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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Matagorda Bay
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda Bay
- $550 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: September 21, 2025
Summary
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Bay Fishing Action
Bay fishing excitement
Matagorda family fishing
Angler's best day
Texas saltwater fishing
Flounder Kids reeling in
Fishing memories made
Catch big in Matagorda
Reeling in the action
Local fishing guide
Bay fishing excitement
Matagorda family fishing
Angler's best day
Texas saltwater fishing
Flounder Kids reeling in
Fishing memories made
Catch big in Matagorda
Reeling in the action
Local fishing guide
Bay fishing excitement
Matagorda family fishing
Angler's best day
Texas saltwater fishing
Reel in the Big Ones: Matagorda Bay Inshore Adventure
Get ready to wet a line in one of Texas' prime fishing spots. Shallowrun Guide Service's afternoon charter takes you straight to where the redfish, black drum, and sheepshead are biting in Matagorda Bay. With Captain Chad at the helm, you're in for five hours of non-stop action, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod. We'll hit both East and West Matagorda bays, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish and a day of memories on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on the fish in no time. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait, so you can focus on the important stuff – like setting the hook when a big red takes your line. And speaking of bait, when available, we'll have a quart of live shrimp on board. There's nothing like seeing a float disappear when a hungry drum decides it's lunchtime. With room for up to four anglers, it's the perfect trip for a group of buddies or the family. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you hop aboard.
Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots
In Matagorda Bay, we mix it up to keep the fish coming over the gunwales. We might start by drifting over some grass flats, tossing soft plastics for sea trout. Then we'll anchor up near some oyster reefs where the redfish and black drum love to hang out. If the sheepshead are biting, we'll break out the light tackle and drop some bait right next to structure – these striped fighters love to hug close to pilings and rocks. Captain Chad's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or working a topwater lure for explosive strikes. Whatever the fish are in the mood for, we'll make sure you're in on the action.
Top Catches This Season
Matagorda Bay's been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. The redfish have been showing up in force, with many folks landing bull reds over 30 inches. Black drum are always a reliable target, and we've seen some chunky ones in the 5-10 pound range. The sheepshead bite has been hot too, especially around structures. And don't forget about the flounder – these tasty flatfish have been making a strong showing, particularly during the fall run. No matter what ends up on your line, you're in for a fight and some fine eating if you decide to keep your catch.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish are known for their hard-pulling fights and distinctive spot on their tail. These copper-colored beauties can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds topping 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and baitfish. Fall and spring are prime times for reds in Matagorda, but you can catch them year-round.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but never underappreciated, black drum are the bulldogs of the bay. These powerful fish can grow to over 30 pounds, though we usually target the smaller "puppy drums" that are best for eating. They've got a distinctive downturned mouth perfect for rooting out crustaceans from the bottom. Black drum are most active in the cooler months, making them a great winter target when other species slow down.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you – sheepshead are smart, strong fighters that'll test your skills. These striped battlers have human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers, so setting the hook requires quick reflexes. Sheepshead really turn on in the late winter and early spring, just in time to save many a slow fishing day.
Southern Flounder: The masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bay bottom. They're prized for their delicate, white flesh, making them a favorite for the dinner table. While you can catch them year-round, the fall "flounder run" is the best time to target these flatfish as they move towards the Gulf to spawn. Drifting live bait or working a jig slowly along the bottom is the ticket to hooking these tasty fish.
Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): The acrobats of the bay, speckled trout are known for their exciting topwater strikes and tendency to shake the hook with spectacular leaps. These silvery fish with spotted sides are most active in the warmer months, often found around grass beds and oyster reefs. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some fine eating when grilled fresh.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with Shallowrun Guide Service don't just come for the fish – they come for the experience. Captain Chad's got a way of making everyone feel like a pro, even if it's your first time holding a rod. He'll put you on the fish, sure, but he'll also share stories about the bay, point out wildlife, and maybe even let you in on a secret spot or two. It's not just about filling the cooler (though we do plenty of that); it's about creating those "remember when" moments that'll have you grinning long after you're back on dry land. Whether it's watching the sun dip low over the bay as you reel in one last redfish, or the look on your kid's face when they land their first big drum, these are the moments that keep anglers coming back to Matagorda Bay year after year.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to feel the tug of a big red on your line or the satisfaction of outsmarting a wily sheepshead, it's time to get your name on the calendar. Matagorda Bay's fishery is world-class, and with Shallowrun Guide Service, you've got a front-row seat to all the action. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or you're after that personal best, this 5-hour afternoon trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Don't let another season slip by – grab your fishing buddies, pack your sunscreen, and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on what Matagorda Bay's got in store for you. Book your trip now and get ready for a fishing adventure you'll be bragging about for years to come!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, with most catches ranging from 5 to 30 pounds. You'll spot them by their silvery-gray color and distinctive barbels under their chin. These bottom-feeders love hanging around oyster beds, pilings, and other structures in bays and estuaries. Spring is prime time for Black Drum as they school up to spawn. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they put up a stubborn fight, especially the bigger ones. Use heavy tackle and natural baits like crab, shrimp, or cut bait. Fish them right on the bottom where the drum are rooting around for food. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking into a big Black Drum, and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make great eating. Here's a tip: listen for their characteristic drumming sound underwater – it can help you locate a school. Just remember, the bigger ones can be tough and full of parasites, so it's best to release those giants to fight another day.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. They're easy to spot with their copper-red color and black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches in the bay, but they can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and in the backcountry marshes. These fish are year-round targets, but fall is especially good when they school up. They're not picky eaters – live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures all work well. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is a thrill you won't forget. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-pulling fights and their "bulldog" attitude. They're also great eating, with a sweet, firm meat. Here's a tip: on windy days, fish the lee shores where bait gets pushed up. That's where you'll often find Redfish prowling for an easy meal. Just be ready for some drag-screaming action when you hook into one!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Matagorda Bay. They're sleek, silver fish with distinctive spots and usually run 14-20 inches, though some can get much bigger. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near drop-offs in the bay. These fish are active year-round, but fall and spring are prime times when they're feeding heavily. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure or depth changes. Use live shrimp under a popping cork, or try soft plastics and topwater lures for some exciting strikes. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive hits and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, look for them feeding on the surface. You can often spot their fins poking out of the water as they chase bait. It's a sight that'll get your heart racing!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea with their distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – pilings, jetties, reefs – they love crunching on crustaceans with their human-like teeth. These fish are notorious bait stealers, so you need finesse to hook them. Use small hooks, light line, and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Fish as close to the structure as you can without getting snagged. The bite is often just a subtle tap, so stay alert. Anglers love the challenge Sheepshead provide – they're not easy to catch, but the reward is sweet. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious. Local tip: try scraping some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Just watch out for those sharp gill plates and dorsal spines when you're handling them!
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are odd-looking fish with both eyes on one side of their flat, oval bodies. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. Most weigh 1-5 pounds, but can reach 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're especially active in fall when they migrate to spawn. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision. Use light tackle with live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try soft plastic lures. Work your bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive "thump" when a flounder strikes. They're not known for long fights, but landing one takes skill. Anglers love targeting flounder for their unique challenge and excellent table fare. The white, flaky meat is prized by seafood lovers. Here's a local tip: on windy days, focus on lee shores where bait gets pushed up against the bank. That's where you'll often find flounder waiting to ambush their next meal.
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
