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Spotted Weakfish Fishing with Chad in Matagorda
Spotted Weakfish Fishing in Matagorda Bay
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The Spotted Weakfish belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 12 and 39 inches in length, with a weight range from 3 to 17 lbs. Habitat: onshore, nearshore, coastal river. - Popular gamefish in Gulf of Mexico waters. - Known for distinctive spotted pattern and fighting ability. - Feeds on shrimp, small fish, and crabs in shallow waters.
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 productive inshore fishing in Matagorda Bay's rich waters. This 5-hour 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 gear, bait, and safety equipment. Matagorda Bay's diverse inshore structure provides excellent opportunities for quality catches, with recent trips producing impressive spotted weakfish and solid redfish. The productive waters around Matagorda Harbor offer consistent action throughout the fishing season.
Fishing Charter with Chad Kraft – Rates & Booking
Guide Chad Kraft of Shallowrun Guide Service on Thursday July provides expert inshore fishing guidance in Matagorda Bay's productive waters. This 5-hour private charter accommodates up to four anglers and includes all fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment. Licensed guide with extensive local knowledge ensures a successful outing targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Just bring your valid Texas fishing license, food, and drinks for a memorable day on the water. Book online to secure your preferred date and experience the thrill of Matagorda Bay fishing.
Highlights of Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish, Trout, and Flounder
This focused half-day adventure targets the most sought-after inshore species in Matagorda Bay using proven techniques like live bait fishing, drift fishing, and sight casting. The diverse structure around Matagorda Harbor provides excellent habitat for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, with recent trips producing impressive catches including 25-inch spotted weakfish and solid redfish. Weather conditions are monitored closely to ensure safe and productive fishing throughout your 5-hour trip.
Captain Chad's local expertise and knowledge of seasonal patterns maximize your chances of success, whether you're a beginner or experienced angler. The private charter format allows for personalized instruction and the flexibility to adjust techniques based on current conditions and your group's preferences.
Local Species Insights: Spotted Weakfish
Spotted weakfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's nearshore and coastal river environments, where they feed actively on shrimp, small fish, and crabs. These members of the drum family are known for their distinctive spotted pattern and excellent fighting ability when hooked. During summer months around Matagorda, they often move into shallower waters to feed, making them accessible to sight casting and live bait techniques. Their preference for structure like oyster reefs and grass flats makes them a perfect target for this type of inshore fishing adventure.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 5-hour private trip launches from Matagorda Harbor with all necessary fishing equipment, bait, and safety gear provided by Shallowrun Guide Service. The boat comfortably accommodates up to four anglers, allowing for a personalized experience with plenty of room to fish effectively. Early morning departures take advantage of prime feeding times, though departure times can be adjusted based on tides and weather conditions. Guide Chad monitors weather patterns closely and maintains communication about any changes that might affect your trip timing or safety.
Fishing in Matagorda Bay: Spotted Weakfish
The Spotted Weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus), also known as spotted seatrout, is a highly prized gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This popular species features distinctive dark spots scattered across its silvery sides and back, making it easily recognizable to anglers. In Matagorda Bay waters this July, spotted weakfish provide excellent inshore fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.
Spotted Weakfish Overview
Spotted weakfish are members of the drum family, closely related to redfish and black drum. They're characterized by their elongated body, prominent canine teeth, and the spotted pattern that gives them their name. Anglers value them for their aggressive strikes, strong fights, and excellent table fare, making them one of the most sought-after inshore species along the Texas coast.
Spotted Weakfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and coastal river environments throughout the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States, from Maryland to Florida. In Texas waters like Matagorda Bay, they prefer grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow bays where they can ambush prey. They move between deeper channels and shallow feeding areas based on tides, temperature, and food availability.
Spotted Weakfish Size and Weight
Spotted weakfish typically range from 12 to 39 inches in length, with weights between 3 and 17 pounds. Most fish caught by recreational anglers measure 15-25 inches, though trophy specimens over 30 inches are possible in productive waters. The current Texas state record stands at over 13 pounds, demonstrating the potential for impressive catches.
Spotted Weakfish Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on shrimp, small fish, crabs, and marine worms. They're most active during dawn and dusk, though they can be caught throughout the day under the right conditions. Spotted weakfish often feed in schools, so finding one usually means more are nearby. They use their excellent eyesight and lateral line system to locate prey in both clear and murky water.
Spotted Weakfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs from March through November in Texas waters, with peak activity during warmer months. During this period, fish move to deeper waters and form large aggregations. Water temperatures between 68-84°F trigger spawning behavior, and females can produce multiple batches of eggs throughout the season.
Spotted Weakfish Fishing Techniques
Live bait fishing with shrimp, croaker, or mullet produces excellent results, especially around structure. Artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons are also highly effective. Drift fishing allows you to cover water efficiently, while sight casting to visible fish provides exciting visual action. In July around Matagorda, anglers find success working grass flats during incoming tides and deeper channels during slack water periods.
Spotted Weakfish Is It Good to Eat?
Spotted weakfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury. Popular cooking methods include grilling, blackening, frying, and baking. The meat is versatile and takes on seasonings well, making it a favorite among Gulf Coast anglers and chefs.
Spotted Weakfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for spotted weakfish?
A: Live shrimp is the top choice, followed by live croaker, mullet, and artificial soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations.
Q: Where can I find spotted weakfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges in Matagorda Bay, especially areas with good water movement and structure.
Q: Is spotted weakfish good to eat?
A: Yes, they're considered excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor that's perfect for various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch spotted weakfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon are prime times, though they can be caught throughout the day during cooler months and around structure.
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!
