Full Day Guided Fishing Trip in Matagorda
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Early 5:45 AM start maximizes prime fishing hoursCaptain adapts techniques based on seasonal fish patternsAll tackle provided plus complimentary fish cleaning service
Captain Kevin Cantu knows Matagorda's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This full-day adventure with Fowl Hooked Outfitters starts before sunrise at 5:45 a.m., giving you maximum time on productive flats and back lakes where redfish, trout, and flounder call home. Whether you're chasing tournament-worthy fish or just want to bend some rods with the family, Kevin adapts his game plan to match seasonal patterns and current conditions. All your gear is covered, plus complimentary fish cleaning if you're taking dinner home.
You'll launch in the pre-dawn darkness when the bay is glassy and fish are actively feeding. Matagorda Bay offers some of Texas's most consistent inshore fishing, with extensive grass flats, oyster reefs, and backwater sloughs that hold fish year-round. Captain Kevin runs a clean, well-equipped flats boat that'll get you into skinny water where bigger fish feel safe. The boat comfortably handles up to two anglers, so you won't feel crowded when that bull redfish makes its run. Early morning hours are prime time for topwater action, and there's nothing quite like watching a big trout explode on a She Dog in the half-light. As the sun climbs higher, Kevin switches tactics - maybe working deeper grass beds with soft plastics or hitting structure with live bait. His local knowledge means you're fishing the right spots at the right time, not just burning gas and hoping for the best.
Kevin supplies all rods, reels, and tackle, so you don't need to haul your own gear. He runs quality spinning setups spooled with braided line - perfect for feeling those subtle trout bites and having the backbone to turn a redfish away from structure. Depending on conditions, you might throw topwater plugs at first light, work soft plastics like Bass Assassins or Gulp shrimp through grass beds, or drift live croaker over shell reefs. The beauty of fishing with an experienced guide is learning how to read water and adjust presentations. Kevin will show you why that slightly deeper gut holds more fish, or how to work a spoon through a school without spooking them. Wade fishing is often part of the program here - slipping into knee-deep water to work a promising flat gives you better stealth and casting angles than staying in the boat. Don't worry if you're new to wading; Kevin knows which areas have firm sand bottoms and keeps groups in safe, productive water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in schools, tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Slot-size reds between 20-28 inches are common, with plenty of oversized bull reds that'll test your drag system. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from topwater plugs to cut bait, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Spring and fall see the biggest numbers, but you can catch quality redfish here any month of the year. What makes Matagorda reds special is their fighting spirit - the combination of current, grass beds, and oyster structure means these fish know how to use their environment to their advantage.
Speckled trout fishing in Matagorda ranges from steady action on schoolie fish to legitimate wall-hangers that push the 25-inch mark. These fish are more finicky than redfish, requiring lighter presentations and more precise casts. Early morning and late afternoon feeding periods produce the most consistent action, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. Winter months can be fantastic for trophy trout, when bigger fish move into deeper water and feed more aggressively. Kevin knows which shell reefs and channel edges hold the better fish, and he's not afraid to move until he finds actively feeding schools.
Black drum don't get the attention of their redfish cousins, but they're one of the bay's most underrated fighters. These bottom-feeders can reach impressive sizes, with 15-20 pound fish not uncommon around Matagorda's oyster reefs. They're suckers for fresh-cut blue crab and will absolutely load up your rod when they decide to cooperate. Drum fishing is often a waiting game, but when you connect with a big one, you'll understand why Kevin always keeps a few drum rigs ready.
Southern flounder complete the slam possibilities in Matagorda Bay. These ambush predators lie buried in sand near drop-offs and channel edges, waiting to engulf passing baitfish. While they're not the hardest fighters, flounder are excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle. Fall months see the best flounder action as fish stage for their offshore spawning migration. Live mud minnows and finger mullet are deadly, but soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom also produce consistent results.
This full-day trip with Captain Kevin offers serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. Starting at tournament time means you're fishing prime hours when other boats are still loading up at the ramp. The extended day gives you chances to hit multiple spots and adapt to changing conditions - maybe starting with topwater in protected back lakes, then moving to deeper reefs as the day progresses. With all tackle included and fish cleaning handled, you just need to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks to stay comfortable during the long day. Whether you're targeting a personal best trout, trying to complete an inshore slam, or introducing kids to the magic of bay fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Matagorda's reputation as a top-tier fishery is well-deserved, and fishing it with a knowledgeable local guide puts the odds firmly in your favor.
You'll be fishing aboard a fully restored 22' Majek bay boat that's built to handle Matagorda's shallow flats and back bays with ease. This classic Texas bay boat is powered by a dependable 200 HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish quickly and quietly. Captain Kevin has outfitted her with GPS and a quality fish finder to locate productive structure and schools of redfish and trout. The livewell keeps your catch fresh, and there's plenty of deck space for two anglers to work the flats comfortably. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or drifting over grass beds for speckled trout, this Majek handles it all. The shallow draft design lets you access those hard-to-reach spots where the big fish hide, while the stable platform gives you confidence when the bite gets hot. Perfect for serious anglers looking to put quality fish in the boat.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90. These bruisers have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, making them tough fighters once hooked. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths in water from 2-15 feet deep. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. Guests love targeting drum because they pull hard and don't give up easy. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones are better released. Fresh blue crab is my go-to bait on a Carolina rig. Pro tip: fish dead low tide around oyster bars where they root for crabs in the exposed shell.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties average 20-28 inches and are famous for that black spot near their tail. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. Fall brings the best fishing when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What makes reds special is how they eat - explosive topwater strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They fight like bulldogs and taste great too, with sweet, flaky meat. Gold spoons and topwater plugs are classics, but live shrimp never fails. My local tip: look for nervous water or birds working bait on the flats. When you spot a red, cast past them and work your lure back slowly - they spook easy but eat aggressive.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These beautiful fish average 14-20 inches with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. They love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around structure like reefs and channels. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer nights under lights can be phenomenal. Trout hit hard and make solid runs, plus they're outstanding eating with firm, white meat. They're pretty predictable - find grass, find bait, find trout. Soft plastics like paddle tails work great, but live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly. Here's a local secret: during summer heat, focus on deeper grass edges at dawn and dusk. Work your bait slow and let the trout tell you what they want that day.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match the bottom. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though some reach 20+ pounds. You'll find them on shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and in muddy areas throughout our bay system. Fall through spring offers the best action when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. They put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My trick is to drift slowly over likely spots with live mullet or shrimp on a 1/4 oz jig head. Keep it moving just off the bottom - when you feel that thump, set the hook hard since their mouths are tough.
Matagorda