Half Day Redfish Trout Charter Port O'Connor TX

Port O'Connor Redfish & Trout Half Day Trip

Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure along the Texas coast? Back Bay Guide Service has you covered with our Port O'Connor inshore charter that puts you on redfish and spotted seatrout in some of the best waters around. We launch at 6:00 AM sharp, giving you those prime early morning hours when the fish are actively feeding in the shallows. Our 24-foot bay boat handles these waters like a dream and comfortably fishes up to three guests, making it perfect for couples, small groups, or dad-and-kid trips. We've got all the tackle, lures, and local knowledge you need – plus we'll clean and fillet your catch so you can head home with dinner ready for the cooler.

What to Expect on the Water

Port O'Connor sits right in the sweet spot where multiple bay systems meet the Gulf, creating some seriously productive fishing grounds. We'll be working the grass flats, shell reefs, and drop-offs where redfish and trout love to hang out. The morning bite is usually our best window, and that 6:00 AM departure gets us to the honey holes right as the sun starts climbing. Depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us, we might start shallow and work deeper, or hit the reefs first if that's where they're stacked up. The beauty of fishing Port O'Connor is the variety – one spot might have trout schooled up over shell, while the next has reds cruising the grass looking for baitfish. Kids are absolutely welcome on this trip, and we've seen plenty of young anglers land their first keeper red or trout with us. All skill levels work great here since we'll adjust our approach based on who's fishing.

Techniques & Tackle Setup

We fish these waters with a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what's working best that day. Soft plastics on quarter-ounce jig heads are money for both species – we'll rig you up with everything from paddle tails to curly tail grubs in colors that match the local baitfish. Topwater action can be absolutely nuts in the morning, especially around the grass flats where reds will blow up on a spook or popper. For trout, we might switch to suspending twitchbaits or drop down to live shrimp under a popping cork when they're being picky. The boat carries high-quality spinning gear that's perfect for these techniques, though if you're planning to wade and want to bring your own rods, that's totally fine too. Wade fishing here can be fantastic, especially around the shell bars and grass edges where you can sight-cast to cruising fish. Just remember to bring your own gear if you want to get out and walk – our boat tackle stays on the boat.

Target Species Breakdown

Redfish are the backbone of Port O'Connor fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds pushing 30 pounds or more. The slot fish – that sweet 20 to 28-inch range – are what we're targeting for the cooler, and they fight like freight trains in shallow water. Reds feed year-round here, but spring through fall gives you the most consistent action. They'll eat just about anything that looks like a crab or shrimp, making them perfect for newer anglers while still challenging enough to keep seasoned fishermen on their toes. Watch for them tailing in skinny water or cruising the grass edges, and get ready for that distinctive red drum pull that'll test your drag.

Spotted seatrout are the other star of this show, and Port O'Connor's grass flats are absolutely loaded with them. These silver beauties with distinctive black spots are pure finesse fishing – they can be picky about presentation but absolutely explosive when they hit. Trout here typically run 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional "gator" trout pushing 24 inches or better. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Trout love structure, so we'll fish them around shell reefs, grass edges, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. Their bite is often more subtle than a redfish, but once you get the feel for it, you'll be hooking up consistently. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.

Time to Book Your Spot

This half-day trip gives you a perfect taste of what makes Port O'Connor such a renowned fishing destination without eating up your whole day. You'll be back at the dock by late morning with enough time to grab lunch in town, explore the area, or just relax with your fresh fillets and some good fishing stories. We handle all the tackle, bait, and fish cleaning, so all you need is a valid Texas fishing license and the basics – sunblock, polarized glasses, and plenty of water. The early morning start means cooler temperatures and more active fish, plus you'll beat the afternoon boat traffic. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or visiting the Texas coast for the first time, this trip delivers consistent action on two of our most popular species. Book with Back Bay Guide Service and see why anglers keep coming back to these productive Port O'Connor waters.