Matagorda Full Day Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing targets seasonal species in Matagorda baysCaptain Marc provides 40+ years expertise with all gear includedTrip accommodates up to 3 anglers from 6 AM to 2 PM
Looking for a genuine Texas inshore fishing experience that won't break the bank or waste your time? Captain Marc's full-day trips out of Matagorda hit that sweet spot between productive fishing and laid-back fun. With over four decades working these waters, he knows exactly where the fish are holding and how to get you hooked up. This isn't some rushed half-day deal – you've got eight solid hours from 6 AM to 2 PM to really dial in on the bite and fill your cooler with some of the Gulf Coast's best eating fish.
Your day kicks off early at 6 AM, which is prime time for inshore action when the water's calm and fish are actively feeding. Captain Marc keeps groups small – just three anglers max – so you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to cast. The boat heads into Matagorda's maze of productive bays and bayous, areas that have been consistently producing quality fish for generations of local anglers. This isn't a cookie-cutter operation where you hit the same spots as every other charter. Marc reads conditions daily and adjusts the game plan based on tides, weather, and recent fish movement. The vibe stays relaxed and informative throughout the trip. Whether you're a seasoned stick or picking up a rod for the first time, Marc breaks down techniques and shares local knowledge that you won't find in any fishing magazine. Pack your own drinks and snacks since meals aren't included, but don't forget that cooler – you'll want something to haul your catch home in.
All the tackle comes provided, so you don't need to stress about rigging up or bringing the right gear. Marc runs quality spinning setups that handle everything from schoolie trout to bull reds without any drama. The go-to technique here revolves around popping corks, which is absolutely deadly in these shallow bay systems. For those unfamiliar, popping corks create noise and commotion on the surface that drives fish crazy – kind of like ringing the dinner bell. You'll learn to work them with short, sharp pops that send out ripples and attract predators from surprising distances. The beauty of this setup is its versatility. You can fish it over grass flats, along drop-offs, or around structure with equal success. Marc also keeps live bait available for an extra $20 per angler, which can be a game-changer when fish get finicky or you want to target bigger specimens. Live shrimp under a popping cork is pure magic in these waters, especially during cooler months when artificial baits slow down.
Sea trout form the backbone of Matagorda's inshore fishery and for good reason. These spotted beauties range from schoolie-size keepers around 15 inches up to hefty gator trout pushing 25 inches or more. They're most active during spring and fall transitions when water temperatures sit in that 65-75 degree sweet spot. What makes trout so addictive is their aggressive strike – they absolutely crush baits and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table whether you're frying, grilling, or blackening. Trout also school up heavily, so when you find one, there's usually plenty more in the area.
Redfish are the true prize of Texas inshore waters, and Matagorda's shallow bay system is prime red territory. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size fish around 20-28 inches up to oversized bulls that can stretch past 40 inches. Reds are year-round residents, but they really turn on during summer months when they cruise shallow flats and shorelines looking for crabs and shrimp. Unlike trout, reds are bulldogs – they don't jump much, but they'll peel drag and test your patience with powerful runs. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, but they're also excellent table fare when kept within the slot limit. Watch for their telltale tails and backs breaking the surface in skinny water – sight-fishing for reds is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets.
Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute favorites among anglers who know what they're doing. These flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud bottoms where they ambush unsuspecting prey. Fall months are prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore spawning run, often reaching doormat proportions that can stretch 20 inches or more. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – they're notorious for short strikes and light bites that feel more like a tap than a slam. But once you dial in their feeding pattern, they're surprisingly consistent. Plus, there's no better eating fish in the Gulf – firm, white fillets that are perfect for any cooking method you can imagine.
This full-day Matagorda inshore trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing with a knowledgeable captain who's been putting clients on fish for over 40 years. You're getting eight hours of prime fishing time in some of Texas's most consistent inshore waters, all the tackle you need, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from decades on the water. The small group size means personalized attention and better fishing for everyone on board. Whether you're chasing your personal best trout, hoping to sight-cast to tailing reds, or looking to load up on flounder for a fish fry, Captain Marc knows how to make it happen. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but don't wait too long to secure your dates – top-rated guides like this book up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Hit the productive waters around Matagorda aboard our reliable 20' Transport bay boat, specially designed for navigating Texas's shallow coastal bays and bayous. This versatile fishing platform comfortably handles up to 3 anglers while you target redfish, trout, and other seasonal species with Capt. Marc's expert guidance. The boat comes fully rigged with GPS navigation, fish finder technology, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy. You'll appreciate the onboard icebox for keeping your drinks cold during those long 8-hour days on the water, plus all the safety gear you need for peace of mind. Built tough for inshore conditions, this bay boat draws shallow enough to access those back-country honey holes while still providing a smooth, stable casting platform when you're working the grass flats or oyster reefs. Perfect setup for spinning gear and popping cork techniques that produce consistent results in these Texas waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in Matagorda. These copper-colored bruisers typically range 20-35 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style - they'll test your drag for sure. These fish also make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you spot tailing reds in skinny water, cast well ahead of them and let your bait settle - they spook easily but can't resist a well-placed offering.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets around Matagorda's grass flats and shallow bays. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and pack great table fare with their tender, flaky white meat. They love cruising 2-6 feet of water over grass beds, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics, plus they put up a solid fight for their size. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active. My go-to trick is working a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - that popping sound drives them crazy and brings strikes when nothing else will work.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sand and mud bottoms throughout our bays and bayous. These flatfish typically measure 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches, making them prime table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators that blend perfectly with the bottom, waiting to strike at passing baitfish, shrimp, and crabs. Fall migration offers the best fishing as they move toward deeper water for winter. What makes them interesting is watching them change color to match their surroundings - it's like fishing for chameleons. They fight differently than other fish, more like wrestling a dinner plate, but their eating quality makes up for it. My local trick is using a slow drift with live finger mullet on a light jighead - let it bounce bottom and be ready for that subtle thump when they grab it.
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