Private 12 Hour Matagorda Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday 12hour surf fishing adventure along Matagorda coastlineTarget redfish, blacktip sharks, and pompano with expert guidanceAll equipment provided for groups up to five guests
Picture this: twelve straight hours on one of Texas's most productive stretches of beach, targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. This isn't your typical half-day outing where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head home. With Lonestar Hooker's full-day Matagorda beach fishing adventure, you'll have the time and space to really dial in on the fish, learn the water, and walk away with stories that'll last a lifetime. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and with all gear provided, you can focus on what matters most – putting fish on the sand.
Matagorda's shoreline offers some of the most consistent surf fishing on the entire Texas coast, and a 12-hour window gives you the best shot at multiple species and prime feeding times. You'll be fishing from the beach, working the surf and structure where redfish cruise the shallows and sharks patrol just beyond the breakers. The beauty of beach fishing here is the variety – one cast you might hook into a hefty bull red, the next you could be battling a blacktip that decided your bait looked too good to pass up. Our expert crew will read the conditions, adjust tactics throughout the day, and put you on fish whether they're feeding in the early morning calm or during the evening bite. With space for up to five anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different sections of water without crowding each other.
Beach fishing in Matagorda is all about reading the water and presenting your bait where the fish are feeding. We'll be using heavy surf rods paired with strong reels that can handle both the distance needed to reach feeding fish and the power required to turn a big shark away from structure. Circle hooks are the name of the game here – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and dramatically improve survival rates for anything you decide to release. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll run everything from fresh-cut mullet and shrimp for the reds and drum to whole Spanish mackerel when the sharks are active. The crew will show you how to read the surf for cuts and holes where fish ambush prey, and how to adjust your weight and leader setup based on current and wind conditions. Pyramid sinkers help hold bottom in moving water, while egg weights work better when you need your bait to move naturally with the current.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda surf fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters cruise the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, often feeding so close to shore you can see their backs breaking the surface. Slot-sized reds between 20-28 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the big bulls over 28 inches provide arm-burning fights before swimming away to fight another day. Fall and spring see the heaviest concentrations, but Matagorda produces year-round action. What makes reds so special is their attitude – they'll fight you all the way to the sand, using their broad sides to catch current and make powerful runs.
When it comes to sharks, Matagorda's surf is prime habitat for multiple species that'll test your tackle and your nerve. Blacktip sharks are the most common catch, typically running 3-5 feet and known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. These sharks are incredibly fast and aggressive, often hitting baits with authority before making blistering runs toward deeper water. Tiger sharks show up during warmer months and represent the ultimate prize for many surf anglers – these apex predators can exceed 8 feet and 300 pounds, with distinctive stripes and a reputation for eating just about anything. Bull sharks are the bulldogs of the shark world, built thick and powerful with an attitude to match. They'll grab your bait and head for the horizon, testing every component of your tackle setup.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the surf, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to fighting power. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can exceed 30 pounds and will use every ounce of that weight to try and bury themselves in the sand or wrap your line around structure. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and crab, and once hooked, they'll put a serious bend in your rod with their bulldog-style fight. The best part about drum fishing is the anticipation – you'll often feel them picking up your bait and mouthing it before they commit, giving you a chance to get ready for the hookset.
Twelve hours on Matagorda's productive surf gives you the kind of fishing experience that separates the casual trips from the memorable ones. You'll have time to target different species as conditions change throughout the day, learn techniques that'll make you a better angler, and potentially tangle with some of the Gulf's most powerful fish. Our crew provides all the heavy-duty tackle needed to handle everything from keeper reds to monster sharks, along with the local knowledge that puts you on fish instead of just casting blind. With only five spots available, you'll have plenty of room to fish effectively and the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Don't let this top-rated Matagorda fishing opportunity slip away – these full-day adventures book up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the drum family - big, powerful bottom-feeders that can reach 30-50 pounds in our waters. You'll recognize them by their dark coloration and those chin whiskers they use to hunt crabs and oysters. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster reefs, and areas around 5-20 feet deep. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. These fish are all about the steady, hard pull rather than flashy runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab on the bottom with just enough weight to hold in the current. They're picky eaters, so patience pays off, but when a big drum picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of our shark fishing here at Matagorda. These guys average 3-5 feet but can hit 6-7 feet, and they're famous for jumping clean out of the water when hooked. You'll find them cruising the surf and nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially during warmer months from May through September. They're actually pretty timid despite being sharks, but once you hook one, they put on a show with those spectacular jumps. The fight is what brings people back - pure excitement on the end of your line. Here's a local tip: use fresh cut mackerel or mullet on a 20-30lb setup with circle hooks. They've got a great sense of smell, so don't be shy with the bloody bait. These sharks are catch and release, but the memories last forever.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the tough guys of shark fishing - thick, muscular, and aggressive fighters that average 6-10 feet around Matagorda. What makes them unique is their ability to handle both salt and brackish water, so you might catch them right in the surf or even near river mouths. Summer brings the best action when they're actively hunting in warmer water. Anglers love targeting bulls because they fight dirty - no fancy jumps, just raw power and stubborn runs that'll test your drag system. The meat's actually pretty good eating too, unlike most sharks. My secret weapon for bulls is fresh eel - the oil content and tough skin make it perfect bait that smaller fish can't steal. Set up on heavy tackle with circle hooks and be ready for a serious tug-of-war.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored beauties are what put Matagorda on the map for surf fishing. Redfish average 20-30 inches here, with those distinctive black spots near their tails. They love cruising the shallow flats and surf in 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and grass beds. Spring and fall give you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great with that mild flavor, and you'll often see their backs out of the water when they're tailing in the shallows. My go-to trick is using live shrimp under a popping cork in the early morning - the sound drives them crazy. These fish are built for the fight, so get ready for some serious runs when you hook up.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the giants you'll remember for life - these apex predators can reach 12-16 feet and over 1,000 pounds in our Gulf waters. Named for those dark stripes that fade as they age, they're usually found in deeper water around 100-300 feet but will come into the surf zone hunting. Summer months offer the best chances when water temperatures are warmest. What makes targeting tigers special? It's the ultimate test of angler and tackle - you need heavy gear and serious patience. Their powerful runs and size make for an epic battle. The key here is using big baits like whole mackerel or tuna heads on 100lb+ tackle with steel leaders. These are strictly catch and release fish, but landing one is a lifetime achievement that few anglers ever experience.
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