Expert Guided Flats Fishing in Rockport, TX

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Rockport
$450 - $600 price range

Summary

Get ready for a day of quality fishing on the waters of Rockport, Texas with Guide Travis of Marsh Life Charters. This 6-hour private trip focuses on bait fishing for prized catches like Black Drum, Sea Trout, Southern Flounder, and Redfish. Travis offers hands-on coaching to help anglers of all skill levels improve their technique and land some impressive fish. The trip is set up for two people at $550, but you can bring along extra friends or family for just $100 each. That way, you can share the experience while still getting plenty of time to cast your line. As you fish, you'll take in the peaceful coastal scenery that makes Rockport such a special place. Whether you're after your personal best catch or just want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this trip delivers a great mix of action and scenery. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the Trips & Rates page for all the details before booking your Rockport fishing adventure.

Expert Guided Flats Fishing in Rockport, TX

Rockport's Finest Catches

Awesome day chasing Redfish and Drum!

Beautiful Speckled Trout on the flats!

Awesome Redfish for this young angler!

Three people enjoying a fishing trip in Rockport

Impressive Flounder and Redfish haul!

Rockport's Best: 6-Hour Flats Fishing Adventure

Ready to hit the flats and reel in some Texas-sized trophies? Hop aboard with Guide Travis of Marsh Life Charters for a full 6 hours of non-stop fishing action in Rockport's rich coastal waters. This ain't your average charter - we're talking a tailored, hands-on experience where you'll be casting for prized catches like Black Drum, Sea Trout, Southern Flounder, and the iconic Redfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Travis has got the know-how to put you on fish and make sure you're having a blast doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're gliding across crystal-clear shallows, the sun's warming your face, and there's a tug on your line that gets your heart racing. That's the magic of Rockport's flats fishing scene. This 6-hour trip is all about maximizing your time on the bite. We'll cruise the productive waters, hitting up Travis's secret spots where the big ones love to hang. You'll be using live bait to entice those trophy fish, with Travis right there to coach you on technique and help you land the catch of a day. It's just $550 for two anglers, and if you want to bring along some buddies, it's only an extra $100 per person. More lines in the water means more chances for some friendly competition and epic fish stories.

Bait & Switch: Flats Fishing 101

Flats fishing in Rockport is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll be using light tackle and live bait - think shrimp, mullet, or croaker depending on what's running. Travis will show you how to work the bait just right to mimic the natural movement that drives fish wild. You'll learn to spot the subtle signs of feeding fish, like nervous water or tailing reds. We might do some wade fishing if the conditions are right, getting you right in there with the fish. Don't worry about gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all set up and ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.

Target Species Breakdown

Black Drum: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They can grow to over 30 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. Black drum love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp, so we'll target them near oyster beds and channel edges. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for drum action. When you hook into one, get ready for some serious pull - it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen!

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of Rockport fishing. They're beautiful fish with spotted sides and sharp teeth that'll slice through your line if you're not careful. Sea trout are ambush predators, so we'll look for them around grass flats and drop-offs. They're suckers for a well-presented live shrimp or soft plastic. The best part? They're delicious on the grill if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

Southern Flounder: Flatfish ninjas of the flats, flounder are masters of camouflage. They bury themselves in the sand, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. We'll target them around structure and sandy bottoms, especially during their fall run when they head to the Gulf to spawn. Flounder fishing requires patience and a delicate touch - when you feel that telltale 'thump', give them a second to take the bait before setting the hook. Landing a big flounder is like Christmas morning for anglers.

Redfish: The crowned jewels of Texas flats fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what dreams are made of. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive spot near the tail can grow to over 40 inches. We'll be on the lookout for their famous 'tailing' behavior - when they stick their tails out of the water while feeding in shallow grass flats. Sight-casting to a tailing red is one of the most exciting experiences in fishing. They fight like crazy and are a blast on light tackle. Reds are around all year, but fall is particularly awesome when the big bulls come inshore.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Marsh Life Charters don't just leave with a cooler full of fish - they walk away with skills, stories, and a new appreciation for Rockport's incredible fishery. Travis isn't just about putting you on fish; he's passionate about teaching you the ins and outs of flats fishing. You'll learn how to read the water, work different baits, and understand fish behavior. It's like a master class in coastal angling, all while having the time of your life. Plus, the scenery out here is something else - from the diverse birdlife to the chance of spotting dolphins, every trip is an adventure.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, the fish are biting, and the flats are calling your name. Whether you're dreaming of that bull red of a lifetime or just want to spend a day on the water making memories, this 6-hour trip with Marsh Life Charters is your ticket. Travis knows these waters like the back of his hand and is itching to share his local knowledge with you. At $550 for two anglers (with the option to add more buddies), it's a steal for a private, guided experience tailored just for you. Remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so when you book, you're locking in your spot for some serious fishing action. Don't let another season slip by - grab your spot now and get ready for a day on Rockport's legendary flats that you'll be talking about for years to come. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet 'em?

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, growing up to 90 pounds. Most we catch are in the 5 to 30 pound range though. These cousins of redfish have a distinctive croaking sound and powerful jaws for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in depths up to 100 feet. Spring is the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight these big fish put up, but keep in mind the meat of larger drum can be tough. For the best eating, aim for ones under 15 pounds. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a local trick: when you feel that tell-tale thump, give them a moment before setting the hook. Black drum often mouth the bait before fully committing, so patience pays off.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our local flats. These copper-colored beauties with their trademark tail spot typically range from 20 to 35 inches in our area. You'll find them tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface, especially around oyster reefs and grassy flats. They're aggressive feeders, often creating a commotion as they chase bait. Fall is a great time to target them as they school up. Anglers love redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, try sight-casting with soft plastics or topwater lures. Here's a local secret: on hot days, look for them in potholes on the flats where cooler water collects. A well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike that'll get your heart racing.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among our local anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14 to 24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure and drop-offs. Winter can be prime time as they school up in deeper waters. Trout are prized for their delicate, mild flavor, making them great for the dinner table too. To catch 'em, try artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Work these lures with a erratic, twitching retrieve to trigger strikes. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, listen for their characteristic "pop" as they feed on the surface. That's your cue to cast nearby and hold on tight!

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and estuaries. These flatfish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to a hefty 33 inches. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking these sneaky fish. To catch 'em, use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics along the bottom. My local tip: look for flounder around drop-offs and creek mouths, especially on outgoing tides. They'll often congregate there to ambush bait being swept out with the current. Patient anglers who can detect their subtle bite are rewarded with one of the tastiest fish in our waters.

About the Coastal Custom Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 60

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for a relaxing day on the water? Join Guide Travis of Marsh Life Charters for a 6-hour fishing adventure in beautiful Rockport, Texas. This private trip takes you to prime flats fishing spots where you can target popular species like Black Drum, Sea Trout, Southern Flounder, and Redfish. Travis provides expert guidance and hands-on instruction to help anglers of all skill levels reel in some great catches. Priced at $550 for two people, this personalized charter offers plenty of one-on-one attention from your guide. Want to bring along more friends or family? Additional anglers can join for just $100 each. You'll spend the day surrounded by peaceful coastal scenery while focusing on productive fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying flats fishing for the first time, this trip delivers a fun and rewarding experience on Rockport's rich waters. Book your spot today for a memorable day of fishing with an experienced local guide.

Sitemap