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Top-Rated Bay Fishing | Barely Legal Outdoors

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Port O'Connor
  • $600 - $750 price range
  • Updated Date: August 21, 2025

Summary

This half-day fishing trip in Port O'Connor is a great way to get out on the water and hook some local favorites. You'll head out at daybreak for 4 hours of action in Matagorda and San Antonio Bays. The crew from Barely Legal Outdoors knows these waters well and will put you on the fish - we're talking redfish, trout, and drum. It's a private trip for up to 4 people, so bring your buddies or the family. No need to worry about gear or bait, it's all provided. They'll even clean your catch at the end. At $600 for the boat, it's a solid deal for a morning of fishing. The bays are beautiful, the fish are biting, and you might just land that trophy red you've been after. It's good old-fashioned Texas fishing without any fuss.
Top-Rated Bay Fishing | Barely Legal Outdoors

Bay Fishing Action

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Redfish caught in Texas

Trophy sized redfish catch by the power couple!

3 southern flounder and dusky grouper fish caught in Port O'Connor

Flounder catch—showing off today’s best!

4 big fish caught while fishing in Port O'Connor

Redfish thrill—another trophy in the boat!

3 big fishing rods with reels in the hands of 3 people at the beach in Port O'Connor

Flounder triumph—an epic day of fishing!

Angler with a black drum fish catch in Port O'Connor

Port O' Connor Texas fishing style!

A person fishing in Texas

Bent rod, tight line!

3 people fishing in Port O'Connor

Redfish, sheepshead? Got 'em right here in Texas

Angler holding large fish in TX

Lost count on Redfish catches

4 fish caught in a fishing trip at Port O'Connor

Early limit reached in Texas

3 big fish caught while fishing in Port O'Connor

A night fishing trip with friends is unforgettable

Redfish caught in Texas

Trophy sized redfish catch by the power couple!

3 southern flounder and dusky grouper fish caught in Port O'Connor

Flounder catch—showing off today’s best!

4 big fish caught while fishing in Port O'Connor

Redfish thrill—another trophy in the boat!

3 big fishing rods with reels in the hands of 3 people at the beach in Port O'Connor

Flounder triumph—an epic day of fishing!

Angler with a black drum fish catch in Port O'Connor

Port O' Connor Texas fishing style!

A person fishing in Texas

Bent rod, tight line!

3 people fishing in Port O'Connor

Redfish, sheepshead? Got 'em right here in Texas

Angler holding large fish in TX

Lost count on Redfish catches

4 fish caught in a fishing trip at Port O'Connor

Early limit reached in Texas

3 big fish caught while fishing in Port O'Connor

A night fishing trip with friends is unforgettable

Redfish caught in Texas

Trophy sized redfish catch by the power couple!

3 southern flounder and dusky grouper fish caught in Port O'Connor

Flounder catch—showing off today’s best!

4 big fish caught while fishing in Port O'Connor

Redfish thrill—another trophy in the boat!

3 big fishing rods with reels in the hands of 3 people at the beach in Port O'Connor

Flounder triumph—an epic day of fishing!

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Reel in the Action: Port O'Connor's Fishing Paradise

Get ready to wet a line in some of Texas' most productive waters! This half-day trip out of Port O'Connor puts you right in the sweet spot for redfish, trout, and drum action. We'll hit the hotspots in Matagorda and San Antonio Bays, giving you a shot at some serious rod-bending fun. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides know exactly where the fish are biting. With room for up to four people, it's the perfect way to spend a morning on the water with family or friends.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting up as the sun peeks over the horizon. That's when the bite is often hottest, so we waste no time getting lines in the water. Our seasoned captains have these bays dialed in, from hidden oyster reefs to grass flats where the big ones lurk. You'll be armed with top-notch gear and fresh bait, ready to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's most prized gamefish. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through everything from rigging up to setting the hook. And when you land that trophy red or gator trout, we'll be right there to snap a photo before we get it back in the water.

Fishing Tactics for Bay Success

In these shallow, crystal-clear waters, stealth is the name of the game. We might start off drifting over productive flats, casting soft plastics or live bait to visible schools of redfish. As the sun climbs higher, we'll switch gears and target structure like oyster reefs or deeper channels where trout and drum hang out. Depending on conditions, we might throw topwater lures, jig soft plastics, or use good old-fashioned live shrimp under a popping cork. It's all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Our guides have spent countless hours on these bays, so they know every trick in the book to put you on fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. They love to cruise the shallows, often giving themselves away with their signature tail wakes. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in Port O'Connor. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges.

Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are the bread and butter of bay fishing. These silver beauties with spotted backs are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps. They're most active in the cooler months, but summertime can produce some real giants. Trout love to hang around deeper holes, channel edges, and areas with good current flow.

Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These bulldogs of the bay can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They've got a soft spot for crabs and shrimp, making them a blast to target around oyster reefs and muddy bottoms. Spring is prime time for big spawning drum, but you can catch them year-round.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Port O'Connor isn't called the "Best Kept Secret on the Gulf Coast" for nothing. The fishing here is world-class, but without the crowds you'll find in some other coastal hotspots. Our half-day trips are perfect for getting a taste of what these waters have to offer. Many folks start with a morning trip and end up coming back for full days or even multi-day adventures. The variety of fish, the stunning coastal scenery, and the laid-back vibe of Port O'Connor keep anglers coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that rush of a big fish on the line, don't wait to book this trip. At just $600 for up to four people, it's a steal for a private, guided fishing adventure in one of Texas' premier inshore destinations. We provide everything you need - rods, reels, bait, and even fish cleaning at the end of the day. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture the moment you land that trophy catch. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Texas coastal angling, this trip delivers. So grab your fishing buddies, your family, or just treat yourself to a morning on the water. The fish are waiting, and the memories you'll make will last a lifetime. Book now and get ready to experience Port O'Connor fishing at its finest!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweight champs of the drum family. These bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds, but can top 90 in rare cases. You'll find them prowling shallow flats, muddy bottoms, and oyster beds. They're bottom-feeders with a taste for shellfish, so crab is your best bet for bait. Spring's prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum put up a solid fight, especially the bigger ones, but watch out - those over 15 pounds can get tough and lose flavor. For the best eating, target the smaller ones. Here's a local trick: listen for their distinctive croaking sound. It can give away their location, especially during spawning season. Whether you're after a trophy or a tasty dinner, Black Drum offer a fun challenge for anglers of all levels.

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of our local flats. You can spot 'em by their copper color and that trademark black spot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can push 50 pounds in the right conditions. These guys love shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms. They'll eat just about anything, making them a blast to catch on artificial lures or live bait. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can find 'em year-round. Redfish are known for their strong runs and hard fights, plus they're excellent table fare. Here's a local secret: on calm days, scan the shallows for their tails sticking up as they root for food. It's sight-fishing at its finest, and nothing beats the thrill of watching a red crush your lure in skinny water.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Port O'Connor. These silvery beauties usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters pushing 40 pounds have been caught. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure and ambush prey. Winter's a great time as they school up in deeper channels. Sea Trout put up a spirited fight and are known for their delicate, mild flavor. They're a blast on light tackle or fly gear. Here's a tip: try slow-trolling at idle speed along grass lines if you're having trouble locating them. Use artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs for the most exciting action. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently to avoid tearing out.

Sea Trout

About the Mowdy (Bay Boat)

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 46

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some action-packed fishing in Port O'Connor? Join us for a 4-hour trip that'll have you reeling in redfish, trout, and drum from the rich waters of Matagorda and San Antonio Bays. Our experienced guide knows all the hotspots and will make sure you're in prime position to land the big ones. We've got room for up to 4 people, so bring your buddies or the family along for a fun day out on the water. No need to worry about gear or bait - we've got it all covered. We'll even clean your catch so you can focus on the fun part. This private charter kicks off at dawn, giving you the best shot at filling your cooler. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, you're in for a treat with the variety of species swimming these parts. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!
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