Bait & Tackle
PRO TIP: You can pick up or renew your fishing license at any Stripes or Valero gas station in town. They set you you up right at the check out. No need to trudge into Walmart, unless you’re already headed in for something else.
The Best Bait In Town
Here’s 5 bait stands that carry live (and frozen) shrimp, crab, croakers and cut bait at reasonable prices.
PRO TIP: They fly flags outside that show what they have available.
Fulton Harbor Bait & Aransas Bait Co. are in the same parking lot where the shrimp boats hang out when they’re not out fishing. Head straight down Broadway (3036) until you hit Fulton Beach Road, take a left and they’ll be on your right hand side on the south end of Fulton Beach Park.
Mom’s Bait Shop, Fleming’s Bait and Pelican Bait are all three located next door to each other on the marina near the south end of Rockport. They’re also right by the Maritime Museum, the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor and the Bay Education Center. If you’re already headed to Walmart or HEB, this might be the place to pick us some bait while you’re out. (Mom’s is a favorite of Big Blue’s owner.)
Tackle Town & Seaworthy Marine Supply
Tackle Town is right on the main drag in town (Hwy 35), is conveniently located for your stay at Big Blue, and will have everything you need. If you’re in need of gear, and you like shopping local, this is your spot. From fishing gear to sunglasses and clothing/swimwear, they’ve got it all. It’s well run, well stocked, and a local favorite for a reason. Take a right at the Exxon. She’ll be one block down on your left.
Seaworthy Marine is for you boat owners and kayak enthusiasts. They have a full service repair shop, as well as a well appointed show floor with some of the finest boat accessories and kayaks/gear in town. Stay on Broadway until you hit Fulton Beach Rd. She’ll be on the right at the intersection.
Local Fishing Guides
There are many great guide services in the Rockport area. We’ve recommended a couple we’ve used and had a great experience with. Nothing is guaranteed when fishing, even with an experienced guide, but we’ve always caught good fish and had a great time with these folks.
Bay and “Close To Shore” Guides
Our family went out on the water with Brian Holden Guide Service this summer and we highly recommend them! Booking a trip with Captain Brian is as simple as picking up the phone or sending an email or text. Fishing is available year-round, hunting is available during the open seasons designated by TPWD, and birding is best in winter or spring when migratory birds are visiting the coastal bend.
Check them out here: Brian Holden Guide Service
Titelines Guide Service has over 20 years experience in the Rockport area. Own and operated by “born and raised” locals, they’re one of the best around.
Check them out here: TitleLines Guide Service
Slowride Guide Services is for you kayak anglers out there. They offer some of THE BEST flats fishing around. Captain Dean is a kayak fishing legend and resident expert on the texaskayakfisherman.com forum. If you’re an avid kayak fisherman, or always wanted to give it a try (it’s incredibly fun), Dean’s your man.
They’ve got an awesome YouTube channel with hundreds of videos…super fun to watch.
NOTE: They do offer boat guide services as well, and people rave about that part of their business too.
Check them out here: Slowride Guide Services
Restaurants
Top Eats Around Rockport
These are just some of our favorite places to eat and drink around Rockport Fulton. There’s a lot of really good food in town, so let us know if you find something we should add to this list!
Los Comales is our favorite Mexican food restaurant. They have amazing margaritas and something for everyone on an extensive menu. Share the Seafood Nachos and try the La Marleigh plate. (you’re welcome).
Charlotte Plummer’s is somewhat of a Rockport right of passage. If you haven’t eaten there, you need to. It’s THE place in town for seafood. A little more pricey, but well worth it. Excellent service and top notch food, right on the waterfront.
Moondog Seaside Eatery takes full advantage of it location on the water, with amazing views and a steady sea breeze to keep you cool. They have a diverse menu with everything from seafood to burgers and steak, healthy salads, oysters and great drinks. If you want to enjoy the scenery while you eat, this is the place. They also have live music on the deck on weekends, but nothing overpowering. Definitely a local’s favorite.
Pop’s Place is as local as local gets. At it’s core, it’s a old-school watering hole (with a great little kitchen). The food/drinks are priced right…and it’s been there since forever. Beer and wine only though. Their fried fish is awesome and the Captain Jack’s burger might be the best in the county. There are (2) 50 cent pool tables and a big TV in the corner. Everyone you see in there will be a local. Belly up and listen to the ramble on about this or that. It’s a hoot. WARNING: You CAN smoke inside at Pop’s, so if that will bother you, you’re better off avoiding it.
Bar Bq Shack is exactly what the name says. Excellent chopped beef sandwiches and brisket, and a couple of picnic tables outside to eat on if the weather’s nice. This is usually a grab-and-go stop for us, and it’s conveniently located on the SE corner of the intersection at 35 and Broadway. It’s been there forever for good reason.
Booze
Don’t Forget To Hit The Liquor Store
Spanky’s Liquor is the closest thing you’ll find to a Spec’s or Total Wine in Rockport. It’s the biggest liquor store with the best selection in town. If you just need beer, hit a gas station or HEB/Walmart. If you need liquor or mixers, this is your place. It’s the only store in this list for a reason.
Grocery
Which to do prefer, HEB Plus or a Walmart Superstore?
The HEB Plus is awesome. The Walmart Superstore is awesome. They’re both newer locations and there’s nothing “small town” about either one. Can’t tell you anything you don’t know, so we’ll just show you where they are (about 2 blocks apart on Hwy 35).
Things to Do
Things To Do Around Town
We thought about putting our spin on this, but honestly Rockport-Fulton.org nailed it with their “51 Things To Do” list, so we’re just gonna share this photo link and let you decide how to fill your day up. Have fun!
