%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F14378%2Fimages%2F1711921772243301391472_530933498837606_8337348542565928458_n.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
World-Class 8-Hour Inshore Fishing in Rockport
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Rockport
- $500 - $650 price range
- Updated Date: October 13, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F59f14157-cec4-4f29-a545-86bd44b62d53%2Fratecard%2F416101893_816678043596482_4075273852901700298_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Rods, Reels, and 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.
Full Day Fishing: Rockport's Hidden Hotspots
Get ready to hit the water for a full 8 hours of non-stop fishing action in Rockport, TX. Guide Bryce Wickliffe knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some trophy Black Drum, Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, Bryce tailors the day to your skill level. With room for two anglers, it's the perfect trip for you and a buddy to reel in some bragging rights.
What to Expect on the Water
Kick things off bright and early as you meet Bryce at the dock. He'll have the boat prepped and ready to go, loaded with all the gear you'll need for a successful day. As you cruise out, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the wake - it's a common sight around here. Bryce will take you to his top-secret spots, areas where the fish are practically jumping into the boat. You'll hit a mix of flats, channels, and grass beds, each offering a different challenge and species to target. Don't worry about bringing lunch; with 8 full hours, you can focus on fishing non-stop. Just remember to pack some snacks and plenty of water to keep you fueled up.
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
Bryce is a master of multiple fishing techniques, and he'll show you the ropes on everything from sight-casting to live bait fishing. You might start the day drifting and casting soft plastics for trout, then switch to stalking the flats for tailing redfish. If the drum are biting, you could find yourself dropping crab or shrimp to the bottom. Flounder require a whole different approach, and Bryce has some tricks up his sleeve for tempting these flatfish. He's always got an eye on the conditions, adjusting tactics to give you the best shot at a cooler full of fish. And don't worry if you're new to this - Bryce has a knack for explaining things in a way that'll have you casting like a pro in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay, known for their powerful runs and distinctive "croaking" sound. These bruisers can grow over 30 pounds, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, especially around oyster reefs and channel edges. Anglers love the fight these fish put up, and their firm, white flesh makes for some excellent table fare.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their willingness to chase down a lure. In the shallows, you might spot them "tailing" - their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in the mud. Fall is the peak season when big schools of bull reds invade the bays. Landing a slot-sized red (20-28 inches) is a rite of passage for any Texas angler.
Flounder might not look like much, but these flatfish are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up passing baitfish. The challenge is in the presentation - you've got to put your bait right in front of their noses. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn. Bryce knows all the best spots to intercept these tasty fish during their run.
Speckled Trout, or Spotted Seatrout, are the bread and butter of Rockport fishing. These sleek predators are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They can be caught year-round, but the biggest specimens, known as "gator trout," are typically caught in winter and early spring. Bryce will show you how to work a topwater lure to provoke explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Rockport's fishing scene is something special, and it's not just about what's biting. The calm, protected waters of Aransas Bay offer up some of the best sight-casting opportunities you'll find anywhere. On a clear day, you can spot redfish from a mile away (okay, maybe not quite that far, but you get the idea). And let's talk about the scenery - with the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge nearby, you're fishing in prime habitat for all sorts of coastal birds and wildlife. Don't be surprised if you see roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows or ospreys diving for their own catch. It's the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone and just soak in the natural world around you.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Bryce is one of the top-rated guides in the area for a reason - he puts in the work to make sure every trip is a success. Whether you're after your personal best redfish or just want to bend a rod and enjoy a day on the water, this full-day trip with Bar W Outfitters is your ticket. The calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Get in touch with Bryce, lock in your date, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big boys of the drum family, growing up to 90 pounds. You'll usually find them in the 5-30 pound range though. They love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in 1-4 feet of water. These guys are bottom feeders, so crab and shrimp are your best bets for bait. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a good fight and make for some tasty eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can get tough and less flavorful. One local trick: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to zero in on a school. They use it to communicate, especially during spawning. Just remember, in Texas you can keep 5 per day between 14-30 inches, with one allowed over 30 inches.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple in Rockport fishing. They're easy to spot with that trademark black dot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and pier pilings. Redfish put up a hell of a fight and taste great too. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. They'll hit just about any bait or lure, but live shrimp or crabs are hard to beat. Here's a tip: look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root around for food in the shallows. It's called "tailing," and it's a dead giveaway for where to cast.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Rockport. They're sleek, silvery fish with spots all over and usually run 14-24 inches, though some monsters hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love shrimp, so that's your go-to bait. Artificial lures work great too - try topwater plugs or jigs with plastic tails. These fish are known for their delicate, mild flavor, making them popular for the dinner table. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for them "slicking" - creating smooth spots on the water surface as they feed. It's a dead giveaway for where to cast.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or "fluke," are crafty ambush predators with both eyes on their left side. They're masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. Most are 15-20 inches, but they can grow up to 26 pounds. Look for them in estuaries and inshore waters, especially from September to November. Flounder fishing's a blast because they put up a good fight and taste great. Use live bait like minnows or mullet, or try sea worms and clams. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait and reposition it before fully committing. A 7-foot casting rod with a sturdy line works well. Add a sinker to keep your bait near the bottom where these flatfish hang out.
About the Bar W Outfitters
%2F%2Fusers%2F59f14157-cec4-4f29-a545-86bd44b62d53%2Fvehicle_picture%2F119171675_148791136901116_6031339030163935181_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
