Target Sharks and Redfish from Matagorda's Prime Shores
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday shore fishing targets sharks, jacks, and redfish.Captain provides gear, instruction, and local expertise included.Landbased setup offers easy access for all skill levels.
Looking for a solid day of land-based fishing without the hassle of a boat? Captain Anthony Scott's full-day guided shore fishing trip in Matagorda puts you right where the action is. You'll be casting from prime shoreline spots along the Texas Gulf Coast, targeting everything from aggressive Blacktip Sharks to hard-fighting Jack Crevalle. This isn't your typical pier fishing – we're talking about strategic positioning along productive stretches of coastline where big fish cruise close to shore. Whether you've been fishing for decades or just picked up your first rod, Captain Anthony breaks down the techniques and shares the local knowledge that makes the difference between going home with stories and going home with fish.
This full-day adventure takes you to Captain Anthony's proven shoreline hotspots around Matagorda Bay, where the Gulf waters mix with bay systems to create perfect feeding zones for multiple species. You'll spend the day moving between different setups – some spots are perfect for shark fishing with heavy tackle and big baits, while others are ideal for working lures for Redfish and Jack Crevalle. The beauty of land-based fishing here is the variety you get without burning fuel or dealing with rough seas. Captain Anthony provides all the essential gear, from heavy shark rigs to lighter tackle for the smaller game fish. He'll show you how to read the water, time your casts, and work different baits effectively. The shoreline access makes it comfortable for everyone in your group of up to 6 anglers, and you can actually relax between hookups instead of constantly fighting boat positioning. Expect steady action throughout the day as we target different species during their peak feeding times.
Land-based shark fishing requires a completely different approach than your typical bay fishing setup. Captain Anthony brings heavy-duty surf rods paired with high-capacity reels spooled with serious line – we're talking 50-80 pound test because these Blacktips and occasional Tigers don't mess around. For shark fishing, we'll be using circle hooks with wire leaders and chunk baits like mullet, jack, or stingray. The key is getting your bait out past the first sandbar where the sharks patrol, and that takes proper casting technique and the right sinker weight for current conditions. When we switch gears for Redfish and Black Drum, we'll drop down to medium-heavy spinning gear with 20-30 pound braid, working everything from live shrimp under popping corks to cut bait on bottom rigs. Jack Crevalle fishing gets really fun with topwater plugs and spoons – these fish are aggressive and will crush surface lures when they're feeding. Captain Anthony teaches you how to read the signs: bird activity, bait movement, water color changes, and current breaks that hold fish. The shoreline setup lets you fish multiple rods legally, so you can have shark baits soaking while actively working lures for other species.
Blacktip Sharks are the bread and butter of Matagorda's land-based shark fishing scene. These sleek predators typically run 3-6 feet and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. They move into the surf zone year-round but are most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick along the beaches. What makes Blacktips special is their speed and attitude – they'll take a bait and immediately start jumping, spinning, and making long runs that test your drag system. The fight usually lasts 15-20 minutes, giving everyone in your group a chance to experience the power of a legitimate shark.
Jack Crevalle, or "Jacks" as locals call them, are the bullies of the bay systems around Matagorda. These amber-colored bruisers range from 10-30 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up in huge numbers during spring and fall migrations, creating some of the most exciting light-tackle action you'll find anywhere. Jacks will absolutely destroy topwater lures, especially early morning and late afternoon. Once hooked, they make blistering runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the beach. They're not great table fare, but for pure fishing excitement, few species match a big Jack's determination.
Redfish are the most sought-after species in Texas for good reason. These copper-colored beauties range from slot-size fish around 20-28 inches up to bull reds over 30 inches that provide trophy-class fights. Matagorda's grass flats and shoreline structures hold solid populations year-round, with peak action during fall and spring. Reds are smart feeders that respond to natural presentations – live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastics all produce when worked properly. The bigger fish often cruise shallow water where you can sight-cast to them, making for some of the most engaging fishing Texas has to offer.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but these bottom-dwellers are fantastic fighters and excellent table fare. Matagorda's Black Drum fishery produces fish from 5-40 pounds, with the bigger specimens providing long, stubborn battles. They're year-round residents but fishing peaks during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes near shore. Black Drum have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll absolutely hammer fresh crab or shrimp baits. The fight is all about endurance – they don't jump like sharks or run like Jacks, but they use their weight and broad sides to test your patience and tackle.
Tiger Sharks represent the ultimate prize for land-based shark fishing around Matagorda. These apex predators can reach impressive sizes and are known for their distinctive striped patterns and incredibly powerful jaws. Tigers are less common than Blacktips but show up throughout the warmer months, especially when baitfish are concentrated near shore. Landing a Tiger from the beach is a legitimate trophy accomplishment – they're smart, powerful, and absolutely relentless fighters that can take an hour
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the heavyweight champions of the flats, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90+ pounds. These bottom-feeders have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in shallow to moderate depths. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. The smaller fish (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating, while the big ones are tougher but provide serious fights. Their adaptability to different salinities means they'll push into brackish creeks and super shallow water. Blue crab is my go-to bait since it stays on the hook better than shrimp and drives drums crazy. Fish it right on the bottom with enough weight to hold in the current.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the most common shark you'll hook from shore here, averaging 3-5 feet but capable of reaching 8+ feet and serious weight. You'll know them by those black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked - pure adrenaline rush. They patrol the surf zone and nearshore waters up to 100 feet deep, especially around structure like jetties and artificial reefs. Best fishing happens during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is the explosive fight and those aerial shows. These sharks are curious but timid, often approaching in groups. My go-to setup is heavy braided line with circle hooks and fresh-cut mackerel or mullet for bait. Pro tip: when chumming, use oily fish like sardines to really get their attention from downwind.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf - thick, muscular fish that average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them in schools around structure, grass flats, and anywhere baitfish congregate. They hit hard and pull harder with that bulldozer power. Spring through fall offers consistent action, especially when you see birds working over schools pushing bait to the surface. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll chase down almost anything you throw at them. The smaller ones eat pretty well, but most folks target them purely for the fight. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools, then cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase, so keep that bait moving aggressively to trigger strikes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored beauties with those distinctive black spots near their tails - that's how you'll ID them from a distance. Most fish we catch run 18-28 inches, but the occasional bull red can hit 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy bottoms. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes reds special is how they fight - strong, steady runs that'll wear you out. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local trick: when you spot them tailing in skinny water, cast your spoon or soft plastic 10 feet past them and work it back slowly. They spook easy if you land right on their head.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators of our coastal waters, growing massive - we're talking 11-14 feet and 800+ pounds for the big girls. Named for those dark stripes that fade as they age, these solitary hunters cruise both deep and surprisingly shallow water. They're most active during warmer months and low-light periods. What draws anglers is the sheer size and power - landing one is a true test of tackle and skill. They're not great table fare, so most get released after photos. Tigers are nomadic and follow warm currents, making encounters special when they happen. The key is heavy tackle - 100-pound test minimum - and patience. My best success comes using large chunks of fresh tuna or mackerel on big circle hooks. Set up multiple lines at different depths and let the bait soak. When one picks it up, hold on tight.
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