What to Know About Your Texas Fly Fishing Trip

A Safe, Fun, and Rewarding Experience

Our goal every day is to provide a safe, fun and rewarding experience for our clients on the magical waters surrounding Rockport and Port Aransas. We focus on sight fishing with fly rods in shallow water, although we also welcome non-fly fishing clients.

Redfish are the primary target on sight fishing trips, but we often have opportunities to cast to speckled trout and black drum as well. Flounder and sheepshead are also possibilities.

In order to make the most of a sight fishing trip, fly anglers should have the basics of casting, presentation, and line management. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Our default meeting spot is the Port Aransas Municipal Harbor, but we consider everything from Corpus Christi to Rockport our home waters and will work to arrange a more convenient meeting location if needed.

Pricing and Policies

Sight fishing trips are for one or two anglers aboard a Hell’s Bay Professional. While fly fishing, one angler fishes at a time, and you may switch when you want.

Half-day trips are 4-1/2 hours and cost $500. Departure times vary somewhat with seasons and conditions, but 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is typical.

Full-day trips are 7 hours and cost $800. A typical trip is 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A $100 deposit is required to reserve a date. In the event we have to reschedule due to weather (lightning, high winds or big thunderstorms), we will reschedule with a date that works best for your schedule and my availability. If we have a weather cancellation and schedules do not allow us to set a new date, your deposit will be refunded. If you cancel within two weeks of the scheduled trip date, your deposit will be forfeited. Deposits may be paid with Venmo or Zelle.

Tipping is at your discretion but is customary and deeply appreciated. Charter captains are generally tipped like servers — 15% to 20% for good service, 20% to 25% for an exceptional experience.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Much of what you need you’ll need for your day of fly fishing is provided, including:

  • Fly rods — We provide a full line of premium Sawgrass and Scott fly rods matched with Tibor reels. Anglers are welcome to bring their favorite fly rod if they prefer.

  • Flies — All the necessary flies are provided and are perfectly matched to the current conditions. If you prefer to fish flies that you tied, I am happy to suggest the most productive patterns.

  • Spinning and baitcasting rods — Quality light tackle is provided if desired.

  • Cooler with ice, water and a selection of light snacks

What to bring:

  • Quality polarized sunglasses — We have a small selection of loaners if needed.

  • Appropriate clothing — Our weather varies widely with the seasons. Feel free to call for advice.

  • Sunscreen — Please no sprays.

  • Food and drinks — Anything you want besides water and granola bars. Cooler space is provided.

  • Licenses — All anglers most possess a valid TPWD saltwater fishing license.

What We Need to Know From You

  • To make the most of a sight fishing trip, you’ll need at least a basic command of casting, presentation and line management. If we have a good idea of your abilities up-front, we can factor that information into our plan for the day.

  • If so, let’s make sure it’s properly matched for our fishing and current conditions.  We’ll also load the skiff differently depending on how many fly rods you’ll have.

  • The platform improves visibility and casting range, but may not be a good choice for anglers with previous injuries, stability issues, etc. The leaning stool is the most secure option, allowing anglers to fish while partially sitting on a tall, cushioned stool attached firmly to the deck. An open forward deck provides maximum mobility. We’re happy to configure the bow however you prefer.

  • If you’re not 100% confident in your saltwater fly fishing abilities, we’re happy to bring along spinning and/or bait casting equipment and lures for backup. Just let us know your preference ahead of time.

  • We strongly encourage catch-and-release, but respect the decision some clients make to harvest fish according to Texas regulations. If you might keep fish, we'll have an iced fish box on board. If not, we'll leave it out to lighten the boat.

  • Our default location is the Port Aransas Municipal Harbor <<<link to contact>>>, but we may be to arrange a more convenient location, depending on where you’re coming from.

Knowing a few things from you in advance of our trip can make it better experience all around. We’ll ask you the following: