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Premier 5-Hour Matagorda Inshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda Bay
- $500 - $600 price range
Summary
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Matagorda's Inshore Bounty
Reeling in a redfish while deep sea jigging under clear Matagorda skies!
Huge Spotted Weakfish hooked during a storm-threatened day!
Hooked a sleek Spotted Weakfish in stormy Matagorda waters!
Reel in the Action: Matagorda Inshore Fishing
Get ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore fishing waters Texas has to offer. Our 5-hour private trip in Matagorda is your ticket to hooking into monster reds, slick trout, and doormat flounder. With room for you and three buddies, this is the perfect half-day escape for anglers looking to bend some rods and fill the cooler. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we shove off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. We'll cruise through Matagorda's rich network of bays, channels, and grass flats, each spot holding the potential for your next personal best. Depending on the tides and what's biting, we might start by drifting grass lines for trout, then move to sight-casting for tailing reds in the shallows. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're working a topwater lure, the next you're feeling the telltale thump of a flounder taking your bait. And with a private charter, we can tailor the trip to your style and skill level. Want to learn how to work a popping cork? We've got you covered. Prefer to chunk live bait? No problem. This is your trip, and we're here to make sure you have a blast and catch fish.
Techniques & Gear Rundown
On our Matagorda inshore trips, we use a mix of techniques to keep the rods bent. We'll likely do some drift fishing over productive areas, letting the wind push us along while we work soft plastics or live bait. When conditions are right, we'll pole the flats, looking for those heart-stopping signs of feeding fish. You might see a red's tail waving in the air or a trout's wake as it chases bait. That's when we break out the light tackle and make pinpoint casts. We provide all the gear you need – quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle. But if you've got a favorite setup, feel free to bring it along. Just remember to pack some sunscreen, snacks, and your best fish-catching mojo.
What Anglers Are Saying
"As always, CAPT. CHAD was awesome! He found the fish. Too many to count. Another great experience. R" - Richard
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bulldogs are the stars of Matagorda's inshore scene. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bruiser over 40 inches. They love to hang around structure and will test your drag with powerful runs. In the fall, watch for schools of bull reds crashing bait on the surface – it's a sight you won't forget.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got a soft mouth, so a gentle hookset is key. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for topwater action, when trout explode on surface lures. During the heat of the day, we'll target them around deeper structure or grass beds.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush. We often target them around drop-offs, jetties, and creek mouths. The fall run, when flounder migrate to the Gulf to spawn, can produce some epic fishing. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of feeling that distinctive flounder 'thump' on your line.
Black Drum: While they might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, black drum put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. We often find them rooting around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp. The big ones, known as "big uglies," can top 30 pounds and will give you a workout on light tackle.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Matagorda's inshore waters are a fish factory, plain and simple. The mix of fresh and saltwater creates a nutrient-rich environment that supports a thriving food chain. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're working a muddy shoreline for monster trout. And let's not forget the scenery – from wading birds stalking the shallows to dolphins cruising the channels, there's always something to see. But what really keeps folks coming back is the chance to tangle with some serious fish without having to venture far offshore. You get all the excitement of big game fishing, but you're never far from land. It's the best of both worlds.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that rush of a big fish on the line, our 5-hour Matagorda inshore trip is calling your name. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with some tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of battling bruiser reds and gator trout, we've got you covered. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and is ready to put you on the fish. So grab your fishing buddies, pack your favorite lucky hat, and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and the memories are yours for the making. Don't let another season slip by – book your trip now and get ready for some serious inshore action in Matagorda!
Customer Review
FISH FRENZY DELIGHT
Richard Olliver
June 27, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, with some old-timers hitting 90 pounds. You'll usually catch 'em in the 5-30 pound range though. These tough fighters hang out in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's when they really get active, schooling up for spawning. That croaking sound you hear? That's the drum's mating call. These fish are a blast to catch – they put up a stubborn fight and can really test your gear. For eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones get tough and lose flavor. To hook a Black Drum, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a local tip: if you're seeing big schools but no bites, try crushing some oyster shells in your chum. That'll often get 'em fired up and feeding.
Redfish
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful runs and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most of our reds run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much bigger offshore. You'll find 'em in super shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall's a great time to target 'em as they school up. Anglers love reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, but nothing beats seeing one crush a topwater plug. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing fish in clear shallows. Pro tip: when you spot a tailing red, don't cast right at it. Place your bait a few feet away and work it into the fish's path. That'll trigger more strikes and fewer spooks.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a favorite target for light tackle anglers. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-24 inches, but can get up to 5 pounds or more. You'll find 'em in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush bait fish, so look for them around structures or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's not too hot or cold. Anglers prize trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild flesh. They're not huge fighters, but they're fun on light gear. To catch 'em, try working a soft plastic shrimp imitation or topwater plug slowly over grass beds. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, listen for them popping shrimp at the surface. That's your cue to cast right into the action.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll find 'em in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Most are 15-18 inches long, but they can grow up to 33 inches. These flat ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall's the prime time to target 'em as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love flounder for their delicate, sweet flavor and the challenge of hooking these sneaky fish. To up your odds, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth – count to ten, then reel in steadily. It's a game of patience, but landing a big flounder is worth the wait.
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
As always, CAPT. CHAD was awesome! He found the fish. Too many to count. Another great experience. R