Half Day Afternoon Fishing in Matagorda Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour afternoon trip targeting redfish, sea trout, and flounderChoice between drift fishing grass flats or wade fishing shallow watersThree-guest maximum with Captain Matthew in Matagorda bays
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water without burning your whole day? Captain Matthew's got you covered with this top-rated half-day trip that puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking 5 hours of prime fishing time in Matagorda's productive bay system, targeting the holy trinity of inshore species – redfish, sea trout, and flounder. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of steady action that keeps you coming back for more.
Captain Matthew knows these Matagorda bays like the back of his hand, and he's got the flexibility to fish them however you want. Feel like staying comfortable in the boat? We'll drift the expansive grass flats where the fish congregate. Want to get your boots wet and really get after them? We'll wade into the shallows where the big reds cruise the shorelines. The afternoon light creates perfect conditions – not too hot, great visibility, and fish that are actively feeding as the day cools down. With a maximum of 3 anglers, you'll get plenty of personal attention and room to work without bumping elbows. Bring your own wade gear if you've got preferences, or let the captain set you up with everything you need to put fish in the boat.
Matagorda's bay system offers world-class variety that keeps every cast interesting. When we're drift fishing the grass flats, we'll work with soft plastics and topwater plugs over structure where sea trout love to ambush bait. The captain will position the boat to work current breaks and drop-offs where these fish stack up. If we're wading, you'll learn to read the water – looking for nervous baitfish, subtle color changes, and those telltale redfish tails breaking the surface. We'll work the shoreline structure, oyster reefs, and sand pockets where flounder lie in wait. The beauty of this fishery is the adaptability – tide, wind, and fish behavior all play into where we'll focus our efforts, but Captain Matthew's local knowledge means we're always fishing the most productive water available.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda's inshore scene, and for good reason. These speckled beauties average 15-20 inches but can push well over 25 inches when conditions align. They're most active during cooler parts of the day, making afternoon trips perfect timing. Trout are aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater baits with explosive strikes, and their fight includes spectacular jumps that'll get your heart pumping. They school up over grass beds and sandy bottoms, often giving you multiple hookups once you locate a productive area.
Redfish are the bruisers that put bend in your rod and test your drag system. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-size fish around 20-27 inches up to bull reds that can exceed 40 inches. Fall through spring offers the best shot at larger fish, but Matagorda holds good numbers year-round. What makes reds special is their power – they'll make long, determined runs and use their broad sides to fight you in the shallows. Sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water is pure adrenaline, watching that red tail wave above the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp.
Southern flounder might not win beauty contests, but they're customer favorites for their table fare and sneaky fighting style. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes – anything over 20 inches is a keeper, but Matagorda produces plenty of "doormat" flounder pushing 5+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near structure, striking with lightning speed when bait passes overhead. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique, working baits slowly along the bottom where these masters of camouflage wait for their next meal.
This half-day afternoon trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without the full-day commitment. Captain Matthew's local expertise, combined with Matagorda's renowned inshore fishery, creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just need a solid afternoon of action, this trip delivers. The intimate 3-angler maximum ensures personalized service and plenty of fishing opportunities for everyone aboard. Don't let another afternoon slip by – book your spot and experience why Matagorda's inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Matthew's motorboat is perfectly rigged for afternoon inshore action in Matagorda's productive bays. This fishing machine features a wireless trolling motor that lets you slip through shallow water without spooking the redfish and sea trout holding in the grass flats. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. Whether you're drifting over structure or positioning for wade fishing, this boat handles the skinny water where flounder and reds like to feed. Built for up to 3 anglers, she's equipped to get you on fish during those prime afternoon hours when the bite picks up. The quiet trolling motor is key for sneaking up on wary targets in Matagorda's clear shallows.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Matagorda flats - these copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail are what dreams are made of. Most fish we catch run 20-30 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into a bull pushing 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They love super shallow water, often cruising flats so skinny their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall are prime time, especially when tides are moving and baitfish are active. What makes reds special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll test your drag for sure. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. The key trick here in Matagorda is sight-fishing the flats during afternoon light. Cast ahead of cruising fish and work topwater plugs or soft plastics slowly - patience pays off big.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are some of the most reliable fish in Matagorda's bays. These silvery beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They bite year-round here, but spring and fall offer the best action when water temps are in the sweet spot. What guests love most is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - plus they're fantastic table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: work your lure slow and steady about a foot off the bottom. Specks have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them in.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the ninjas of our bay system - these flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on one side are masters of camouflage on sandy and muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 5+ pounds that'll surprise you with their power. They hang out in 3-12 feet of water around drop-offs, channel edges, and anywhere current brings baitfish. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. Guests love flounder because they're sneaky fighters and absolutely top-shelf table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. The secret to consistent flounder fishing here is slow-bouncing jigs tipped with live shrimp or mullet along the bottom. Feel for that subtle "thump" - flounder don't slam baits, they just pick them up and swim off.
Matagorda, TX