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Pro Angler Challenge: 8Hr Rockport Inshore Trip
- Published Date: July 23, 2025
- Fishing
- Rockport
- $500 - $650 price range
- Updated Date: October 13, 2025
Summary
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Big Catches in Action
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.
Pro-Level Rockport Fishing: Trophy Reds & More
Buckle up, serious anglers – this ain't your average Rockport fishing trip. Captain Bryce Wickliffe's full-day adventure is tailor-made for those who eat, sleep, and breathe fishing. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water, chasing down monster Redfish, Black Drum, Flounder, and Speckled Trout in some of the most productive inshore spots Rockport has to offer. If you're ready to push your skills to the limit and battle some hard-fighting Texas trophies, you've come to the right place.
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment you step on board, you'll know this isn't a leisurely cruise. Captain Bryce runs a tight ship, and he's all about maximizing your time on the fish. We'll hit the water early, armed with top-of-the-line gear and Bryce's encyclopedic knowledge of Rockport's inshore honey holes. Expect to cover a lot of ground, switching up tactics as we move between flats, channels, and grass beds. This trip is designed for anglers who can cast accurately, work lures effectively, and aren't afraid to put in the work for those trophy catches. Fair warning: once you've fished Rockport at this level, regular fishing trips might seem a bit tame.
Techniques That Land Lunkers
Leave your bobbers at home, folks. On this trip, we're breaking out the big guns. We're talking precision sight-casting to tailing reds, finesse fishing with soft plastics for those wary trout, and maybe even some topwater action if conditions are right. Captain Bryce is a master of reading the water, so be ready to switch gears at a moment's notice. One minute you might be working a popping cork along a grass line, the next you could be free-lining live bait in a deep channel. It's all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. And don't worry if some of these techniques are new to you – Bryce is a pro at coaching anglers to up their game.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, Rockport's redfish are the stuff of legend. These copper-colored bruisers can top 40 inches and put up a fight that'll make your arms ache. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when schools of bull reds invade the flats. Nothing beats the sight of a big red's tail waving in the shallows – it's heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Speckled Trout: Don't let their delicate name fool you – these spotted beauties are some of the wiliest, most sought-after fish in Rockport. Specks are known for their subtle strikes and acrobatic fights. We'll target them over grass flats and around structure, using everything from soft plastics to topwater lures. The real trophies, those gator trout over 25 inches, are a true test of an angler's skill.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but never underestimated, black drum are the heavyweight champs of Rockport's inshore waters. These big, ugly cousins of the redfish can grow to over 30 pounds and fight like stubborn mules. We typically find them cruising the deeper channels and around oyster reefs. If you hook into a big one, hold on tight – it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen.
Flounder: Ah, the elusive flatfish. Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it with their delicious flavor. These ambush predators require a different approach – we'll slow down our presentations and work the bottom carefully. Spring and fall are prime times for flounder, with the fall run being particularly epic as big females head to the Gulf to spawn.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, there's a reason Captain Bryce's trips are booked solid months in advance. It's not just about the fish – though trust me, there are plenty of those. It's about fishing with a guide who lives and breathes these waters. Bryce doesn't just know where the fish are; he understands their patterns, their moods, and how they respond to every little change in weather or water conditions. This isn't a "let's troll around and hope for the best" kind of trip. Every cast, every spot we hit, it's all part of a carefully crafted strategy to put you on the fish of a lifetime.
And let's talk about the setting. Rockport's a special place, with its mix of shallow flats, winding channels, and scattered islands. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're working a deep drop-off for monster trout. The diversity of fishing opportunities here is insane, and Bryce knows how to make the most of every single one.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're the kind of angler who's always chasing that next level, who wants to come home with not just fish stories but serious skills – this is your trip. Captain Bryce's full-day adventure isn't for the faint of heart or the casual weekend warrior. It's for anglers who are serious about their craft and ready to tangle with some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer.
Spots on Bryce's boat are hotter than a Texas summer, so don't wait around. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to dial in your technique or an ambitious angler ready to step up your game, this trip is your ticket to inshore fishing mastery. Book now, and get ready for a day on the water that'll have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about fishing. Trust me, after a day with Captain Bryce, you'll be spoiled for anything less.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically 5-30 pounds but can reach 90. They love shallow, muddy flats and oyster beds, often hanging around inlets and pier pilings. Spring's the prime time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pull and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They're bottom-feeders, so live bait like crabs or clams works best. Here's a local trick: use a buck-tail jig, but fish it slow. Real slow. These guys aren't speed demons, so a patient approach pays off. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound – it's a dead giveaway you're in the right spot. Just remember, the big ones can be tough eating, so consider catch and release for the monsters.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our shallow waters. They love hanging out in 1-4 feet of water, often tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud bottoms. They typically grow to 28-33 inches, but can hit 45 inches and 50 pounds. Spring and fall are prime Redfish seasons here. Anglers go nuts for their hard fights and light, sweet flavor. That black spot near the tail? It's not just for looks – it confuses predators. Here's a local tip: when the water's real shallow, try walk-the-dog style topwater lures for some explosive action. Listen for them crushing bait on the flats – it's a dead giveaway. Just remember, they're protected, so know your limits and handle them with care.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but some monsters can hit 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love temperatures between 33.8 to 80.6°F. Winter's when they school up in deeper waters, sometimes down to 164 feet. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their mild, delicate flavor and the fight they put up. They're suckers for artificial lures – jerk baits, topwater plugs, and plastic shrimp work great. Here's a local secret: try trolling at idle speed along grass flats if you're having trouble locating them. Just remember, they're tender fish, so handle with care if you're planning to release. And don't overcook them if you're keeping some for dinner!
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy bottoms with their flat bodies and both eyes on one side. Most run 15-20 inches, but they can grow up to 26 pounds. You'll find them in estuaries and offshore, typically in depths up to 100 feet. Fall's the sweet spot for catching them, especially September through November. Anglers love Fluke for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They put up a decent fight for their size, too. Here's a pro tip: when you're using live bait, try hooking it through the eyes for smaller fish or the lips for bigger ones. A 7-foot casting rod with a sturdy line is your best bet. Remember, they're bottom dwellers, so make sure your bait's down where they can see it.
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
