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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Matagorda Bay
Redfish Inshore in Matagorda Bay
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have a red-colored back that fades to a white belly.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Chad Kraft in August
Meet your Guide Chad Kraft
- Expert Guides, Prime Catch. Matagorda Bay.
Summary
Guide Chad Kraft of Shallowrun Guide Service on Thursday July offers a focused 5-hour inshore fishing charter in Matagorda Bay's productive waters. This private guided fishing trip targets redfish, speckled trout, and flounder using live bait fishing, drift fishing, and sight casting techniques. Perfect for up to four anglers of all skill levels, the charter includes all necessary fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment. Captain Chad's local expertise and knowledge of Matagorda's flats, backcountry, and nearshore waters ensures an exciting day targeting these prized gamefish. The shallow waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet provide ideal habitat for redfish, making this one of Texas's top inshore fishing destinations. Book online to secure your spot for this memorable Matagorda Bay fishing experience.
Fishing Charter with Guide Chad Kraft – Rates & Booking
Guide Chad Kraft of Shallowrun Guide Service on Thursday July provides a comprehensive 5-hour private inshore fishing experience for up to four anglers. This focused charter targets redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in Matagorda Bay's shallow waters, with all fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment included. Just bring your valid Texas fishing license, food, and drinks for a complete day on the water. The trip launches from Matagorda Harbor with flexible start times to match optimal fishing conditions and your schedule.
Highlights of Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish, Trout, and Flounder
This private charter combines multiple proven techniques including live bait fishing, drift fishing, and sight casting to maximize your success in Matagorda's diverse inshore waters. The shallow flats and backcountry areas provide perfect habitat for redfish, while the nearshore waters hold excellent populations of speckled trout and flounder. Guide Chad's local knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive spots ensures you'll fish the most promising areas throughout your 5-hour adventure.
Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or an experienced angler, this charter adapts to your skill level while providing the expertise needed for a successful outing. The clear waters and varied structure around Matagorda Bay create ideal conditions for sight fishing and targeting these popular gamefish species.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow waters, typically found in 1 to 4 feet of depth around grass flats, oyster reefs, and backcountry areas. These copper-colored gamefish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a favorite target for inshore anglers. During summer months like July, redfish actively feed in the early morning and late afternoon, often tailing in shallow water where sight casting becomes incredibly exciting. Guide Chad's experience with local redfish behavior and seasonal movements puts you in position to target these prized fish using the most effective techniques for Matagorda's unique conditions.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 5-hour private charter accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, with all necessary fishing equipment and safety gear provided by Shallowrun Guide Service. The trip typically begins with an early morning launch from Matagorda Harbor, taking advantage of prime feeding times when redfish, trout, and flounder are most active. Guide Chad will adjust techniques and locations throughout the day based on conditions, tides, and fish activity to ensure the best possible experience for your group.
Fishing in Matagorda Bay: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a highly prized gamefish from the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by their characteristic eyespots near the tail and reddish back that fades to a white belly. In Matagorda Bay waters this July, redfish are particularly active in the shallow flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast, valued for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. These drum family members are known for their ability to grow large while remaining in shallow water, making them perfect targets for sight fishing and light tackle angling.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in shallow coastal waters, preferring depths of 1 to 4 feet around grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges. In Texas waters near Matagorda, redfish utilize the extensive bay system's varied structure, moving between deeper channels and shallow feeding areas based on tides and feeding opportunities.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds. The slot limit in Texas protects breeding-size fish while allowing anglers to harvest fish in the 20 to 28-inch range, which provide excellent eating quality.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, small fish, and marine worms. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances that alert anglers to their presence. During summer months, they're most active during early morning and late afternoon periods when water temperatures are more comfortable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters during late summer and fall when water temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees. Large schools of mature redfish gather in deeper water to spawn, after which juveniles move into shallow nursery areas where they grow rapidly.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or small crabs, artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics, and fly fishing with crab or shrimp patterns. In July around Matagorda, anglers find success sight casting to tailing fish in shallow water and working live bait around oyster reefs and grass edges during moving tides.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer mild, flaky white meat with a slightly sweet flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or baked. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury, making them a healthy seafood choice when prepared fresh.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or fresh dead shrimp are the most reliable baits, though blue crabs, mullet, and artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastic paddle tails are also highly effective.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for redfish around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shallow backcountry areas in 1 to 4 feet of water, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, flaky white meat that's excellent prepared in various ways and provides good nutritional value with high protein and omega-3 content.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides provide the best opportunities, with fall months offering some of the most consistent action as fish prepare for spawning.
More species you can explore on this trip
Shallowrun Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
We'll be cruising the waters of Matagorda Bay in a comfortable, well-equipped fishing boat perfectly suited for inshore angling. While the exact vessel may vary, you can expect a stable platform with ample deck space for casting and fighting fish. The boat will have all the necessary safety gear, fishing tackle, and electronics to put you on the fish. There's room for up to four anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. Whether we're drifting over grass flats for trout or poling along shorelines for redfish, this vessel will get us where we need to go. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position the boat to give you the best shot at hooking into some quality fish. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water for a great day of Matagorda inshore fishing!
