Private Matagorda Beach Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private overnight beach fishing trip for up to 5 guestsTarget Redfish, Blacktip Shark, and Pompano from Matagorda shoreIncludes comfortable beachside accommodation after full fishing day
Looking for something different than your usual day trip? This private overnight fishing experience in Matagorda gives you and up to four buddies the chance to fish the surf all day, then kick back beachside as the sun sets. You're not just getting a fishing trip here – you're getting a full coastal adventure that lets you soak up everything this legendary Texas fishing spot has to offer. The Lonestar Hooker crew knows these waters inside and out, and they'll put you on fish while making sure you have a blast doing it.
This isn't your typical charter boat setup – we're talking pure surf fishing action right from the sand. Matagorda's coastline stretches for miles of prime fishing real estate, and you'll be working the surf zone where big reds cruise the shallows and sharks patrol just beyond the breakers. The overnight element makes this trip special because you can fish the prime dawn and dusk bite windows when these fish are most active. Your guides will have you rigged up with the right tackle for whatever's biting, whether that's live bait for bull reds or cut bait to bring in the sharks. Between fishing sessions, you'll have time to explore the beach, grab some food in town, or just relax by your overnight setup. The pace is totally up to your group – fish hard when they're biting, chill when they're not.
Surf fishing is all about reading the water and putting your bait where the fish want to be. Your guides will show you how to spot the cuts, channels, and drop-offs that hold fish along Matagorda's surf. We're talking medium to heavy spinning gear with enough backbone to handle big reds and sharks, plus the distance to get your bait out past the first sandbar. Live shrimp and finger mullet work great for redfish, while cut bait like mackerel or whiting will call in the sharks. The key is getting your presentation right – sometimes fish are feeding right in the wash, other times you need to bomb casts way out to the third bar. Circle hooks are the way to go for most of this fishing, especially when targeting sharks. Your guides will handle all the rigging and teach you the techniques that work best for each species. The overnight setup means you can even try some night fishing when the big bulls come in close to feed.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda surf fishing, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. Slot reds in the 20-28 inch range are perfect eating, while the oversized bulls that cruise these waters will test your drag and your arms. These fish feed heavily in the surf, especially around dawn and dusk when they're hunting shrimp and small baitfish in the shallow water. Fall and spring are prime time for numbers, but you can catch quality reds here year-round. What makes them special is how they fight in the surf – that first run when they feel the hook is pure power, and they'll use the waves and current to their advantage.
Blacktip sharks bring serious excitement to any surf session. These sleek predators typically run 3-6 feet and are absolute rockets when hooked. They show up in good numbers during the warmer months, often feeding in schools just beyond the breakers. Blacktips are known for their aerial displays – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're also great table fare if you decide to keep one for dinner. The key is using fresh cut bait and getting it out to where they're cruising, usually in that 6-12 foot depth range.
Tiger sharks are the apex predators that make Matagorda surf fishing legendary. These massive fish can exceed 10 feet and pack incredible power. Summer nights are when the big tigers move in close, hunting in the surf for stingrays and other prey. Landing a tiger shark from the beach is a bucket-list experience that requires teamwork, patience, and respect for these amazing animals. Most anglers practice catch and release with tigers, taking photos before letting these magnificent predators swim free.
Bull sharks are another heavy hitter that calls Matagorda home. These thick-bodied bruisers are known for their aggressive nature and incredible strength. Bulls can handle fresh and saltwater, so they often move into the bay systems and back out to the surf. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit live or cut bait, and once hooked, they're pure bulldogs that dig deep and fight dirty. The overnight aspect of this trip gives you the best shot at a trophy bull when they move in to feed after dark.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the surf, but they're one of the strongest pound-for-pound fighters you'll encounter. These bottom-dwellers can grow huge – we're talking 40, 50, even 60+ pound fish that will absolutely punish your gear. They feed primarily on crabs and shellfish, so fresh blue crab or cut shrimp works best. Black drum have a unique way of fighting – they don't run like a red or jump like a shark, they just put their head down and pull like a freight train. The bigger ones are usually released since the smaller fish taste better, but landing a giant black drum is an achievement any angler can be proud of.
This private overnight fishing adventure gives you something most day trips can't – the flexibility to fish when the fish want to bite and the time to really experience what Matagorda's surf has to offer. Whether you're after your first bull red, want to tangle with sharks, or just need to get away from it all for a day and night, this trip delivers. The Lonestar Hooker team has the local knowledge and experience to put you on fish while keeping things fun and relaxed. With space for up to five anglers, it's perfect for buddy trips, family adventures, or anyone looking to step up their
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the surf - powerful, stubborn fighters that can weigh anywhere from 5-30 pounds, with giants reaching 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, preferring muddy flats and oyster reefs in 10-40 feet. Spring is prime time during spawn when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear. What guests love is their dogged fight - they use their broad sides to pull hard and steady. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones get tough. My local trick: use fresh blue crab on a knocker rig and fish the oyster bars during incoming tide. They're structure oriented, so find the shells.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, averaging 4-6 feet with those distinctive black-tipped fins. They patrol our surf zone in 30-100 feet of water, but often come right into the breakers chasing baitfish. Summer months bring the best action when water temps hit the 70s. These sharks put on a real show - they'll jump clear out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing. While catch-and-release only, the fight is pure adrenaline. They're actually pretty timid despite being sharks, preferring to investigate from a distance first. Best trick here is using fresh cut mackerel or mullet on a fish finder rig with 20-30lb tackle and circle hooks.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the tough guys - thick, stocky sharks that can handle both salt and fresh water. They average 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds with that distinctive blunt snout. Around Matagorda, they cruise the surf zone and even push into the bay systems during summer months. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature and powerful fight once hooked. They're ambush hunters that hit hard and don't give up easy. Best fishing is late spring through summer when they follow the baitfish in. The secret weapon here is fresh eel - its high oil content drives them crazy. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks, and don't be surprised if they come right into knee-deep water chasing your bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored beauties are the bread and butter of our Matagorda surf fishing. Redfish typically run 20-35 inches here, with that signature black spot near their tail. They love cruising the shallow surf between 1-4 feet, often so shallow their backs break the surface. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up along the beach. What makes them special is their powerful fight - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild meat. My go-to tip: watch for nervous water and mullet jumping - that usually means reds are feeding below. Use fresh cut mullet or live shrimp on a Carolina rig.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the heavyweights of our waters, reaching 11-14 feet and over 800 pounds. Named for their dark stripes that fade with age, they're usually found in deeper water around 100+ feet but will cruise into shallower areas at night hunting. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shot at one. What draws anglers is the sheer size and power - these are bucket list fish that can take hours to land. They're ambush predators, using their camouflage to get close before explosive bursts of speed. For targeting tigers, you need heavy gear - 100lb test minimum with big circle hooks. Fresh tuna or mackerel chunks work best, and patience is key since they're solitary hunters.
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