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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Rockport, TX
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Rockport
- $500 - $650 price range
- Updated Date: October 13, 2025
Summary
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Coastal Catches
Redfish runs fun all day.
Chasing redfish along the flats.
Two favorites, one great fishing trip.
Reeling in Rockport’s finest — redfish side by side.
Hooked on Rockport trout.
Nothing beats a Rockport trout day.
Fishing, relaxing, and reeling in memories.
Rods up, trout on!
Rockport’s waters full of reds and flatties.
Rockport trout fishing: calm, clean, and classic.
Redfish runs fun all day.
Chasing redfish along the flats.
Two favorites, one great fishing trip.
Reeling in Rockport’s finest — redfish side by side.
Hooked on Rockport trout.
Nothing beats a Rockport trout day.
Fishing, relaxing, and reeling in memories.
Rods up, trout on!
Rockport’s waters full of reds and flatties.
Rockport trout fishing: calm, clean, and classic.
Redfish runs fun all day.
Chasing redfish along the flats.
Two favorites, one great fishing trip.
Reeling in Rockport’s finest — redfish side by side.
Reel in the Big Ones: Rockport Inshore Fishing
Get ready to hit the waters of Rockport, Texas for some serious inshore action! Captain Bryce Wickliffe of Bar W Outfitters is your go-to guide for a half-day adventure targeting the area's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 6-hour trip is packed with opportunities to land Black Drum, Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. Bryce knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a productive day on the boat. Grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see what's biting in Rockport!
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard with Capt. Bryce, you're in for a true Texas coastal experience. The trip kicks off early to beat the heat and catch the fish when they're most active. You'll cruise through Rockport's diverse waterways, from shallow flats to deeper channels, each spot holding the promise of your next big catch. Bryce's boat is decked out with top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky fishing hat. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, or swap tactics with you if you're an old salt. The beauty of Rockport's coastline is the backdrop for your adventure – keep an eye out for wildlife while you're waiting for that telltale tug on your line.
Techniques & Tactics
On this trip, you'll get hands-on with some classic inshore fishing techniques. Depending on the conditions and target species, you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, or working a soft plastic along a deep channel edge for specks. Capt. Bryce is a pro at reading the water and will clue you in on what the fish are doing. You'll likely try a mix of live bait and artificial lures – nothing beats the thrill of a topwater strike from a hungry trout! Bryce will show you how to work a popping cork, a Texas staple that's deadly effective on these inshore species. And if the bite is tough, he's got a few tricks up his sleeve to get those fish fired up. It's not just about catching fish; it's about learning skills you can use on future trips.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"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 are the bulldogs of the bay, known for their powerful runs and distinctive "croaking" sound. These bottom-feeders can grow to impressive sizes, with the big ones often called "Big Uglies" by local anglers. They're most active in the cooler months and put up a great fight on light tackle. When you hook into a big drum, hold on tight – they'll test your drag and your biceps!
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties are famous for their distinctive spot near the tail and their willingness to eat just about anything that looks like food. Sight-fishing for reds in shallow water is an adrenaline-pumping experience – watching a big red chase down your lure is something you won't forget. They're around all year but really shine in the fall when they school up for their spawning run.
Flounder might look funny with both eyes on one side, but they're no joke when it comes to table fare. These flatfish are ambush predators, lying in wait to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is a delicious meal. Fall is prime time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Speckled Trout, or Spotted Seatrout, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These sleek predators are known for their speckled backs and canine teeth. Specks can be caught using a variety of methods, from drifting live bait to working artificial lures. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round. Landing a big "gator" trout is a badge of honor for any coastal angler.
Time to Book Your Spot
A half-day with Capt. Bryce Wickliffe is more than just a fishing trip – it's a crash course in Rockport's inshore fishing scene. You'll come away with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, this trip delivers. The coastal waters of Rockport are calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Book your trip with Bar W Outfitters today and get ready to make some waves!
Customer Review
Trout Triumph
Dusty Morrison
June 26, 2025
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, estuaries, and around oyster beds. These bottom-feeders love muddy flats in shallow water, but they're adaptable - you might spot 'em in depths up to 100 feet. Spring's the prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pull and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To land a Black Drum, go slow and steady. Use live bait like crabs or clams, or try a slow-moving bucktail jig. Here's a local tip: when fly fishing, a weighted black fly like a Redfish Worm or Clouser Minnow works wonders. Just make sure it gets to the bottom quick - that's where these drums are drumming up their next meal.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a favorite around here. They're easily spotted by that black eyespot near the tail. Most are 28-33 inches long, but they can grow up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs above the surface. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud bottoms. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their strong fight and tasty, mild meat. To hook one, try shallow-running lures or live bait in 1-4 feet of water. Here's a local trick: use topwater lures for explosive strikes. Walk-the-dog style baits like the Rapala Skitter Walk work great. If you're fly fishing, go for a weedless 3-inch fly. These fish aren't picky eaters, so have fun experimenting with different lures and techniques.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a blast to catch. They're usually 14-24 inches long and weigh 1-5 pounds, but some monsters can hit 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats or shallow waters at night. During winter, they school up in deeper waters, up to 164 feet. These fish love cooler temperatures, so early mornings or evenings are prime time. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their fight and tasty, mild flavor. They're great eating, with tender, white meat - just don't overcook 'em. To land one, try artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, or plastic shrimp. Here's a local tip: if you're having trouble, try trolling at idle speed along grass flats. Sea Trout are good fighters and quick to bite, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all levels.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage with both eyes on the left side. They're usually 15-20 inches long, but can grow up to 26 pounds. You'll find these flatfish in estuaries and offshore waters, lying on the seafloor waiting to ambush prey. They're most active from September to November, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love Flounder for their unique look and delicious, mild-tasting meat. To hook one, use live bait like minnows or mullet, or try sea worms and clams. Here's a trick: hook smaller baitfish through the eye, larger ones through the lips. Use a 7-foot casting rod with a sturdy line - these guys can put up a fight. And don't forget a sinker to keep your bait where the Flounder are hanging out. It's a fun challenge to outsmart these "chameleons of the sea."
About the Bar W Outfitters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
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.