5.0(1 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Wade Fishing Trip - Matagorda Bay
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Wade fishing targets Speckled Trout and Redfish yearroundAccommodates two guests with option for six total anglersHandson approach in shallow Matagorda Bay waters
Looking for a real hands-on fishing experience? Our private wade fishing trips in Matagorda Bay put you right where the action happens. You'll be walking the flats, feeling the bottom with your feet, and getting up close with some of the Texas coast's best fishing. Captain Fern knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether it's your first time wading or you've been doing it for years. This isn't your typical boat trip – you're getting in the water and experiencing the bay the way the fish do.
This five-hour wade fishing adventure starts early, giving you plenty of time to work the prime spots around Matagorda Bay. You'll be targeting speckled trout and redfish in the shallow water, typically knee to waist deep. The beauty of wade fishing is the stealth factor – you can sneak up on fish that would spook from a boat motor. Captain Fern will position you based on wind, tide, and where the fish are holding that day. Winter and spring offer the hottest action, but don't let that fool you – Matagorda Bay produces year-round, and there's always something biting if you know where to look. The trip covers two anglers, but we can take up to six people for an additional $100 per person. You'll need to bring your own fishing license and wading gear, but everything else is handled.
Wade fishing is all about reading the water and moving quietly through it. You'll be using artificial lures mostly – topwaters early in the morning, soft plastics when the bite slows down, and spoons when you need to cover water fast. The key is moving slow and deliberate, shuffling your feet to avoid stepping on stingrays, and watching for nervous water or birds working. Captain Fern will show you how to cast to structure like oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where the fish ambush baitfish. The water clarity in Matagorda Bay varies with the tide and wind, but you'll learn to fish both clear and stained water conditions. Chest waders are a must during cooler months, while shorts and wading boots work fine in summer. Polarized sunglasses aren't just helpful – they're essential for spotting fish, structure, and avoiding hazards.
"Fern never fails to put us on the fish and always willing to grind it out. I wouldn't consider using any other guide in Matagorda" - Kelsey
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay wade fishing. These fish love the shallow grass flats and can be incredibly aggressive when conditions are right. Spring brings the big pre-spawn females, often called "gator trout," that can push 8-10 pounds. They're most active early morning and late evening, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes specks so fun is their explosive strike – they'll absolutely crush a topwater plug and put on a great fight with their head-shaking runs. During summer, they move to slightly deeper water and structure, while winter finds them in the deepest holes and channels they can find. The best part about speckled trout is how they respond to lure presentation. A perfectly twitched soft plastic or a well-placed topwater can trigger strikes even when the fish seem finicky.
Redfish are the other star of the show in Matagorda Bay, and they're built like tanks. These copper-colored bruisers love cruising the shallow flats, especially around oyster reefs and grass beds where they can ambush crabs and shrimp. Reds are year-round targets, but fall is when they really shine as they school up for their spawn. You'll see them tailing in super shallow water, backs and tails out of the water as they root around for food. The sight-fishing opportunities for redfish here are world-class – there's nothing like spotting a red from 50 yards away and making the perfect cast. They fight completely different from trout, using their broad sides and powerful tails to make long, bulldogging runs. A good redfish will test your drag and your patience. The slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the bigger bull reds are catch-and-release only but provide the fight of a lifetime.
Matagorda Bay wade fishing offers something special that you just can't get from other types of fishing trips. You're not just catching fish – you're learning to read water, understanding fish behavior, and connecting with the coastal environment in a way that stays with you long after the trip ends. Captain Fern's reputation speaks for itself, and his knowledge of these waters will put you on fish while teaching you techniques you can use for years to come. Whether you're looking to learn a new style of fishing or you're already a wade fishing enthusiast, this trip delivers the goods. The five-hour format gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics based on conditions. Don't wait on this one – the best guides book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Grab your license, pack your waders, and get ready for some of the best wade fishing the Texas coast has to offer.
5.0 out of 5.0Fern never fails to put us on the fish and always willing to grind it out. I wouldn’t consider using any other guide in Matagorda
Matagorda