Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to wet a line in some of the most productive waters Texas has to offer? Grab your lucky hat and join us for a day of fishing you won't soon forget on Matagorda Bay. We're talking about a honeyhole where redfish tails wave like flags, speckled trout ambush bait, and flounder lay in wait for an easy meal. Our 4 to 8 hour charters are perfect for both seasoned pros and folks just getting their feet wet in the saltwater fishing game. We'll put you on the fish, share some local knowledge, and maybe even swap a few tall tales along the way.
Matagorda Bay is a year-round fishing paradise, but every day on the water is different. That's part of the excitement! Depending on the season, tides, and weather, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, drifting live bait for monster trout, or working the deep channels for bull reds and black drum. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and we're always adapting our tactics to give you the best shot at a cooler full of fish and some serious bragging rights.
No need to stress about equipment - we've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and tackle suited for the Bay's hard-fighting fish. We'll rig up with a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what's working best. Expect to throw soft plastics, topwater plugs, and maybe even fly fish if that's your style. For the live bait enthusiasts, we might be using shrimp, mullet, or croaker to entice those big bites. Don't forget to bring your camera - you'll want proof of that monster redfish or doormat flounder!
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of Matagorda Bay. Known for their powerful runs and delicious fillets, redfish can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising the deeper channels. The satisfaction of watching a red crush a topwater lure is hard to beat. They're available year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up for their spawning run.
Spotted Seatrout: Also called speckled trout, these wily predators are a fan favorite. They've got a mouthful of teeth and aren't afraid to use them on your lure or bait. Trout fishing heats up in spring and fall, with some real gators (big ones) caught during winter. The "pop" of a trout hitting a topwater lure at dawn is enough to get any angler's heart racing.
Flounder: The masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lay flat on the bottom waiting for an easy meal. They're not the strongest fighters, but they more than make up for it on the dinner plate. Fall is the prime time to target flounder as they move to the Gulf to spawn. Drifting live bait or working a jig slowly along the bottom is the ticket to hooking these tasty flatfish.
Black Drum: The unsung heroes of Matagorda Bay, black drum are hard-fighting and great eating when caught at smaller sizes. These bottom-feeders love crustaceans, so fishing with crab or shrimp near structure or over oyster reefs can lead to some serious pull on your line. Spring is the best time to target big schools of drum, but they're available year-round.
Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot - it's a slice of angler's heaven. The diversity of habitats, from shallow grass flats to deep channels and everything in between, means there's always somewhere holding fish. Our trips are more than just catching fish (though we do plenty of that). It's about soaking in the coastal scenery, watching dolphins play in the wake, and maybe learning a new trick or two from our guides. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we guarantee you'll leave with some great memories and probably a new fishing story to tell.
Alright, folks, the tide is right and the fish are waiting. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, land that personal best, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, we've got the charter for you. Our 4 to 8 hour trips are flexible to fit your schedule and fishing goals. Remember, the best time to go fishing is whenever you can, but the fish won't catch themselves! Give us a call or shoot us a message to book your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure. We'll handle the details - you just show up ready to have a blast and maybe break a few personal records. See you on the water!
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders that'll give you a good workout. They typically run 5-30 pounds but can get up to 90. You'll find 'em in shallow, muddy flats and around oyster beds. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. These guys make a distinctive drumming sound, which is pretty cool to hear underwater. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. The smaller ones under 15 pounds taste great, with a nice flaky texture. For the big ones, we usually catch and release - they can live up to 50 years! A local trick: use a heavy sinker to keep your bait on the bottom where they feed. And don't set the hook too quick - let 'em take it and run a bit first.
Redfish are a blast to catch. You'll spot 'em by their copper color and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can get up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for 'em in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and jetties. These guys will eat just about anything when they're hungry. Try topwater lures for some exciting strikes, or live shrimp if you want a sure bet. Fall's prime time when they're fattening up. Redfish put up a great fight and taste fantastic - mild and sweet. Here's a tip: when sight-fishing, cast well ahead of them and slowly drag your lure into their path. They spook easy, so stealth is key.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but we've seen some monsters pushing 40 pounds. Look for 'em in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love shrimp and small baitfish. Winter's when they school up in deeper waters. These fish are known for their delicate, mild flavor - great eating if you don't overcook 'em. They're fun to catch too, often putting on an acrobatic show. Best time to target 'em is during tide changes. Here's a local secret: try a soft plastic on a jighead, bounced slowly along the bottom. Mimic a wounded baitfish and you'll get their attention real quick. Just remember, they've got soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage. They lie flat on the seafloor with both eyes on their left side, blending in perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big mommas can hit 26 pounds. You'll find 'em in estuaries and offshore, usually September through November. They're ambush predators, so they'll attack moving bait. Live minnows, mullet, or sea worms work great. Flounder put up a good fight and make excellent table fare - light, flaky, and delicious. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, don't yank the rod. Give 'em a few seconds to swallow the bait, then slowly reel in the slack before setting the hook. It's all about patience with these guys. And keep an eye out - they can change color to match their surroundings in seconds!
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