Top-Rated Matagorda Bay Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$500 - $850 price range
Updated Date: September 14, 2025

Summary

Join Captains Nicolas and Chris of Whataguide Service for a half-day fishing trip on Matagorda Bay. This 4-hour adventure kicks off at 7 AM, giving you prime time on the water to chase after Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and Black Drum. The calm waters of Matagorda Bay offer a scenic backdrop for your fishing experience, whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out. Your guides know these waters inside and out, and they're ready to share their local knowledge to help you land some of the area's most popular gamefish. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a great way to spend a morning on the Texas coast, enjoying the fresh air and the thrill of the catch. Bring your fishing buddies or make it a family outing – either way, you're in for a real Texas fishing experience in one of the state's most productive bays.

Top-Rated Matagorda Bay Fishing Charters

Matagorda Bay Catches

Sunset View While Fishing In Matagorda

Scenic view of Matagorda coastline, featuring the best fishing spots

Hop On For An Amazing Matagorda Fishing Adventure

Matagorda Bay's Redfish Hotspot!

Angler with a fishing rod standing in Matagorda

Matagorda Bay in Texas Flounder Expedition!

Half Day Fishing Trip in Matagorda Bay

Ready to wet a line in one of Texas' best-kept fishing secrets? Join Captains Nicolas and Chris of Whataguide Service for a morning of rod-bending action in Matagorda Bay. This 4-hour trip kicks off at 7 AM, giving you prime time on the water when the fish are most active. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or you're after that trophy trout, our experienced guides will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard our well-equipped boat, you'll feel the excitement building. Matagorda Bay is known for its calm waters and diverse fishing grounds, from shallow flats to deeper channels. We'll cruise to the hotspots where redfish, trout, and other gamefish are biting. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will show you the ropes. And if you're an old salt, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe learn a new trick or two.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, or working a soft plastic along a deep channel edge for big trout. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Just bring your sunscreen, snacks, and a good attitude – we'll take care of the rest. And don't forget your camera – the scenery out here is almost as good as the fishing!

Top Catches This Season

Matagorda Bay is a year-round fishery, but each season brings its own highlights. In the warmer months, redfish and speckled trout are the stars of the show. As fall rolls in, we start to see more flounder in the mix. And throughout the year, black drum provide reliable action and great eating. Our guides stay on top of the patterns, so you're always fishing where the bite is hottest.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bulldogs are a favorite among Texas anglers. Redfish, also known as red drum, can be found in Matagorda Bay year-round, but they're especially active in the fall. Look for their distinctive tail waving above the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent on the grill – it's no wonder they're such a popular target.

Spotted Seatrout: Often called "specks" by locals, these silver beauties are known for their speckled backs and canine teeth. Trout fishing heats up in the spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round in Matagorda Bay. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure and drop-offs. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.

Summer Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for their delicate, white meat. Flounder fishing picks up in the fall as they start their migration to the Gulf. We'll target them around structure and drop-offs, using live bait or soft plastics. Landing a big "doormat" flounder is always a highlight of any trip.

Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the redfish, black drum are hard-fighting and great-eating fish. They're abundant in Matagorda Bay and can be caught year-round. In the spring, we target big spawning drum that can top 30 pounds. These big boys put up a great fight and make for some impressive photos.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Matagorda Bay. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the water, painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Or the moment when your line goes tight and you feel that first head shake of a big red. Our guests tell us they love the laid-back vibe of the bay, away from the crowds you'll find in other coastal hotspots. And with our experienced guides at the helm, you're not just fishing – you're getting an insider's look at one of Texas' best fisheries.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our Half Day Guided Fishing Trip in Matagorda Bay is the perfect way to experience the best of Texas coastal fishing. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a great option for a family outing, a day with friends, or even a solo adventure. Our early start time means you'll be back on shore in time for lunch, with plenty of fish stories (and hopefully some filets) to show for it.

Don't let another fishing season pass you by. The reds are tailing, the trout are schooling, and the flounder are fattening up. Book your trip with Whataguide Service today and get ready for a morning of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on beautiful Matagorda Bay. Trust us, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically running 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. Look for them in shallow, muddy flats and around oyster beds. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Spring's prime time as they school up to spawn. These bruisers put up a great battle, especially the bigger ones. Just remember, for eating, stick to smaller drum under 15 pounds - the meat gets tough in the big boys. When you're out there, keep an ear open. Black Drum make a distinctive croaking sound you can sometimes hear underwater. My local trick? Fish the falling tide around oyster reefs. The drum gather there to feast on exposed shellfish. Bring a heavy rod and be ready for a workout when you hook into one of these powerful fish.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple in Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive black tail spot, typically run 20-30 inches in the bay. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs and grass flats. Fall's the prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Reds are famous for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding, from live bait to artificial lures. My favorite way to catch them is sight-fishing with topwater lures - nothing beats watching a big red crush a lure on the surface. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well beyond them and slowly work your lure into their path. These fish can be spooky, so a stealthy approach is key.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Matagorda Bay. These silver beauties typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are known for their delicate, mild flavor - just be careful not to overcook them. When fishing for specks, I like to use artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times, especially around moving tides. Here's a local tip: look for slicks on the water's surface. These are oil slicks from feeding trout, and they're a dead giveaway for where the fish are. Cast your lure just upwind of the slick and get ready for some action.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or "fluke," are masters of camouflage, blending right into the sandy bottom. They average 15-20 inches but can grow much bigger. Look for them in estuaries and inshore waters, especially around structure. These ambush predators are most active in warmer months, with fall being prime time as they fatten up before winter. Flounder are prized for their fight and their delicious, flaky white meat. When you're targeting them, use a slow retrieve with your bait or lure right on the bottom. My go-to trick is to use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish. Give it a few quick hops, then let it sit - that's when they usually strike. Remember, when you feel that telltale thump, wait a second before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait sideways before turning it to swallow.

About the 21’ JH Performance

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Evinrude

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Hop aboard for a laid-back morning of fishing in the rich waters of Matagorda Bay. Captains Nicolas and Chris know all the prime spots to land prized catches like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, these friendly guides will share tips to help you reel in the big ones. With room for up to 5 people, it's a perfect outing for a small group of friends or family. The calm bay offers scenic views of the Texas coastline as you cast your lines and wait for that telltale tug. No need to be an early bird - the 7 AM departure gives you plenty of time to grab coffee before setting out for 4 hours of fishing fun. Come see why Matagorda Bay is a favorite among Texas coastal anglers.

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