Premier 5-Hour Matagorda Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda Bay
$550 - $600 price range
Updated Date: September 21, 2025

Summary

Grab your fishing gear and head to Matagorda, Texas for a half-day of inshore action with Shallowrun Guide Service. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish. You'll be targeting the local favorites - redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the rich waters of Matagorda Bay. This private trip is perfect for up to four anglers, whether you're just starting out or have been casting lines for years. No need to worry about equipment - all the fishing gear, bait, and safety stuff is provided. Just remember to bring your valid fishing license, some snacks, and drinks. Over the course of 5 hours, you'll get to experience the best of what Matagorda's inshore fishing has to offer. Captain Chad's local knowledge and expert guidance will help ensure you have a great day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to reel in some impressive catches.

Premier 5-Hour Matagorda Inshore Fishing Trip

Matagorda's Inshore Bounty

Redfish caught in Matagorda Harbor using deep sea jigging technique

Storms brewing, but the redfish are biting in Matagorda Harbor!

Redfish caught deep sea jigging in Matagorda TX

Big redfish reeled in during a stormy Matagorda adventure!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea jigging under clear Matagorda skies!

Spotted Weakfish caught deep sea jigging in Matagorda TX

Huge Spotted Weakfish hooked during a storm-threatened day!

Reel in the Big Ones: Matagorda's Inshore Hotspots

Get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer with Shallowrun Guide Service. We're talking about a half-day adventure in the rich waters of Matagorda Bay, where Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder are waiting to test your skills. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 5-hour trip is tailored to give you and up to three buddies a shot at landing some real beauties.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising through Matagorda Bay's maze of channels and flats, the sun's just coming up, and the water's like glass. Captain Chad's at the helm, pointing out promising spots where the fish are likely hiding. You'll be using top-notch gear – all provided, so no need to lug your own stuff. Bait? Check. Safety equipment? You bet. All you need to bring is your Texas fishing license, some grub, and maybe a cold drink or two. Oh, and don't forget that lucky hat!

Casting for Glory

Now, let's talk technique. Depending on where the fish are biting, you might be sight-casting to tailing Reds in skinny water, or working a soft plastic along a deep channel edge for those monster Trout. Captain Chad's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like the ol' popping cork method that drives Specks crazy. For Flounder, we might slow things down with a bottom-bouncing jig. The key is versatility – these Matagorda fish can be finicky, but with the right approach, we'll have 'em practically jumping in the boat.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"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

"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 bruisers are the stars of Matagorda Bay. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, Reds can range from "rat reds" under 20 inches to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Fall is prime time for Redfish, but they're catchable year-round.

Speckled Trout: Also called Spotted Seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're known for their spotted pattern and delicate flavor. Specks can be finicky, but when they're on, the action can be non-stop. Look for them around grass beds and oyster reefs, especially during the warmer months. A big Speck over 25 inches is a true trophy.

Southern Flounder: The masters of camouflage, Flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom waiting for prey. They're most active during their fall migration, when big females move offshore to spawn. Catching a Flounder requires a slow, methodical approach, but the reward is some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever eat.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, Black Drum can provide some serious pull on light tackle. These cousins of the Redfish can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They love crustaceans and can often be found rooting around structures like pilings and jetties. Spring is the best time to target big spawning Drum.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot – it's a world-class inshore fishery right in our backyard. With Shallowrun Guide Service, you're not just booking a trip; you're setting yourself up for a day of non-stop action and maybe even a new personal best. Captain Chad's got the know-how, the spots, and the passion to make sure you get the most out of your time on the water. So why wait? Grab your crew, pick a date, and let's get after those fish. The only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you on the water!

Customer Reviews

CAPT CHAD DELIVERS

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 Olliver

August 3, 2025

FISH FRENZY WITH CHAD

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

Richard Olliver

June 27, 2025

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but can hit 90 pounds. They're found in brackish waters, hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. Look for them in depths up to 100 feet, but they're often in much shallower water. Spring is the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers enjoy the challenge of their strong, dogged fights and the satisfying "drumming" sound they make. For eating, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds – the meat's sweeter and more tender. When fishing for Black Drum, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a local tip: if you're not getting bites, try crushing some shells near your bait to create noise and scent that'll attract them.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Matagorda's inshore fishing scene. They're easy to spot with that iconic black tail spot. Most inshore reds run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much bigger offshore. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water, cruising flats, oyster reefs, and around structure. They're year-round targets, but fall is especially good when they school up. Anglers love 'em for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight-casting in clear shallows or working topwater lures early morning. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud. It's a sure-fire way to pinpoint these bronze bruisers.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper waters up to 164 feet. Sea Trout are aggressive feeders and put up a spirited fight, making them fun to catch. They're also great eating fish with a mild, delicate flavor. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. For best results, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs early in the morning or late evening. A local trick: when the water's calm, look for their telltale "v" wakes on the surface – it's a dead giveaway for where to cast.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches and weigh 20 pounds. You'll find them in bays, estuaries, and nearshore areas, often hiding near structures or in depressions. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty, white meat and the challenge of hooking these bottom-dwellers. They put up a good fight once hooked, with strong, sideways pulls. To improve your chances, try using a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, dragging it along the bottom. Remember, when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook – flounder often grab prey and hold it before fully committing.

About the Shallowrun Guide Service

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 44

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

We'll be cruising the waters of Matagorda Bay in a comfortable, well-equipped fishing boat perfectly suited for inshore angling. While the exact vessel may vary, you can expect a stable platform with ample deck space for casting and fighting fish. The boat will have all the necessary safety gear, fishing tackle, and electronics to put you on the fish. There's room for up to four anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. Whether we're drifting over grass flats for trout or poling along shorelines for redfish, this vessel will get us where we need to go. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position the boat to give you the best shot at hooking into some quality fish. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water for a great day of Matagorda inshore fishing!

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