Get ready to soak up the sun and reel in some monsters on this full-day fishing adventure in Matagorda Bay. Captains Nicolas and Chris know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the hottest bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 8-hour trip is your ticket to some serious Texas-sized action. We're talking redfish that'll make your drag sing, trout that'll test your finesse, and maybe even a doormat flounder if lady luck's on our side. So grab your shades and let's hit the bay - it's time to make some memories!
Picture this: You're cruising out at dawn, the sun painting the sky as Matagorda Bay stretches out before you. Captain Nic or Chris is at the helm, scanning the water for signs of life. They've got a sixth sense for finding the fish, I swear. You'll spend the day hopscotching between honey holes, from grass flats to shell reefs to deep channels. We're talking variety here - one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next you're working a soft plastic for specks over structure. With 8 full hours, we've got time to mix it up and chase whatever's biting best. And don't worry about gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your Texas fishing license, some grub to keep you going, and a good attitude. Trust me, with the amount of fish we usually put in the boat, you'll be grinning from ear to ear by day's end.
Alright, let's talk shop. In Matagorda Bay, we've got a whole playbook of techniques to put fish in the boat. When those reds are tailing in the shallows, we'll break out the light tackle and do some sight fishing - nothing beats watching a big red crush your lure in gin-clear water. For the trout, we might drift the deeper guts, working soft plastics or live bait under a popping cork. If the flounder are in, get ready for some precision casting along drop-offs and structure. And don't sleep on those black drum - when they're schooled up, it's like fishing in a barrel. We'll match our approach to the conditions and what the fish are doing that day. Might be artificial lures one minute, live shrimp the next. Heck, we might even bust out the fly rods if that's your jam. Point is, we're flexible and we know how to put fish in the boat, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Matagorda Bay. They'll test your drag and your biceps, often tipping the scales at 20-30 pounds. Reds love to cruise the shallows, especially on a rising tide. There's nothing like seeing that big spot-covered tail wave at you, just begging for a well-placed cast. They're suckers for a well-presented artificial, but they won't turn their nose up at a juicy piece of cut mullet either.
Spotted Seatrout: Also known as specks, these guys are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They might not have the brute strength of a red, but what they lack in power they make up for in numbers and willingness to bite. Trout love to hang around structure, so we'll target oyster reefs, channel edges, and grass lines. A soft plastic under a popping cork is like candy to these fish. And let me tell you, there's nothing better than a limit of fat specks hitting the cleaning table at the end of the day.
Flounder: Ah, the elusive flatfish. These ambush predators might not look like much, but they're prized for both their fight and their table fare. Flounder love to hang out near drop-offs and structure, waiting to ambush unsuspecting bait fish. Fall is prime time for flounder as they start their migration to the Gulf, but we can find them year-round if you know where to look. A slow-rolled soft plastic or a live finger mullet dragged across the bottom is like ringing the dinner bell for these guys.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you - black drum are a blast to catch and mighty tasty to boot. These cousins of the redfish can grow to enormous sizes, but we typically target the "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range. They love to root around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp, so a piece of fresh cut shrimp on a Carolina rig is often the ticket. When you find a school of these guys, it can be non-stop action that'll leave your arms sore and your cooler full.
Listen, I could go on all day about the fishing in Matagorda Bay, but there's only one way to really experience it - by getting out there yourself. This full-day trip with Captains Nicolas and Chris is your golden ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. With their local knowledge, top-notch gear, and passion for putting clients on fish, you're in for a day you won't soon forget. Whether you're looking to bend some rods, learn new techniques, or just soak up the beauty of the Texas coast, this trip has got you covered. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, the sun is shining, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book your trip now and get ready for a day of non-stop action in Matagorda Bay. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, often reaching 30 pounds or more. These bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and mudflats in 1-4 feet of water. You'll find them year-round, but spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight, using their size to their advantage. Anglers prize the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) for their sweet, flaky meat. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Fish it slow on the bottom, and be ready for that telltale thump. Pro tip: listen for their distinctive croaking sound – it can give away their location on a quiet day. Whether you're after a trophy photo or a tasty dinner, Black Drum offer both a challenge and a reward.
Redfish are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay, with their copper color and distinctive tail spot. Most run 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches show up too. Look for 'em in super shallow water, often with their backs out of water, cruising flats and marsh edges. Fall is prime time when they school up, but they're catchable year-round. Reds are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, especially in shallow water. Anglers love 'em for both the challenge and their excellent eating quality. To hook up, try sight-casting with gold spoons or topwater lures in 1-3 feet of water. Pro tip: on calm days, look for their telltale V-wakes or tailing action in shallow grass – it's a heart-pounding way to target these brutes.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These silvery fighters usually run 14-20 inches, but trophy specimens over 25 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them cruising grass flats and channels, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast on light tackle. They're also excellent table fare, with a mild, flaky meat. To target trout, try working a topwater lure early morning or tossing soft plastics under a popping cork. Local tip: focus on areas where tidal movement concentrates bait – trout will be waiting to ambush their next meal.
Summer Flounder, or "flatties" as we call 'em, are masters of camouflage in Matagorda Bay. These oddball fish, with both eyes on one side, typically run 15-20 inches long. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like jetties or drop-offs. Fall is the best time to target them, especially September through November. Flounder are ambush predators, so they won't give you a long fight, but landing one takes skill. Anglers love 'em for their delicate, white meat – some of the best eating fish in the bay. To hook one, try a slow retrieve with a live mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Here's a local secret: on outgoing tides, focus on the mouths of small creeks where flounder stack up to ambush bait.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200