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Matagorda Family Inshore Trip: Top-Rated Fishing
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda Bay
- $550 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: September 21, 2025
Summary
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Matagorda Bay Catches
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
Matagorda Family Fishing: Redfish, Trout & Drum
Get ready for a real Texas-style family adventure on Matagorda Bay! This 7-hour inshore fishing trip is all about making memories with your crew while reeling in some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum – the kind of fishing that'll have everyone from grandpa to the kids hooked from the get-go. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about making sure your family has a blast while learning the ropes of coastal angling.
What to Expect on the Water
We kick things off bright and early at 6 AM, because that's when the fish are biting and the bay is at its most beautiful. You'll be cruising on a shallow-draft boat that's perfect for sneaking into those honey holes where the big ones like to hide. The trip's designed for up to four anglers, so there's plenty of elbow room for casting. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before – Captain Chad's got the patience of a saint and will have you fishing like a pro in no time. And for the kiddos? This trip's a goldmine of hands-on learning and excitement that beats any video game, hands down.
Techniques & Gear Lowdown
On this trip, we're all about light tackle fishing – it's the best way to feel every nibble and really get into the action. You might be tossing soft plastics, working a popping cork, or even sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. Captain Chad's got all the gear and knowhow, so you just need to bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. We'll be using live bait when it's the ticket to success, and artificial lures when the fish are in a picky mood. The shallow-draft boat lets us sneak into back bays and marshy areas where the big boys like to hang out, giving you shots at fish that rarely see a hook.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail and put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. Reds love to cruise the shallows, often with their backs out of the water – it's a sight that'll get your heart racing every time. They're around all year, but fall is when they really shine, schooling up and feeding like crazy.
Speckled Trout: These guys are the bread and butter of bay fishing. With their spotted sides and yellow mouth, specks are as pretty as they are tasty. They're known for their soft mouths, so setting the hook just right is an art form. Spring and fall are prime time for big sows, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Southern Flounder: Flatfish fanatics, this one's for you. Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with the bay bottom until they ambush their prey. They're not the strongest fighters, but the challenge is in the hunt and the hook set. Fall is the golden season when they start their migration to the Gulf, and that's when you can really fill the cooler.
Black Drum: These big, ugly cousins of the redfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch. They use their chin barbels to root around the bottom for crabs and shrimp, and when they're big, they're REALLY big. Spring is prime time for the bulls, but you can catch "puppy drum" all year long. They're perfect for anglers who want a sure thing for dinner.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, this ain't just fishing – it's a full-on Matagorda experience. You're not just dropping lines; you're soaking in the sights and sounds of one of Texas' best-kept secrets. Pelicans dive-bombing for breakfast, dolphins playing in the wake, and sunrises that'll make you forget all about that alarm clock. It's the kind of trip where even if the fish aren't biting (which is rare), you're still having the time of your life. And let's be real – there's nothing like the look on a kid's face when they reel in their first big red or the family pride when you're posing with a stringer full of dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're after a family day out that's got something for everyone, this Matagorda Bay fishing charter is your ticket. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, show off your angling skills to the in-laws, or just escape the grind for a day, Captain Chad's got you covered. With everything from the bait to the ice taken care of, all you need to do is show up ready for action. And trust me, once you've felt the tug of a bull red on your line or seen your little one's eyes light up at their first trout, you'll be planning your next trip before you even hit the dock. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and Matagorda's calling – let's get you out on the water!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, hanging around oyster beds and mudflats. These fish love structure, so target pier pilings, creek mouths, and shallow bays. Spring's the hot season when they school up to spawn, making for easier catches. Anglers dig Black Drum for their strong fight and decent table fare, though I'd release the big ones over 15 pounds – they get tough and less tasty. Use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom; they're suckers for shellfish. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive croaking sound. When you hear it, you're in the right spot. Just remember, a slow and steady retrieve is key – these guys aren't known for their speed.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties, with their trademark black spot near the tail, typically run 28 to 33 inches when mature. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water, cruising flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds. Fall's the prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers go nuts for the "redfish run" – it's like hitting the jackpot. These guys put up a hell of a fight and taste great too. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding, from topwater lures to live bait. My top tip? Look for their tails sticking up as they root around in shallow water. Sneak up quietly and make a cast just past them – the splash of your lure will often trigger an instant strike.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14 to 24 inches, though some can hit 5 pounds or more. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're suckers for shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but winter can be hot too if you know where to find the deep holes they school in. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. One trick I swear by: use a popping cork with a live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and they can't resist that shrimp dancing in the water. Just remember, they've got soft mouths, so set the hook gently or you'll pull it right out.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. 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 for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting these "doormats" for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're ambush predators, so use slow-moving baits like live mullet or shrimp. My go-to trick is to drag a jig slowly along the bottom, pausing often. When you feel that telltale "thump," give it a second before setting the hook. Flounder have a unique sideways bite, so patience is key. Remember, they're left-eyed, so they'll always be laying with their right side down.
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
