Half Day.
THE HALF DAY
A focused morning.
Four hours all-inclusive on a Hell's Bay Waterman skiff — run out of Rockport, or a Port Aransas pickup if that works better. On the water before the wind builds and before the crowds show up, which makes it the best option for Saturday trips. The goal is simple: get you on the bow, find a willing fish, and put it in the boat.
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4 HoursAll-inclusive trip length
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1–2 AnglersPer skiff, plus your guide
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From $6002026 rate, gear included
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Rockport, TXTexas coastal flats
The Fish
Redfish, speckled trout, and black drum tailing the Rockport flats.
The Day
Tide-driven mornings — on the water before the wind builds and before the crowds.
The Gear
7–8wt rods, floating lines, and custom-tied flies matched to that day's flats.
The Boat
Hell's Bay Waterman — built for skinny water and stalking tailed reds.
Target species, year-round.
Redfish
Built for sight fishing. Redfish live in inches of water — nothing beats watching one chase down a fly and flare its gills as you come tight.
Speckled Trout
Grass-bed edges and over-water structure. Active hunters that crush a fly on the surface — the bite you feel long after the strip set.
Black Drum
Big, slow tails on the flats. Pure sight-cast — a bonus species we never turn down. Ten-pound fish in two feet of water, slow but heavy pull.
Flounder
Sandy edges and channel mouths. Slow strips, low presentations, and a satisfying eat — a fish that rewards a careful, patient angler.
Sheepshead
Pilings, docks, and oyster bars. Technical and rewarding — a finesse fish on the fly that demands the right fly and a perfect presentation.
THE DAY
Four hours,
planned around
the right tide.
Tide is the boss. Mornings before the wind builds are the window that produces on a Half Day — we'll line your start up with the tide, the moon, and what the fish are doing that week. Need a later launch? Dylan can push the start back a bit if your schedule needs it — we're usually off the water by early afternoon either way. Your start time is set the day before.
0:00 — Meet at the ramp
Quick rundown, gear sort, gameplan for the tide.
0:15 — Run to the first flat
On the water while the light is still right.
1:00 — Pole and stalk
Dylan on the platform, you on the bow.
2:00 — Prime windows
Sight-cast shots at tailing reds and cruising drum.
4:00 — Last shots, run back
Photos, fish handling, back to the ramp.
The Gear.
Every Half Day comes fully outfitted. Standard rig is a 7–8wt rod with floating line — the redfish setup that handles 90% of trips. Heavier setups when bull reds and jacks come into play; lighter for slicked-out mornings.
Provided
- 7–8wt rods, floating linesThe standard redfish setup
- 10–12wt rods on standbyBull reds, jacks, gulf shots
- Leaders, tippet, custom-tied fliesMatched to the day's flats
- Water and ice on boardCold drinks every trip
Bring
- Polarized sunglassesNon-negotiable for sight casting
- Texas saltwater fishing licenseBuy online before the trip
- Hat, sunscreen, non-marking boat shoesThe Texas sun is no joke
- Rain gear if the forecast looks moodyAlso doubles as wind protection
THE BOAT
Hell's Bay
Waterman.
A skiff built for skinny water — quiet poling platform, shallow draft, and a stable casting deck for one or two anglers. The standard rig for every Half Day trip, whether we're stalking tailing reds in Rockport, running south to Aransas Pass, or up to Port O'Connor for gulf shots.
Model Year
Latest spec, dialed for the Texas coast
Min Draft
Chase fish in inches of water
Poled
Quiet stalking, no engine spook
Anglers
Solo or pair, one on the bow at a time
100% Sight Casting.
Every day is methodically poled, visual and tide driven.
Need a place to crash?
Rockport-area lodging — hotels, vacation rentals, and a couple of Dylan’s personal picks, all a short drive from the launch.
See Lodging Recommendations →As featured on Flats Class TV.
Watch a day on the Texas coast with Dylan before you book the trip.
QUESTIONS
Before we cast off.
I've never fly fished — can a Half Day work for a beginner?
Yes. We'll spend a few minutes on the front end making sure you're comfortable with the stroke and presentation. The flats are forgiving for first-timers as long as you can put a fly out 30–40 feet. If you've never picked up a fly rod, a Full Day gives more cushion to learn and still chase fish.
What if it's windy or the weather turns?
Wind is part of fishing the Texas coast — we can fish in most of it. If the forecast looks unfishable (heavy storms, dangerous wind, fog), we'll move the trip rather than risk a bad day. Reach out the day before if you're worried and we'll make the call together.
Do you provide lunch?
Half Day trips are short enough that lunch isn't included — we provide water and ice. Pack a snack if you'd like. Full Days require lunch from you.
What about kids?
Kids are welcome with a parent on the boat. Reach out beforehand — ages and casting ability shape how we plan the day.
Do we wade or fish from the boat?
Most Half Day trips are run entirely from the skiff. If you'd rather wade some flats, mention it before the trip and we'll plan around it. Flats sneakers with neoprene socks or wading booties are recommended — not wading boots.
What's the deposit and cancellation policy?
A 50% prepayment locks in your date — the balance is due the day of the trip in cash, check, or Venmo (credit cards add a 5% processing fee). Cancel more than 14 days out and the prepayment transfers to another date within the year; inside 14 days the full rate is due. Trips cancelled for weather or mechanical failure are fully refunded — weather calls are at the captain's discretion. Trip insurance is highly recommended.
Can I combine two Half Days or upgrade to a Full Day?
Full Days run $800 for one or two anglers, 7–8 hours, and are the best value if your schedule allows it. Two Half Days back-to-back is doable but Full Day pricing makes it the same money for more time on the bow.
Where do we meet?
Default ramp is in Rockport. Port Aransas, Port O'Connor, and Upper Laguna Madre are options for the right trip. Specific ramp and start time are sent the day before.
What if I don't catch a fish?
It's hunting — there are no guarantees. What we do guarantee is shots at fish, a guide who's poling, calling, and coaching every minute of the trip, and the best information about tides, light, and timing we can give you. Most Half Days produce. Some don't.
WHAT ANGLERS SAY · VERIFIED GOOGLE REVIEWS
Trusted by anglers from across Texas.
I had a great time on the water with Capt. Mendoza! Dylan was knowledgeable, patient, and super passionate about what he does. He knew exactly where the fish were holding and gave great instruction. Can't wait to come back and spend more time on the water with DM Fly Fishing.
Brent Vogler
If you’re searching for one of the best fly-fishing guides on the Texas mid-coast, stop searching — you’ve found him. Dylan gave my son and me a day we won’t forget. From the moment we stepped onto his pristine Hell’s Bay Waterman, we knew we were in good hands. He shared local knowledge, coached us patiently, kept the mood fun, and put us on a pile of redfish. We’ll absolutely be back on the water with Dylan soon.
Steve Redmon
Great time flyfishing with Capt. Dylan Mendoza in Port A! An extremely knowledgeable guide with all the skills. Dylan was able to put us on Redfish and Black Drum our first time out and can adapt and go to Plan B when the tide is high and fishing gets tough. Simply put, Dylan gets it done. We’ll be back for the unicorn Spotted Seatrout!
Timm Kluender
Dylan is a great guy, works hard to put you on fish. Highly recommend him for your fishy pursuits in the Rockport area!
Kenneth Gerg
Reached out to Dylan about two months out to setup a trip late September. Great communication and helped us setup a second boat for our group of three. Dylan was great and put us on redfish for two days straight in changing Fall conditions. He is a total pro with a solid game plan, great eye for fish, and the cleanest boat I’ve ever fished on. We will be back, Highly recommend!
Keith K
Had a great multi-day experience catching TX redfish with Dylan Mendoza. We were a party of 4 from the intermountain west and Dylan, Victor, and Trey got us all on some really nice fish. We're already planning a return trip! Professional, conscientious guides with exceptional local knowledge!
Ben Alivio
Dylan is the man! Despite having stitches in his hand, he poled his tail off to put us on a ton of fish. Not only does he know the fish like they’re his pets, but he is also super knowledgeable about all things Rockport and fly fishing in general. Couldn’t ask for a better guide or experience. Can’t wait to get back on the water with him!
Jackson Phillips
Had a great time with Dylan. His attributes of being patient with a vast knowledge of the area, and his understanding and passion for fly fishing made it a great trip.
Tracy Hammer
I had an awesome half-day trip with Captain Dylan Mendoza! We caught multiple fish, but what stood out most was how much of a teachable experience it was—he shared tips and tricks the whole way through. It honestly felt like fishing with an old buddy, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Highly recommend booking with him if you want both fun and knowledge on the water!
Shawn Cox
Dylan rocks! There is more to it than just putting a fish in front of you. Boat positioning, coaching, conversation. He’s got it all, plus the fish. Looking forward to our next trip!
Casey Kennedy
READY TO FISH?
Book a half day.
Send a quick message with your dates and we'll get back to you fast. Morning slots run year-round — and Saturdays book up first.
- (512) 423-7941
- dylanmendozaflyfishing@gmail.com
- Rockport, Texas