Afternoon Redfish and Sea Trout Action in Matagorda Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour afternoon trip targeting redfish, sea trout, and flounderChoose between drift fishing grass flats or wade fishingCaptain Matthew guides up to 3 guests in Matagorda bays
When the sun starts its afternoon descent over Matagorda Bay, the fishing really heats up. Captain Matthew knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this top-rated 5-hour afternoon trip. Whether you're looking to drift the grass flats or get your boots wet wading the shallows, this trip delivers consistent action targeting three of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species: redfish, sea trout, and flounder. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want quality fishing without burning a full day on the water.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip. Captain Matthew tailors each afternoon based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling him. You'll launch into Matagorda's productive bay system where expansive grass flats hold feeding trout and reds, while sandy potholes and drop-offs attract hungry flounder. The afternoon timing works in your favor – as the day cools and light angles change, fish become more active and aggressive. You've got options here: stay comfortable in the boat and drift fish over structure, or grab your waders and work the shallows for that up-close, personal fishing experience. If you've got your own wade gear, bring it along. If not, no worries – Captain Matthew will set you up for success either way. The boat limits to just 3 anglers, so you're not fighting for space or competing for the captain's attention.
Matagorda Bay fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. When drift fishing the grass flats, you'll work soft plastics and live bait around structure where trout and reds cruise looking for an easy meal. The captain provides all tackle and bait, but if you've got favorite lures or rods, feel free to bring them. Wade fishing opens up a whole different game – you'll be working shallow water structure, casting to visible fish, and covering water that boats can't reach. Knee to waist-deep flats become your office, and the stealthy approach often produces the biggest fish. Popular techniques include working topwater plugs at first light, bouncing jigs through potholes, and slow-rolling soft plastics along grass lines. The beauty of this afternoon window is versatility – you can switch between techniques as conditions and fish behavior dictate, keeping the action fresh and your lines tight.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing, and these spotted beauties love the area's abundant grass flats. They typically run 14 to 20 inches, with occasional gator trout pushing 25 inches or better. Trout are most active during moving water, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around grass edges, drop-offs, and shell reefs. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a respectable fight on light tackle. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but Matagorda's trout bite stays steady year-round.
Redfish are the prize fighters of the flats, and Matagorda Bay holds some real bulls. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized fish around 20 inches up to oversized drum pushing 30-plus inches. Reds are notorious for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag system. They're opportunistic feeders, crushing everything from live shrimp to cut bait to flashy spoons. What sets Matagorda reds apart is their aggressive nature – they're not shy about hitting topwater plugs in shallow water, creating explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Peak season runs from late summer through fall, but resident fish provide action throughout the year.
Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute table fare champions and masters of camouflage. These flat fish typically run 14 to 18 inches, with doormat-sized specimens reaching 20-plus inches. Flounder are ambush predators, burying themselves in sand near structure and striking unsuspecting prey. They're found around drop-offs, channel edges, and areas where current moves bait. What makes them exciting to target is their subtle bite – you need to stay alert and set the hook at the first sign of weight. They're also excellent eating, making them a customer favorite for the dinner table. Best flounder action typically occurs during cooler months when they're staging for their offshore spawning runs.
If you're looking for world-class inshore fishing without the full-day commitment, this afternoon trip hits the sweet spot. Captain Matthew's local knowledge combined with Matagorda Bay's renowned fishery creates the perfect recipe for memorable fishing. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas, try various techniques, and put together a solid catch. Whether you're an experienced angler wanting to explore new water or someone getting back into fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't sleep on booking – prime afternoon slots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are really turning on.
Captain Matthew's motorboat is built for serious inshore fishing in Matagorda's productive bay system. The vessel features a wireless trolling motor that lets you move silently through shallow grass flats without spooking redfish, sea trout, and flounder. GPS navigation keeps you on course to the best fishing spots, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure where these species gather. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this boat handles both drift fishing over expansive flats and positioning for wade fishing in skinny water. Whether you're casting from the deck or stepping out to wade the shallows, the boat's design supports multiple fishing styles throughout your 5-hour afternoon on Matagorda's waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Matagorda flats - bronze-backed bulldogs that'll test your drag and your patience. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches around here, with that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love super shallow water, often so skinny their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them tailing in mud flats, cruising oyster reefs, or holding tight to structure. Fall and spring are prime time when they're most active, but we catch them year-round. What guests love most is the visual fishing - watching a red's wake push through ankle-deep water before the strike. They fight hard and taste great too. Pro tip: when you see a redfish, cast well ahead of where it's heading and let your bait settle to the bottom - they feed down, not up.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are some of the most reliable fish in Matagorda's grass flats. These silvery beauties typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight with their quick runs and head shakes. You'll find them cruising shallow water over grass beds, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. They love structure like oyster bars and drop-offs near the flats. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - plus they're fantastic eating with that mild, flaky white meat. The key here is working your lure slow and steady just above the grass. When you feel that telltale "thump," don't jerk too hard - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you horse them.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise on our bay bottoms, laying flat in sand and mud waiting to ambush anything that swims by. These flatfish typically measure 15-18 inches, though we've pulled some chunky 5-pounders that'll surprise you with their sudden power. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and around structure where baitfish gather. Cooler months bring the best action as they fatten up before their offshore winter migration. What makes flounder fishing special is the challenge - they're picky eaters and require finesse. But land one and you've got some of the best table fare in the bay. The secret is keeping your bait moving slowly along the bottom. A live mullet or shrimp dragged just right will trigger that aggressive strike when they shoot up from the sand.
Matagorda, TX