Half Day Afternoon Fishing in Matagorda Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day afternoon fishing trip targeting Red and Black DrumProfessional guide cleans and bags catch at trip's endAccommodates up to 4 guests across bay, rivers, and surf
When the afternoon sun starts working its magic on Matagorda Bay, that's when the real action kicks off. This half-day fishing trip puts you right in the heart of some of Texas's most productive inshore waters, where Red Drum and Black Drum patrol the shallows and flats like they own the place. We're talking about a top-rated fishing experience that adapts to where the fish are actually biting - whether that's working the bay's grass beds, hitting the river mouths, or even making a run to the surf if conditions are right. With Captain Brawley at the helm, you're not just getting a boat ride - you're getting decades of local knowledge that knows exactly where these fish like to hang out when the tide and weather line up just right.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip where you anchor in one spot and hope for the best. We cover serious ground across Matagorda Bay, constantly reading the water and adjusting our game plan based on what the fish are telling us. The afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal here, especially when the incoming tide starts pushing baitfish into the shallows. You'll be working everything from shallow grass flats where Redfish cruise in knee-deep water to deeper channel edges where Black Drum stack up like cordwood. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility - if the bay's not producing, we can slide over to the river systems where Flounder ambush prey in the current, or even make a surf run when conditions allow. Every angler gets personal attention with a maximum of four guests, so there's no fighting for rod space or waiting your turn. At the end of the day, Captain Brawley handles all the cleaning and bagging, so you walk away with fresh fillets ready for the dinner table.
The fishing methods we use depend entirely on what species we're targeting and where we find them. For Redfish cruising the flats, we'll sight-cast with soft plastics or topwater plugs - nothing beats watching a big Red explode on a surface lure in two feet of crystal-clear water. Black Drum fishing requires a different approach entirely, often involving bottom rigs with fresh shrimp or crab near structure and drop-offs. When we're after Flounder, we'll work soft plastics along sandy bottoms and channel edges, feeling for that telltale thump as they inhale the bait. Sea Trout fishing means covering water with everything from popping corks to paddle tails, working the grass beds and spoil islands where they school up. All tackle and bait are provided, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for these inshore species to a full selection of proven lures that have been putting fish in the boat for years. Captain Brawley knows exactly which presentations work best in different conditions, whether we're dealing with muddy water after a front or gin-clear conditions on a calm afternoon.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters average 20 to 30 inches but can stretch well into the slot limit, offering drag-screaming runs that'll test your tackle and technique. They're most active during moving tides, especially late afternoon when they push into the shallows to feed. What makes Reds so special is their aggressive nature - they'll crush topwater lures, inhale live bait, and even eat artificial presentations worked slowly along the bottom. The fight is legendary, with multiple runs and a stubborn refusal to give up that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Black Drum might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're absolute bulldogs that will humble even experienced anglers. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes in Matagorda's waters, with fish over 30 inches not uncommon around structure and deeper holes. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Black Drum have excellent table fare when properly prepared, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening or frying. The fight is all about power - they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll use every inch of their body to stay glued to the bottom.
Summer Flounder add variety to any Matagorda fishing trip, with these flatfish masters of camouflage lying in wait along channel edges and sandy bottoms. They're ambush predators that strike with lightning speed, making for exciting fishing when you're working soft plastics along the bottom. Flounder are excellent eating and provide steady action throughout the warmer months. The key is feeling that subtle pickup - Flounder don't slam baits like other species, so it takes some finesse to detect their bite.
Sheepshead bring their own unique challenge with their notorious bait-stealing abilities and crushing bite. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any available structure, using their human-like teeth to crush crustaceans and shellfish. They're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat that rivals any inshore species. Sheepshead fishing requires patience and quick reflexes - they'll steal your bait in a heartbeat if you're not paying attention.
Sea Trout round out the slam with their willingness to hit a variety of presentations and their respectable fight on light tackle. Also called Speckled Trout, these spotted beauties school up in Matagorda's grass beds and around structure, providing consistent action when other species are finicky. They're excellent eating and relatively easy to catch, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The best part about Trout fishing is their aggressive nature - when you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish before they move on.
Matagorda Bay's afternoon bite is something every serious angler needs to experience, and there's no better way to do it than with a guide
Our specialized flounder gigging boat is perfectly designed for Matagorda Bay's shallow waters and fishing conditions. Equipped with a quiet air motor, this motorboat can slip into those skinny water spots where the big redfish and drum like to hang out without spooking the fish. The GPS navigation system helps us pinpoint productive fishing areas across the bay, rivers, and surf zones where the action is happening. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines and fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. The shallow-draft hull design lets us access backwater areas and flats that bigger boats can't reach, giving you shots at fish that haven't seen many lures. This setup is ideal for targeting those prized red drum and black drum that Matagorda Bay is famous for.
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 our oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard because these fish have tough mouths and they're notorious for stealing bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay - copper-bronze beauties with that signature black spot near their tail. They typically range 20-35 inches and put up one heck of a fight in our shallow waters. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They're year-round fish, but spring and fall offer the hottest action when they're most active. What guests love is the visual fishing - spotting their copper backs and tails in skinny water before making the cast. They eat well too, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. Here's a local secret: look for nervous baitfish and muddy water stirred up by feeding reds. Cast gold spoons or live shrimp just ahead of cruising fish and hang on tight.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. These fish love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're year-round targets but really shine during cooler months when they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats that explosive strike on a quiet morning. They're also excellent table fare with delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My go-to technique is working soft plastics or live shrimp around grass beds in 2-6 feet of water. Listen for them "popping" bait on the surface - that's your cue to cast.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Matagorda Bay with their distinctive black and white stripes. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and are famous for those human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. You'll find them around any structure - docks, pilings, bridge supports, and oyster reefs where they feed. Spring brings the best fishing when they gather in large numbers for spawning. These fish are notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites, so stay alert and set the hook quickly when you feel them. The payoff is worth it - they're some of the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, firm white meat. Here's the key: get your bait as close to structure as possible and use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. They rarely venture far from cover.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are masters of camouflage - these flatfish blend perfectly with sandy bottoms while waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-20 inches and make great eating with sweet, flaky white meat. You'll find them lying on sand and mud bottoms in 10-30 feet of water, especially near structure changes and drop-offs. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at them when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. What makes them fun is the surprise factor - you never know when that "dead weight" on bottom is actually a nice flounder. They hit live minnows, squid strips, and bucktail jigs tipped with bait. Pro tip: use a slow, dragging retrieve along the bottom and watch for that telltale thump when they grab your offering.
Matagorda