Pro Angler's Dream: Port O'Connor Inshore Trip

Published Date: September 8, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for a productive day chasing inshore fish in Port O'Connor? Captain John Ashley's 5-hour charter is tailored for anglers looking to make the most of their time on the water. You'll be targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum in the prime spots around the bays and back lakes. All gear and bait are provided, so you can focus on perfecting your technique or landing that trophy catch. Whether you're an experienced angler or still honing your skills, this trip offers expert guidance and access to the best fishing grounds in the area. With room for up to three guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and local knowledge from the captain. It's a great chance to sharpen your inshore fishing game in one of Texas' top coastal destinations.

Pro Angler's Dream: Port O'Connor Inshore Trip

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

Pro Angler's Dream: Port O'Connor Inshore

Get ready to fish like a pro in the rich waters of Port O'Connor, Texas. This 5-hour inshore charter is tailor-made for serious anglers looking to make every cast count. Whether you're aiming to fine-tune your technique or land that trophy catch, Captain John Ashley's got you covered. With all the gear provided and access to the hottest fishing spots, you'll be set for a day of non-stop action chasing Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum. It's time to see why Port O'Connor is a top-rated destination for inshore fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard, you'll know you're in for a real fishing experience. Captain John doesn't mess around – he's all about getting you on the fish. You'll cruise through Port O'Connor's maze of bays and back lakes, hitting prime spots that only the locals know. The boat's set up for easy casting, so you can focus on your technique without any hassle. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or working a topwater for specks, you'll have plenty of chances to put your skills to the test. And don't worry if you're still learning the ropes – the Captain's always ready with a tip or two to help you land that big one.

Tactics and Terrain

This isn't your average cast-and-hope fishing trip. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. Expect to do some wade fishing in the shallows, feeling the water and stalking fish like a true pro. When the bite's on, you might be tossing soft plastics along grass lines or working a popping cork over oyster reefs. The Captain's always got an eye on the tides and weather, so he'll adjust the game plan to keep you in the action. Port O'Connor's waters are diverse – one minute you might be drifting a deep channel, the next you're poling through a quiet back lake. It's this variety that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rockstars of Port O'Connor's inshore scene. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. You'll find them tailing in the shallows or cruising along grass lines, ready to smash a well-placed lure. The best time to target big reds is in the fall when they school up before heading offshore to spawn. Nothing beats the sight of a big red's tail waving in the air as it roots for crabs in the shallows.

Speckled Trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These spotted beauties are prized for their delicate flavor and the challenge they present to anglers. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Specks love to hang around structure, so expect to cast near oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs. The thrill of a speck exploding on a topwater lure at dawn is hard to beat.

Black Drum might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These bulldogs of the bay can grow to over 30 pounds, and when they decide to dig in, you'd better hold on tight. Spring is prime time for big black drum, but you can catch them year-round. They love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp, so bottom fishing with natural bait is often the way to go. The telltale "thump" of a drum taking your bait is a feeling every angler should experience.

Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong in a dentist's office, are a unique target. These fish are masters of stealing bait, so hooking one is a real test of skill. They hang around structure like jetties and pilings, using their teeth to scrape off barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring are the best times to target sheepshead, and if you can figure them out, you're in for some great eating.

Tripletail might not be as well-known as some of the other species, but they're a favorite among those in the know. These odd-looking fish often float near the surface, mimicking debris, which makes sight-fishing for them a blast. They're strong fighters for their size and are considered excellent table fare. Late spring through summer is the best time to target tripletail, and spotting one lazily floating along is like finding treasure for many anglers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Port O'Connor isn't just another fishing spot – it's a slice of angler's paradise. The mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and protected back lakes creates a perfect environment for a variety of fish. You can be casting to tailing reds one minute and jigging for trout the next. The lack of crowds means you often feel like you've got the whole bay to yourself. And let's not forget the sunrises – there's something special about watching the Texas sky light up as you're heading out for a day of fishing. It's not just about what you catch, it's about the experience of being out there, reading the water, and matching wits with the fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to wet a line in some of Texas' best inshore waters, this Port O'Connor trip is calling your name. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put you on the fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water honing your skills, this trip's got you covered. Remember, the best days are often booked well in advance, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to make some memories and maybe even some personal bests on the water. Give First Cast Guide Service a call and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. These bottom-feeders love structure, so look for them near pier pilings and inlets. Spring's your best bet, as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pull and decent table fare, though I'd recommend keeping the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so use tough, fresh bait like crab or clams. Here's a local trick: fish slow and deep, and listen for their distinctive croaking sound – it can give away their location. Remember, patience is key with these guys. They're not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you a solid fight and a tasty dinner if you play your cards right.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the crown jewels of Port O'Connor fishing. These bronze beauties typically run 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and near grass lines – often in water so shallow their backs break the surface. They're here year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. Anglers love 'em for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. That distinctive tail spot isn't just for show – it's a fake "eye" to fool predators. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. Use a gold spoon or live shrimp, and get ready for a fight. When you hook one, let it run – these guys are known for their endurance. There's nothing quite like the pull of a big red on light tackle in skinny water.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a Port O'Connor favorite. These silvery fighters typically run 14-24 inches, weighing 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love cooler temps, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers chase 'em for their sporty fight and tasty, flaky meat. These guys are sight feeders, so clear water is your friend. Try topwater lures at dawn or dusk for some exciting strikes. Here's a local tip: when the water's cold, slow down your retrieve and fish deeper. They school up in deeper channels during winter, so trolling can be effective. Just remember, they've got soft mouths, so go easy on the hook set. Whether you're after a quick limit for dinner or looking for that trophy catch, Sea Trout won't disappoint.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, or convict fish, are a real treat to catch around Port O'Connor. These striped beauties typically run 1-8 pounds, but can surprise you with a 20-pounder if you're lucky. You'll find them hugging structure – docks, bridges, and oyster reefs are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Spring's the best time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and their sweet, white meat. Here's a pro tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crabs or barnacles for bait. When you feel that nibble, give it a second before setting the hook. These guys are masters at stealing bait, so patience is key. It's a game of finesse, but land a big one and you've got bragging rights and a delicious dinner.

Tripletail

Tripletail are odd-looking but exciting catches in Port O'Connor. These chunky fish typically weigh 2-13 pounds but can hit 40. You'll find them near the surface, often mimicking floating debris. They're here from spring through fall, with peak action in summer. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic fights and tasty, firm meat. Sight-fishing is the way to go – cruise the weed lines and look for their distinctive shape. Here's a pro tip: approach quietly and cast past them, slowly retrieving your bait. They're ambush predators, so patience pays off. Use live shrimp or small crabs on a light fluorocarbon leader. When they hit, be ready for some aerial action. These guys might look lazy, but they'll give you a run for your money once hooked. Plus, they're excellent on the grill – a real bonus after a fun day on the water.