5.0(4 Reviews)Target Redfish & Trout on Matagorda Bay Flats
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumProfessional guidance and gear provided for all skill levelsExplores Matagorda Bay flats with local captain expertise
Captain Shannon's Charters offers one of the top-rated inshore fishing experiences along the Texas Coast, targeting redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and more in the productive waters around Matagorda Bay. This 5-hour guided charter accommodates up to 4 anglers and welcomes everyone from first-timers to seasoned fishermen. You'll explore the shallow flats, grass beds, and structure-rich areas where Gulf Coast gamefish love to feed, with all tackle, bait, and expert guidance included in your trip.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Shannon at the dock, where you'll get a quick rundown of the game plan and safety brief. The Matagorda Bay system is a maze of productive water, from oyster reefs and grass flats to deeper channels and drop-offs. Captain Shannon knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. You might start working shallow water for redfish cruising the flats, then move to deeper pockets where trout stack up around structure. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - you never know what's going to hit your line next. Black drum, sheepshead, flounder, and Spanish mackerel all call these waters home, making every cast a potential surprise. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear.
Captain Shannon runs a well-equipped boat setup for inshore success, with quality spinning gear matched to the target species and conditions. You'll primarily fish with live bait like shrimp and croaker, plus soft plastics and topwater lures when the fish are active. Techniques vary throughout the day - sight fishing for tailing redfish in skinny water, drifting live bait over structure for black drum, and working grass beds with jigs for speckled trout. The captain reads the water and adjusts accordingly, whether that means poling the flats quietly or anchoring up on a productive reef. Matagorda's inshore waters range from 1 to 8 feet deep in most fishing areas, perfect for light tackle fishing that lets you feel every bite. You'll learn proper hook sets, fighting techniques, and how to handle different species safely. The boat is rigged with a trolling motor for quiet approaches and has plenty of rod holders, tackle storage, and fish boxes to keep your catch fresh.
"My wife and I had a great trip with Zack. Very knowledgeable of the bay system and put us on some targeted fish for my wife's online fishing tournament she was participating in." - Monica. "High winds, muddy water, tough conditions. We still caught a bunch of fish, several keepers. Fun trip." - Michael. "Very helpful and knowledgeable and a fantastic people person! Looking forward to the next trip" - Clayton.
Spanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that show up around Matagorda Bay from spring through fall, typically in the 1-3 pound range. These chrome rockets love to hit moving baits and put on an acrobatic show when hooked, often jumping multiple times. They school up around bait pods and structure, making for exciting action when you find them. Spanish mackerel have razor-sharp teeth and hit hard, so be ready for that initial run. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay, ranging from small "puppy drum" to massive bulls pushing 30+ pounds. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster reefs and muddy flats, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Peak season runs from late fall through spring when cooler water brings them into the shallows. Black drum fight with pure power, making long, steady runs that test your drag system. You'll often see their backs and tails when they're feeding in shallow water, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities.
Sheepshead are the master thieves of the bay, famous for stealing bait with surgical precision. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. They're most active during cooler months and require patience and quick reflexes to hook consistently. Sheepshead average 2-5 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the bay. Their finicky nature makes landing one especially rewarding.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, ranging from schooling "rat reds" to trophy bulls over 27 inches. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive predators that cruise shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds year-round. Peak season is fall when massive schools move through the bay system. Redfish hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to make blistering runs. Slot-size reds (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while oversized bulls provide world-class sport fishing action. The sight of a red's bronze back and distinctive black spot cruising shallow water gets every angler's heart pumping.
Matagorda Bay consistently produces some of the best inshore fishing along the Texas Coast, and Captain Shannon's local knowledge gives you a serious advantage on the water. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to add some variety to your fishing resume, this charter delivers the goods. The 5-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to explore different areas and target multiple species without feeling rushed. With all gear included and expert guidance every step of the way, you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat. Book your Matagorda Bay adventure with Captain Shannon's Charters
Captain Shannon's 24-foot center console bay boat is your ticket to productive fishing in Matagorda's rich inshore waters. This 2016 vessel runs on a reliable Yamaha 250HP engine and handles the shallow flats and back bays with ease. Built for serious fishing, it comfortably takes up to 4 anglers out for 5-hour trips targeting redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder, and sheepshead. The boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of casting room, while the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on feeding fish without spooking them. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, and GPS navigation ensures you hit the best fishing spots around Matagorda Bay. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the family out for their first taste of saltwater fishing, this bay boat delivers the stability and fishability you need for a successful day on the Texas coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90 pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them on shallow muddy flats, around oyster beds, and near creek mouths where they can handle both salt and brackish water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when they make those distinctive drumming sounds underwater. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up, though smaller fish under 15 pounds eat much better than the big ones. My go-to strategy is using fresh crab on the bottom near oyster structure. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be ready for a long, powerful run when they take it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of Texas coastal fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. They range from slot-sized fish around 20-28 inches up to bull reds over 40 inches. These fish love super shallow water - often so shallow their backs show above the surface on the flats. You'll find them year-round in Matagorda, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their powerful runs when hooked. They're also excellent table fare when kept in the slot. The trick here is being quiet and making long casts with topwater plugs or soft plastics. When you see that telltale wake or tail, cast well ahead and work your bait slowly past them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Matagorda Bay with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth built for crushing barnacles. They average 1-8 pounds and stick tight to any kind of structure - docks, pilings, reefs, wherever barnacles grow. Spring months from February through April are best when they spawn in large groups. These fish are notorious bait thieves, nibbling and picking at your offering before committing. Guests enjoy the challenge and the reward - they're some of the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, white meat. The key is getting your bait right against the structure and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs for best results.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters with yellowish spots are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter in Matagorda Bay. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, traveling in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structure in open water during warmer months, especially spring through fall when they migrate through our area. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes on spoons and jigs, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that grills up perfect. They hit fast and fight hard for their size. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get over there quick and cast shiny spoons into the frenzy. These fish spook easily, so drift into casting range rather than motoring right up to the school.
5.0 out of 5.0My wife and I had a great trip with Zack. Very knowledgeable of the bay system and put us on some targeted fish for my wife's onli...
High winds, muddy water, tough conditions. We still caught a bunch of fish, several keepers. Fun trip.
Very helpful and knowledgeable and a fantastic people person! Looking forward to the next trip
Matagorda