Private 6-Hour Fly Fishing with Captain Ron
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Six-hour private fly fishing charter with Captain Ron RidgewayTarget trophy redfish and speckled trout in Matagorda watersAccommodates two guests with equipment and instruction provided
Get ready for some serious fly fishing action in the heart of Matagorda's backcountry waters. This isn't your typical crowded charter – it's just you, one buddy, and Captain Ron Ridgeway for six solid hours of personalized angling. Whether you've been throwing flies for years or you're still figuring out your double haul, Ron's got the patience and know-how to put you on fish. We're talking prime redfish flats, secluded trout holes, and those sweet spots where the big black drum cruise. Pack your appetite too – lunch is on us while you're out there chasing tails and sipping lines.
Captain Ron knows these Matagorda flats like the back of his casting hand. You'll launch early and head straight for the honey holes where the water's just right and the fish are hungry. This is backcountry fly fishing at its finest – skinny water, sight casting, and that heart-pounding moment when a redfish explodes on your fly. The boat stays in the perfect position while Ron calls out targets and adjustments to your cast. Don't worry if your loop looks more like a pretzel at first; he's coached hundreds of anglers through their learning curve. The day flows at your pace, with plenty of time to dial in your technique between fish. When the sun gets high, we'll find some shade and break out that lunch while you swap stories and plan your next presentation.
We've got you covered with top-shelf fly rods, reels loaded with quality line, and a tackle box full of proven patterns. Ron ties his own flies and knows exactly what's working each season – from shrimp patterns that drive the reds crazy to the baitfish imitations that trout can't resist. You'll learn the fundamentals of saltwater fly casting, including how to handle wind (because let's face it, there's always wind on the Texas coast). The focus is on accuracy over distance – most of your shots will be within 40 feet, but they need to land soft and right where that fish is looking. Ron will teach you to read the water, spot the nervous water that screams "fish here," and time your strip sets for solid hookups. If you're already comfortable with a fly rod, he'll push your skills further with advanced presentations and help you tackle the bigger, spookier fish.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and Matagorda's got them in spades. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and grass beds where they cruise around looking for crabs and shrimp. A good red will go anywhere from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the cooler months from October through April, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes reds so special is their attitude – they eat aggressively and fight like they mean it, stripping line and making your reel sing. Plus, they're not too spooky, making them perfect targets for fly fishing beginners who need a forgiving fish to practice on.
Sea trout, or specks as the locals call them, are the finesse fish of the Texas coast. These silvery beauties hang around structure, grass beds, and drop-offs where they ambush unsuspecting baitfish. A keeper speck runs 15 to 20 inches, but the real trophies stretch past 25 inches and have shoulders like a football player. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, especially when the water temperature sits in that sweet 65-75 degree range. They're pickier eaters than reds, so your presentation needs to be on point. But when you hook into a good trout, especially on a fly rod, you'll understand why anglers get obsessed with these fish. They jump, they run, and they test every knot in your system.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay system, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. These bottom-dwellers can push 30, 40, even 50 pounds, turning your fly rod into a serious workout tool. They love oyster reefs, structure, and anywhere they can root around for crabs and mollusks. The best drum fishing happens during their spawning runs in late winter and early spring, when big schools move into the shallows. Don't expect acrobatics from a drum – they fight with pure power, staying deep and making long, stubborn runs. Landing a trophy black drum on fly tackle is a badge of honor that'll have you grinning for weeks. Ron knows exactly where these bruisers hang out and what flies trigger their feeding response.
This private fly fishing adventure combines world-class angling with personalized instruction in some of the best backcountry waters Texas has to offer. Six hours gives you plenty of time to work on your casting, learn the local patterns, and put some serious fish in the boat. With Captain Ron's expertise, top-rated equipment, and a lunch break to keep you fueled, you've got everything needed for a customer favorite fishing experience. The intimate 2-person capacity means you get the attention and coaching that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Whether you're looking to master your fly casting or just want to catch some beautiful fish in beautiful water, this trip delivers on all fronts. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Get ready to fish the pristine back country waters of Matagorda aboard Captain Ron's 2024 18' Beavertail skiff. This shallow-draft boat is built for navigating the skinny waters where trophy redfish and speckled trout love to hunt. Powered by a reliable 90HP Suzuki, she'll cruise at 40 mph to get you to the hot spots fast, then pole silently through the flats for that perfect cast. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish while GPS keeps you on productive waters. VHF radio ensures safety communication, and the icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long sight-fishing sessions. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space whether you're working the grass beds or stalking tailing reds in the shallows. Captain Ron maintains this boat in top condition so you can focus on what matters – making that perfect presentation to fish of a lifetime.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our flats, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 90. You'll find them cruising shallow muddy bottoms and oyster bars where they use those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. These fish put up a solid fight and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. For fly fishing, get your weighted flies like Merkins or Clouser Minnows right on the bottom with a 9-weight rod. Here's a local tip: watch for their black tails waving in skinny water as they root around headfirst in the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our backwater fishing, typically ranging 20-35 inches with those copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. They love cruising 1-4 foot flats, especially around oyster reefs and grass beds where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What guests love most is sight fishing to these bruisers in skinny water - watching a 30-inch red chase down your fly is pure adrenaline. They're strong fighters and great on the table. For fly fishing, weedless patterns like Clouser Minnows work well. Pro tip: when you spot a redfish tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and strip slowly - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable targets, typically running 14-24 inches with some reaching 5+ pounds. These silvery beauties with their distinctive black spots love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning and evening are money times. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and excellent eating quality with that flaky white meat. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and flies that mimic shrimp or small baitfish. The key here in Matagorda is finding them along the edges where deeper water meets the flats. Work your fly slowly and be ready - when they hit, they often jump and throw the hook if you're not careful with your drag.
Matagorda