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Top-Rated Bay Fishing | Barely Legal Outdoors
Top-Rated Bay Fishing | Barely Legal Outdoors
Angler with a black drum fish catch in Port O'Connor
A person fishing in Texas
3 people fishing in Port O'Connor
Angler holding large fish in TX
4 fish caught in a fishing trip at Port O'Connor
3 big fish caught while fishing in Port O'Connor
Redfish caught in Texas
3 southern flounder and dusky grouper fish caught in Port O'Connor
4 big fish caught while fishing in Port O'Connor
3 big fishing rods with reels in the hands of 3 people at the beach in Port O'Connor
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Top-Rated Bay Fishing | Barely Legal Outdoors

locationPort O'Connor

What you will be catching:

  • Black DrumBlack Drum
  • RedfishRedfish
  • Sea TroutSea Trout

Trip Pricing and Availabilities :

No trip pricing information available at this time.

Port O'Connor's Half-Day Fishing Bonanza

Ready to reel in some Texas-sized memories? Barely Legal Outdoors has you covered with our top-rated half-day guided fishing trip in Port O'Connor. We're talking 4 hours of pure fishing bliss in the heart of Matagorda Bay and San Antonio Bay. For just $600, you and up to three buddies can hop aboard our decked-out boat at the crack of dawn and start chasing those prized redfish, trout, and drum. No need to sweat the small stuff - we've got all the gear, bait, and know-how to make sure you're in for one heck of a fishing adventure.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: The sun's just peeking over the horizon, there's a slight chop on the water, and you're about to cast your first line of the day. That's how we kick things off on our half-day trips. We'll cruise out to some of our favorite honey holes in Matagorda and San Antonio Bays, where the fish are practically begging to be caught. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a real treat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you're set up for success. And the best part? When you land that trophy catch, we'll clean it up for you so you can start dreaming about how you'll cook it up later.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, we're all about matching the hatch and using the right techniques for the conditions. Depending on what's biting, we might have you throwing soft plastics, working topwater lures, or soaking some live bait. We've got a mix of light and medium tackle setups, perfect for battling everything from specks to bull reds. Our boats are kitted out with all the latest fish-finding tech, so we can put you right on top of the action. And don't worry about bringing a thing - we've got high-quality rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's talk target species, because Port O'Connor's got some real beauties swimming around. First up, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your biceps, especially when you hook into one of those over-sized bulls. Redfish love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, so we'll be targeting them in shallow waters and near oyster reefs.

Next on the hit list is the speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em. These guys are the bread and butter of bay fishing. They're known for their spotted patterns and their delicious, flaky meat. Trout can be a bit finicky, but when they're on, it's non-stop action. We'll look for them around grass beds and drop-offs, using everything from soft plastics to topwater lures.

Last but not least, we've got the black drum. These big uglies might not win any beauty contests, but they sure put up a fight. Drum are bottom feeders, so we'll be using natural baits like shrimp or crab to tempt them. They love hanging around structure and can grow to monster sizes. Hooking into a big drum is like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom - it's a blast!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, let me tell you, there's a reason our half-day trips are always booked solid. It's not just about the fish (though they're pretty darn impressive). It's about the whole package. You're out there on the water, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Texas coast. Pelicans are diving, dolphins are playing, and you're living your best life with a rod in your hand. Our guides aren't just experts at putting you on fish; they're full of local knowledge and bad jokes (the good kind, we promise). And let's not forget the convenience factor - we're talking 4 hours of non-stop action without eating up your whole day. It's perfect for sneaking in some fishing on a family vacation or getting your fix before heading back to the grind.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, anglers, here's the deal: Our Port O'Connor half-day trips are hotter than a Texas summer, and spots fill up faster than a cooler full of catch. For just $600, you're getting a world-class fishing experience with all the trimmings. We're talking expert guides, top-notch gear, and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with your buddies, teach the kids the joy of fishing, or just escape the rat race for a few hours, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and get ready to make some serious fishing memories. Trust us, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's get you out on the water and show you why Port O'Connor is the crown jewel of Texas bay fishing!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but can hit 90 in rare cases. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. Spring's your best bet for catching these guys when they school up to spawn. They make a unique drumming sound underwater, which is pretty cool to hear if you're lucky. Black Drum put up a solid fight and make good eating when they're smaller – aim for ones under 15 pounds for the best flavor. If you're after them, use fresh crab or clams as bait and fish it right on the bottom. A local trick: try fishing near freshwater creek mouths during incoming tides. They can't resist the mix of fresh and salt water.

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular targets here in Port O'Connor. These copper-colored beauties love shallow water, often cruising in just 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even tailing in water so shallow their backs are out. They typically run 28 to 33 inches when full-grown, but can get much bigger offshore. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating when smaller. They'll hit a variety of lures, but topwater walks in shallow flats can be explosive. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to them when conditions are right. A local secret: on hot days, look for them in deeper holes near shallow flats – they'll move up to feed as the tide rises. Fall's prime time for reds here, but you can catch 'em year-round.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em around here, are a favorite target in our bays. They usually run 14 to 24 inches and put up a fun fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so artificial lures work great – try topwater plugs early morning or jigs later in the day. The meat's delicate and tasty, making them popular for the dinner table too. One tip: when the water's warm, look for them around structures like pier pilings or oyster reefs. And if you're struggling to find 'em, try slow-trolling along grass lines. Sea Trout fishing's best in fall and spring when water temperatures are mild.

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 laid-back fishing fun in Port O'Connor? Join us for a half-day trip on the calm waters of Matagorda and San Antonio Bays. We'll set out at dawn to catch the best action, targeting redfish, trout, and drum. Our experienced guide knows all the local hotspots and will help you reel in some great catches. This 4-hour adventure is perfect for groups of up to 4 people, whether you're seasoned anglers or first-timers. We've got everything covered - from bait to fish cleaning - so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water. At just $600 for the whole boat, it's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Come on out and see what's biting in these rich coastal waters. With any luck, you'll be heading home with some tasty fillets and fun fishing stories to share.
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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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