When it comes to inshore fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast, few places compare to Port O’Connor. Known for its sprawling bay systems, accessible jetties, and shallow flats, this laid-back fishing town has earned its reputation as one of the premier destinations for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re casting for redfish in the back marsh or drifting for speckled trout over shell reefs, Port O’Connor delivers action year-round.

Why Port O’Connor?
Located where Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico converge, Port O’Connor offers a rare mix of saltwater environments. Its geography provides calm waters protected by barrier islands, which means anglers can fish effectively even when coastal weather is unpredictable. This accessibility makes it a favorite spot for family fishing trips, fly fishers, tournament competitors, and weekend warriors alike.

The Big Three: Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder
Inshore fishing around Port O’Connor typically targets the “Texas Slam”—redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Each species brings its own seasonal pattern, preferred habitat, and fishing techniques.

Redfish (Red Drum):
Redfish are abundant in local marshes, grass flats, and around oyster reefs. They’re known for tailing in shallow water and delivering strong, bulldog-style runs. Anglers often catch slot-sized fish (20–28”) using live shrimp, cut mullet, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Fall is prime time for bull redfish near jetties and passes during their spawning migration.

Speckled Trout:
Trout are found year-round in deeper guts, over shell reefs, and along drop-offs. Early morning topwater action is especially popular during spring and summer, while winter sees better luck in deeper channels and warm water outflows. Preferred baits include soft plastics on jigheads, live shrimp under popping corks, and suspending twitch baits.

Flounder:
Flounder ambush bait along muddy drop-offs, marsh drains, and sandy channels. Anglers use slow-rolled soft plastics or live mud minnows on Carolina rigs. The fall flounder run is especially productive as these flatfish migrate toward the Gulf.

Productive Fishing Locations
Port O’Connor’s surrounding bays, lakes, and passes are loaded with productive spots:

Espiritu Santo Bay: Known for clear flats and tailing redfish

Matagorda Bay: A large estuary with reefs holding big trout

Shoalwater Bay: Protected waters ideal for kayak fishing and wading

Pass Cavallo: Gulf access point with bull reds, jacks, and Spanish mackerel

Barroom Bay: Popular for its protected waters and mixed species

Big Bayou & Little Mary’s Cut: Excellent for marsh fishing and flounder

Each of these spots offers different water depths, current patterns, and bottom compositions that affect bait choice and tactics.

Seasonal Patterns and When to Go
One of the great things about fishing in Port O’Connor is that there’s no off-season. Still, particular species peak during different times of the year:

Spring (March–May): Great for redfish and trout on shallow flats

Summer (June–August): Prime for topwater trout action and sight fishing redfish

Fall (September–November): Bull redfish run, peak flounder migration

Winter (December–February): Best for targeting large trout in deeper channels

Tide movement, moon phases, and weather fronts all influence fish behavior, so understanding how to read conditions is key to consistent success.

Techniques That Work
Fishing in Port O’Connor means being versatile. Here are some of the most effective techniques:

Wade Fishing: Popular on shallow flats and shorelines

Drift Fishing: Ideal for covering large areas over shell or grass

Sight Casting: Requires good visibility, often used for tailing redfish

Popping Corks: Used with shrimp or plastic to attract trout

Topwater Lures: Early morning favorites for aggressive strikes

Carolina Rigs: Great for flounder and deeper structure

Guides like Captain Wes Bodden at Lured Out tailor their approach based on client experience, tide conditions, and seasonal movement to maximize opportunities on the water.

Gear Recommendations
Inshore fishing requires light to medium tackle. Recommended setups include:

7’ medium-fast spinning rods

2500–3500 size spinning reels

10–15 lb braided line with fluorocarbon leaders

Selection of soft plastics, jig heads, topwaters, and popping corks

Waders, polarized sunglasses, and a reliable GPS/fishfinder are also helpful, especially when targeting multiple locations in one trip.

Booking a Guided Trip
Whether you’re new to the area or want to refine your approach, hiring a local guide makes a huge difference. Guides like Captain Wes Bodden of Lured Out bring years of experience and real-time knowledge of fish behavior, tides, and hot spots. They also provide all tackle, bait, licensing, and gear needed for a stress-free day on the water.

Guided trips can range from half-day adventures to full-day excursions, often tailored to suit individuals, families, or groups. Specialty trips may include flounder gigging, fly fishing, or Gulf runs for big game.

Conservation and Catch Ethics
Texas has strict rules to ensure sustainable fishing. Anglers should always check the latest TPWD regulations and consider:

Practicing catch and release for oversized trout and breeding redfish

Using circle hooks to reduce deep-hook injuries

Proper fish handling with wet hands or nets

Never exceeding bag limits or keeping undersized fish

Healthy fisheries depend on responsible anglers who respect the resource and the experience.

Conclusion: Port O’Connor’s Inshore Experience
Port O’Connor isn’t just another coastal town—it’s a living, breathing fishing destination where saltwater tradition meets modern angling excellence. With endless access to fish-rich bays, a variety of tactics to try, and guides like Captain Wes ready to help, every day on the water offers something new.

Whether you’re chasing your first redfish or gunning for a trophy trout, Port O’Connor provides the perfect backdrop for memorable inshore fishing adventures year-round.