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World-Class Flats Fishing in Port O'Connor, TX
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Port O'Connor, TX
- $550 - $550 price range
Summary
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Flats Fishing Action
Reel in the Action: Port O'Connor Flats Fishing
Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the shallow flats of Port O'Connor for some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer? Our 5-hour charter trip is perfect for both newbies and seasoned pros looking to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after gamefish. We're talking light tackle action that'll keep you on your toes from cast to catch!
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're gliding across crystal-clear shallows, sight-casting to tailing reds, or feeling that telltale thump of a sea trout smashing your bait. That's what you're in for on our Port O'Connor flats trip. We'll be using a mix of live and dead baits, paired with light spinning gear that makes every hook-up feel like you've snagged a monster. It's all about finesse and feel out here, and trust me, once you've experienced the rush of a flats battle, you'll be hooked for life.
Flats Fishing 101
If you're new to flats fishing, don't sweat it. We've got you covered. We'll show you the ropes on how to work those light spinning setups like a pro. It's all about the subtle twitches and slow retrieves that drive the fish wild. We'll be targeting structures like oyster reefs, grass beds, and dropoffs where the big boys like to hang out. And here's a pro tip: keep an eye out for those "nervous" water signs – that's often a dead giveaway that fish are feeding nearby. Oh, and don't forget to ask about our bait prices when you book. Fresh bait can make all the difference between a good day and a great one on the flats.
What Folks Are Saying
"We recently enjoyed a half-day fishing trip in Port O'Connor during the beautiful Texas winter, and it was an unforgettable experience! I was thrilled to catch a giant redfish that measured an impressive 40 inches—my personal best! Our guide, Jon, was incredibly patient and knowledgeable, making the whole outing even more enjoyable. The serenity of the ocean was a welcome change for us; as Wyoming natives (with three of us now calling Texas home), we truly appreciated the chance to experience ocean fishing. I wholeheartedly recommend this adventure to anyone looking for a peaceful and rewarding day on the water. 10/10!" - Christa Hollister
"We had a great time fishing in the bay with Jonathan! Thanks for a great experience!" - Ej
Fish on the Menu
Let's talk about what's swimming around out there. Our flats are home to some real bruisers, and each one offers a unique challenge:
Black Drum: These guys are the bulldogs of the flats. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull! Black drum love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp, so we'll often target them with natural baits near oyster reefs. They can grow to over 30 pounds, so when a big one hits, hold on tight! Best time to catch these bruisers is usually in the early spring when they school up to spawn.
Sheepshead: Don't let those weird teeth fool you – sheepshead are no joke on light tackle. These striped bandits are masters of bait-stealing, so setting the hook takes a bit of finesse. We find them around structure like pilings and reefs, where they munch on barnacles and crustaceans. Winter and early spring are prime time for sheepshead, and they're a blast to catch on light gear.
Sea Trout: Now we're talking about the rock stars of inshore fishing. Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are pound-for-pound some of the most exciting fish to catch on the flats. They're aggressive feeders and will hit both live bait and artificial lures with gusto. We love targeting them over grass beds and along channels. The best part? They're available year-round, but fall and spring can be absolutely on fire for big trout.
Redfish: Last but certainly not least, the mighty red drum. These copper-colored beauties are what flats dreams are made of. Watching a group of reds tailing in skinny water is a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. They put up a hell of a fight, often making blistering runs that'll have your drag singing. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but you can catch these guys year-round. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the thrill of sight-casting to a big red in gin-clear water.
Ready to Wet a Line?
Alright, folks, there you have it – a little taste of what Port O'Connor flats fishing is all about. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to best your personal record, our 5-hour charter is the perfect way to experience some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer. We've got room for up to four anglers, so grab your buddies and let's hit the flats! Just remember, the fish are always biting, but our spots fill up fast. So what are you waiting for? Give us a shout, and let's get you out on the water for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Trust me, once you've felt the thrill of a flats grand slam, you'll be counting down the days until your next trip. See you on the water!
Customer Reviews
Wyoming Meets Ocean
Christa Hollister Smalley
February 19, 2025
Bay Fishing Delight
We had a great time fishing in the bay with Jonathan! Thanks for a great experience!
Ej Garcia
July 13, 2021
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Redfish are a favorite target here in Port O'Connor. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive tail spot typically run 20-30 inches, though trophy bulls over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find reds cruising the shallows - we're talking 1-4 feet of water over grass flats, oyster reefs, and mud bottoms. They love to hang around structure like pier pilings too. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can catch reds year-round. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. That firm, mild white meat is tough to beat. When targeting redfish, go shallow and look for signs of activity like swirls or tailing. Topwater lures can produce explosive strikes, but a live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. My secret weapon? A gold spoon slow-rolled just above the grass - gets 'em every time.
Redfish
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a light-tackle favorite. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds turn up too. Look for them over grass flats, channels, and deeper holes, especially near drop-offs or creek mouths. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch trout year-round here. They're popular for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. Nothing beats a fresh trout on the grill. For the best action, try working a soft plastic under a popping cork at dawn or dusk. Trout have soft mouths, so set the hook with a quick snap rather than a hard jerk. My go-to trick is to "walk the dog" with a topwater plug - that side-to-side action drives 'em crazy.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are an oddball fish that'll test your skills. These silvery-gray convicts with black stripes usually run 2-5 pounds, but big ones over 10 aren't uncommon. You'll find them around any kind of structure - docks, pilings, jetties, reefs. They love to munch on barnacles and crustaceans with those weird human-like teeth. Winter and early spring are peak seasons when they school up to spawn. Anglers chase 'em for the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. But that sweet, white meat makes it worth the effort. To land one, you gotta fish right up against the structure. Use a small, strong hook with fresh shrimp, fiddler crab, or barnacles. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, wait a second before setting the hook hard. Sheepshead like to crush the bait first, so patience pays off.
We recently enjoyed a half-day fishing trip in Port O’Connor during the beautiful Texas winter, and it was an unforgettable experience! I was thrilled to catch a giant redfish that measured an impressive 40 inches—my personal best! Our guide, Jon, was incredibly patient and knowledgeable, making the whole outing even more enjoyable. The serenity of the ocean was a welcome change for us; as Wyoming natives (with three of us now calling Texas home), we truly appreciated the chance to experience ocean fishing. I wholeheartedly recommend this adventure to anyone looking for a peaceful and rewarding day on the water. 10/10!