World-Class Back Bay Fishing in Port O'Connor

Port O'Connor Backcountry Fishing: Your Private Playground

Get ready to hit the water for some of the best fishing Port O'Connor has to offer. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day trip or want to spend a full day on the water, we've got you covered. Our private backcountry fishing trips are perfect for anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. You'll have the chance to target some of Texas's most sought-after inshore species, including redfish, trout, and flounder, all while exploring the hidden gems of our local waterways.

What to Expect on the Water

Our trips are all about giving you the best shot at catching fish, plain and simple. On a half-day trip, we'll spend 4-5 hours hitting the hotspots and chasing the bite. If you're in it for the long haul, our full-day trips run 8-9 hours, giving us plenty of time to reach those hard-to-access honey holes in the back bays. We'll be using light tackle and artificial lures most of the time, but we can always switch it up if the fish are being picky. Just remember, bait isn't included in the price, so if you want to use live bait, we'll need to grab some before we head out.

Navigating the Backcountry

Port O'Connor's backcountry is a maze of shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster reefs - prime habitat for our target species. We'll be running a shallow-draft boat that can get us into those skinny water spots where the big ones like to hide. Expect to do a mix of drifting, poling, and anchoring up, depending on where the fish are and what they're doing. We might start the day blind casting to likely spots, then switch to sight fishing if we spot some tailing reds or cruising trout. The beauty of these trips is the flexibility - we can adapt our tactics to whatever's working on the day.

Top Catches This Season

The fishing in Port O'Connor is solid year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, big schools of redfish flood the flats, often tailing in water so shallow you can see their backs out of the water. As things warm up in spring, the trout bite really turns on, with some hefty specimens cruising the grass lines. Summer brings great topwater action for both reds and trout, especially in the early mornings. Fall is prime time for flounder as they start their migration to the Gulf, and you might even hook into a few bull reds if we venture near the passes.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bulldogs are a favorite among Texas anglers. They put up a great fight, often making long runs and even tailing in super shallow water. Reds in the backcountry typically range from 18-30 inches, but don't be surprised if we tangle with a bigger bull. They're suckers for a well-placed soft plastic or gold spoon.

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're known for their silver bodies speckled with black spots and their delicate, yellow mouths. Trout are ambush predators, so we'll be targeting grass lines, drop-offs, and other structure. A 20-inch trout is considered a good catch, but Port O'Connor waters are known to produce some real gators over 25 inches.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse - we'll be working soft plastics or live bait slowly along the bottom. The fall run is the best time to target them, as they move towards the Gulf to spawn. A 20-inch flounder is a trophy, and they make for some of the best eating out there.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing reds and trout, black drum can provide some excellent action, especially when other species are being finicky. These cousins of the redfish have distinctive chin barbels and can grow to massive sizes. We'll typically catch them in the 14-30 inch range, and they're suckers for shrimp or crab baits fished on the bottom.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Port O'Connor might not be as well-known as some other Texas fishing destinations, but that's part of its charm. The lack of crowds means more fish for us, and the maze-like backcountry offers endless opportunities to explore. Every trip is different - one day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you could be drifting deep holes for monster trout. The variety keeps things interesting, and there's always the chance of hooking into something unexpected like a tarpon or snook, especially in the warmer months.

Gearing Up for Success

We'll provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you need, but feel free to bring your own gear if you prefer. Light to medium spinning tackle is the norm, usually spooled with 10-15lb braid. If you're into fly fishing, bring your 7-8 weight setup - the backcountry flats can offer some fantastic sight-casting opportunities. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat. A light jacket or rain gear is always a good idea, as the weather can change quickly on the coast. And while we'll have water on board, feel free to bring your favorite snacks or drinks to keep you fueled up for a day of fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or a newcomer wanting to experience the thrill of inshore fishing, our Port O'Connor backcountry trips have something for everyone. With a limit of three anglers per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and fishing time. The backcountry is calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Book your trip now and get ready to make some memories on the water. Tight lines!