Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Rockport, TX

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Rockport
$500 - $650 price range
Updated Date: July 22, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing in Rockport? Guide Bryce Wickliffe from Bar W Outfitters knows these waters like the back of his hand. On this 6-hour trip, you'll be targeting the local favorites: Black Drum, Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. Bryce provides top-notch gear and tailors the experience to your skill level, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started. The beauty of the Texas coast is the backdrop as you cast your line and wait for that telltale tug. With room for two, it's perfect for a day out with a buddy or some one-on-one time with the guide. Bryce's local expertise means you're in for a productive day on the water. You'll learn the ins and outs of inshore fishing while soaking in the coastal scenery. It's a hands-on experience that'll have you hooked, pun intended. So grab your hat and sunscreen – the fish are waiting!

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Rockport, TX

Reelin' Them In

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Spotted Weakfish and Great Barracuda caught in Rockport

Speckled trout and redfish catch at the pier!

Big catch of speckled trout at Rockport pier!

Proud young angler with a hefty redfish catch!

Reel in the Big Ones: Rockport's 6-Hour Fishing Trip

Hey there, anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore fishing waters Texas has to offer? Strap in for a 6-hour adventure with Guide Bryce Wickliffe of Bar W Outfitters. We're talking about targeting the heavy hitters of Rockport – Black Drum, Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Bryce knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the fish.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step on the boat, you'll feel Bryce's enthusiasm for the local fishery. He's got all the top-notch gear you need, so just bring yourself and maybe a lucky hat. We'll cruise out to some of Rockport's honey holes – spots where the fish are practically begging to jump in the boat. You'll be tossing lures, setting hooks, and hopefully hearing that sweet sound of your drag screaming in no time. And hey, even if the fish are being stubborn, the views around here are worth the trip alone. Rockport's got some of the prettiest coastline you'll ever lay eyes on.

Fishing Tactics & Terrain

Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, working soft plastics along grass lines for trout, or dropping bait near structure for those big ol' black drum. Bryce is a master at reading the water, so he'll clue you in on where to cast and how to work your bait. We'll be fishing from a stable, spacious skiff that can get us into those skinny water spots where the big boys like to hide. And don't worry if you're new to this – Bryce will break down the techniques so you'll be fishing like a local in no time.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Capt. Bryce was very knowledgeable and friendly. We both limited out on trout. First time for my wife to limit out on trout. We will definitely be going out with Capt. Bryce again." - Dusty

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the bay. They can grow to over 30 pounds and put up a fight that'll make your arms sore. Black drum love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp, so we'll target them near oyster reefs and channel edges. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round. When you hook into one, hold on tight – these guys don't give up easy!

Redfish: Ah, the redfish – also known as red drum. These copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're "tailing" in shallow water, it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Reds can be caught year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Whether you're sight-casting to them in the flats or fishing deeper holes, redfish offer an exciting catch that's also mighty tasty on the dinner plate.

Flounder: Don't let their funny looks fool you – flounder are masters of camouflage and ambush hunting. These flatfish lie in wait on the bottom, ready to pounce on unsuspecting bait. We'll target them around drop-offs, creek mouths, and structure. Fall is the best time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn, but you can catch them most of the year. They might not fight as hard as some other species, but the challenge of hooking them and their delicious flavor make them a prized catch.

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Rockport. They're beautiful fish with a mouthful of teeth and a tendency to strike lures with abandon. We'll find them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and deeper holes, depending on the season and water temperature. Spring and fall are excellent for big specks, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a topwater trout bite at dawn!

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, folks, Rockport fishing is the real deal, and this 6-hour trip with Bryce is your ticket to some of the best action around. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, we've got you covered. Bryce knows these waters like nobody else, and he's ready to share his local knowledge to make sure you have a top-notch day of fishing. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you fish Rockport with Bar W Outfitters, you'll be hooked for life!

Customer Review

Fishing Dream Come True

Capt. Bryce was very knowledgeable and friendly. We both limited out on trout. First time for my wife to limit out on trout. We will definitely be going out with Capt. Bryce again.

Dusty Morrison

June 26, 2025

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black Drum are a popular inshore species, recognized by their dark, vertical stripes when young and their silvery-gray color as they mature. Most range from 14-30 inches, but trophy-sized “big uglies” can exceed 40 pounds. They’re commonly found in bays, channels, and around structures like oyster beds or bridge pilings, where they root around for crabs, shrimp, and clams. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they can be caught year-round. Anglers appreciate Black Drum for their hard, steady pull and mild, flaky meat. They respond well to fresh bait like shrimp or crab fished on the bottom. My top tip: if you hear them “drumming” near the boat, you’re in the right spot.

Redfish

Redfish are a blast to catch here in Rockport. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches, but we see some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love cruising flats, bays, and oyster reefs in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Reds put up a great fight and taste fantastic too. They'll hit all kinds of lures, but gold spoons or live shrimp under a popping cork are my go-to's. Pro tip: keep an eye out for their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs in the shallows. Sight-casting to tailing reds is as good as it gets.

Sea Trout

Speckled trout, or specks, are one of our most popular inshore species. These silver beauties are covered in dark spots, with distinctive fangs in their upper jaw. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 25 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are moderate. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a light touch is key when fighting them. They're excellent eating too. For lures, I like topwater plugs early, then switch to soft plastics under a popping cork as the sun gets higher. Listen for their distinct "trout crack" as they smash bait on the surface - that's the sound of a good day ahead.

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish can change color to match the bottom, making them tricky to spot. Most run 15-20 inches, but we've seen some push 26 inches. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and estuaries. They move inshore in spring and offshore in fall, so those are prime seasons. Flounder are ambush predators - they'll bury in the sand with just their eyes showing, waiting to pounce on prey fish. Anglers love their fight and their sweet, white meat. Drifting with live bait like minnows or mullet works well. My go-to rig is a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid. Work it slowly along the bottom with short hops to trigger strikes.

About the Bar W Outfitters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 17

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing in Rockport with Guide Bryce Wickliffe! This 6-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to catch some of Texas' most sought-after inshore species. You'll be targeting Black Drum, Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout in the rich waters around Rockport. Bryce knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand, so you're in for a productive outing whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. The boat is set up with top-notch gear to give you the best shot at landing those prized fish. Bryce will be right there to offer tips and tricks tailored to your skill level. As you cast your lines, take in the beautiful coastal scenery that makes Rockport such a special place to fish. With room for two guests, this trip is ideal for a fishing buddy pair or a fun one-on-one guided experience. You'll come away with great catches, new skills, and amazing memories of your time on the water. Don't miss out on this chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer!

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