Premier 5-Hour Matagorda Inshore Fishing Trip

Matagorda Bay Inshore Fishing with Captain Chad

Looking for a solid half-day on the water targeting some of Texas's best inshore gamefish? Captain Chad at Shallowrun Guide Service knows Matagorda Bay like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This 5-hour private charter accommodates up to four anglers, making it perfect for families, couples, or a small group of friends wanting to experience some of the most productive inshore waters on the Texas coast. You'll be chasing redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in waters that consistently produce quality fish year-round.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Chad runs a professional operation focused on getting you hooked up with fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. Your 5-hour adventure starts early to take advantage of prime feeding times when these inshore species are most active. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the safety gear you need. Matagorda Bay offers incredible variety – from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise looking for crabs, to deeper channels where speckled trout suspend near structure. Captain Chad reads the conditions daily, adjusting the game plan based on tides, wind, and recent fish activity. Whether you're a first-timer who needs help baiting a hook or an experienced angler looking to dial in your technique, he'll match the approach to your skill level. Just bring your valid Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks for the day, and get ready to see why Matagorda Bay has earned its reputation as one of the top inshore fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast.

Techniques & Prime Spots

Matagorda Bay fishing is all about reading water and adapting your approach. Captain Chad employs a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures depending on conditions and target species. You'll work shallow flats with soft plastics rigged on jigheads, perfect for sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water. When targeting trout, expect to fish both live shrimp under popping corks and work topwater plugs during dawn and dusk periods when these fish are actively feeding on the surface. The bay system offers diverse structure – from oyster reefs that hold flounder and drum, to grass beds where trout and reds ambush baitfish. During cooler months, you'll focus on deeper cuts and channels where fish stack up for warmth. Summer trips often mean working the shallows early before moving to deeper water as the day heats up. Captain Chad's local knowledge shines when it comes to understanding how tides affect fish movement throughout the bay system, positioning you in the right spots at the right times for consistent action.

Customer Stories

"As always, CAPT. CHAD was awesome! He found the fish. Too many to count. Another great experience. R" - Richard

"Once again, CAPT CHAD delivered a high quality fishing experience for me and our grandchildren. Great spots, lots of fish, including some beautiful reds & drum. A fabulous weather day as well. We look forward to fishing again with CAPT CHAD. RICHARD" - Richard

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20 to 28 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized bulls cruising the shallows during warmer months. Reds feed aggressively on blue crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish, making them willing biters on both live and artificial baits. What makes them special is their fighting ability – once hooked, they'll make powerful runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the water. The sight-fishing opportunities for reds in Matagorda's clear shallows are world-class, especially during late spring through early fall when you can spot them tailing in two feet of water.

Speckled trout, locally called "specks," are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive black spots along their sides typically run 14 to 20 inches in Matagorda Bay, with trophy trout over 25 inches caught regularly during cooler months. Specks are structure-oriented fish that relate to grass beds, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where they ambush prey. They're most active during low-light periods and respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures. What anglers love about trout fishing is the variety of techniques that work – from slow-rolling soft plastics along the bottom to working noisy topwater plugs during dawn feeding frenzies.

Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're incredibly fun to catch and excellent table fare. These flatfish blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms, using ambush tactics to surprise prey. In Matagorda Bay, flounder typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with some doormat-sized fish pushing 24 inches or more. They're most active during fall months when they stage near passes preparing for their offshore spawning migration. Flounder fishing requires patience and a methodical approach – you'll work soft plastics or live bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive tap-tap bite that signals a flounder has grabbed your offering.

Black drum round out the target species list and provide some of the strongest fights you'll encounter in the bay. These fish can range from puppy drum around 14 inches up to bull drum exceeding 30 inches. They're bottom feeders with excellent senses of smell and taste, making fresh dead bait like blue crab particularly effective. Black drum are often found around oyster reefs and structure where they use their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. The larger drum provide arm-burning fights, using their bulk and power to test your tackle and technique. They're active year-round in Matagorda