Ready to hit the bays of Rockport for some world-class inshore action? Hop aboard with Captain Timothy Cleghorn of Barefoot Charters for a full day of chasing reds, trout, and flounder. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect blend of relaxed fishing and steady action. You'll be working the flats and channels, soaking in coastal views, and hopefully landing some impressive catches along the way.
Picture this: You're cruising through Rockport's pristine bays at dawn, the smell of saltwater in the air, and the anticipation of what's to come. Captain Timothy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on fish in no time. You'll spend the day targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder – the holy trinity of Texas inshore fishing. Expect a mix of sight-casting on the flats and working deeper channels, always adapting to where the bite is hot. The beauty of this full-day trip is the flexibility it offers. If one spot isn't producing, no worries – there's plenty of time to move and find the action.
On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with various inshore fishing techniques. Depending on conditions and target species, you might find yourself working a topwater lure for aggressive trout, slow-rolling a soft plastic for redfish, or bouncing a jig along the bottom for flounder. Captain Timothy is all about teaching, so if you're new to these methods, he'll walk you through each step. For the more experienced anglers, he's always got a few local tricks up his sleeve that might just land you that personal best. The boat is decked out with quality rods, reels, and tackle, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
Rockport's inshore waters are a fisherman's playground, and this full-day trip lets you really sink your teeth into what the area has to offer. It's not just about the fishing, though that's definitely the main event. It's about spending a day on the water, learning from a local expert, and potentially landing some bragging-rights-worthy fish. Captain Timothy's laid-back approach takes the pressure off, making it a blast for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to hone their skills. Plus, with a full day at your disposal, there's time to really explore and find those honey holes that the shorter trips might miss.
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds topping 40 inches. They love to cruise the flats, often revealing their presence with tailing behavior as they root for crabs in shallow water. The fall "redfish run" is legendary, but you can target these fighters year-round in Rockport.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average trout. Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are aggressive predators that put up a great fight on light tackle. They're known for their soft mouths, making them a true test of an angler's finesse. Spring and fall are prime times for bigger trout, but summer can offer non-stop action with schoolies. There's nothing quite like the excitement of a speck blowing up on a topwater lure at dawn.
Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it on the dinner table. Flounder fishing requires a bit of patience and a delicate touch – they have a habit of mouthing the bait before committing. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Captain Timothy has a knack for putting clients on some doormat-sized flounder that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
If you're itching for a day of top-notch inshore fishing in one of Texas' premier coastal destinations, this full-day trip with Barefoot Charters is your ticket. Captain Timothy Cleghorn brings the local know-how, the right gear, and a passion for putting clients on fish. Whether you're aiming to bend a rod non-stop, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day on Rockport's beautiful waters, this trip delivers. Remember, good dates go fast, especially during peak seasons. So why wait? Lock in your spot now and get ready for a day of inshore fishing you won't soon forget. The redfish, trout, and flounder are waiting – are you ready to meet them?
Summer flounder, or fluke, are a unique catch in our waters. These flatfish typically range from 15-20 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure. They're ambush predators, using their camouflage to blend in and surprise prey. Late summer into fall is prime time as they move inshore. Anglers enjoy targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To catch 'em, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait or jigs. My local secret: Use a bright bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish - the contrast helps attract their attention in murky water. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a blast to catch in our bays. Most run 14-20 inches, but trophy-sized ones over 25 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them around grass flats, channels, and deeper holes, especially at dawn and dusk. They're aggressive feeders, chasing bait and often schooling up. Spring and fall are ideal seasons when the water temps are just right. Anglers love sea trout for their acrobatic fights and delicate, flaky meat. To land one, try slow-rolling a soft plastic jig or working a topwater plug with a walk-the-dog retrieve. My local tip: On calm mornings, listen for their distinctive "popping" feeding sound to locate a school. Once you find 'em, it's game on!
Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite target around here. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches but can get up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, flats, and around structure like oyster reefs. They love hanging out in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out! Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, sweet flavor. To catch 'em, work topwater lures or jigs in the shallows. Look for their tell-tale tailing as they root for crabs and shrimp. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon - they can't resist that flash. Just be ready when they hit - these guys pull hard!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200