Ready to get your feet wet and chase some tails? Guide Travis from Marsh Life Charters has got you covered with a top-notch wade fishing trip right in the heart of Rockport's fishy flats. For six action-packed hours, you'll be slinging lures and stalking redfish, trout, and more in some of the most productive waters Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is tailored to give you the best shot at tight lines and bent rods.
Picture this: You're ankle-deep in gin-clear water, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and there's a school of reds tailing not 50 yards away. That's the kind of morning you're in for with Travis. This isn't your average boat trip – we're talking hands-on, in-the-water action where you'll learn to read the flats, spot fish, and make those precision casts that count. Travis knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while teaching you the ins and outs of flats fishing Rockport-style.
Leave the live bait at home, folks – we're going artificial all the way on this trip. Travis will show you how to work soft plastics, topwaters, and other lures to entice those big girls into biting. You'll learn the subtle art of the walk-the-dog retrieve, when to slow-roll a swimbait, and how to detect those oh-so-light bites that often lead to the fish of a day. Wading these flats isn't just about catching fish; it's about becoming one with the water, feeling the subtle changes in current, and spotting those tell-tale signs of fish activity that can turn a good day into a great one.
There's something special about Rockport's flats that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the heart-stopping thrill of seeing a big red push a wake in skinny water, or the satisfaction of fooling a wary trout with a well-placed cast. Whatever it is, Travis has the local knowledge to put you in the right spot at the right time. And with a max of just four anglers per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of one-on-one time to hone your skills and learn those little tricks that can make all the difference.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas flats fishing, these copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of. Reds in Rockport can range from rat reds in the 18-inch class all the way up to bull reds pushing 40 inches or more. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with subtle signs like pushing water or tailing as they root for crabs in the grass. Spring and fall are prime times for reds, but honestly, there's no bad time to target these hard-fighting fish.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing small about the fights these spotted speedsters put up. Rockport's grass flats and deeper potholes are prime trout territory. These ambush predators love to hang out near depth changes, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. Early mornings and late evenings often see spectacular topwater action, with specs blowing up on surface lures in heart-stopping fashion. While they can be caught year-round, the cooler months from October through April tend to see the biggest specimens.
Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are a worthy target in their own right. These bottom-feeders can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They love to hang out over shell and mud bottoms, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp. While they might not win any beauty contests, drum fight hard and can be a real challenge on light tackle. Spring is prime time for big drum, but they can be targeted successfully year-round.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the flats. These flat fish bury themselves in the sand, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by. While they might not be the fastest swimmers, hooking into a big flounder can result in some impressive head-shaking runs. Fall is the best time to target these tasty flatfish as they begin their migration to deeper waters, but savvy anglers can find them throughout the year in deeper holes and along channel edges.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish you might catch or the techniques you'll learn, but at the end of the day, there's no substitute for actually getting out there and wetting a line. Travis has put together a heck of a package here – six hours of prime fishing time, expert guidance, and the chance to tangle with some of the best inshore species Texas has to offer. At $500 for two anglers (with the option to add more at $100 a pop), it's a solid deal for a world-class flats fishing experience.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddy, lace up those wading boots, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Whether you're looking to land that personal best redfish or just want to soak in the beauty of Rockport's coastal waters, this trip has got you covered. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot with Marsh Life Charters and get ready to make some memories on the flats. The fish are waiting, and Travis is ready to put you on 'em. See you on the water!
Black drum are the big cousins of redfish, often hanging out in the same spots. They range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Black drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which is pretty cool to hear underwater. They're not the prettiest fish, but they put up a great fight and smaller ones are good eating. Use fresh crab, shrimp, or slow-moving jigs right on the bottom. Here's a tip: If you're after the big ones, be ready for a workout. They can really test your gear, so make sure you're rigged up right.
Redfish are the rockstars of Texas flats fishing. They're easy to spot with that copper color and black tail spot. Most run 20 to 30 inches, but big bulls can top 40. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshes. Fall is prime time when they school up, but they're catchable year-round. Reds are famous for their strong fights and great table fare. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding, from topwater lures to soft plastics. Here's a local secret: On calm days, look for their wakes or tails breaking the surface. Sight-casting to a tailing red is as good as it gets in shallow water fishing.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite around here. They usually run 14 to 24 inches, with some topping 5 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure and drop-offs. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Trout are known for their soft, delicate meat and the fun they provide on light tackle. They're aggressive feeders, so topwater lures can lead to some exciting strikes. My go-to trick is to use a popping cork with a soft plastic about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and they can't resist that trailing bait. It's a blast watching them hit the surface.
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. Look for them in bays, rivers, and estuaries, especially during fall when they move offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision. Use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, feeling for that subtle take as they ambush from below. They're prized for their tasty white meat, but the fight can be surprisingly strong for a flat fish. My local tip: Focus on drop-offs and creek mouths during moving tides. When you feel that telltale "thump," give them a second before setting the hook. It's a unique challenge that keeps anglers coming back.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300