishing trip, folks. We're talking about a full day (that's 8 hours!) of prime fishing time in some of Rockport's best inshore spots. Your experienced guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be hitting all the local honey holes. Don't sweat the gear - we provide everything you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. That means less fuss for you and more time actually fishing. Whether you've got first-timers or seasoned anglers in your group, we'll make sure everyone's having a blast and hooking fish.

Fishing Know-How for Inshore Success

Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be using a mix of techniques to target our inshore slam. For redfish, we might be sight-casting in the shallows or working deeper channels with soft plastics. Flounder love to ambush their prey, so we'll be dragging baits along drop-offs and around structure. Black drum? These bruisers often hang out near oyster reefs, so we'll set up with natural baits and wait for the telltale thump. Your guide will show you the ropes, from how to work a lure to setting the hook just right. It's hands-on learning that'll up your fishing game in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the big three we're after on this trip. First up, redfish - these copper-colored beauties are known for their hard pulls and stubborn fights. They love to cruise the flats and can often be spotted by their tell-tale tail. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, but they're around all year. Flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world. These flat fish are masters of camouflage and deliver a unique fight as they use their broad bodies to resist. Fall is the best time to target big flounder as they migrate to spawn. Last but not least, black drum. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes and are known for their powerful, dogged fights. They're most active in the cooler months, making for great winter fishing.

Top Catches This Season

Rockport's inshore waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been reporting consistent catches of slot-sized redfish, with some real bulls mixed in. The flounder bite has been picking up as we head into fall, with some doormat-sized fish being landed around structure and drop-offs. Black drum action has been steady, with schools of smaller fish providing non-stop action and the occasional big boy testing anglers' stamina. Remember, it's not just about size - the variety of species and the chance to learn new techniques make every trip unique.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these Rockport waters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing redfish in gin-clear water. Or the satisfaction of outsmarting a crafty flounder. Could be the heart-pounding fight of a big black drum that decides to test your drag. But if you ask me, it's the memories made with family and friends that really seal the deal. Seeing a kid's face light up when they land their first fish, or watching grandpa show he's still got it - those are the moments that make this job the best in the world.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that's perfect for the whole family, this is it. With Bills and Gills Guide Service, you're not just getting a day on the water - you're getting a chance to create lasting memories, learn new skills, and hopefully put some fish in the cooler. Our experienced guides know how to make sure everyone has a great time, regardless of skill level. And with all gear provided, it couldn't be easier to just show up and start fishing. The inshore waters of Rockport are calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't let this opportunity slip away - book your trip now and get ready for a day of family fishing fun you won't forget!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, found in Rockport's shallow bays and estuaries. These bruisers can hit 90 pounds, but the sweet spot for eating is 5-15 pounds – bigger ones get tough. Look for them around oyster beds and mudflats, often in water less than 3 feet deep. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, making that signature drumming sound. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fights and good table fare. They're not picky eaters, so fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait on the bottom usually does the trick. Here's a local tip: if you're sight-fishing, watch for their tails breaking the surface as they root around for food. Cast ahead of them and slowly drag your bait into their path.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Rockport's flats. These copper-colored beauties with the telltale black spot near the tail typically run 20 to 30 inches in the bays. Look for them in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water, hunting crabs and baitfish. Fall is prime time when big schools move into the flats. Anglers love Reds for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, but it's hard to beat a gold spoon or a live mullet. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, cruise the shorelines and look for nervous water or wakes. Once you spot a school, quietly position upwind and make long casts ahead of their path. The explosion when a Red crushes a topwater lure is something you won't forget.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Rockport anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14 to 24 inches, though some monsters push 30 inches. You'll find them in grass flats, channels, and around structure in 3 to 6 feet of water. They're active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. Trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, making them a blast on light tackle. Their flaky white meat is prized for the dinner table too. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a go-to method, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwaters work great. Pro tip: focus on areas where deeper water meets the shallows, especially during tide changes. That's where trout ambush bait fish moving with the current.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. Look for them in bays, estuaries, and near oyster reefs. Fall is prime time as they migrate to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They're not known for big fights, but landing one takes skill. Try drifting with live bait like mullet or shrimp, keeping it close to the bottom. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey and reposition it before swallowing, so patience pays off.

About the Diamondback Airboat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 450

Join us for a laid-back day of fishing in the scenic waters around Rockport, TX. Our 8-hour family charter is perfect for groups of up to six looking to reel in some local favorites like Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum. Whether you're teaching the kids or just enjoying time with friends, our experienced guide will make sure everyone has a great time on the water. We provide all the gear you need, so you can focus on making memories and maybe catching dinner. With plenty of room to move around and consistent action throughout the day, this trip offers a fun and relaxing way to experience the best of Texas inshore fishing. No experience necessary – just bring your sense of adventure and get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully some impressive catches to brag about later.

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