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Beginner-Friendly Matagorda Bay Fishing Charter
- Published Date: November 29, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda Bay
- Updated Date: December 1, 2025
Summary
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Bay Bounty Snapshots
Matagorda's Best Kept Fishing Secret Revealed
Ready to wet a line in some of Texas' most productive inshore waters? Shallowrun Guide Service has you covered with their Matagorda Bay fishing charter. This 5-hour trip is tailor-made for groups of up to 4 anglers looking to experience the thrill of hooking redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Captain Chad knows how to put you on the fish without any fuss. All the gear's provided, so you can focus on what matters - reeling in your next trophy catch.
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard with Shallowrun, you're in for a true Texas fishing adventure. Captain Chad's years of experience shine as he navigates the shallow flats, winding marsh edges, and hidden bay channels of Matagorda. This isn't your average guided trip - it's a hands-on lesson in inshore angling. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish signs, and perfect your casting technique. The beauty of Matagorda Bay unfolds around you as you drift past oyster reefs and grass flats teeming with life. Keep an eye out for jumping mullet - that's often a dead giveaway for big reds lurking below!
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
On this charter, you'll get schooled in the art of inshore fishing. Captain Chad's got a tackle box full of tricks, from sight-casting to reds on the flats to working soft plastics for specks along the drops. You might find yourself wading the shallows, feeling the soft bay bottom beneath your feet as you quietly stalk your prey. Or maybe you'll be drifting live shrimp under a popping cork, waiting for that telltale "thump" of a trout strike. The gear's all top-notch - light tackle setups perfect for battling these inshore bruisers. And don't worry if you're new to this - the captain's patient teaching style will have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Top Catches This Season
Matagorda Bay is on fire right now, with anglers reporting some of the best action in years. The redfish bite has been particularly hot, with bulls pushing 40 inches being caught regularly. Trout numbers are solid too, with plenty of keeper-sized specks in the 15-20 inch range. And if you're lucky, you might just run into a school of black drum - these tough fighters can give you a real workout on light tackle. Flounder fishing picks up as we move into fall, with some real doormats being pulled from around the jetties and channel edges. No matter when you book, there's always something biting in Matagorda.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored beauties can grow over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. Look for their telltale tails waving above the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Fall is prime time for reds in Matagorda, but you can catch them year-round.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these slender predators are prized for both their sporty fight and their excellent table fare. Specks love to hang around structure, so pay attention when drifting past oyster reefs or grass beds. They're most active in the cooler months, but summer can produce some monster trout if you know where to look.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bay bottom. While they might not put up the strongest fight, the challenge of hooking these flat fish makes them a favorite target. Fall is the peak season as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round if you know their haunts.
Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are powerful fighters that can reach impressive sizes. They love crustaceans, so a fresh crab or shrimp bait is your best bet. Spring is the prime time to target big spawning drum, but you can find them in Matagorda's waters throughout the year.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Matagorda Bay offers a unique fishing experience that keeps anglers returning year after year. The vast, unspoiled wilderness of the bay system provides a sense of escape you can't find in more crowded fishing destinations. Wildlife is abundant, with dolphins, pelicans, and even the occasional alligator making appearances. And let's not forget the sunrises - there's something magical about watching the Texas sky light up as you make your first cast of the day. Add in Captain Chad's local knowledge and friendly demeanor, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable day on the water.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on Matagorda Bay and experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, don't wait. Shallowrun Guide Service's 5-hour charter is the perfect way to dip your toes into these productive waters. Remember, all the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your Texas fishing license, some snacks, and a cooler for your catch. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or you're after that trophy trout, Captain Chad will put you on the fish. Just be warned - once you've fished Matagorda, everywhere else might seem a little less exciting. So grab your friends, clear your calendar, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Don't let this chance slip away - book your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure today!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Matagorda Bay. These cousins of the redfish can grow over 30 pounds, though the best eating size is under 15. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and channel edges in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, making that iconic drumming sound. Black Drum aren't known for flashy fights, but their sheer size and power make for an exciting catch. They've got a face only a mother could love, with those whisker-like barbels, but don't let that fool you – their meat is delicious when prepared right. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a simple bottom rig. Here's a tip: if you're feeling taps but no solid bites, try lifting your rod tip slowly instead of setting the hook. Black Drum often pick at bait before committing.
Redfish
Redfish are the rock stars of Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 20-30 inches in the bay, with some bulls pushing past 40 inches. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, cruising oyster reefs, or busting bait along marsh edges. Fall is prime time when they school up, but they're catchable year-round. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and their ability to turn a calm day into an adrenaline rush. They're also excellent table fare. To target reds, try sight-casting in shallow water or fishing cut bait near structure. A local tip: watch for disturbed water or "nervous bait" – that's often a sign of redfish on the prowl. When you hook one, be ready for a fight. These fish will test your drag and your nerves, especially around oyster beds where they love to wrap you up. It's an experience you won't forget.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a staple in Matagorda Bay. These silver beauties typically run 14-20 inches, with some gators pushing past 25. You'll find them cruising grass flats, hanging around structure, or chasing bait in the shallows. They're active year-round, but fall and spring are prime times when water temperatures are just right. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They put up a decent fight too, often making acrobatic jumps. To target trout, try working a soft plastic under a popping cork over grass beds, or toss topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for slicks – those smooth, oily patches on the water surface. That's often a sign of trout feeding below. Cast near the edges of those slicks for your best shot at a solid hookup.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in Matagorda Bay. These flat fish typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They're not known for long fights, but landing one takes skill. To improve your chances, try drifting or still fishing near drop-offs or structure. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, keeping it close to the bottom. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey and reposition it before swallowing.
About the Shallowrun Guide Service
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 44
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
