Top-Rated Rockport Inshore: Redfish & Trout Trip

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Spend a full day on the water with this 7-hour inshore fishing charter in Rockport, TX. Perfect for newcomers to fishing, you'll target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum in the productive coastal waters. Your local guide from Bills and Gills Guide Service will show you the ropes, offering tips to improve your technique throughout the day. With all gear provided, you can focus on learning and enjoying the experience. The relaxed pace gives you time to work different spots as the tides change, increasing your chances of a good catch. Whether you're figuring out your first cast or aiming to land a keeper, this private trip for two offers plenty of opportunities to explore Rockport's rich inshore fishing grounds. It's a great way to get a feel for Gulf Coast angling in a laid-back, learning-friendly environment.

Top-Rated Rockport Inshore: Redfish & Trout Trip

Rockport Inshore Action

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!

Reel in Redfish & Trout in Rockport's Hotspots

Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore fishing spots Texas has to offer? This full-day charter in Rockport is your ticket to hooking into redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need. Spend 7 hours exploring Rockport's rich bays and flats, learning the ropes from a local pro who knows these waters like the back of their hand. It's just you, a buddy, and miles of fish-filled water - now that's a recipe for a dang good day on the coast.

What to Expect on the Water

Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet up bright and early at the dock, load up the boat, and hit the water as the sun's coming up. That's when the fish are most active, and we want to make the most of it. Your guide will run you through the game plan for the day, showing you how to work different spots as the tides change. We're talking grass flats, oyster reefs, and channels where the big ones like to hang out. No need to pack any gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and all the bait and tackle you'll need. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two).

Fishing 101: Rockport Style

Never held a fishing rod before? No sweat. Your guide's got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need. We'll start with the basics - how to cast, set the hook, and reel in your catch. As the day goes on, we'll fine-tune your technique. Maybe you'll try your hand at sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, or jigging for trout around structure. The beauty of inshore fishing is there's always something biting, and always something new to learn. By the end of the day, you'll be reading the water like a pro and maybe even out-fishing your guide (but don't tell 'em we said that).

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their hard-fighting spirit, redfish can range from "rat reds" under 20 inches to bull reds over 40 inches. Look for their trademark spot near the tail - legend has it each spot represents a crab the fish has eaten. Redfish love to cruise the flats and will readily take a well-presented lure or bait. The fall "redfish run" is prime time to catch these beauties, but they're around all year.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are actually members of the drum family. They're known for their delicate flavor and their willingness to hit topwater lures, making for some exciting surface action. Specks hang around grass beds and drop-offs, often in schools. The biggest ones, called "gator trout," can push 30 inches and put up one heck of a fight.

Black Drum: The workhorses of the bay, black drum are built like linebackers and fight like 'em too. These bottom-feeders have distinctive chin barbels they use to root out crabs and shrimp. While the smaller ones (under 10 pounds) are great eating, the big ones can top 50 pounds and are more about the photo op than the dinner plate. Black drum are most active in the cooler months, making them a perfect target when other species slow down.

Southern Flounder: These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse - you'll often feel just a slight 'tick' on the line when they grab your bait. But what they lack in aggressive strikes, they make up for in taste. Flounder are some of the best-eating fish in the bay, and catching one is always a treat. Fall is the prime time for flounder as they start their migration to the Gulf.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish Rockport once tend to make it a regular thing, and it's not hard to see why. The variety of fish and fishing styles keeps things interesting - one minute you're sight-casting to reds in gin-clear water, the next you're working a deep channel for monster trout. And let's not forget the scenery. Rockport's got some of the prettiest coastline in Texas, with plenty of wildlife to spot between casts. Herons stalking the shallows, dolphins cruising by, maybe even a gator sunning on a bank. It's not just fishing - it's a full-on coastal experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we could go on all day about the fish you might catch or the memories you'll make, but at some point, you've just gotta get out there and see for yourself. This 7-hour trip is the perfect intro to Rockport's inshore fishing scene. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new tricks, or just enjoy a day on the water, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and your guide's ready to show you the best spots. All that's missing is you. So what do you say - ready to see what's on the end of the line in Rockport?

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweight champs of the drum family, often reaching 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, hanging around oyster beds and mudflats. They're not picky eaters, crushing shellfish with powerful teeth. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight these bruisers put up, especially on light tackle. Just remember, the bigger ones over 15 pounds can be tough and less tasty. For eating, stick to the smaller "puppy drum" under 10 pounds. They've got a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Listen closely - you might hear their distinctive drumming sound underwater. Here's a local secret: when the water's cool, fish the deeper holes where they congregate.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. They're easy to spot with that signature black dot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in 1-2 feet. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshes. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, often making long runs when hooked. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. They're great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. To land one, try sight-casting with soft plastics or live bait. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their copper backs reflecting in shallow water. Cast ahead of them and wait for the explosion.

Sea Trout

Also known as Speckled Trout, these fish are a favorite among Rockport anglers. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with a silvery body covered in dark spots. You'll find them in grass flats, around structures, and in deeper channels during winter. Sea Trout are aggressive feeders, chasing bait fish and shrimp. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love their acrobatic fights and delicate, flaky meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Try using soft plastics, topwater lures, or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. They often school up, so work an area thoroughly once you get a bite.

Southern Flounder

These flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Most run 15-18 inches, but they can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. Southern Flounder are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor. They put up a decent fight too, especially the bigger ones. To hook one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait or slow-moving jigs. Here's a local tip: 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

Ready for a laid-back day of fishing in Rockport? This 7-hour inshore charter is perfect if you're new to angling or just want a relaxed outing on the water. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in the productive waters around Rockport. With two spots available, bring a friend and spend the day improving your technique. Don't worry about gear - all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided. Your local guide will be there to offer tips and help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're hoping to land your first keeper or just enjoy a peaceful day fishing, this trip gives you plenty of time to work different spots as the tides change. It's a great way to experience the rich fishing grounds of the Texas coast at an easygoing pace.

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