Winter Blues? Reel Them In This Season
Look, I get it – winter fishing isn't what most folks think about when planning their next trip. But here's the thing: while everyone else is sitting inside complaining about the cold, you could be out on Matagorda Bay pulling in some serious fish. Our Winter Special half-day charter runs from November 30th through February 28th, and we're knocking $50 off the regular price because we know winter fishing is something special. You'll get a solid 5 hours on the water targeting some of the best species this bay has to offer, and trust me, these fish don't care what season it is – they're still hungry and ready to fight.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical summer charter where you're dodging weekend warriors and dealing with crowded boat ramps. Winter fishing in Matagorda Bay is a completely different animal – in the best way possible. You'll have way more water to yourself, the fish are often more predictable in their winter patterns, and the cooler temps make for some seriously comfortable fishing once the sun gets up. We're talking about a 5-hour trip that gives you plenty of time to work different spots without feeling rushed. The bay stays productive all winter long, especially in those deeper cuts and around structure where fish stack up when the water cools down. Plus, with only 3 anglers max on each trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without tangling up with your buddies.
Tactics That Put Fish in the Boat
Winter fishing is all about slowing down and being methodical. We're not burning gas running all over the bay – instead, we focus on working the deeper channels, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where fish concentrate during cooler months. You'll be using live bait most of the time – shrimp, croaker, and mullet work best when the water's cool and fish are less aggressive. We'll set you up with medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle anything from a keeper trout to a bull redfish that doesn't want to come to the boat. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom and being patient. Winter fish might take their time deciding, but when they commit, they usually mean business. We'll also throw some artificials when conditions are right – slow-sinking soft plastics and suspending plugs can be deadly when worked properly in winter patterns.
Customer Stories
Here's what Joseph had to say after his recent winter trip with us: "What a great trip. Thank you" - Joseph. That's the kind of straightforward feedback we love hearing, and it tells you everything you need to know about how these winter charters perform.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Matagorda Bay's winter scene. These bruisers love the cooler water and will absolutely test your drag system. We're talking fish that can push 20-40 pounds, and they fight like they're twice that size. Winter is prime time for black drum because they school up in deeper water and feed heavily on crabs and shrimp around oyster bars. What makes them so fun is that initial run – they'll take line like a freight train, and then it becomes this grinding, methodical battle. You'll feel every head shake and know you're connected to something substantial. They're not the prettiest fish in the bay, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of winter fishing, and landing a good one feels like solving a puzzle. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious bait stealers with mouths full of human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and small crabs. Winter brings them in closer to structure, especially around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs where they feed on whatever's growing. The trick is feeling that subtle bite – sheepshead don't slam baits like other species. Instead, you'll feel a slight weight or see your line move just a bit differently. Hook sets need to be quick and firm because these fish have hard mouths. A good winter sheepshead runs 2-4 pounds and makes excellent table fare if you're keeping fish.
Sea Trout remain active throughout winter in Matagorda Bay, especially the bigger females that many anglers call "gator trout." These fish move to deeper grass beds and drop-offs when temperatures drop, making them more predictable than their summer patterns. Winter trout are often in better condition too – they're fattened up and fight harder in the cooler water. You'll find them relating to bottom structure and submerged vegetation, usually in 6-12 feet of water. What's exciting about winter trout fishing is the potential for size. While you might catch fewer fish overall, the average size tends to be bigger. A 20-inch winter trout is a real possibility, and these fish have shoulders on them that'll make your drag sing.
Redfish are year-round residents that actually become more concentrated and easier to pattern during winter months. Instead of being scattered across shallow flats like in summer, winter reds school up in deeper channels and around structure. This makes them more predictable but also means when you find them, you often find a bunch. Winter redfish average 18-27 inches and are in prime condition – thick, healthy, and ready to fight. They'll pull drag consistently and make multiple runs, especially the bigger fish. What's great about targeting reds in winter is they're less spooky than in shallow summer water, so you can work them more thoroughly. Plus, slot-size reds are excellent eating, and winter fish tend to be in peak condition for the table.
Time to Book Your Spot
Here's the bottom line: this Winter Special runs through February 28th, and honestly, these dates fill up faster than you'd expect. Winter fishing might not get the hype that summer charters do, but smart anglers know this is when you get the best value and often the
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Matagorda
Half
