Target Red Drum and Black Drum on Matagorda Bay Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Red Drum and Black Drum in prime Matagorda Bay watersFish cleaning and bagging service included with catchHalfday afternoon trip accommodates up to 4 guests
Looking for some solid action on the water without burning a whole day? This half-day afternoon trip puts you right where the fish are feeding in Matagorda Bay. We're talking about one of the Gulf Coast's most productive fisheries, where the bay system, rivers, and surf all come together to create prime habitat for red drum, black drum, and a whole lineup of other species that'll keep your rod bent. I've been running these waters for years, and I know exactly where to find the fish when they're actively feeding in the afternoon hours.
When you step aboard, we're heading straight to where the action is. Matagorda Bay isn't just one spot – it's a massive system with flats, channels, shell reefs, and river mouths that all hold different fish depending on conditions. The afternoon bite here can be absolutely phenomenal, especially when we hit those prime feeding windows. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats where reds cruise the edges, to deeper shell drops where the black drum hang out. The beauty of this fishery is its versatility – if one area isn't producing, we've got plenty of backup spots within easy running distance. You'll spend your time actually fishing, not just riding around looking for fish. I keep the group small at four anglers max, so everyone gets personalized attention and plenty of shots at quality fish.
We run a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Sight fishing the flats with soft plastics is money when conditions are right – nothing beats watching a big red track down your lure in clear, shallow water. When we're working the shell reefs and channel edges for drum, we'll drop down with cut bait rigs that really get their attention. The boat stays positioned perfectly with the trolling motor, so we can work structure methodically and keep baits in the strike zone. I provide all the tackle, from light spinning gear for the trout and flounder up to heavier rods that can handle those bruiser drum when they decide to make a run. Live bait, artificials, cut bait – we'll match the presentation to what's working that day. The afternoon hours often see fish moving shallow to feed, which sets up perfect scenarios for multiple techniques on the same trip.
Red drum are the stars of this show, and Matagorda Bay grows some absolute tanks. These fish are most active during moving tides, especially in the afternoon when they cruise the flats and grass lines looking for crabs and baitfish. A good red will make multiple screaming runs and test your drag system – they're pure power and attitude. Fall through early winter is prime time, but we catch quality reds year-round. What makes them special here is the variety of sizes – you might catch a slot fish perfect for dinner followed by a bull red that'll stretch your arms.
Black drum don't get the respect they deserve, but they're some of the strongest fighters in the bay. These bruisers love structure – shell reefs, channel edges, and bridge pilings where they root around for crabs and oysters. They're most cooperative during cooler months and can reach impressive sizes in Matagorda's waters. When a big black drum decides to dig deep and pull, you'll know you're connected to something serious. Their fight is different from reds – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that'll work your arms.
Summer flounder add a different dynamic to the trip, especially around channel edges and sandy areas where they ambush baitfish. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can surprise you with their speed when hooked. They're excellent table fare and provide great action on lighter tackle. Spring and early summer are peak times, though we see them throughout the warmer months.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the group – they're notorious bait stealers with incredible finesse. Around any structure with barnacles or oysters, these black-and-white striped fish provide fantastic light-tackle action. They require sharp hooks and quick reflexes, but they're absolutely delicious and a favorite among anglers who appreciate technical fishing.
Sea trout round out the mix as willing biters that show up throughout the system. They're especially active around grass beds and drop-offs during moving water. Trout provide consistent action and are perfect for anglers learning the ropes – they hit artificials well and make great table fare when they're in the slot.
This half-day afternoon trip gives you the best of Matagorda Bay without the full-day commitment. You'll hit prime feeding times, work productive water with an experienced guide, and leave with cleaned fish ready for the dinner table. The four-person limit means everyone gets quality fishing time and personal instruction. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, want to try something new, or just need a fishing fix on a busy schedule, this trip delivers the goods. Matagorda Bay's reputation as a world-class fishery didn't happen by accident – the fish are here, the habitat is prime, and the afternoon bite can be absolutely lights-out when everything comes together. Book your spot and let's get some lines wet in one of Texas's top-rated bay systems.
Our specialized flounder gigging boat is perfectly designed for Matagorda Bay's shallow waters and backcountry fishing spots. Powered by an air motor, this vessel quietly navigates skinny water where red drum and black drum love to feed, giving you access to prime fishing areas that deeper-draft boats simply can't reach. The GPS navigation system ensures we hit the most productive spots across the bay, rivers, and surf zones where fish are actively biting. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around during the action. The shallow-water capability means we can chase feeding drum in marshes and flats that hold the biggest fish, while the quiet air motor won't spook wary reds in clear, shallow conditions.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - much easier to target than when they scatter afterward. You'll find them in 1-10 feet of water around structure, but they'll also cruise shallow flats. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and those distinctive drumming sounds they make underwater. Fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom works best. Pro tip: if you're keeping fish for the table, stick to ones under 15 pounds - the big ones get tough and less tasty as they age.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Matagorda Bay's signature species, easily identified by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but the bull reds offshore can push 40+ pounds. These shallow water cruisers love 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the most consistent action. What makes them special is their power - even small ones can strip drag and make long runs. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range. Topwater plugs create heart-stopping strikes, but cut mullet and live shrimp work too. Local tip: watch for their copper backs "tailing" in skinny water during low light periods. When you spot them, cast well ahead of their direction and work your lure slowly back.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Matagorda Bay's bread and butter fish, running 14-24 inches with distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. These grass flat specialists love shallow water around oyster reefs and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and baitfish. Spring and fall provide the most consistent action, though summer nights can be productive too. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - tender white meat that's hard to beat. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels and creek mouths. Topwater plugs at dawn and dusk create explosive strikes, but soft plastics work year-round. The local secret: work your lure slowly near grass edges during moving water. Trout are structure-oriented, so don't waste time in open water - stay near cover and depth changes.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the bay's convict fish with their black and white stripes, and those human-like teeth that can crack barnacles like peanuts. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, pilings, and oyster reefs where they feed. Spring spawning season from February through April brings the best action when they school up near structure. What guests love is the challenge - these notorious bait thieves require perfect presentation and quick reflexes. They make excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals snapper. Fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp work best, but you need small hooks and light line. Here's the trick: get your bait tight to the structure and watch your rod tip like a hawk. When you see that subtle tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook hard immediately or they'll strip your bait clean.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise in Matagorda Bay, lying flat on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. These ambush predators typically run 15-20 inches and make great table fare with their sweet, flaky white meat. Fall fishing from September through November gives you the best shot at them when they're most active. They love areas with current where baitfish gather - channel edges, drop-offs, and structure transitions. What hooks anglers is watching them materialize from seemingly empty bottom and their surprising fight for a flatfish. Live minnows or strips of mullet work well, but here's the key: hook your baitfish through the lips and let it swim naturally just off bottom. They'll often mouth the bait first, so wait for that second pull before setting the hook.
Matagorda