Half Day Drum, Sheepshead And Flounder Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Evening flounder gigging adventure starts at 6 PM nightlyPrivate charter accommodates up to 4 guests for $550Target flounder, black drum, and sheepshead using lights
Captain William knows Matagorda Bay like the back of his hand, and when the sun starts dipping toward the horizon, that's when the real magic happens. This 5-hour evening adventure kicks off at 6 PM and takes you into some of the most productive shallow water fishing you'll find along the Texas coast. For $550, you and up to three buddies get the whole boat to yourselves, plus Captain William's years of experience reading these waters. The bay comes alive after dark, and with specialized lighting gear, you'll be targeting flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in their prime feeding zones. It's not your typical cast-and-wait fishing trip – this is active, hands-on angling that keeps everyone engaged from launch to dock.
Matagorda Bay transforms once the sun goes down, and Captain William positions the boat in prime spots where structure meets soft bottom. The evening starts with conventional tackle as daylight fades, then transitions into the main event – flounder gigging under the lights. You'll be working the shallows where grass beds meet sandy patches, perfect habitat for hungry flounder and cruising drum. The bay's protected waters stay calm most evenings, making it comfortable for everyone on board. Captain William runs a clean, well-maintained boat with all the safety gear and lighting systems needed for productive night fishing. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – perfect for families wanting to try something different or experienced anglers looking to add new techniques to their arsenal. The private charter means you set the pace, whether that's non-stop action or taking breaks to enjoy the peaceful night sounds of the bay.
Flounder gigging requires specialized equipment and technique, and Captain William provides everything you need. High-powered LED lights mounted on the boat illuminate the shallow water, letting you spot flounder lying flat against the bottom. The gigs themselves are multi-pronged spears on long poles – simple tools that require good timing and steady hands. Captain William teaches proper gigging form, from spotting fish to making clean strikes that don't spook nearby targets. Between gigging runs, you'll use conventional tackle for drum and sheepshead around structure. These fish respond well to cut bait and small jigs worked near oyster reefs and channel edges. The key to success in Matagorda Bay is understanding how tides move baitfish around, and Captain William reads these patterns to keep you on productive water all evening. The shallow draft boat lets you access spots bigger vessels can't reach, giving you first crack at undisturbed fishing zones.
Winter flounder and southern flounder are the stars of this show, especially during cooler months when they move into the shallows to feed. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to door-mat specimens pushing 5+ pounds. Flounder are ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, making them perfect targets for gigging. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish are pushed through their hunting zones. What makes flounder so exciting is the visual element – you actually see your target before making the strike, creating an adrenaline rush that's completely different from conventional angling.
Black drum are year-round residents in Matagorda Bay, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized juveniles to trophy bulls over 30 pounds. These copper-colored bruisers love structure and will crush cut bait worked near oyster reefs and channel drops. Black drum fight with pure power, making long runs and using their broad sides to leverage against the current. They're excellent table fare when kept in the slot, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Captain William targets drum during the transition periods between gigging spots, maximizing your chances at multiple species.
Sheepshead are the bay's master thieves, famous for stealing bait with surgical precision around structure. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, making them challenging but rewarding targets. Sheepshead fishing requires finesse – light tackle, small hooks, and fresh bait presented right against pilings or rocks. They're most active during cooler months, exactly when this evening trip shines. A good sheepshead will test your drag and your patience, but the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the bay. Their flaky white meat rivals any restaurant fish, making them a prize catch for food-focused anglers.
This evening adventure combines multiple fishing techniques in one of Texas' most productive bay systems, guided by a captain who lives and breathes these waters. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to master gigging basics while still having time for conventional fishing tactics. At $550 for up to four anglers, it's an outstanding value for a private charter that includes all specialized equipment and local expertise. The evening departure time means you can make a full day of it – grab lunch in town, explore the area, then cap it off with this unique fishing experience. Captain William's patient teaching style makes this trip perfect for first-timers, while his knowledge of productive spots keeps experienced anglers coming back. Matagorda Bay's consistent fish populations and protected waters make this one of the most reliable fishing trips on the coast, regardless of your skill level.
Pogonias CromisThese powerful bottom-feeders are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90 pounds. They're famous for the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning when they school up in shallow water. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and structure where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they gather in big numbers and are easier to target. What guests love is the solid fight they put up and their unique croaking sounds. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones get tough. Use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom - crab works best since it won't get picked off by catfish. Fish right on structure and be ready for a strong initial run.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black and white stripes are some of the craftiest fish you'll encounter. They average 1-8 pounds but can reach 20 pounds and live about 20 years. What makes them famous are their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. Spring from February through April is peak season when they spawn in large groups. You'll find them tight to any structure - docks, pilings, reefs, and oil rigs where they feed on barnacles and small crabs. They're notorious bait thieves but make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The key is getting close to structure without spooking them and using live or fresh crab. They'll nibble to steal bait, so keep it pinned on tight and set the hook hard when you feel weight.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese ambush predators are built for surprise attacks, lying buried in sand with both eyes on their left side watching for prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but the big ones can reach 33 inches and over 20 pounds. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before spawning. You'll find them on sandy and muddy flats throughout the bay, especially around creek mouths and oyster bars. What makes them special is their ability to change colors instantly to match their surroundings - true masters of disguise. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters. The trick is to fish slow and low with live mullet or bull minnows on a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jighead. Let it bounce bottom and work it super slow - they'll nail it when it looks wounded.
Paralichthys DentatusThese aggressive flatfish are nicknamed "chameleons of the sea" for their color-changing abilities. They're active predators that average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds and live up to 20 years. Unlike other flounder, these guys will actually chase down faster prey when they need to. Fall months from September through November offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. You'll find them around channel edges, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. They're prized for their firm white meat and the challenge they present. These fish have big appetites and will hit live minnows, mullet, and sea worms. The secret is hooking smaller baitfish through the eye and larger ones through the lips. Use a 7-foot casting rod and fish it on bottom - they'll grab it aggressively.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusThese dark-colored flatfish are masters of camouflage, changing from black to olive or slate to match the bottom. They typically run 10-12 inches, though bigger ones hit 25 inches and 8 pounds. Winter flounder feed only in the mornings using sight, so they're perfect for our dawn trips. You'll find them buried in sandy bottoms and around vegetation in the bay's shallower areas. They're picky eaters that nibble first before committing, so use a sensitive rod to feel those subtle bites. The meat is excellent table fare with a sweet, delicate flavor. Here's the key: use big sea worms or clams and give them time - they'll test your bait before taking it. Keep your drag light and be patient when you feel that first tap.
Matagorda