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Technique
Light Tackle, Bottom Fishing, Trolling, Drift Fishing
Water Type
Inshore, Flats
Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Captain Will Smiley 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 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 artificials, to target these inshore denizens, with proven success!
Captain Will 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!
Boat type: Bay boat
Boat Manufacturer: TranSport
Boat length: 22ft
Engine Manufacturer: Suzuki
Engine HP: 250HP
Number of engines: 1
Extras: GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Wireless Trolling Motor
Captain Will has been a veteran small business owner in the outdoor industry for nearly 20 years. He loves to hunt and fish and recently retired from his successful taxidermy business in Boerne, TX to do more fishing. He served for 8 years in the USAF prior to that. He obtained his US Coast Guard Captain's license in 2018 and also has a TPWD fishing guide license.
He has been married to my wife Julie since 1994 and they have two adult sons, Dakota and Tyler. He and Julie moved to Rockport in 2017 a week before Hurricane Harvey, but have been coming down to the area to fish regularly for years. Dakota and Julie also served in the USAF, but now work in the private sector. Tyler also fishes for a living and has his Captain and guide licenses, and he currently works the offshore boats out of Port Aransas.
March 23, 2021
Fantastic experience, recommend it to everyone!
December 12, 2020
Such a great trip and Will made it even better as a way to introduce saltwater fishing to my boy. He put us on the spot during a late season trip. Very professional and enjoyable for all. May be late in the game getting involved but my boy loved it. All worth the time to see him smile pulling in his first redfish.
July 26, 2020
Capt. Will took my family of 2 young children and my wife out for Father's Day, and let me tell you, it was the best trip we have had on the water. It was the first time for all 4 of us to fish on a boat, and Capt. Will made us not only feel safe, but also kept the action going even though the day was very hot. We fished all day long, and caught 8 keepers. My kids had a blast and told me that fishing with Captain Will was better than Nintendo Switch. If you are a Pro or like we were, inexperienced fishermen on a boat, you should definitely book Captain Will. We are looking forward to booking him again in October when the red fish are running!
June 28, 2020
Had a great time! Spent my husband’s 40th birthday out on the water with Will. Caught a few but learned lots!
Tackle
All rods, reels, and tackle are included.
Fish Cleaning
This guide will clean your catch for you.
Beer
Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.
Live Bait
Yes, Included
Weather
You will get a refund if the trip is canceled due to weather.
Boat Restroom
No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.
Lunch
No meal provided.
Provided
Rods, reels & tackle
At an Additional Rate
No added costs.
Recommended Packing
Small ice chest with snacks and drinks
Required Items
Valid Texas fishing license with saltwater stamp
Payment & Tipping
After paying the deposit, a QR Code will be emailed to you. On the day of the trip, your guide will scan your QR code to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is for a customary tip (we recommend 20%).
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Yes, cancel for free up to 7 days before the trip.
Where to Buy a Fishing License
Find a license for your state here.Start Location
131 Rob Johnson Circle, Rockport, TX 78382, United States
Start Time(s)
06:00 AM
Duration(s)
7 hours,