Matagorda Bay Fishing with Lucky 7 Guide Service
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trips targeting speckled trout and redfishCustombuilt boat accommodates up to three guests comfortablyExpert captain provides local knowledge of productive fishing spots
If you're looking to get your line wet in some of the Texas coast's most productive waters, you've come to the right place. Lucky 7 Guide Service runs top-rated 4-hour fishing trips out of Palacios and Matagorda, targeting the kind of inshore species that keep anglers coming back season after season. Our custom-built boat is designed for these shallow waters, and with a max of 3 guests per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention from our experienced captain and crew. We know where the fish are holding, and we're excited to put you on them.
Your day starts with a friendly meet-up at the dock, where you'll board our well-maintained vessel that's built specifically for navigating Matagorda Bay's varied terrain. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter experience – we keep our groups small so everyone gets hands-on guidance and prime fishing spots. The 4-hour window gives us plenty of time to hit multiple locations based on tide, weather, and what's biting that day. Our captain reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics as we move from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges where different species like to hang out. You'll be fishing in some of the most renowned inshore waters along the Texas coast, areas that consistently produce quality catches for both seasoned anglers and first-timers alike.
We fish these bays using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The boat comes rigged with quality spinning gear that's perfect for the speckled trout, redfish, and flounder we're targeting. Our crew will set you up with the right tackle – whether that's bouncing soft plastics along the bottom for flounder, working topwater plugs over grass beds for trout, or sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water. We carry a variety of baits including live shrimp, croaker, and piggy perch, plus a selection of proven artificials like paddle tails, spoons, and popping corks. The beauty of fishing Matagorda Bay is the diversity – one minute you might be drifting a channel drop-off, the next we're poling up on a flat where you can see fish cruising in two feet of water.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties typically run 14 to 20 inches in these waters, with plenty of "keepers" over the 15-inch minimum. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and love to ambush bait around shell reefs and grass lines. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them year-round by adjusting our approach. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to hit artificials – there's nothing quite like watching a good fish blow up on a topwater lure in shallow water. Redfish are the other customer favorite, and Matagorda's reds are known for their size and fight. These copper-colored bulldogs range from slot-size fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag and your arms. They're year-round residents, though summer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. Reds are notorious for their powerful runs, and watching one peel line off your reel never gets old. Southern flounder round out our target species and provide some of the best table fare you'll find. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush passing prey. Fall is prime time for flounder as they fatten up before their offshore migration, often reaching 3 to 5 pounds. They're tricky to hook since they tend to mouth the bait, but once you feel that distinctive head-shake, you know you're into a good fish.
Matagorda Bay fishing with Lucky 7 Guide Service gives you access to some of the Texas coast's most consistent inshore action, guided by locals who've been working these waters for years. Our 4-hour trips are perfectly timed to hit the prime feeding windows, and our small group size means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn for the best fishing spots. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to get away from the grind or an angler wanting to learn new techniques in world-class waters, we've got you covered. The combination of our custom boat, local knowledge, and productive fishing grounds makes for the kind of day that has you planning your next trip before this one's even over. Give us a call and let's get you out on the water – the fish are waiting, and so are we.
Our 24-foot Transport boat is your ticket to some seriously good fishing on Matagorda Bay. Built in 2020 and powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki engine, this rig cuts through the water smoothly while keeping you comfortable during those 4-hour adventures chasing speckled trout and redfish. The boat's spacious layout gives you and up to 5 other anglers plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. When the fish are being finicky, our wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on those shallow water spots where the big reds like to hang out. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and baitfish, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the productive spots around Palacios and Matagorda. Stay connected with our multimedia system during the ride out, and the VHF radio keeps us in touch with other boats sharing intel on the bite. Whether you're targeting flounder in the grass flats or working the drop-offs for trout, this boat gets you there safely and positions you perfectly for success on these productive Texas coastal waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Matagorda. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail average 28-33 inches and will give you a fight you won't forget. We find them in super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They love oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms where they cruise around looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring are prime time when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is watching them crash topwater baits in skinny water. The meat's excellent too - mild and sweet. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in the shallows, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your bait sink to the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are some of the most popular fish we target in Matagorda Bay. These silvery beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and pack a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. They're ambush feeders that love live shrimp, but soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. My go-to trick? Work your bait slow along the grass edges during low light periods. These fish are spooky in shallow water, so keep noise to a minimum and make long casts.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise on our flats - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some nice doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. Both eyes are on one side of their head, which looks weird but works perfectly for their bottom-dwelling lifestyle. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout the bay system, especially near drop-offs and structure changes. Fall's the best time when they're fattening up before heading offshore to spawn. They're fantastic eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The key is fishing slow with live bait like bull minnows or shrimp right on the bottom using a Carolina rig.
Matagorda