Half Day Beginner-Friendly Fishing in Matagorda
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
6hour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing adventure in Matagorda watersTarget redfish and speckled trout with provided tackle and equipmentCaptain adapts techniques based on tides and weather conditions
Captain Kevin Cantu knows Matagorda Bay like the back of his hand, and he's ready to share his local knowledge with anglers who want to learn the ropes. This top-rated 6-hour trip is built for beginners and families looking to get a real taste of Texas coastal fishing without the pressure or confusion that can come with longer charters. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to brush up on your inshore techniques, Kevin adapts every trip to match your skill level and the day's conditions. You'll cover water from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper reef edges where speckled trout hang out, all while learning the fundamentals that make Matagorda one of the Gulf Coast's best fishing destinations.
Your morning starts early with Kevin checking tide charts and weather conditions to plan the best route for the day. Matagorda Bay offers incredible variety – one moment you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're drifting over shell reefs targeting hungry trout. Kevin provides all the tackle you'll need, from lightweight spinning gear perfect for beginners to the specific lures and baits that produce results in these waters. The beauty of this trip lies in its flexibility – if the wind picks up and makes the flats fishing tough, Kevin knows protected shorelines where black drum and flounder are waiting. If conditions are perfect, you might spend hours working the grass beds where redfish feed aggressively. Every decision is made with your comfort and success in mind, making this a customer favorite for good reason.
Matagorda fishing is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. Kevin teaches practical techniques that work consistently in these waters – from the proper way to work a soft plastic along grass edges to understanding how tide movement affects fish behavior. You'll learn to identify productive structure like shell bars, grass transitions, and channel edges that hold fish year-round. Sight-casting is a major part of the experience when conditions allow, and Kevin has the patience to position the boat perfectly while you practice your accuracy. For deeper water fishing, he'll show you how to feel bottom structure through your rod tip and recognize the subtle strikes that trout are famous for. The tackle is kept simple but effective – medium-action rods paired with reels that won't overwhelm new anglers, spooled with line that can handle anything from schoolie trout to bull reds that occasionally crash the party.
Redfish are the stars of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-26 inches in these waters and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll find anywhere on the Texas coast. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into skinny water to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes reds special is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat a variety of baits – from live shrimp under a popping cork to paddle-tail soft plastics worked along grass lines. When you hook one in shallow water, the fight is spectacular as they make blistering runs and use their broad tails to put serious pressure on your drag.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Matagorda fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 14-18 inches and are found around shell reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs throughout the bay system. Fall and winter months often produce the largest fish as they move to deeper water, but Kevin knows summer patterns that consistently produce quality trout in shallower areas. Specs are notorious for their light bite, making them perfect for learning proper hook-setting technique. They're also excellent table fare, which is why Kevin includes fish cleaning and bagging services for anything you decide to keep.
Southern flounder add an element of surprise to any Matagorda trip. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. They're most active during fall months when they begin their migration to spawn offshore. Flounder fishing teaches patience and bottom-reading skills as you slowly work baits along channel edges and drop-offs where they like to position themselves. A good flounder fight is unique – they use their flat profile to create incredible resistance, feeling much heavier than their actual weight. Most Matagorda flounder run 16-20 inches, with occasional doormat-sized fish that make for great photos and even better eating.
Black drum round out the target species list and often save the day when other fish aren't cooperating. These bottom-dwellers are found around shell reefs and mud flats where they root for crabs and worms. Drum fishing is perfect for beginners because they bite aggressively and don't require precise presentations. Smaller "puppy" drum fight similar to redfish, while larger fish provide steady, powerful resistance that tests your drag system. They're most active during cooler months and overcast conditions, making them reliable producers when weather affects other species. Kevin knows specific spots where drum congregate, often marking productive areas for return visits throughout the season.
This renowned beginner-friendly trip fills up quickly, especially during prime fishing months from March through November. Captain Kevin's patient teaching style and intimate knowledge of Matagorda waters create the perfect environment for learning while actually catching fish. You'll leave with practical skills that translate to fishing anywhere along the Texas coast, plus memories of a day spent on some of the Gulf's most productive waters. The trip includes everything except your fishing license, snacks, and drinks – Kevin handles the rest. Whether you're planning a family outing, introducing someone new to fishing, or just want a relaxed day on the water with a world-class guide, this is your chance to experience Matagorda Bay at its finest. Book now and discover why anglers keep coming back to fish with Fowl Hooked Outfitters.
Your fishing adventure launches aboard Captain Kevin's fully restored 22' Majek bay boat, a perfect match for Matagorda's shallow flats and inshore waters. This classic bay boat handles beautifully whether you're drifting over reef edges targeting speckled trout or quietly approaching redfish in knee-deep water. The reliable 200 HP Yamaha gets you to the fish quickly, while the GPS and fishfinder help locate productive spots. With space for up to 2 guests, you'll have plenty of room to cast and learn proper techniques. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access those hidden backwater areas where the big reds like to cruise. All tackle is ready to go, so you can focus on perfecting your cast and reading the water with Captain Kevin's expert guidance.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and you'll hear them before you see them - they make distinctive drumming sounds that carry underwater. Most run 5-30 pounds, but giants over 50 pounds cruise these waters. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs around structure. You'll find them on muddy flats, oyster reefs, and around pilings in brackish water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when the action gets hot. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up, and smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm white meat. The bigger ones are better released. Here's the key: fresh crab is your best bet, especially blue crab or peeler crab. Fish it right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put, and be patient - they take their time inspecting bait before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, and that distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we see plenty of bigger bulls in the 30+ inch range. They thrive in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shoreline structure - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight that keeps your drag singing. Plus, slot-sized fish are fantastic eating with mild, slightly sweet meat. They'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, crab, mullet, and a huge variety of artificials. The sight-casting opportunities are what really get guests excited. My local tip: look for nervous water and birds working bait, then approach quietly and cast past the school. A gold spoon or topwater plug worked slowly often triggers explosive strikes.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are what most folks think of when they hear "sea trout" around here. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, with their silver sides covered in distinct black spots. They love grass flats, shell beds, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall provides steady action, but they really turn on during moving tides. What guests love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures - few things beat a trout blowing up on a surface plug at dawn. They're also outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's softer than redfish, so don't overcook it. These fish are aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. My go-to trick: work a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below it over grass flats on an incoming tide. The cork's noise draws them in, and that natural shrimp seals the deal.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms and ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach 33 inches and 20+ pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, making them easy to identify. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and near structures throughout our area. Fall through early spring offers the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is their incredible table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They put up a decent fight and watching one suddenly appear from what looked like empty bottom always surprises guests. My tip: drift slowly over muddy flats with live shrimp on a light jig head, and when you feel that subtle tap, give it a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Matagorda