Get ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer. This 8-hour trip out of Port O'Connor puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking primo spots for Trout, Redfish, and Black Drum that'll make your drag sing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our experienced captain knows exactly where to find the honey holes. With top-notch gear provided, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat. Grab your buddies or bring the family – this full-day trip is perfect for making memories and filling up the cooler.
Picture this: You're cruising through the scenic bays and back lakes of Port O'Connor, the sun's just coming up, and there's a chill in the air that says it's gonna be a good day for fishing. Our seasoned captain's at the helm, ready to put you on the fish. We'll hit up all the local hotspots – from grass flats to oyster reefs – where the big ones like to hang out. You'll be casting, reeling, and hopefully hollering "Fish on!" before you know it. This isn't some rushed half-day deal; we're talking a full 8 hours on the water. That means plenty of time to try different spots and techniques until we find what's working. And don't worry about bringing gear – we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and tackle that'll stand up to whatever decides to bite.
Alright, let's talk tactics. In these parts, we're all about light tackle and artificial lures. You'll be tossing soft plastics, topwater plugs, and maybe even fly fishing if that's your thing. We'll show you how to work a popping cork for those speckled trout or how to sight-cast to tailing redfish in the shallows. If the bite's slow, we might switch it up and drift with live bait – nothing beats a frisky mullet for enticing a big red. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what you'll hook into next. One minute you're fighting a bull red, the next you're reeling in a fat flounder. It's all about reading the water, feeling the bite, and setting the hook just right. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – our guide's got plenty of patience and knows how to put even first-timers on fish.
Let's break down the all-stars you'll be chasing in Port O'Connor's waters. First up, the Redfish – these copper-colored bruisers are what inshore dreams are made of. They'll test your drag and your biceps, especially when you hook into a big bull red. Best time to target them? Fall, when they school up and go on feeding frenzies that'll make your heart race.
Next, we've got Speckled Trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em. These spotted beauties are prized for their delicate flavor and the challenge they offer. They're suckers for a well-presented lure, and when they're biting, it's non-stop action. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look.
Don't overlook the Black Drum – these big uglies might not win any beauty contests, but they sure put up a fight. They love to hang around structure and can grow to monster sizes. Winter's when they really shine, with big schools moving into the bays. Nothing beats the thump-thump of a drum taking your bait.
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" thanks to their distinctive stripes, are the sneaky thieves of the inshore world. They're experts at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a treat. These guys are structure-oriented and love hanging around pilings and jetties. Early spring is prime time when they move in to spawn.
Last but not least, there's the Tripletail. These odd-looking fish are a real treat to catch and eat. They have a habit of floating near the surface, mimicking debris, which makes sight-fishing for them a blast. Late summer and fall are your best bets for targeting these peculiar predators.
Folks, let me tell you, there's something special about fishing these waters that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as we head out in the morning, or the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water. Could be the satisfaction of a perfectly placed cast or the unmistakable head shake of a big trout on the line. Whatever it is, Port O'Connor's got that magic that turns first-timers into lifelong fans. Our trips are more than just fishing – they're about making connections, swapping stories, and creating those "remember when" moments that'll have you grinning for years to come.
Listen up, anglers – whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the freezer, or just soak up some quality time on the water, this 8-hour inshore trip in Port O'Connor is your ticket. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and the prime spots to make your day on the water one for the books. With room for up to three guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. Don't let another season slip by without wetting a line in these legendary waters. The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and we're ready to show you why Port O'Connor is a top-rated destination for inshore fishing. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and let's get out there and make some fishing memories!
Tripletail are an odd but exciting catch around here. These funky-looking fish typically run 2-13 pounds, but can get up to 40 pounds. You'll find them near the surface, often mimicking floating debris. They're ambush predators, so we look for them around weed lines and structure. Summer's the prime time, especially July and August when they're spawning. Sight fishing for tripletail is a blast - we'll scan the water and try to spot their distinctive shape. Once you see one, you've gotta be stealthy. I like to cast past them and slowly work the bait back. They put up a surprisingly acrobatic fight for their bulky build. As a bonus, tripletail make excellent table fare, with firm white meat similar to snapper. My top tip: bring polarized glasses to help spot these masters of camouflage.
Sheepshead are those funky-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can get up over 20 pounds. You'll find them around any hard structure - pier pilings, jetties, reefs - where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Early spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. They put up a solid fight for their size. The white, flaky meat is delicious, but cleaning them can be a pain due to their tough scales. Best bait is fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. Just be ready when they start biting!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of inshore fishing here. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and deeper channels, especially at night. They're suckers for live shrimp or artificials that mimic their prey. Winter's actually a great time to target bigger trout as they school up in deeper holes. These fish are known for their soft, delicate meat, but be careful not to overcook it. Trout fishing is all about finesse - use light tackle and a gentle touch. My go-to trick is to fish a soft plastic under a popping cork. The noise draws them in, then they can't resist the fluttering lure.
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties typically run 28-33 inches when mature, but can grow over 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in just 1-4 feet. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and structure like old piers. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's not too hot. Reds put up a great fight, especially in the skinny water where they can really use their strength. They're also delicious eating fish with a light, sweet flavor. Keep an eye out for their distinctive tail spot - it's actually a false eye to fool predators. My favorite way to target them is with topwater lures early in the morning. There's nothing like seeing a big red crush a lure on the surface!
Black drum are the big cousins of redfish, and they can get huge - up to 90 pounds! Most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range though. You'll find them in similar spots to reds - shallow flats, oyster beds, and around structure. They love crustaceans, so crab and shrimp are top baits. Spring's the best time as they gather to spawn. Drum make that distinctive croaking sound, which is pretty cool to hear. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough and not as tasty. They're not the prettiest fish, but man can they pull! Use heavy tackle for the big boys. My top tip: fish the bottom with a Carolina rig and fresh crab - they can't resist it.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250