Bay Bandits: Premier Port O'Connor Fishing

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Port O'Connor
$3 - $500 price range

Summary

Captain David knows these Port O'Connor waters like the back of his hand. He'll take you and up to 5 others out for 8 hours of inshore fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast. The Bay Bandits provide all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle - so you can focus on reeling in the catch. The local ecosystem means a mix of fish species, keeping things interesting cast after cast. Heads up that bait and fish cleaning aren't included, but Captain David will let you know about any extra costs ahead of time. It's a hands-on trip where you'll learn some local know-how while trying for a good haul. The non-refundable deposit locks in your spot on the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Captain David aims to put you on the fish and show you a good day out on the water.

Bay Bandits: Premier Port O'Connor Fishing

Rods, Reels, and Catches

Big catch of the day!

2 bonnethead sharks caught while fishing in TX

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Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Captain David's 8-hour charter out of Port O'Connor is your ticket to a day of non-stop action on the flats and backwaters. Whether you're after bull reds cruising the shallows or looking to tangle with a toothy shark, this trip delivers the goods for anglers of all skill levels. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for family outings or a day on the water with your fishing buddies.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain David's well-equipped bay boat, you're in for a treat. This isn't your average "bait and wait" fishing trip. We'll be covering ground, hitting productive spots from grass flats to oyster reefs and channel edges. The captain's years of local knowledge mean you'll be on fish fast. All the gear is provided, so just bring your sunscreen and a cooler for drinks. While bait isn't included, the captain can point you towards the best local shops to grab some before the trip. And don't forget to bring a few extra bucks for fish cleaning at the end of the day – nothing beats fresh fillets for dinner!

Techniques That Put Fish in the Boat

Depending on the season and what's biting, we'll employ a variety of fishing methods to maximize your catch. Sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water is a heart-pounding experience you won't soon forget. For sheepshead and black drum, we'll often use light tackle and live bait around structure. And if bull sharks are on the menu, get ready for some serious battles on heavier gear. The captain is always happy to teach new techniques, so whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you'll pick up some new tricks to add to your fishing arsenal.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bulldogs of the bay are a favorite target year-round. In the cooler months, big schools of oversized black drum move into the shallows, offering a chance at fish pushing 30+ pounds. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but their powerful runs and excellent table fare make them a top pick for many anglers.

Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you – sheepshead are crafty opponents that'll test your skills. These structure-loving fish have a knack for stealing bait, but when you hook up, their strong pulls and acrobatic leaps make for an exciting fight. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round near rocks and pilings.

Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are the gamefish that keep anglers coming back for more. From rats in the 18-inch range to trophy bull reds over 40 inches, these copper-colored beauties offer non-stop action. Fall sees big schools in the shallows, but you can target them successfully any time of year.

Bull Shark: For those looking for a real test of strength, bull sharks prowling the bay waters are hard to beat. These powerful predators can reach lengths of 7-8 feet and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. Summer is peak season, but don't be surprised if we hook into one while targeting other species – they're opportunistic feeders always on the prowl.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Port O'Connor might not be as well-known as some other Texas fishing towns, but that's part of its charm. The lack of crowds means more fish for you and a more relaxed vibe on the water. The diversity of fishing opportunities is hard to beat – one minute you're sight-casting to reds in gin-clear shallows, the next you're battling a bruiser shark in deeper water. And let's not forget the scenery – from the iconic Matagorda Lighthouse to the countless birds and occasional dolphin sightings, there's always something to see between bites.

Top Catches This Season

While every trip is different, recent charters have been lighting it up with some impressive catches. Anglers have been reporting consistent action with slot-sized redfish, with a few lucky folks tangling with bull reds in the 40-inch class. The sheepshead bite has been red hot around structure, with many guests taking home tasty filets for the dinner table. For those seeking a real challenge, a few monster black drum over 50 pounds have been landed, providing memories (and photos) that'll last a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and feel the tug of some hard-fighting Texas inshore species, Captain David's Port O'Connor charter is calling your name. With all the gear provided and expert guidance throughout the day, it's a hassle-free way to experience some of the best fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to introduce the family to the joys of fishing, this trip delivers the goods. So grab your hat, pack your cooler, and get ready for a day of non-stop action on the water. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Bull sharks are tough customers, typically 8-12 feet long and 200-300 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow coastal waters and even up rivers - they're one of the few sharks that can handle freshwater. These guys are year-round residents but are most active in summer. Anglers love targeting bulls for their powerful fights and the thrill of hooking into a real apex predator. Look for them around river mouths, in bays, and near deep channels. They'll eat just about anything, but fresh cut bait like mullet or ladyfish works great. Here's a local tip: try using a freshwater eel as bait. The high oil content drives bulls crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook. Just be ready for some serious action when one picks up your bait - these sharks don't mess around!

Bull Shark

Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay, with most weighing 5-30 pounds, though they can top 90. Look for them in brackish water near oyster beds and creek mouths. These bottom-feeders use sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their strong fights and unique drumming sound. For bait, fresh peeled shrimp or cut blue crab is hard to beat. Here's a local trick: if you're having trouble finding them, listen for their croaking sounds – especially on calm days, you can often hear them before you see them.

Redfish

Sheepshead are some of the oddest-looking fish you'll catch, with human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 2-5 pounds but can get up to 15. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - piers, jetties, and reefs are prime spots. Winter and early spring are best, when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers, plus they're excellent eating. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are masters at stripping bait, so give them time to really take it.

Sheepshead

Redfish are a Port O'Connor staple, usually 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds. You'll spot them by their copper color and signature black spot near the tail. These guys love shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall and spring are prime time, but you can catch reds year-round here. Anglers go nuts for their hard fights and excellent table fare. To land one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp imitation. My go-to trick? Fish the windward side of islands during a falling tide - reds stack up there to ambush bait getting pushed out of the shallows.

About the The Bay Bandit

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 70

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some serious fishing action in Port O'Connor? Captain David's got you covered with his 8-hour charter trips that'll have you reeling in the big ones. This experienced local guide knows all the prime spots in the Gulf Coast waters. He'll set you up with quality rods, reels, and tackle so you can focus on landing those fish. With room for up to 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention to hone your angling skills. The diverse ecosystem means you never know what you might catch - could be redfish, trout, flounder, or something totally unexpected. Just remember to bring your own bait and be prepared for fish cleaning costs. Captain David will give you the full scoop on any extras before you head out. Book your spot for a day of fishing fun, but keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable. Get ready to make some great catches and even better memories out on the water!

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