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Caught Redfish Inshore in Matagorda Bay
Redfish Fishing 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 along the Gulf Coast. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail and copper-red coloration.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Chad Kraft in March
Meet your Guide Chad Kraft
- Expert Guides, Prime Catch. Matagorda Bay.
Summary
Guide Chad Kraft of Shallowrun Guide Service on Thursday March offers a 5-hour private inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and speckled trout across Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and marsh edges. This beginner-friendly guided fishing trip accommodates up to 4 anglers with all gear, bait, and safety equipment included. Using sight fishing, drift fishing, and bottom bouncing techniques, anglers consistently connect with quality redfish and speckled trout in these productive Texas coastal waters. The charter focuses on rod-and-reel fishing without pressure, making it perfect for first-timers and experienced anglers alike. Captain Chad's local knowledge of Matagorda Bay's structure and depths ensures productive fishing across various inshore spots. Bring your Texas fishing license, snacks, and cooler—everything else is handled for a memorable day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Chad Kraft – Rates & Booking
Guide Chad Kraft of Shallowrun Guide Service on Thursday March leads this 5-hour private inshore fishing experience for up to 4 anglers on Matagorda Bay. The charter includes all rods, reels, bait, tackle, and safety equipment, so you can focus on fishing rather than gear preparation. Rates cover the full boat for your group, with pricing available for half-day and full-day options. Licensed guide service ensures you're fishing the most productive spots using proven techniques like sight fishing on the flats and drift fishing in deeper channels. Book online or call to reserve your date and secure your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure.
Highlights of Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter for Beginners
This charter targets redfish and speckled trout using multiple techniques across Matagorda Bay's diverse inshore waters. Sight fishing on shallow flats lets you spot cruising redfish, while drift fishing and bottom bouncing cover more water to locate holding fish. The bay's variety of structure and depths allows switching techniques throughout the day to stay on active fish. Spring conditions often provide clear water and consistent action, making it ideal for both beginners learning the basics and experienced anglers wanting productive fishing without complications.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats, marsh edges, and bay channels where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored drum are perfectly suited to the bay's 1-4 foot depths and grass beds, making them prime targets for sight fishing when conditions allow. During spring months, redfish become more active as water temperatures rise, often cruising in small schools along drop-offs and structure. Their aggressive feeding behavior and strong fights make them excellent targets for anglers using live bait or artificial lures, with the shallow water adding excitement as you watch the entire battle unfold.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 5-hour private charter includes a fully equipped boat with all fishing gear, bait, tackle, and required safety equipment provided by Shallowrun Guide Service. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, with Captain Chad handling navigation and fish-finding while teaching techniques throughout the day. Bring a valid Texas fishing license, snacks, drinks, and a cooler for your catch. Deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when booking your preferred date. Early morning departures typically provide the best fishing conditions and allow you to experience Matagorda Bay during prime feeding times.
Fishing in Matagorda Bay: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic gamefish of the Gulf Coast belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive fish are easily identified by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Matagorda Bay waters this March, redfish provide consistent action for anglers targeting the shallow flats and marsh edges.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by recreational anglers for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table fare. They inhabit coastal waters from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, with Texas waters like Matagorda Bay offering some of the most productive redfish fishing in the country. These drum species are perfectly adapted to shallow water environments and provide exciting sight fishing opportunities.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, including grass flats, oyster reefs, marsh edges, and bay channels. Around Matagorda Bay, they frequent the extensive shallow flats and backcountry areas where they can easily ambush prey. Their habitat preferences make them ideal targets for wade fishing and shallow-draft boat fishing in Texas coastal waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish in the 18-28 inch range are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger bull redfish over 40 inches provide trophy opportunities in deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and various small baitfish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances that alert anglers to their presence. During spring months, redfish become increasingly active as water temperatures rise, often forming small schools along drop-offs and structure.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall when water temperatures range from 70-85°F. During spawning season, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper waters before moving to traditional spawning grounds, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting these aggregations.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include sight fishing with topwater plugs, soft plastics on jigheads, and live bait like shrimp or mullet. Anglers often target them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and shallow flats using spinning tackle. In March around Matagorda, sight fishing becomes productive as redfish cruise the warming shallows looking for food.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild flavor that works well grilled, blackened, or fried. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species. Slot-size redfish provide the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastic jigs are top choices. Topwater plugs work well during early morning and evening feeding periods.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, marsh edges, and bay channels throughout Matagorda Bay. Look for tailing fish in 1-3 feet of water.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have excellent flavor with firm, white meat. Slot-size fish between 18-28 inches provide the best table fare.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide peak feeding activity. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action in Texas waters.
More species you can explore on this trip
Shallowrun Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready to get your feet wet with some Texas inshore fishing? Captain Chad's Shallowwater Guide Service has you covered with a laid-back 5-hour trip on Matagorda Bay. This private charter is perfect for up to 4 people, whether you're new to fishing or have been casting lines for years. You'll explore shallow flats, weave through marsh edges, and cruise bay channels in search of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. No need to stress about gear - rods, reels, bait, and safety equipment are all provided. Just bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks, and a cooler for your catch. It's a straightforward, no-pressure way to experience the best of Matagorda's inshore fishing scene. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. With everything taken care of, you can focus on reeling in some memories (and hopefully some fish) on the beautiful waters of Matagorda Bay.
