St. Charles Bay, known for large concentrations of speckled trout around its shallow reefs and redfish along its shorelines and tidal lakes, is lightly fished because of its remoteness and the profusion of oyster reefs, which discourage many boaters. Flyfishers will find that driftfishing from a skiff or getting out and wadefishing around the oyster reefs and spoil islands often result in high-quality redfish and speckled-trout action.

During the summer and fall months, redfish tails can be spotted on the north shoreline of St. Charles Bay, shining in the early morning sun.

St. Charles Bay (North Shoreline)

The eastern end of Cavasso Creek provides access by kayak or johnboat to the north end of St. Charles Bay and the shorelines and tidal lakes along the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Traveling eastward by skiff or kayak, flyfishers can wade the outside shorelines of St. Charles Bay or move into the tidal creeks and lakes along the refuge shorelines. Look for tailing and cruising redfish on shorelines, and work the deeper water and reefs of St. Charles for trout.

Shallow-draft boats and kayaks can be launched at the foot of the bridge where Cavasso Creek crosses Texas 35, 11 miles north of Rockport.

St. Charles Bay (East Shoreline)

Accessible from Goose Island State Park by flats boats and sea kayak, the shell reefs and narrow channels at the entrance to the St. Charles Bay are excellent for blindcasting for trout. The western side of Blackjack Peninsula, from Egg Point to Bird Point at the mouth of the bay holds good numbers of redfish around its shorelines, coves, and creeks. The firm, light sand bottoms here are ideal for wadefishing and sightcasting. Fish this part of St. Charles Bay when the water is clear, on light to moderate winds.

Across St. Charles Bay from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, at Goose Island State Park, flyfishers can launch skiffs or charter guides for fishing some of the prime flats, creeks, and channels behind Matagorda and San Jose islands. To get to Goose Island State Park take Texas 35. Eight miles north of Rockport, turn east at Park Road 13. Follow the signs to the park entrance.