Get ready for a full day of rod-bending action on the rich waters of Rockport, Texas. This 7-hour private fishing charter is your ticket to some of the best inshore angling the Lone Star State has to offer. Whether you're chasing your personal best or just love the thrill of being on the water, this trip has something for every angler. With Bills and Gills Guide Service, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing, local knowledge, and the chance to land some impressive catches.
As soon as you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement building. Your experienced guide will get you set up with top-notch gear and share some local fishing wisdom. We'll cruise out to the prime fishing spots, targeting the day's hottest bite. With a full 7 hours on the water, we've got time to try different techniques and locations. The beauty of a longer trip is that even if the morning bite is slow, we can stick it out and often see the action heat up as the day goes on. You'll have plenty of chances to hook into some bruiser redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. And don't forget about the elusive flounder – they're a real treat when we can find 'em.
On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might do some drift fishing over grass flats, work the edges of oyster reefs, or even try some sight casting in the shallows. We'll rig up with a variety of baits – live shrimp are always a favorite, but we also keep some soft plastics and topwater lures on hand for when the fish are feeling frisky. All the gear you need is included, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Just bring your lucky fishing hat and we'll take care of the rest. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – your guide will be right there to help you perfect your technique and land those fish.
"Great time and caught a bunch of fish. Will definitely use them again." - alan
Southern Flounder: These flat masters are the ninjas of the inshore world. They're experts at camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder fishing is all about patience and a keen eye. When you hook one, get ready for a unique fight as they use their flat bodies to resist being reeled in. The best time to target flounder is during their fall run, typically from October to December. Anglers love 'em not just for the challenge, but also because they're some of the tastiest fish in the sea.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and can grow to impressive sizes. These cousins of the redfish are known for their distinctive chin barbels and the croaking sound they make. You can catch them year-round, but the bigger ones, sometimes called "bull drums," are most active in late winter and early spring. When you hook a big one, hold on tight – they've got some serious pulling power.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing in Rockport. They're known for their speckled pattern and their delicate, almost see-through fins. Trout are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels. The best time to target them is usually early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding. Listen for their distinctive "popping" sound as they attack bait on the surface – it's a sure sign you're in for some action.
Redfish: The rockstars of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are prized for their hard-fighting nature and that distinctive spot on their tail. These copper-colored beauties can be found in Rockport's waters year-round, but the fall "bull red" run is something special. Sight-casting to tailing reds in shallow water is an unforgettable experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. When you hook one, be ready for a drag-screaming run that'll test your tackle and your skills.
This 7-hour fishing trip in Rockport is more than just a chance to catch fish – it's an opportunity to create lasting memories on the water. With Bills and Gills Guide Service, you're getting a top-rated experience led by guides who know these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is tailored to give you the best shot at landing some impressive catches. The extended time on the water means more casts, more fish, and more fun. Don't let this chance slip away – the fish are biting, and your next big catch is waiting. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing in beautiful Rockport, Texas. Trust us, your only regret will be not booking sooner!
July 6, 2025
Black Drum are the big cousins of Redfish, known for their size and the drumming sound they make. Most weigh 5-30 pounds, but they can get up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in estuaries. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws that crush shellfish. Spring's the best time to target them, when they school up for spawning. Anglers love the fight of a big Drum, but keep in mind the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) taste better. For bait, nothing beats fresh crab or shrimp. Here's a tip: if you're after the big ones, use heavier tackle and be patient. These fish can put up a stubborn fight, so take your time and wear them out.
Redfish are a staple here in Texas waters. They're easily spotted by their copper color and black tail spot. Most inshore reds are 20-28 inches, but they can grow much larger offshore. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster reefs, and in the grass flats. They love to cruise in water so shallow their backs break the surface - we call that "tailing." Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Here's a tip: when sight-casting to tailing reds, place your lure well ahead of the fish and slowly work it into their path. A noisy splash right on top of them will often spook these wary feeders.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Rockport. They usually run 14-24 inches and prefer shallow, grassy flats. Look for them around structures like oyster reefs or drop-offs. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. They're not picky eaters, so lures like topwater plugs, soft plastics, and jigs all work well. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for them creating "slicks" on the water's surface. These oily patches are a dead giveaway that trout are feeding nearby. Cast your lure just past the slick and work it back through - you're almost guaranteed a hit.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for prey, making them a fun challenge to target. Spring and fall are prime seasons as flounder move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love their fight and delicious, flaky white meat. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow. That pause can mean the difference between a catch and a miss.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
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Horsepower per Engine: 450
Great time and caught a bunch of fish. Will definitely use them again.