Overnight Shark Fishing Adventure in Matagorda
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Overnight landbased fishing targets sharks, jacks, and redfish from shoreAll gear and expert instruction provided for anglers of every skill levelFish under stars at night then cast again at sunrise
Captain Anthony Scott knows these Matagorda waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this stretch of Texas coast produces some of the Gulf's most consistent shark action. This isn't your typical day trip – we're talking about a full overnight land-based fishing experience where you'll cast lines under a canopy of stars and wake up to sunrise bites that'll have your drag screaming. Whether you're chasing your first shark or looking to add another species to your life list, this guided adventure puts you right in the thick of the action with all the gear and know-how you need.
Forget everything you think you know about shore fishing – this overnight setup is a whole different ballgame. Captain Anthony brings everything from heavy-duty rods and reels to circle hooks and wire leaders, so you can focus on what matters: getting your bait in the water and feeling that first solid run. The beauty of land-based shark fishing in Matagorda is the variety – one minute you're battling a bull shark in the surf, the next you're cranking in a hefty black drum or watching a jack crevalle tear line off your reel. The overnight format gives you prime feeding times at dusk and dawn when these predators are most active, plus you get the rare experience of fishing under the stars with nothing but the sound of waves and the occasional zing of your reel. We keep group sizes small at just six anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of personal attention and coaching from Captain Anthony.
Land-based shark fishing requires a completely different approach than what most anglers are used to, and Captain Anthony has this system dialed in perfectly. We're talking 12-foot heavy action rods paired with high-capacity reels spooled with 50-80 pound braided line – gear that can handle the initial run of a big shark without breaking a sweat. The key is in the rig setup: circle hooks ranging from 8/0 to 12/0 depending on target species, wire leaders to prevent bite-offs, and pyramid sinkers heavy enough to hold bottom in the surf. Bait selection is crucial too – fresh cut mullet, stingray wings, and whole hardtails are the go-to options that consistently produce strikes. Captain Anthony will show you proper casting techniques for getting your bait out past the first sandbar where the big fish cruise, plus how to read the water and identify the best spots along the beach. The overnight aspect means you'll learn to fish in different conditions as tides change, winds shift, and fish behavior evolves from evening into early morning.
The Blacktip Shark is the bread and butter of Matagorda surf fishing, and for good reason – these sleek predators are absolute rockets when hooked. Running anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds, blacktips are most active during warmer months and love to cruise the first and second gut looking for easy meals. What makes them so exciting is their tendency to jump and tailwalk when hooked, putting on a show that'll get your heart pumping. The Crevalle Jack might not be a shark, but don't underestimate these bulldogs – they'll test your drag and your endurance with their stubborn, grinding fights. Jacks are year-round residents that can push 30-40 pounds, and they're notorious for showing up in schools when you least expect them. Redfish are another customer favorite, especially the oversized bulls that patrol these waters. These copper-colored bruisers can exceed 40 inches and provide that classic redfish thump that keeps anglers coming back. Black Drum offer a different kind of challenge – they're bottom huggers that use their bulk and stubbornness to test your patience, often weighing 20-50 pounds and fighting like they're twice that size. Tiger Sharks are the wild card of this fishery, showing up unpredictably but providing the fight of a lifetime when they do. These apex predators can stretch 8-12 feet and are built for power, making every hookup a memorable battle.
This top-rated overnight fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak shark season when the bite is hot and consistent. Captain Anthony's local knowledge and professional approach make this a world-class shore fishing adventure that works for everyone from first-time shark anglers to seasoned pros looking to try something different. The all-inclusive setup means you just show up ready to fish – no need to worry about gear, bait, or figuring out the best spots on your own. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so once you commit, you're locked in for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. The combination of overnight action, multiple target species, and expert guidance makes this a customer favorite that delivers memories and fish stories you'll be telling for years. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing times book up months in advance, and you don't want to miss out on this renowned Matagorda shark fishing experience.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore scene, and they're perfect for anglers wanting a serious fight without the teeth. These bruisers typically run 15-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds around Matagorda's oyster reefs and muddy flats. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. Spring is prime time, especially March and April when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the big "bull" drums in shallow water. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial run and their ability to use those broad sides like a sail. Smaller drums under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones are tough and better released. My secret weapon is fresh blue crab - cut it in half and fish it on the bottom near oyster beds. The scent drives them crazy, and crab stays on the hook better than shrimp.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are probably the most common shark we hook from shore here in Matagorda. They average 3-5 feet but can push 6+ feet, and you'll know them by those distinctive black-tipped fins. These sharks patrol our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, but they come into the surf zone chasing baitfish, especially during warmer months from May through October. What guests love about blacktips is their acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clean out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're also less intimidating than bigger sharks, making them perfect for first-time shark anglers. The key trick I share is using fresh, oily bait like mackerel or mullet chunks on a fish finder rig. Set up multiple rods and be patient - once you get one, others usually follow since they travel in small groups.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the brawlers of our Gulf waters - pure muscle wrapped in silver and gold. Most run 15-25 inches and 3-8 pounds, but the big boys can hit 20+ pounds and really test your tackle. You'll find them around structure like jetties and oil rigs, but they also roam the flats chasing baitfish. Summer and fall are prime time when they school up and create feeding frenzies. Watch for diving birds - that's your signal that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. These fish fight dirty, using their broad sides and stamina to wear you down. They're not great eating, but the fight is what brings people back. Pro tip: when you spot a school feeding on top, cast beyond them and reel fast. Jacks love the chase, and that aggressive retrieve triggers their predator instincts every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our bread-and-butter species here in Matagorda's shallow waters. These copper-colored fish with their signature black eyespots typically run 20-30 inches, though we see plenty of slot fish in the 18-27 inch range. They love cruising the 1-4 foot flats around grass beds and oyster reefs, especially on incoming tides. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they bite year-round in our mild Gulf climate. What makes reds special is their aggressive strike on topwater lures and that bulldogging fight once hooked. They're excellent table fare too - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My local tip: look for "tailing" reds with their backs out of water while feeding. Approach quietly and drop your bait just ahead of where they're headed.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the apex predators that make our overnight trips truly memorable. These massive sharks can reach 11-14 feet and 800+ pounds, with those distinctive dark stripes that fade as they age. While they prefer deeper waters around 100+ feet, tigers will move into shallower areas at night to hunt, which is perfect for our shore-based fishing. Warmer months bring the best chances, especially during summer when water temperatures peak. What sets tigers apart is their incredible power and endurance - fights can last an hour or more with a big one. They're not picky eaters either, taking anything from mullet chunks to whole fish. The challenge and bragging rights keep anglers coming back. My go-to setup uses heavy tackle with 100+ pound test and big circle hooks. Fresh tuna or mackerel heads work best - tigers have incredible scent detection.
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