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Wade Fishing Matagorda Bay with Shallowrun Guide
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda Bay
- $550 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: September 21, 2025
Summary
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Wading for Winners
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
Wade Into Matagorda's Fishing Paradise
Ready to get your feet wet in some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer? Shallowrun Guide Service's wade fishing trip in Matagorda Bay is your ticket to an authentic Gulf Coast angling experience. We're talking about stalking redfish in skinny water, sight-casting to speckled trout, and battling black drum on light tackle. This ain't your average boat trip – it's a chance to become one with the bay and fish like a local pro.
Trip Overview
Picture this: You're thigh-deep in Matagorda's crystal-clear shallows, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and your guide's pointing out a school of reds tailing in the distance. That's what you're in for on this 5-hour wade fishing adventure. We'll hit the water early, targeting prime spots where the fish are feeding. You'll need to bring your own rod, reel, and waders, but don't sweat it if you're not decked out in the fanciest gear – it's all about technique out here. Live bait's available if that's your style, but artificial lures often steal the show in these parts.
Wading 101: Fish on Their Turf
Wade fishing is all about stealth and precision. We'll teach you how to read the water, spot telltale signs of fish activity, and approach without spooking the school. You'll learn to feel the subtle changes in bottom structure with your feet – transitions from mud to sand or grass often hold fish. We'll cover everything from the "Matagorda Shuffle" (to avoid stepping on stingrays) to proper casting techniques for working topwaters over grass beds. It's a more intimate way to fish, and once you hook into a bull red in waist-deep water, you'll be hooked for life.
Top Catches This Season
Matagorda Bay is a year-round fishery, but each season brings its own highlights. Spring and fall are prime for big speckled trout, with trophy fish over 25 inches not uncommon. Summer heats up with schools of slot-sized redfish cruising the flats, often visible from a distance. Winter can be magical for black drum, with big schools providing non-stop action on cold days. No matter when you visit, there's always a chance at a "Texas slam" – catching a trout, redfish, and flounder all in one trip.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored beauties can grow over 40 inches, but the "slot" fish between 20-28 inches are the tastiest and most fun to catch. Look for their trademark tail waving above the surface as they root for crabs in shallow water. They'll crush a well-placed topwater lure or scented soft plastic.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these are the sprinters of the bay. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, specks are a light-tackle dream. They range from 12-20 inches on average, with gator trout pushing 30 inches possible. Dawn and dusk are prime time for topwater action, while soft plastics work well throughout the day.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousins of the redfish, black drum can provide incredible action, especially in cooler months. Smaller "puppy drum" are excellent on the table, while big ones over 30 pounds will test your drag system. They love crustaceans, so crab-scented soft plastics or fresh shrimp are top producers.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder require a keen eye and delicate touch to target successfully. They lie flat on the bottom, ambushing prey fish. Fall is the best time to target them as they migrate to the Gulf. A slow-dragged soft plastic or live mud minnow is hard to beat.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, sheepshead are a unique target. They hang around structure and can be challenging to hook, earning them the nickname "convict fish." Small pieces of shrimp or crab fished near pilings or oyster reefs are the ticket.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about wading Matagorda Bay that keeps fishermen coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as you're working a topwater along a grass line. Or the rush of adrenaline when a big red crashes your lure just feet away. It could be the camaraderie of swapping fish stories over lunch on a sandbar. Whatever it is, this trip offers a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with what fishing is all about – just you, the water, and the pursuit of the catch.
What to Expect on the Water
Our guides know Matagorda Bay like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish. But wade fishing isn't always about non-stop action – it's about the experience. Some days, the fish are practically jumping in the boat. Other days, it's a game of patience and persistence. That's fishing. What we can guarantee is that you'll learn new techniques, gain a deeper appreciation for the ecosystem, and have a shot at some quality fish. We'll cover proper catch and release practices to ensure the fishery stays healthy for generations to come.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're ready to ditch the boat and get up close and personal with Matagorda's inshore species, this wade fishing trip is calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned wader or looking to try something new, our guides will tailor the experience to your skill level. Remember to bring your fishing license, sunscreen, and a good attitude – we'll take care of the rest. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to make some memories and maybe even land the fish of a lifetime. See you on the flats!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, known for their strong jaws and 'croaking' sounds. You'll typically catch them in the 5-30 pound range, but they can grow much larger. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and in brackish waters. They love structure, so target pier pilings and bridge supports. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy the Black Drum's powerful fight and good eating quality, especially for smaller fish under 15 pounds. They're bottom feeders, so use natural baits like crab, shrimp, or cut mullet. Here's a local tip: when fishing deeper water, try a carolina rig with a piece of crab. Let it sit on the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. Black Drum can be a bit sluggish to bite, but once hooked, they'll give you a run for your money.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive black spot near their tail, typically range from 20-30 inches in the bay. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in water so skinny their backs are exposed. They love to cruise along grass lines and oyster reefs. Fall is prime time when big schools move through, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize Redfish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. They'll hit just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Try gold spoons or scented soft plastics. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for nervous water or 'wakes' moving across the flats. That's often a cruising Red. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight - when a Red hits, it's like hooking a freight train.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Matagorda Bay anglers. These silver-sided fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-24 inches, though trophy "gator" trout can top 30 inches. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love Specks for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet. Here's a local tip: look for "slicks" - areas of calm, oily water that indicate feeding trout. When you find one, cast nearby and hold on tight. These fish might not be the biggest, but their quick runs and head-shaking fights make them a blast on light tackle.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a unique catch in Matagorda Bay. These structure-loving fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds and put up a scrappy fight. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're here year-round, but winter and early spring are prime times when they school up. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. These fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans, so they're notorious bait stealers. Use small hooks with live fiddler crabs, shrimp, or barnacles. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead like to test their food first, so patience is key. Once you hook one, get ready for a fun tussle on light tackle.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. They 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 catching these flatfish as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're ambush predators, so use slow-moving baits like live minnows or soft plastics. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it, so patience pays off. Whether you're drift fishing or working structure, these odd-looking fish put up a surprisingly good fight and make for excellent table fare.
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
