Half Day Guided Fishing Trip in Matagorda
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing targeting redfish and speckled troutCaptain Kevin Cantu provides tackle and cleaning services includedFlats and reef fishing accommodates up to two guests
Captain Kevin Cantu knows these Matagorda waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're chasing redfish and speckled trout along the Texas coast. This half-day charter puts you right in the action on some of the Gulf's most productive inshore waters, where shallow flats meet deeper channels and fish stack up year-round. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Fowl Hooked Outfitters delivers the kind of personalized fishing experience that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Captain Kevin's approach is all about adapting to what the fish are doing on any given day. Some mornings you'll find yourself drifting along reef edges, working soft plastics for speckled trout that are feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Other days, the game plan shifts to sight-casting on ankle-deep flats where redfish cruise with their backs out of the water, tails waving like copper flags. The beauty of fishing Matagorda's diverse inshore structure is that there's always a Plan B when conditions change. Kevin reads the tides, watches the bait movement, and adjusts tactics accordingly – that's what separates a good guide from a great one. Spring and fall bring peak fishing action here, but don't sleep on winter days when the crowds thin out and the fish are less pressured. All your tackle is included, so you can focus on feeling that telltale thump on the line instead of rigging up.
This isn't a one-size-fits-all operation. Kevin switches between drift fishing, sight-casting, and anchoring up depending on what the conditions dictate. When the water's gin-clear and fish are spooky, you'll work the flats with topwater plugs or soft plastics, making long casts to feeding reds and trout. Murky water calls for different tactics – maybe throwing spoons or chatterbaits that push water and create vibration fish can feel from a distance. The boat stays in skinny water where bigger vessels can't follow, giving you access to primo fishing spots without the weekend warrior crowds. Kevin supplies everything from rods and reels to terminal tackle, plus he'll share the kind of local intel that only comes from guiding these waters day in and day out. When you hook up, he's right there with the net and encouragement, making sure every fish photo turns out perfect.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish that make for excellent table fare. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs exposed as they root around oyster bars and grass flats for crabs and shrimp. The fight is what hooks most anglers – that initial bulldogging run when a red realizes it's hooked will test your drag and your nerves. Fall brings the best red fishing as schools move through the area, but you can find them here year-round if you know where to look.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are the other star of the show. These spotted beauties love structure – shell reefs, drop-offs, and grass beds where they can ambush prey. A good speck runs 15 to 20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 24 inches or more. They're finicky feeders that require a delicate presentation, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy the chess match aspect of fishing. Winter months can produce some of the biggest specks as they move to deeper water, while spring and summer fishing is more consistent but with smaller average sizes.
Black drum don't get the same press as reds and specks, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to fighting power. These bottom-huggers love oyster reefs and can be targeted with cut bait or crabs. Slot-sized drum make excellent eating, while the bigger "bull drum" provide arm-burning fights before being released to spawn again. Southern flounder round out the slam potential, especially during their fall migration when they're fattening up for the trip to deeper Gulf waters. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush, making them a fun change of pace from the more aggressive reds and specks.
This world-class Matagorda fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot. Captain Kevin limits trips to just two anglers, ensuring you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make for a top-rated charter experience. The cleaning and bagging service means you'll head home with a fresh catch ready for the dinner table – no mess, no fuss. Just bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and let Fowl Hooked Outfitters handle the rest. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, introducing someone new to saltwater fishing, or just need to get back on the water after too long away, this half-day adventure delivers the goods without eating up your whole day. Book now and discover why Matagorda's inshore fishing scene keeps anglers coming back for more.
You'll fish aboard a fully restored 22' Majek bay boat powered by a dependable 200 HP Yamaha engine. This shallow-water machine comes equipped with GPS navigation and fish finder to help locate your targets in Matagorda's productive waters. The boat handles everything from drifting reef edges for Speckled Trout to sneaking into ankle-deep flats where Redfish cruise. Captain Kevin Cantu tracks tides and bait movement to put you on fish, whether you're sight-casting or working structure. The spacious deck accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably, with a livewell to keep your catch fresh. All tackle is provided, and your fish get cleaned and bagged at trip's end. Just bring your Texas license, drinks, and snacks - the boat and captain handle the rest of your Matagorda fishing adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll test your tackle. These gray-black bruisers average 5-30 pounds, but we regularly see 40+ pounders that'll make your arms burn. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they cruise around crushing crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're built like tanks and fight dirty, using their size to bulldoze toward structure. Fresh crab is the magic bait, especially blue crab or peeler crab on a fish finder rig. Younger fish under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones are better released. Pro tip: when you hook into a drum, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down, or they'll drag you straight into the oysters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the sight-fishing superstars of our shallow flats, and watching one eat a topwater plug in two feet of water never gets old. These copper-colored fighters average 20-32 inches, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges, often with their backs out of the water. Fall and spring are prime, but they bite year-round here in Matagorda. What hooks anglers is the visual game - you'll actually see them cruising and cast right to them. They fight like bulldogs, making long runs toward structure. The meat on slot fish (20-28 inches) is firm and mildly sweet, perfect for the grill. My go-to setup is a gold spoon or soft plastic worked slowly along grass lines during moving tides. Key tip: when sight-casting, lead them by a few feet and let the bait settle - they spook easily in skinny water, so keep movements smooth and quiet.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing, and for good reason. These silver beauties with distinctive black spots run 14-24 inches on average, though trophy fish over 25 inches show up regularly in cooler months. They love grass flats, shell beds, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring and fall are peak times, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - those explosive strikes never get old. They're also some of the best eating fish in the bay with tender, flaky white meat. During summer, work deeper edges and channels; winter finds them schooled up in warmer creek mouths. Here's my favorite trick: throw a soft plastic on a 1/4 oz jig head over grass beds, and work it slow with subtle twitches. The bite feels like a light tap, so stay ready.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. They run 15-18 inches typically, though you'll find some pushing 25+ inches in deeper waters around Matagorda. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that distinctive "flounder look" that kids always get a kick out of. Best fishing happens from fall through early spring when they move into our bays and estuaries. They hit live shrimp, mullet, and bull minnows hard. What makes them special is the fight - they're stronger than most expect and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to trick: drift slowly over muddy bottoms with a Carolina rig and fresh shrimp. When you feel that subtle tap, wait a beat before setting the hook - they like to grab and reposition their meal.
Matagorda