World Class 8 Hour Redfish and Trout Drift Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday drift fishing targets redfish and speckled troutEighthour charter includes professional gear and fish photosCaptain Antonio provides ice storage and highquality equipment
Captain Antonio's 8-hour drift fishing adventure starts before sunrise at 6:30 AM, giving you the best chance to connect with hungry redfish and speckled trout in one of Texas' most productive bay systems. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking a full commitment to putting you on fish across Matagorda Bay's diverse structure. The $1,000 rate covers three anglers, with room for a fourth guest at an additional $50. Factor in the $50 bait charge, and you're looking at premium live and cut bait that makes all the difference when fish get finicky. Captain Antonio handles the gear side completely – quality rods, reels, ice for your catch, and professional photos so you can prove those fish stories back home.
We'll be drift fishing the productive waters of Matagorda Bay, letting the current carry us over key structure where trout and reds like to ambush baitfish. This technique keeps your presentation natural and covers more water than anchoring up in one spot all day. Captain Antonio knows these waters like the back of his hand – the shell reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs that consistently hold fish throughout the seasons. The early start puts us on the water during prime feeding times, and with eight hours ahead of us, we can adjust tactics as conditions change. Expect to move between several productive areas, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise for crabs to deeper structures where big trout suspend. The boat stays comfortable for the long haul, but pack smart – non-spray sunscreen, polarized glasses, and plenty of water are essentials for a full day under the Texas sun.
Drift fishing in Matagorda Bay is all about reading the water and letting Mother Nature do half the work. We'll position the boat up-current from promising structure, then drift down through the strike zone with baits at various depths. This approach mimics how baitfish naturally move with the tide, triggering aggressive strikes from predatory fish. Captain Antonio provides top-shelf tackle matched to the conditions – medium-action rods with sensitive tips to feel those subtle trout bites, paired with reels spooled with the right line weight for bay fishing. The premium bait selection includes live shrimp, croaker, and cut mullet depending on what's working best. We'll adjust weight and leader length throughout the day based on depth, current speed, and fish behavior. The beauty of drift fishing is its versatility – we can target everything from shallow-water reds in two feet of water to deeper trout holding near channel edges in 8-12 feet.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches, with potential for trophy fish over 25 inches during cooler months. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, when trout feed aggressively in grass beds and along shell reefs. What makes them exciting is their fighting style – initial runs followed by head-shaking jumps that'll test your drag settings. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for both sport and the dinner table.
Redfish bring a completely different fight to the table. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in the slot, with the power to strip line off your reel in long, determined runs. Matagorda Bay reds are known for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that'll leave your arms burning. They're year-round residents, but fall months offer peak action when schools push into the shallows chasing baitfish. The sight of a big red's bronze back and distinctive black spot never gets old, whether it's your first or fiftieth.
Southern flounder add variety to the mix, especially during their fall migration. These flatfish masters of camouflage can grow surprisingly large in Matagorda's fertile waters, with doormat-sized specimens over 20 inches providing memorable battles. They're ambush predators that inhale baits from their sandy hideouts, often surprising anglers expecting trout or redfish. Fall months from September through November offer the best flounder action as they stage for their offshore spawning run.
This full-day charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to experience Matagorda Bay's world-class fishing potential. Captain Antonio's local knowledge, quality equipment, and commitment to putting clients on fish has built a reputation among Texas coastal anglers. The 8-hour format gives you time to really dial in the bite and adapt to changing conditions – something you just can't accomplish on shorter trips. Whether you're chasing a personal best speckled trout, looking to bend the rod on aggressive redfish, or hoping to round out a Texas inshore slam, this charter delivers the platform and expertise to make it happen. Remember to secure your Texas fishing license before departure, and families with children should bring USCG-approved life jackets. Don't let another season slip by wondering what you missed – book your spot and experience why Matagorda Bay consistently ranks among the top coastal fishing destinations in Texas.
Fish the shallow waters of Matagorda Bay aboard Captain Antonio's 25' Majek center console - built specifically for hunting redfish and speckled trout in Texas flats. This stable, spacious fishing platform gives you and up to 2 other anglers plenty of room to work the water during your 8-hour drift fishing adventure. The captain stocks the boat with pro-grade rods and reels, so you'll have the right tackle whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or drifting for keeper trout. With its shallow draft design, this Majek gets you into those productive back-bay spots where the fish hide. Captain Antonio handles navigation and fish-finding while you focus on making casts and landing dinner. The center console layout keeps everyone's lines clear and gives the captain full visibility to spot fish and structure ahead.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bay's heavyweight champions, running 20-40+ inches with that distinctive copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often so shallow their backs break the surface - we call it "tailing." Spring through fall brings the best action, especially around oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs. What guests love most is the power - these fish will strip drag and make long runs that'll get your heart pumping. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. The sight-fishing aspect is addictive too; watching a big red cruise the shallows before it crushes your lure never gets old. Local trick: keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom near structure changes where they ambush prey.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout run 14-24 inches typically, with most weighing 1-5 pounds in Matagorda Bay. They love grass flats and shallow structure, especially early morning and late evening when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Winter months bring bigger schools into deeper channels, but spring and fall offer the best action in 2-4 feet of water. What makes specks special is their delicate white meat - some of the best eating fish in the bay - plus they put up a solid fight on light tackle. They're also great for beginners since they bite readily. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, wait a beat before setting the hook. Specks often mouth the bait first, and patience gets you better hookups than rushing it.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the bay's master of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush passing prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch plenty in the 20+ inch range during good years. They're found on virtually any bottom type but prefer areas where bait concentrates - channel edges, drop-offs, and around structure in 3-15 feet. Fall migration brings the biggest numbers as they head toward deeper water for winter. Guests enjoy the surprise factor - you never know when that "dead weight" will turn into a strong, bulldogging fight. They're also top-notch eating with sweet, flaky white meat perfect for the table. Best advice: fish slow and stay patient. When drift fishing, let your bait work near bottom structure and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Matagorda