Premier Port O'Connor Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: September 8, 2025
Fishing

Port O'Connor, TX
$475 - $650 price range

Summary

Join Captain John Ashley for a full day of inshore fishing in Port O'Connor, Texas. This 8-hour weekend charter takes you through local bays and back lakes, targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, you'll find plenty to enjoy. The captain provides all the gear, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on honing your technique and reeling in fish. With hands-on instruction and access to prime fishing spots, you'll get the most out of your time on the water. It's a great option for families or small groups looking for a structured, informative day of fishing. Captain John's local knowledge ensures you'll hit the best spots while staying safe. By the end of the day, you'll have gained new skills, made memories, and hopefully landed some impressive catches in the productive waters of Port O'Connor.

Premier Port O'Connor Inshore Fishing Charter

Inshore Action Shots

One fishing rod with line in the water at Port O'Connor

Catch of the Day! Redfish from Texas' waters

Redfish Fishing Haul In Texas

Serene Fishing In Texas

Fisherman's view of the port in Port O'Connor

Finest Redfish Caught In Texas

Weekend Fishing Hotspot: Port O'Connor Inshore

Ready to get your line wet in some of Texas' most productive inshore waters? Captain John Ashley's weekend charter in Port O'Connor is your ticket to a full day of rod-bending action. Whether you're looking to put some serious fish in the cooler or just want to enjoy a day on the water with family, this 8-hour trip has you covered. We'll hit the bays and back lakes where the big ones lurk, targeting redfish, specks, and drum. No need to lug your gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and bait all set for you. From first-timers to seasoned anglers, everyone's welcome aboard for a day of fishing, learning, and good old-fashioned fun on the Texas coast.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step onto Capt. John's boat, you're in for a real treat. We'll cruise out into Port O'Connor's maze of bays and hidden back lakes – spots that only the locals know. These waters are teeming with fish, and John knows just where to find 'em. You'll spend the day casting, reeling, and hopefully hauling in some hefty redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – John's got a knack for teaching and will have you casting like a pro in no time. And for you experienced anglers, he'll put you on the fish and maybe even share a few local secrets. With room for three guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Just remember to bring your sun protection, some snacks, and a good attitude – we'll take care of the rest!

Techniques & Gear Lowdown

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques. Depending on where the fish are biting, we might be drifting grass flats, working oyster reefs, or sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. Capt. John provides all the gear you'll need – we're talking quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line, and a variety of lures and live bait to tempt even the pickiest fish. We might throw soft plastics, work topwater lures, or soak some live shrimp under a popping cork. John's boat is set up for inshore fishing success, with a stable platform for casting and plenty of storage for your catch. He'll show you how to read the water, spot fish signs, and present your bait just right. By the end of the day, you'll have picked up some new skills and hopefully landed a few bragging-rights fish to boot.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. When a big red takes your bait, hold on tight – you're in for a fight!

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. Specks are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. They often school up, so when you find one, you've likely found many. Their delicate white flesh makes them a prized eating fish, too.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are fun to catch and good to eat (especially the smaller ones). These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with some of the biggest ones sporting "chin whiskers" that make them look like overgrown catfish. They love to hang around structure and will put up a stubborn fight when hooked.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are one of the oddest-looking fish you'll encounter. They're notorious bait stealers, using those chompers to pick crabs and barnacles off pilings. Landing a big sheepshead takes finesse and patience, but their firm, white meat makes it worth the effort.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Port O'Connor might not be as well-known as some other Texas fishing destinations, but that's part of its charm. The lack of crowds means more fish for you, and the scenery is hard to beat. From the vast expanse of Matagorda Bay to the maze-like back lakes, there's always somewhere new to explore. Capt. John's local knowledge is the key to unlocking this fishery's potential. He knows which spots are producing and how to adjust tactics based on conditions. Whether you're after a cooler full of fish for a family fish fry or looking to land that trophy redfish, John will put you in the right place at the right time. Plus, the laid-back vibe of Port O'Connor means you can relax and enjoy your time on the water without the hustle and bustle of bigger tourist spots.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to wet a line in some of Texas' most productive inshore waters, Capt. John Ashley's weekend charter in Port O'Connor is calling your name. With all gear provided, expert guidance, and access to prime fishing spots, it's a hassle-free way to experience the best of Gulf Coast angling. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, you'll come away with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a few fish stories to tell. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Round up your fishing buddies or bring the family for a day of fun, sun, and non-stop action on the water. Book now and get ready to discover why Port O'Connor is Texas' best-kept fishing secret!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters, usually weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom-feeders with strong jaws, crushing shellfish and crabs. Spring's the prime time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful runs and good table fare, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To land one, use fresh crab or clam on a heavy bottom rig. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it can give away their location in shallow water. Just remember, the big ones over 15 pounds tend to be tough and not as tasty, so consider releasing those to fight another day.

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties, with their trademark spot near the tail, typically range from 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love to cruise around oyster reefs, grass beds, and mud bottoms. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize redfish for their strong runs and excellent table fare. To hook one, try a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp imitation. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast beyond them and slowly retrieve your lure into their path for an explosive strike.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a favorite among our inshore anglers. These silvery, spotted fish usually run 14-24 inches and put up a good fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush bait, so look for them around drop-offs and creek mouths. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Anglers enjoy their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. To boost your chances, try working a soft plastic shrimp imitation or topwater plug along grass edges early in the morning. Local tip: on calm days, watch for their distinctive V-shaped wakes in shallow water – that's your cue to make a cast right in their path.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddballs of our inshore waters, sporting human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might tangle with a 20-pounder if you're lucky. Look for them around any structure with barnacles – docks, bridges, and jetties are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard. Spring's the best time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these crafty fish, and their sweet, white meat makes excellent table fare. Here's a tip: use a small, strong hook with fiddler crab or live shrimp. Get your bait right up against the structure, that's where they're feeding on barnacles and crustaceans.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Evinrude

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready to wet a line in Port O'Connor? Captain John Ashley's weekend inshore charter delivers a full 8 hours of fishing action in the bays and back lakes. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in some of the area's most productive spots. No need to worry about gear - everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to bait. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced angler, Captain John offers hands-on guidance to help you improve your technique and land more fish. With room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for a family outing or small group of friends. Expect a well-organized day on the water with plenty of fishing opportunities and expert navigation to the best local honey holes. By the end of your trip, you'll have gained new skills, made memories, and hopefully caught a few good ones for the cooler.