Matagorta Beach Land-Based Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Landbased fishing targeting redfish, shark, and black drum from shore.Up to 12hour trip with drone bait placement and surf setups.Professional instruction provided for all experience levels and ages.
Get ready to work the Texas surf with Captain Jeffrey Millet, one of the most respected guides along this stretch of coastline. This isn't your typical wade-and-cast beach fishing – we're talking serious surf fishing with professional setups, drone bait placement when conditions are right, and access to some of the most productive waters along the Texas coast. You'll spend up to 12 hours targeting redfish, sharks, black drum, and more while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after you head home. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who's been fishing these waters for years, Jeffrey's hands-on approach means everyone leaves with new skills and hopefully some great fish stories.
Your day kicks off at 7:30 AM, and trust me, that early start is worth it – the fish are most active in those cooler morning hours. Captain Jeffrey runs a relaxed operation that's perfect for families, with space for up to 8 guests total and 4 active anglers at any given time. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – Jeffrey reads the tides, watches the surf conditions, and adjusts the game plan throughout the day to keep you on fish. You'll move along productive stretches of beach, setting up where the action is hottest. The pace is laid-back enough that kids and non-fishing family members can enjoy the beach while the anglers work their magic. Don't worry about experience levels either – Jeffrey's got the patience to teach proper casting technique and the knowledge to put even rookie anglers on quality fish.
This is where things get interesting. We're not talking about throwing lightweight tackle from the shoreline – Jeffrey brings serious surf fishing gear designed to handle big fish in challenging conditions. You'll be working with heavy-duty rods that can punch baits well beyond the breakers, paired with reels that have the drag power to stop a bull redfish or a decent-sized shark. Bottom rigs are the bread and butter here, designed to keep your bait in the strike zone while withstanding the constant motion of surf and current. When weather and regulations allow, Jeffrey deploys drone technology to place baits in prime spots that would be impossible to reach with conventional casting. It's a game-changer that opens up water most surf anglers never get to fish effectively. You'll learn how to read the surf, identify productive structure, and understand how tides affect fish movement – skills that translate to better fishing anywhere along the Gulf Coast.
Florida Pompano are the crown jewel of surf fishing along this stretch, and Matagorta Beach consistently produces some beauties. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Spring and fall are prime time when they're migrating along the coast in good numbers. What makes pompano special is their finicky nature – they require precise bait presentation and timing, but when you dial it in, the action can be fast and furious. Plus, they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Black Drum are the workhorses of the Texas surf, and Jeffrey knows exactly where to find the good ones. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 5-pounders up to monster bull drum pushing 40+ pounds. The big ones are pure muscle – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight the current. Peak season runs from late winter through spring when they're moving into shallow water to spawn. Black drum are also excellent table fare when they're in the slot, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Sea Trout add consistent action throughout the day, especially during cooler months when they move into the surf to feed. These spotted beauties typically range from 14-20 inches, with occasional gator trout pushing the 25-inch mark. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live and cut bait, making them perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers engaged. Sea trout are also forgiving fighters – strong enough to be fun but not so powerful that they'll break off inexperienced anglers.
Redfish are the signature species that brings most people to Texas waters, and the Matagorta area holds some serious bulls. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-sized fish in the 20-inch range up to oversized bulls that'll tip 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Reds are notorious for their bulldogging fights – they don't jump much, but they'll use every ounce of strength to try and reach structure or deep water. Fall is prime time when schools of bull reds cruise the surf during their spawning runs, but quality fish are caught year-round.
Blacktip Shark fishing adds an element of excitement that's hard to match. These acrobatic sharks are common in the surf, especially during warmer months, and they put on an aerial show that'll get everyone's attention. Most blacktips range from 3-6 feet, providing heart-stopping runs and spectacular jumps. They're also relatively easy to handle and release safely, making them perfect for anglers who want the thrill of shark fishing without the complications of dealing with truly massive fish. Jeffrey's experienced with proper shark handling techniques, ensuring safe releases that protect both angler and fish.
Captain Jeffrey Millet's reputation speaks for itself – he's put in the years learning these waters and developing techniques that consistently put clients on fish. This 12-hour adventure gives you the time to really experience Gulf Coast surf fishing at its finest, from the early morning bite through the afternoon action. Remember to bring your Texas fishing license, plenty of food and drinks, and sun protection for the long day ahead. With space for the whole family but focused fishing for up to 4 anglers, it's the perfect way to introduce newcomers to the sport while giving experienced anglers a chance to learn from
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, making them perfect for our bottom fishing setup. They love shallow flats, oyster beds, and muddy areas where baitfish gather. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them drumming underwater to communicate. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat, while the big ones are better released since the meat gets tough. Here's my local trick: use fresh blue crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom. Black drum are patient feeders, so don't rush to set the hook - let them take it and run.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are exciting surf targets, easily identified by the black tips on their fins and that classic shark profile. These streamlined predators typically run 3-6 feet from the beach, but can reach up to 9 feet and 200+ pounds. They patrol the surf zone and nearshore waters, especially around bait schools and structure. Summer brings the best action when they're feeding actively in warmer water. What makes blacktips fun is their acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clean out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing. They're also catch-and-release only, making for great photos and bragging rights. These sharks can be aggressive feeders but also surprisingly timid. My tip: use heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh, oily bait like mackerel or jack crevalle. Set up multiple lines and be ready - when they hit, it's game on.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are one of the Gulf's most prized catches, running 1-3 pounds on average with that classic silver body and bright yellow fins. These flat, compressed fish love cruising the surf zone where we'll be fishing, especially around sandy bottoms where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. Summer through fall gives you the best shot at them since they move deeper when it gets cold. What makes pompano special is that buttery, sweet meat that restaurants pay top dollar for - there's a reason Pompano Beach got named after these fish. They're scrappy fighters too, being part of the jack family. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or sand fleas, and fish the second gut where the waves break. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of Texas coastal fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. These bruisers typically run 20-35 inches from the surf, with some pushing 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall and spring are prime, but they bite year-round here in Texas. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and that they're always hungry, hitting everything from topwater plugs to cut bait. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. The black spot near their tail tricks predators into attacking the wrong end so they can escape. My best tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then cast just ahead of them with live shrimp or a gold spoon.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful silver fish covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-3 pounds, with some reaching 5+ pounds. These fish love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around structure where they can ambush shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Night fishing and early morning produce the best action, though they bite all day in cooler months. Specks are popular because they fight well on light tackle and make outstanding table fare - soft, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they're aggressive biters. My go-to tip: use live shrimp under a popping cork in 2-4 feet of water over grass beds. The cork noise attracts them, and they can't resist a wounded shrimp.
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