Ready to crush the competition at your next fishing tournament? Capt. Brandon Traw's 8-hour charter in Port O'Connor, TX is your ticket to trophy-sized catches and a shot at tournament glory. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip is perfect for serious fishermen looking to dial in their strategy and land some impressive fish. We'll hit the hottest spots in the bay, targeting monster sea trout and redfish that'll turn heads at the weigh-in.
This ain't your average relaxing day of fishing – we're on a mission to put you on the biggest, baddest fish in the bay. Capt. Brandon knows these waters like the back of his hand and has the inside scoop on where the trophy fish are hiding. We'll start early to maximize our time on the water, hitting proven honey holes and adjusting our strategy based on conditions. Expect a fast-paced day with lots of casts, quick moves between spots, and (hopefully) some serious fish-fighting action. While we're focused on results, there's still plenty of time to soak in the beauty of Port O'Connor and swap some fish stories between spots.
Port O'Connor is known for its world-class inshore fishing, and we've got the techniques dialed to put you on the money fish. We'll likely mix it up between drifting live bait, working topwater lures, and sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. Capt. Brandon's boat is rigged with top-notch gear, including sensitive rods perfect for detecting those subtle bites and heavy-duty reels to winch in the big boys. We'll adapt our tactics based on the tide, wind, and fish behavior to maximize our chances of hooking into something special. Don't be surprised if we throw in some local "secret weapons" – lures and techniques that have been crushing it in recent tournaments.
Sea Trout: These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. In Port O'Connor, we're talking about legitimate gator trout – fish pushing 25+ inches that'll make your drag sing. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure and drop-offs. The bite can be subtle, but hook into a big one and you're in for a fight. Spring and fall are prime time for trophy trout, but we catch quality fish year-round.
Redfish: If you're looking for a fish that'll test your gear and your arms, look no further than the mighty red drum. Port O'Connor is famous for its bull reds – fish over 28 inches that'll pull like a freight train. We target them in the shallows, often sight-casting to big schools tailing in less than 2 feet of water. It's a heart-pounding experience when you see that copper-colored back and blue-tinged tail breaking the surface. Fall is the peak season for big bulls, but we catch quality slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) all year long.
Port O'Connor might not be as well-known as some other Texas fishing destinations, but that's part of its charm. You get world-class fishing without the crowds. The diversity of fishing opportunities is insane – from shallow flats to deep channels, grass beds to oyster reefs. Every trip is different, and there's always the chance of hooking into something truly special. Capt. Brandon's local knowledge is key – he knows which spots are producing and how to adjust when the bite gets tough. Plus, the laid-back vibe of Port O'Connor means you can focus on fishing without any distractions.
If you're gearing up for a tournament, this trip is all about dialing in your strategy. We'll work on perfecting your presentations, finding the right lures and colors for the conditions, and locating the areas holding the biggest fish. Capt. Brandon will share insights on how fish patterns change throughout the day and how to maximize your time during the actual tournament. We'll also practice careful catch-and-release techniques to ensure those big fish stay healthy for tournament day. Remember, sometimes winning comes down to ounces – so we'll focus on quality over quantity and teach you how to upgrade your catch throughout the day.
While we've got the boat and fishing gear covered, there are a few things you'll want to bring to ensure a successful day on the water: - Texas fishing license (with saltwater endorsement) - Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key) - Polarized sunglasses - Hat and sunscreen - Drinks and snacks (no meals provided on this trip) - Camera or GoPro to document your catches - Any lucky fishing charms or tournament superstitions (hey, we don't judge)
Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler or looking to step up your game, this 8-hour charter with Capt. Brandon Traw is your best shot at landing some serious fish in Port O'Connor. We'll put you on the spots where trophies lurk, share local knowledge that can make or break a tournament, and send you home with the confidence to crush it on competition day. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before you book. With only 6 spots available, these tournament-focused trips fill up fast – especially during prime seasons. Don't let the big one get away – book your Port O'Connor fishing adventure today and get ready to make some waves at your next weigh-in!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a popular inshore species here. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters over 30 inches do show up. You'll find them around grass flats, channels, and deeper holes, especially at night. These fish are fun to catch on light tackle and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. Just be careful not to overcook it. They're also great for tournaments since you can usually find good numbers. Sea trout feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. For best results, try fishing with soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work it with subtle twitches - sea trout often hit on the pause. Cool weather is prime time as they school up in deeper water. One local tip: On calm mornings, look for subtle v-shaped wakes moving across grass flats. That's often a cruising trout, giving you a chance for an accurate cast and quick hookup.
Redfish are a prized catch around here, usually running 20-30 inches but can get up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers get fired up for redfish because they put up a great fight and taste delicious. That signature black spot near the tail is actually a decoy to fool predators. Pretty clever fish. If you want to land a big red, try sight-casting with topwater lures early in the morning. Walk-the-dog style baits like Skitter Walks are deadly. For a local trick, fish the edges of grass flats on a falling tide - the reds will be there ambushing bait as it gets pulled off the flat. Just be ready for an explosive strike when they hit!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250