Looking for a chill day on the water with a chance to wet a line? Captain Timothy Cleghorn's got you covered with his Rockport Scenic Fishing Charter. This isn't your hardcore dawn patrol - it's a relaxed 4-hour cruise through Rockport's beautiful bays where you can try your luck for some fish while soaking in the coastal views. Perfect for families, newbies, or anyone who wants to mix a little fishing with a lot of scenery.
Hop aboard Capt. Tim's skiff and get ready for a laid-back morning or afternoon on Aransas Bay. We're not chasing trophies here - this trip is all about enjoying the ride and maybe landing a few fish along the way. You'll drift past marshy islands, scan for birds and dolphins, and drop lines in spots where redfish, trout, and flounder like to hang out. Capt. Tim keeps groups small, so there's plenty of room to cast and chat. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to fishing, or swap fish tales if you're an old salt. The pace is easy-going, giving you time to snap photos of ospreys diving or pelicans gliding by.
We keep it simple on these scenic trips. You'll be using light tackle - spinning rods with basic rigs. Capt. Tim might have you tossing soft plastics, soaking live shrimp, or trying cut bait, depending on what's biting. The shallow, grassy flats are perfect for sight-casting to tailing reds, while deeper channels might produce some nice trout. Don't worry if you're not an expert caster - the fish aren't too picky in these parts. Half the fun is watching your bait get slammed by a hungry red or feeling that telltale thump of a flounder strike. Between casts, you'll learn about the bay's ecology and maybe pick up a few local fishing tips to use next time you're out.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Texas bays. They love cruising the shallows, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Reds put up a great fight, especially on light tackle. They're most active in fall, but you can catch them year-round in Rockport. Nothing beats seeing a big red's spotted tail as it chases down your lure.
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of bay fishing. They've got a mouthful of teeth and love to ambush bait in deeper holes or along grass lines. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Spring and fall are prime time for bigger trout, but summer can produce numbers. Their speckled patterns make for great photos.
Flounder: These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're ambush predators that wait for bait to swim by before striking. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're considered some of the best eating fish in the bay.
Rockport's bay fishing scene is hard to beat. The protected waters mean you can fish in almost any weather, and there's always something biting. Capt. Tim's scenic charters give you a taste of what makes this area special. You might not fill the cooler, but you'll definitely fill up your camera roll with shots of oyster reefs, coastal birds, and maybe a sunset if you catch an evening trip. It's a low-pressure way to introduce kids or non-anglers to fishing while still having a shot at some decent catches. Plus, you can't beat local knowledge - Capt. Tim knows these waters like the back of his hand and always has a story or two to share.
If you're looking for a mellow way to experience Rockport's beautiful bays and maybe catch a few fish, Capt. Timothy Cleghorn's scenic fishing charter is right up your alley. It's perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a taste of coastal life without the intensity of a hardcore fishing trip. Remember, spots are limited to keep things personal, so don't wait to book. Whether you're a seasoned angler or have never held a rod, you'll come away with some great memories and maybe even a new hobby. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check those calendars and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Give Barefoot Charters a call and let Capt. Tim show you why Rockport is a angler's paradise - even if you're just here for the views.
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, known for their coppery color and distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find them in super shallow water – sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Most redfish we catch are in the 20-30 inch range, but they can grow much larger. Fall and winter are prime seasons as reds school up in the shallows. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality. To hook into one, try working a gold spoon or soft plastic slowly along the bottom in likely areas. Pay attention to bait activity and slight changes in water color – those often signal redfish feeding zones. When you hook up, be ready for some drag-screaming runs!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here in Rockport. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters pushing 40 pounds have been caught. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hit artificial lures – try topwater plugs early morning or jigs later in the day. Sea trout put up a good fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. Winter's the time to find big schools in deeper channels. For best results, work your lure with a steady retrieve and slight twitches. These fish have soft mouths, so set the hook gently. The bite tends to be better on moving tides, so time your trip accordingly.
Summer flounder are masters of disguise, blending into the seafloor with their grayish-brown coloration and light spots. These flatfish typically grow 15-20 inches long, though some can reach up to 26 pounds. You'll find them in bay waters, often near structure or along drop-offs. They're ambush predators, using camouflage to surprise passing prey. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, especially September through November. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sideways-biting fish. To improve your chances, try using live bait like mullet or croaker on a circle hook. Drift slowly along edges and let your bait bump the bottom – that's where flounder lie in wait. Keep your line tight and be ready for that distinctive thump when they grab hold.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200