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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Matagorda Bay
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda Bay
- $500 - $600 price range
Summary
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Bay Fishing Action
Best Red Drum catch of the day!!
Come join us in Matagorda Bay!
Keep them Red Drums coming!
Amazing Red Drum in Matagorda Bay!
Huge Spotted Weakfish hooked during a storm-threatened day!
Reeling in a redfish while deep sea jigging under clear Matagorda skies!
Three huge catches on a partly cloudy day in Matagorda!
Hooked a sleek Spotted Weakfish in stormy Matagorda waters!
Amazing Red Drum on display! Only in Matagorda!
Best fishing charter Matagorda Bay has to offer!!
Best Red Drum catch of the day!!
Come join us in Matagorda Bay!
Keep them Red Drums coming!
Amazing Red Drum in Matagorda Bay!
Huge Spotted Weakfish hooked during a storm-threatened day!
Reeling in a redfish while deep sea jigging under clear Matagorda skies!
Three huge catches on a partly cloudy day in Matagorda!
Hooked a sleek Spotted Weakfish in stormy Matagorda waters!
Amazing Red Drum on display! Only in Matagorda!
Best fishing charter Matagorda Bay has to offer!!
Best Red Drum catch of the day!!
Come join us in Matagorda Bay!
Keep them Red Drums coming!
Amazing Red Drum in Matagorda Bay!
Matagorda Bay: Your Afternoon Fishing Paradise
Get ready to hit the water for some serious rod-bending action in Matagorda, Texas! This five-hour afternoon trip with Shallowrun Guide Service is your ticket to one of the Gulf Coast's best-kept fishing secrets. Capt. Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're chasing bull reds in the shallows or sight-casting to tailing drum, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're about to show you why Matagorda Bay is a top-rated fishing destination!
What's the Deal?
Listen up, folks! This ain't your average fishing charter. Capt. Chad's got you covered for five solid hours of prime-time fishing in both East and West Matagorda Bay. We're talking about a world-class fishery right in your backyard. You'll be using top-notch gear (all provided, by the way), and if the bait shop's got 'em, we'll even throw in a quart of live shrimp to sweeten the deal. All you need to bring is your Texas fishing license and a good attitude. We'll take care of the rest, putting you on the hotspots where the big ones lurk. From redfish to black drum, sheepshead to flounder, there's no telling what might end up on the end of your line!
Fishing the Matagorda Way
Alright, let's talk tactics. In Matagorda, we don't just cast and hope – we fish smart. Depending on the tide, wind, and what's biting, Capt. Chad might have you drifting over grass flats, working the edges of oyster reefs, or poling through skinny water looking for tailing reds. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, adapting our approach to what the fish want on any given day. You might be chunking soft plastics, free-lining live shrimp, or even fly fishing if that's your jam. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the thump of a big red inhaling your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water. It's the kind of fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and coming back for more!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Matagorda's got a special place in the hearts of Texas anglers, and for good reason. This place is a fish factory, plain and simple. The mix of freshwater inflow from the Colorado River and the salty Gulf creates a perfect storm for baitfish and gamefish alike. One day you might be battling bull reds in the surf, the next you could be finessing speckled trout around grass beds. And the best part? The fishing's good year-round. Spring brings the spawn, summer heats up with schooling fish, fall has the big girls fattening up, and winter... well, let's just say the big trout don't mind the cold. It's this variety and consistency that keeps fishermen coming back season after season.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, the mighty redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your biceps, especially when they get into the 30-inch range. Reds love to cruise the shallows, tailing in less than a foot of water as they root for crabs. When they're on, the action can be non-stop.
Next, we've got the black drum. Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – these fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat (the smaller ones, anyway). They love structure, so we'll often find them hanging around jetties or oyster reefs. A piece of crab or shrimp on the bottom is like ringing the dinner bell for these guys.
Sheepshead are the outcasts of the inshore world, but man, are they fun to catch. These striped bandits have a mouthful of teeth that'll make a dentist jealous, and they use 'em to crunch crabs and barnacles off pilings. Catching them requires finesse and patience, but when you figure 'em out, it's game on.
The speckled trout, or sea trout, is the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders and will hit everything from topwater lures to soft plastics. They school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Nothing beats the surface explosion of a big trout hitting a topwater at dawn.
Last but not least, the southern flounder. These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized for their fillets. Flounder fishing is an art form, requiring a delicate touch and a good eye. They love to ambush bait along drop-offs and creek mouths, and when you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn.
Time to Wet a Line!
Alright, folks, there you have it – the lowdown on Matagorda fishing with Shallowrun Guide Service. This trip is the real deal, offering you a shot at some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Capt. Chad's got the know-how, the spots, and the gear to make it happen. All you need to do is show up ready to have a good time and maybe catch the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Book your Matagorda fishing adventure today and get ready to make some memories on the water. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, known for their powerful jaws and distinctive drumming sound. You'll find these bruisers hanging around oyster beds, pier pilings, and brackish waters. They can grow huge – we're talking 30 to 90 pounds – but the sweet spot for eating is under 15 pounds. Larger ones can be tough and less tasty. Spring's your best bet for catching them, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating when smaller. They're not picky eaters, so fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait work well. Here's a local tip: If you're fishing deeper water, try a half-ounce jig head with a piece of crab. Let it sit on the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. These fish have sensitive barbels, so a slow, steady retrieve often triggers a bite.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of our flats. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail – sometimes they have more than one. These bronze bruisers love shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. They'll hang around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. Most run 20 to 30 inches, but they can get much bigger offshore. Fall's the prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and great table fare. They'll eat just about anything, but live bait like mullet or crab is hard to beat. For artificial, try a gold spoon or a topwater plug early morning. Here's a tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their coppery backs or tails breaking the surface. Sight-casting to tailing reds is as good as it gets.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14 to 24 inches, but can get bigger. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush bait, so look for them around structure or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers go nuts for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They're not the toughest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and eating quality. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, but artificial lures work great too. Try a soft plastic on a jighead, worked slowly along the bottom. One local trick: listen for them popping bait on the surface, then cast right into the frenzy. It's a blast when they're feeding like that.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" thanks to their black and white stripes, are crafty little thieves. They hang around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster reefs, using those chompers to crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can hit 20 pounds if you're lucky. Spring's prime time as they move to spawn. Anglers love the challenge – these guys are notorious bait stealers. They'll nibble your hook clean if you're not quick. For best results, use light tackle and small hooks. Fiddler crabs are my go-to bait. Here's a trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to get them feeding, then drop your bait right in the mix. When you feel that tap-tap, set the hook fast. The fight's fun, and the white, flaky meat is delicious if you can get past those tough scales.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, blending in with the sandy or muddy bottom. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators are most active in fall when they migrate offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're known for their light bite, so stay alert. To improve your chances, use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Let it sit still on the bottom, then give it a slight twitch every so often. When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook – flounder like to grab their prey and reposition it before swallowing. Patience is key when going after these tasty flatfish.
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
