Private 6-Hour Fly Fishing Trip - Matagorda
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Private 6hour fly fishing with Captain Ron RidgewayTarget trophy redfish and speckled trout in backcountry watersPersonalized instruction suitable for beginners and experienced anglers
Captain Ron Ridgeway knows these Matagorda waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this stretch of Texas coast is a fly angler's dream. This isn't your typical crowded charter – it's just you, one buddy, and six solid hours of pursuing some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish in the shallow backcountry flats. Whether you're new to the fly rod or you've been casting for years, Ron tailors every trip to match your skill level while putting you on fish that'll make your day memorable.
You'll start your morning meeting Captain Ron at the launch, where he'll get you rigged up with top-quality fly gear perfectly suited for these coastal waters. The boat slides through skinny water that bigger vessels can't touch, accessing those prime feeding areas where redfish cruise the shallows and trout stack up along grass lines. Ron's been guiding these flats for years, so he reads the water conditions, tides, and weather to put you in the right spots at the right time. Expect to cover several different areas throughout the day – maybe starting on a shallow flat at first light, then moving to a deeper bay as the sun climbs higher. The pace stays relaxed but productive, with plenty of time to work on your casting technique between fish. And don't worry about getting hungry – lunch is covered, so you can focus entirely on the fishing.
Sight fishing with a fly rod in knee-deep water is what makes this trip special. You'll be casting weighted flies and streamers that imitate the shrimp, crabs, and baitfish that these gamefish hunt all day long. Ron provides all the tackle, from the 8-weight rods perfect for these conditions down to the flies that have been proven winners in these waters. The technique here is all about accurate presentations – you'll learn to drop your fly just ahead of cruising fish without spooking them. Strip sets become second nature as you work different retrieves to trigger strikes. The shallow water means you can watch fish approach your fly, see them eat, and feel that immediate connection when you set the hook. It's visual, active fishing that keeps you engaged every cast. Ron's there to coach you through the finer points, whether that's reading water, improving your double haul, or timing your strip to match what the fish want.
Redfish are the stars of these flats, and Matagorda's population is as healthy as you'll find anywhere along the coast. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20 to 30 inches here, with some real bulls pushing the 40-inch mark during peak season. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but even winter days can produce when conditions align. What makes reds so exciting on fly gear is their aggressive nature – they'll crush a well-presented fly and immediately head for the nearest structure. You'll feel every head shake and powerful run through the rod, making even average-sized fish feel like monsters.
Speckled trout bring a different kind of excitement to your fly box. These beautiful gamefish suspend along grass beds and drop-offs, often feeding in small schools that can provide multiple hookups if you work them right. Matagorda's trout tend to be quality fish, with plenty of 15 to 20-inch specimens and occasional 5-pounders that'll test your drag system. They're most active during spring and fall transitions, though summer mornings and evenings can be phenomenal. Trout have soft mouths that require a gentle touch, making them perfect for practicing your fish-fighting skills on lighter tippet.
Black drum might not get the glamour of reds and trout, but they're absolute bulldogs on the end of a fly line. These bottom-oriented fish love to root around oyster beds and shell piles, making them perfect targets when other species are being finicky. Drum here range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for beginners up to 20-pound brutes that'll straighten your hooks if you're not careful. They're year-round residents, but cooler months often concentrate them in predictable areas where Ron knows how to find them. The fight is pure power – no jumps or flashy runs, just sustained pressure that tests your backing capacity.
Six hours with Captain Ron on Matagorda's backcountry flats gives you everything needed for a world-class fly fishing experience. The personalized attention, local knowledge, and access to prime fishing areas make this trip a customer favorite among serious anglers. You'll leave with improved technique, a better understanding of coastal fly fishing, and hopefully some great photos of the fish you've caught. These private charters book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to fly fishing or wanting to target some personal best fish, this trip delivers the goods every time.
Hit the prime redfish and speckled trout waters around Matagorda aboard our 2024 18' Beavertail with Captain Ron at the helm. This shallow-draft boat gets you into those hard-to-reach backcountry spots where the big fish hide, powered by a reliable 90HP Suzuki that'll cruise at 40 mph between honey holes. Perfect for 2 anglers who want a personalized fly fishing experience without the crowds. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to mark productive waters, VHF radio for safety, fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the Texas heat. Captain Ron keeps this rig in top condition and knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll spend more time casting and less time wondering where the fish are hiding.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These bottom-feeders love crushing oysters and crabs with their powerful jaws around shallow muddy flats and oyster reefs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll actually hear them drumming underwater during mating season. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll test your tackle, but stick to keeping the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough and lose flavor. For fly fishing, get your weighted flies like Merkins right on the bottom - black drum won't chase anything in the water column. A 9-weight rod gives you the muscle you need when one of these bruisers decides to bulldoze toward deeper water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put Matagorda on the map - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most fish we target run 20-35 inches, though slot-sized reds around 28 inches are perfect for dinner with their mild, sweet flavor. These fish love ultra-shallow water from 1-4 feet, often tailing in grass flats where you can see their backs out of water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding before and after spawning. What guests love most is watching a red crush a topwater fly in skinny water - it's pure adrenaline. Once hooked, they'll make powerful runs toward deeper channels. Here's the key: when you spot a tailing red, cast your fly 3-4 feet ahead of where they're moving, not right on their head. Let it sink, then give it short, slow strips to mimic a fleeing shrimp.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our backcountry waters, typically running 14-24 inches with some reaching 5 pounds or more. These spotted beauties cruise grass flats and shallow bays, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during cooler months when water temps drop, and dawn or dusk fishing really pays off. What makes specks special is their delicate white meat - it's some of the best eating you'll find, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're also scrappy fighters with a soft mouth, so keep steady pressure without horsing them. My local tip: look for nervous water over grass beds on calm mornings. Specks feeding below will create subtle surface disturbances that give away their location. Throw a shrimp pattern or small streamer just ahead of the activity.
Matagorda