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Redfish Success with Chad Kraft in Matagorda
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. - Popular game fish found along Atlantic and Gulf coastlines. - Identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail and copper-red coloration.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Chad Kraft in August
Meet your Guide Chad Kraft
- Expert Guides, Prime Catch. Matagorda Bay.
Summary
Captain Chad Kraft of Shallowrun Guide Service on Wednesday July offers a focused 5-hour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the productive waters of Matagorda Bay. This private guided fishing trip accommodates up to four anglers and includes all necessary gear, bait, and safety equipment. Using proven techniques like live bait fishing, wade fishing, and drift fishing, guests experience the best of Texas coastal fishing. Recent trips have produced quality redfish including a memorable 23-inch catch that showcased the excellent inshore bite around Matagorda Harbor. The charter provides local expertise and prime fishing spots perfect for both experienced anglers and newcomers to saltwater fishing.
Fishing Charter with Captain Chad – Rates & Booking
Captain Chad Kraft of Shallowrun Guide Service on Wednesday July provides a comprehensive 5-hour private inshore fishing experience in Matagorda Bay. This charter accommodates up to four guests and includes all fishing gear, bait, tackle, and safety equipment. Trips launch from Matagorda Harbor with flexible start times to match optimal fishing conditions and guest preferences. Captain Chad brings extensive local knowledge of the bay's productive fishing spots, from shallow flats ideal for wade fishing to deeper channels perfect for drift fishing techniques. The charter rate covers the boat, licensed guide service, and all equipment—guests need only bring a valid Texas fishing license, food, and drinks. Book online or call to check availability and secure your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure.
Highlights of Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish, Trout, and Flounder
This focused half-day charter targets the most popular inshore species in Matagorda Bay waters. Recent trips have produced excellent redfish action, including quality catches like the 23-inch red drum that provided memorable fights for guests. The trip utilizes multiple fishing techniques including live bait fishing for targeting active fish, wade fishing in shallow flats where redfish cruise, and drift fishing in deeper channels. Captain Chad's local expertise ensures guests fish the most productive spots based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns.
The charter provides a perfect introduction to Texas coastal fishing while offering enough variety to keep experienced anglers engaged. Weather conditions are monitored closely, with trips adjusted to ensure both safety and fishing success. The 5-hour duration allows ample time to explore different areas of the bay and employ various techniques without feeling rushed.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's diverse inshore habitat, from grass flats to oyster reefs and deeper channel edges. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a favorite target for Texas anglers. In summer months around Matagorda, redfish often feed aggressively in shallow water during early morning and late afternoon periods. They respond well to live bait presentations, particularly shrimp and small crabs, but also strike artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics. The bay's structure-rich environment provides ideal ambush points where redfish wait to attack prey, making local knowledge essential for consistent success.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
The charter includes a fully equipped boat suitable for navigating Matagorda Bay's varied waters, from shallow flats to deeper channels. All fishing equipment is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and safety gear. The boat comfortably accommodates up to four anglers with ample space for casting and fighting fish. Trips typically begin early morning to take advantage of prime feeding times, though start times can be adjusted based on tides and guest preferences. Captain Chad provides instruction on techniques and local fishing methods, making the experience educational as well as productive. Guests should bring sun protection, snacks, drinks, and a valid Texas fishing license.
Fishing in Matagorda Bay: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a prized game fish from the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by one or more black eyespots near their tail and their characteristic red-bronze back that fades to a white belly. In Matagorda Bay waters this July, redfish provide some of the most exciting inshore fishing opportunities along the Texas coast.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly valued by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit coastal waters from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, with Texas bays like Matagorda providing ideal habitat. These fish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often making multiple attempts to reach structure when hooked.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters including grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges. In Matagorda Bay, they frequent areas with depths ranging from 1 to 4 feet, though larger fish may venture into deeper channels. They thrive in brackish to saltwater environments where they can ambush prey near structure.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds. Slot-size fish around 20-28 inches are most commonly targeted by anglers, while larger bull reds exceeding 30 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, small fish, and marine worms. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances as they root through bottom sediments. Peak feeding activity occurs during dawn and dusk periods, though they remain active throughout the day in favorable conditions.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and early fall when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During spawning season, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper waters before moving to spawning grounds, creating excellent fishing opportunities.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or small crabs, wade fishing in shallow flats, and casting artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics. In July around Matagorda, anglers find success using topwater lures during early morning periods and switching to bottom presentations as the day progresses.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and small crabs are top choices, though cut bait and artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastics also produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for redfish around grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow bay areas, particularly during early morning and late afternoon feeding periods.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried, and they're high in protein and omega-3s.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide peak activity, though redfish can be caught throughout the day in favorable conditions and proper locations.
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!
