Half Day Morning Fishing In Matagorda Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Red Drum and Black Drum in prime Matagorda Bay watersProfessional fish cleaning and bagging service included with tripHalfday morning charter accommodates up to four guests
Picture this: it's early morning, the mist is just lifting off Matagorda Bay, and you're about to drop your line into some of the most productive inshore waters on the Texas coast. This half-day morning trip with Brawley's Guide Services puts you right where the action is – whether that's working the grass beds for reds, bouncing baits along channel edges for drum, or hitting the surf when conditions are prime. We're talking about a top-rated fishing experience that adapts to where the fish are actually feeding, not just following a rigid plan.
Your morning starts before the crowds hit the water, giving you first crack at the best spots. We'll launch and immediately start reading conditions – checking water clarity, wind direction, and tidal movement to dial in our strategy. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip where we hit the same three spots every time. If the drum are stacked up in the rivers, that's where we're heading. If the surf is clean and the reds are prowling the first gut, we'll make the run out there. The beauty of Matagorda Bay is its diversity – we've got protected back lakes, main bay structure, river mouths, and accessible surf all within striking distance. You'll fish with up to three other anglers, keeping the boat comfortable while still giving everyone room to work. At the end of your trip, I'll handle all the cleaning and bagging, so you walk away with fillets ready for the dinner table.
We're primarily working with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bull reds that want to drag you into the next county. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll be throwing everything from soft plastics on jig heads to live bait under popping corks. When we're targeting drum in deeper water, expect to be bouncing dead shrimp or blue crab along the bottom – it's not glamorous, but it's deadly effective when these fish are feeding. For redfish in the shallows, we'll switch gears to topwater plugs early in the trip, then transition to spoons or paddle tails as the sun climbs higher. The key is staying mobile and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us. I keep a full arsenal of baits and lures on board, so we can pivot quickly when we find active fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized fish around 20-27 inches up to massive bull reds pushing 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action as they move shallow to feed. What makes reds so special is their attitude – they'll crush topwater baits in two feet of water, then turn around and bulldoze you through oyster beds. The fight is pure power, and seeing that bronze flash in clear water never gets old.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're the heavyweight champions of the bay system. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes – we're talking fish that can push 20-30 pounds regularly, with monsters over 40 pounds showing up during their spring spawning runs. They're primarily caught on bottom rigs with cut bait, and the fight is all about endurance. Black drum use their broad tails and thick bodies to dig deep, making long, stubborn runs that'll test your patience and your drag system.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of the flats. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy bottoms near drop-offs and channel edges, waiting for baitfish to cruise by. They're typically more active during cooler months in our area, making this morning trip timing perfect. Flounder fishing requires a different approach – slow retrieves with soft plastics or live bait, and you need to feel for that subtle thump when they inhale your offering.
Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the inshore world. These black-and-white striped fish hang around structure like pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves, requiring small hooks, light line, and quick hooksets. But when you connect with a good sheepshead, you'll appreciate their scrappy fight and excellent table fare.
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are probably the most cooperative species you'll encounter. They school up over grass beds and sand holes, eagerly hitting everything from live shrimp under corks to artificial lures. Trout fishing is often fast-paced and perfect for anglers who like consistent action. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides, and their soft mouths require a gentle touch when fighting them to the boat.
This morning fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – access to productive water, flexible tactics, and a captain who knows where to find fish in different conditions. You're not just buying a boat ride; you're getting local knowledge that takes years to develop, plus the peace of mind that comes with professional fish cleaning service. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to inshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new water, Matagorda Bay consistently delivers world-class fishing opportunities. The morning bite is often the most productive time of day, especially during warmer months when afternoon heat shuts down the action. Don't miss your chance to experience why this bay system has built such a solid reputation among Texas anglers – book your trip today and see what all the talk is about.
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 shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll find them around structure in brackish water, from 2 feet deep to channel edges. What makes them special is their sheer power - they'll test your drag and stamina. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat, while the big ones are better released. My tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on bottom near oyster bars. When you feel that steady thump-thump, set the hook hard and hang on.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Matagorda Bay's crown jewel, easily identified by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but the bull reds offshore can hit 40+ pounds. They love super shallow water, often feeding with their backs out of the water on muddy flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and fall are prime time when they're most aggressive. What gets guests excited is watching them cruise the shallows and the explosive topwater strikes. They're fantastic table fare when kept in the slot, with firm white meat and mild flavor. The fight is something special too - they'll make long runs and really test your equipment. My favorite trick is sight-casting topwater plugs to cruising fish in 1-3 feet of water. Keep your approach quiet and lead them like you're hunting.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. These silver beauties with black spots love shallow grass flats and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit artificials and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They school up in winter in deeper channels, making them easier to locate. Night fishing over grass beds can be spectacular when they're feeding on the surface. My go-to technique is a soft plastic on a 1/4 oz jighead worked slowly along the bottom. The key is varying your retrieve speed until you find what triggers them that day.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Matagorda Bay with their distinctive black and white stripes and eerily human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, perfect for the cooler. They're structure junkies, hanging tight around docks, pilings, and oyster bars where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring spawning season from February through April is when they gather in big numbers and become easier to catch. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with a delicate bite, but once hooked they put up a solid scrap. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the bay. Pro tip: use fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs on a small hook, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel them nibbling, set that hook aggressively - they'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise in Matagorda's waters, laying flat on sandy bottoms with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can push 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting to strike passing baitfish. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're most active and feeding heavily before winter. What guests love is the challenge - they're tricky to hook since they bite sideways, and their camouflage makes them tough to spot. The meat is outstanding, sweet and flaky white flesh that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's the key: use live minnows or mullet on a circle hook, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait around.
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