Mesquite Bay Fishing Charters

Growing up in a ranching family that has been in the Victoria, Texas area since the 1870s, James F. Welder developed early on a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife. His passion for fishing the Gulf coast comes from spending weekends and summers in Rockport, Texas. There he began crafting his fishing skills at age 4 with his father, along the San Antonio Bay system south to Lower Laguna Madre. After attending Southwest Texas University, James obtained his Captain's license in 2005 to share his knowledge and experience on the water with others. In addition to conventional fishing, James has been an avid fly fisherman for 15 years. He has spent time in the Bahamas learning new techniques for fly casting, which he can pass along to fly-fishing clients at any level. His knack for teaching first timers with his carefree, relaxed attitude will make learning to fish a memorable and rewarding experience. Capt. James has been guiding since 2005 and has grown up fishing the Port Aransas and Rockport areas all his life. We will be fishing primarily for Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Black Drum. He uses a wide variety of techniques in order for his clients to have great day on the water. He runs a 25’ Majek Illusion. Kids are more than welcome. Read More

Captain Jason will customize your trip to your preferences. On your pre-trip call he will advise what has been working recently, but will fish the way you prefer. Fishing out of the boat with cut or live bait for reds, speckled trout or black drum. Drifting the flat with live shrimp under popping corks or lures and soft plastics. Wading shorelines with lures or live bait. It is your trip and wants you to have fun. He fishes primarily for reds, speckled trout and black drum. If you catch a limit of the targeted species or they are simply not bitting, he will always look for feeding fish to catch. His goal is to keep your fishing rods bent and you having fun for the full 6 hours. Typically he launches from Cove Harbor North next to Paradise Key Restaurant. On the pre-trip call launch locations can be changed, depending on the type of trip or bay to be fished. All launch locations changes will be agreed to by both parties on pre-trip call. For parties larger than 4 people he works either several boats to accommodate big parties. Read More

Captain Will is the real deal! He knows how to get you on the Redfish, Trout, Drum, and Flounder for a spectacular day off the coast of South Texas! Based out of the Rockport area, he primarily fishes the Aransas, Copano, St. Charles, Carlos, Mesquite, Ayres, and San Antonio Bays, but can also take you out of Aransas Pass. Though he is willing to accommodate other pickup locations, he likes to launch out of Goose Island State Park aboard his 2019 22' TransCat. This vessel is equipped with a 250 HP Suzuki motor that provides a comfortable and quick ride out to chase the fish. This boat likes to get "skinny", and is perfect for chasing tailing Reds into shallow water. It also comes with a power pole, trolling motor, t-top, and front fishing deck with plenty of room to fish with four guests. Once out on the water, Captain Will likes to fish with mostly live bait, cut bait, and some artificial. He will provide everything from rods, reels, tackle, bait, to a cooler of ice for the catch and a memorable day on the water! So all you need to bring is a cooler with your favorite snacks/drinks, a camera for bragging rights, and your Texas Fishing license, and let Captain Will take care of the rest! Read More

Calling all fishing enthusiasts! Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Captain LL's Inshore Fishing Trips, based in the picturesque coastal town of Rockport, Texas. Step aboard our top-of-the-line 24ft Haynie bay boat and get ready to experience the thrill of inshore fishing like never before. Captain LL is not your average fishing guide – he's a seasoned angler with a passion for the sport and a deep knowledge of the local waters. With years of experience navigating the bays, flats, and estuaries of Rockport, he knows all the secret spots where the fish are abundant and biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time angler, Captain LL will ensure you have an action-packed day on the water. Our 24ft Haynie bay boat is the perfect vessel for exploring the inshore waters. Equipped with state-of-the-art fishing gear, ample seating, and a spacious deck, it provides both comfort and functionality for your fishing trip. Its shallow draft allows us to navigate the narrowest channels and reach the hidden honey holes where trophy-sized redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and other sought-after species lurk. Captain "LL" is not only a skilled angler but also a patient and friendly guide. He will provide expert instruction on casting, baiting, and reeling in your catch, ensuring that everyone on board has a chance to land a prized fish. His dedication to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and he will go above and beyond to make your fishing trip a memorable one. As you fish, you'll also have the opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of the Rockport area. The tranquil waters, lush marshes, and diverse wildlife create an idyllic backdrop for your adventure. Keep your camera handy because you never know when you'll spot a majestic osprey diving for its prey or catch a glimpse of playful dolphins frolicking nearby. So, grab your fishing buddies, family, or friends and book your inshore fishing trip with Captain LL today. Whether you're looking for a thrilling day of angling, a relaxing excursion in nature, or a memorable outing with loved ones, Captain LL's Inshore Fishing Trips will provide an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Get ready to make memories and reel in the fish of a lifetime in the beautiful waters of Rockport, Texas! Read More

This will be a full day of wade fishing the Rockport Tx bay systems. We will use a variety of different Artifical lures from soft plastics to top waters primarily targeting trophy trout and redfish. I will provide all the tackle as far as lures go. But you are more than welcome and encouraged to bring your favorite and most confident baits. You will be required to bring all your own gear consisting of waders and boots, wading belts with pliers and stringers and last but not least your own rods. I do recommend each customer bring 2 rods incase one accidentally breaks or has a malfunction. I can provide beginners rods and reels for an additional cost of $50 per rod. One more thing that I hope won’t be a deal breaker but since the major freeze a few years ago I along with a lot of the Texas guides do “Not” allow clients to keep any trout. Our trout fishery especially here in the rockport area took a major hit during the freeze. With that being said, It is coming back and there is plenty of trout action to have but if we want it to have a chance to get back to the way it was and hopefully even better and long lasting we have to continue to let them go and grow. Like I said I really hope that isn’t a deal breaker. Read More

Texas' Coastal Bend region is a fisherman's paradise, with abundant opportunities to catch Redfish and Black Drum in the shallow backwater and marshes. On this charter fishing trip, guests can experience the thrill of reeling in these exciting and delicious fish, which are a blast to catch for any saltwater angler! The trip will begin with a short boat ride to the shallow waters off of Rockport, Texas, where the Redfish are known to congregate. Captain Chase has put in his days on the water, and will put his expert knowledge to work to get you hooked up on some champion fish! Once you're out on the water aboard Captain Chase's 22’ airboat, you'll have the chance to use a variety of techniques to catch the Redfish and Black Drum including sight casting with lures or bait and "soaking" cut shrimp or mullet on the bottom to create a commotion that will attract the fish. The shallow water makes for an exciting and challenging fishing experience, as the fish can be easily spooked and will require quick reflexes and a deft touch to catch. After a day of fishing, guests will return to the dock with their catch, which can be cleaned and filleted by the captain. Go home with a trophy, a full cooler, and a camera full of lifelong memories! Read More

Experience the Best of Coastal Fishing in Rockport, TX! Join us for an exhilarating 4-hour fishing adventure on the serene waters of Rockport's coastal marshes and back lakes. Get ready to reel in the catch of a lifetime as we target the prized redfish and hard-fighting black drum that call these waters home. With our experienced guides leading the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the most picturesque and abundant fishing spots in Texas. Whether you're an angling enthusiast or a novice looking for a memorable experience, our Rockport fishing trip promises excitement, beautiful scenery, and the chance to create lasting fishing memories. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity – book your trip today and discover the thrill of coastal fishing at its finest! Read More

This is a trip sight casting off of a 7’ tower for Redfish. We will leave the launch around 6 am and will return around 2pm. We will be fishing from a 2020 Tournament Edition CCB Grande with updated GPS and fish finder. While fishing we will be targeting Redfish, Flounder, Sea Trout, and Black Drum. I will clean all fish for you after the day of fishing. I strive for conservation of the local fishery therefore since the 2021 freeze even though regulations have returned to normal, I have a rule of 3 Trout maximum of 15"-20" to be kept. All oversized Trout and Redfish will be Catch, Photo, Release. I will supply all light tackle rods, reels, and lures needed for you to enjoy your day of fishing. You will NEED to bring your waders/boots if wading trip. You will need to wear Sun Protection (Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses). I will provide water and Gatorade. You will need to provide your own snacks. Safety is a priority and there will be a First Aid kit and fire extinguisher on the boat if needed. Read More

This is an Artificial Only wade trip. We will leave the launch around 6 am and will return around 12pm. We will be fishing from a 2020 Tournament Edition CCB Grande with updated GPS and fish finder. While fishing we will be targeting Redfish, Flounder, Sea Trout, and Black Drum. I will clean all fish for you after the day of fishing. I strive for conservation of the local fishery therefore since the 2021 freeze even though regulations have returned to normal, I have a rule of 3 Trout maximum of 15"-20" to be kept. All oversized Trout and Redfish will be Catch, Photo, Release. I will supply all light tackle rods, reels, and lures needed for you to enjoy your day of fishing. You will NEED to bring your waders/boots. You will need to wear Sun Protection (Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses). I will provide water and Gatorade. You will need to provide your own snacks. Safety is a priority and there will be a First Aid kit and fire extinguisher on the boat if needed. Read More

This will be a half day of wade fishing the Rockport Tx bay systems. We will use a variety of different Artifical lures from soft plastics to top waters primarily targeting trophy trout and redfish. I will provide all the tackle as far as lures go. But you are more than welcome and encouraged to bring your favorite and most confident baits. You will be required to bring all your own gear consisting of waders and boots, wading belts with pliers and stringers and last but not least your own rods. I do recommend each customer bring 2 rods incase one accidentally breaks or has a malfunction. I can provide beginners rods and reels for an additional cost of $50 per rod. One more thing that I hope won’t be a deal breaker but since the major freeze a few years ago I along with a lot of the Texas guides do “Not” allow clients to keep any trout. Our trout fishery especially here in the rockport area took a major hit during the freeze. With that being said, It is coming back and there is plenty of trout action to have but if we want it to have a chance to get back to the way it was and hopefully even better and long lasting we have to continue to let them go and grow. Like I said I really hope that isn’t a deal breaker. Read More

This is a bait fishing trip lasting 4 hours. We will leave the launch around 6 am and will return around 10am. We will be fishing from a 2020 Tournament Edition CCB Grande with updated GPS and fish finder. While fishing we will be targeting Redfish, Flounder, Sea Trout, and Black Drum. I will clean all fish for you after the day of fishing. I strive for conservation of the local fishery therefore since the 2021 freeze even though regulations have returned to normal, I have a rule of 3 Trout maximum of 15"-20" to be kept. All oversized Trout and Redfish will be Catch, Photo, Release. I will supply all light tackle rods, reels, and lures needed for you to enjoy your day of fishing. You will NEED to bring your waders/boots. You will need to wear Sun Protection (Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses). I will provide water and Gatorade. You will need to provide your own snacks. Safety is a priority and there will be a First Aid kit and fire extinguisher on the boat if needed. Read More