5.0(3 Reviews)Matagorda Fishing Guide | 1 Day Charter Trip
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing charter in Matagorda Bay watersAccommodates up to 3 guests with tackle and cleaning includedYear-round fishing opportunities for multiple Texas species
Looking for a solid day of fishing on the Texas coast? Our Matagorda charter puts you right where the action is. We're talking about some of the most productive inshore waters in the Gulf, where redfish cruise the shallows and speckled trout stack up in the deeper cuts. Captain Jordan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish whether you're slinging artificials or soaking bait. We've got everything covered - quality tackle, rods, water, and ice to keep your catch fresh. Plus, we'll clean your fish so you can head home with fillets ready for the fryer. Just bring your crew, some snacks, and sunscreen, and we'll handle the rest.
Matagorda Bay is a fisherman's paradise, and our charter puts you in the heart of it all. We'll launch early and head to the spots that are producing, whether that's working the grass flats for reds or hitting the deeper shell reefs for trout. The boat comfortably holds three anglers, but we can squeeze up to six if you want to bring the whole gang. Don't worry about gear - we provide top-quality rods and tackle that can handle everything from schoolie reds to bull reds pushing 40 inches. The captain adjusts the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are doing. Some days we're sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, other days we're working soft plastics around structure. The beauty of Matagorda is the variety - you never know when a tarpon might roll up or a big jack might crash your trout bite. We fish year-round here because the action never really stops, just changes with the seasons.
We fish these waters using proven techniques that produce results. Artificial lures are the name of the game most days - soft plastics like Bass Assassins and Gulp shrimp work magic on the grass flats and around oyster reefs. We'll rig you up with everything from 1/8-ounce jigheads for shallow work to heavier presentations when we need to get down in the deeper channels. Topwater action can be explosive during dawn and dusk, so we always have She Dogs and Super Spooks rigged and ready. When the fish are finicky, we'll switch to live bait - croaker, shrimp, or finger mullet depending on what we can catch or what's available at the dock. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything. We use medium-action spinning rods paired with quality reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid. Remember, bait isn't included in the trip cost, but we'll take care of getting what we need before we head out. The key to success here is staying mobile and adjusting to what the fish want on any given day.
"Another great trip! Despite suboptimal windy conditions that kept us off our usual flats, Capt. Jordan adjusted well and got us on the fish." - Ryan. "We enjoyed our trip with Capt Jordan. He got us onto spotted trout & some reds too." - Daniel
Southern Flounder are the flatfish kings of Matagorda Bay, and they're absolute fighters once hooked. These ambush predators lay buried in the sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Fall and winter are prime time for doormat flounder, with fish over 20 inches common around channel edges and drop-offs. They hit live bait hard and make powerful runs toward structure. What makes them special is their table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe.
Tarpon are the silver kings that make hearts race when they show up in Matagorda waters. These prehistoric fish can exceed 100 pounds and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Summer months bring the best tarpon action, typically in the deeper channels and near the jetties. They're catch-and-release fish, but the fight alone is worth the trip. When a tarpon eats your lure, you'll know it - they hit like freight trains and the show begins immediately.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Matagorda fishing. These spotted beauties range from 12-inch schoolies to 25-inch gator trout that can weigh over 6 pounds. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall transitions. Specks love structure - oyster reefs, grass beds, and channel edges. They're aggressive feeders that hit artificials with authority, and they're fantastic eating fish that fry up golden and flaky.
Redfish are the copper-colored bruisers that define Texas inshore fishing. Bull reds can push 40+ inches and 30+ pounds, while slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table. Reds are sight-fishing favorites - watching one cruise the shallows with its back out of water gets every angler's blood pumping. They feed year-round in Matagorda, but fall brings the best action as they school up for their spawning runs. These fish fight dirty, using their broad tails and thick bodies to test your drag system.
Tripletail are the oddball species that make Matagorda special. These weird-looking fish hover around floating debris, crab traps, and channel markers, looking like floating logs until they strike. They're ambush predators with incredible table quality - firm, white meat that rivals any offshore species. Summer and fall offer the best tripletail opportunities, and they're challenging to catch because they're spooky and selective. When you hook one, they fight with surprising power for their
Our 24-foot Transcat SVT is built for serious Matagorda Bay fishing adventures. This motorboat cuts through Texas coastal waters with ease, getting you to the best fishing spots quickly. The spacious deck gives all 3 anglers plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. When the redfish and trout are biting, you'll appreciate the large icebox keeping your catch fresh and your drinks cold throughout the day. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the productive waters around Matagorda. Bad weather? No problem. Our radar system keeps us safe when fog rolls in off the Gulf, and the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and shore. Whether you're targeting speckled trout in the shallows or chasing bigger reds along the jetties, this boat handles Matagorda's changing conditions like a champ. The wide beam provides a stable platform for landing fish, and there's plenty of storage for tackle boxes and gear. After a successful day on the water, you'll head back to the dock with a cooler full of fresh fish and stories to tell.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, running 20-35 inches with that signature black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and structure. Fish them year-round, but spring and fall are prime when they're most active in the shallows. People love reds because they're strong fighters, beautiful fish, and excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters - they'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, spoons, and topwater plugs. Best local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during incoming tide. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easy in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, averaging 14-24 inches with some reaching 5+ pounds. These spotted beauties have excellent white, flaky meat that's softer than most fish - just don't overcook it. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night or during low-light conditions. Spring through fall offers the best action, but winter can be productive when they school up in deeper channels. Guests enjoy them because they're aggressive feeders, great fighters for their size, and make fantastic table fare. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Local trick: fish the grass flats early morning with a topwater plug - the strikes are explosive and you'll see them coming.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are flat, camouflaged predators that hide in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach 33 inches and over 5 pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that distinctive "flatfish" look. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow bays, rivers, and coastal areas year-round, though they move offshore in winter. They're excellent eating with mild, flaky white meat. Folks love targeting them because they're great table fare and put up a surprising fight for their size. My tip: when drift fishing, keep your bait right on the bottom and use a slow retrieve - they like to think about it before they strike.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though giants can hit 8 feet and 200+ pounds. These prehistoric fish are pure muscle and known for their aerial shows when hooked. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and around structure from spring through fall when water temps warm up. While they're catch-and-release only due to bony, mercury-laden meat, the fight is what brings people back. They can jump 10 feet out of water and run like freight trains. Best fishing is late spring through summer on incoming tides. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip to give slack, or that jump will snap your line every time.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are unique fish that look like floating debris until they strike. They average 18 inches and 2-5 pounds but can reach 3 feet and 40+ pounds. These oddball fish have three fins that look like tails and change color to match their surroundings. Find them floating near weed lines, debris, or structure from surface down to 20 feet, April through October. They're becoming popular because they're acrobatic fighters despite their chunky build and taste like red snapper or grouper. They're sight-fishing targets that require stealth and patience. Best technique: spot them first, then cast well past and slowly work your bait toward them. They're easily spooked, so keep noise down and let them come to the bait rather than landing it right on them.
5.0 out of 5.0Another great trip! Despite suboptimal windy conditions that kept us off our usual flats, Capt. Jordan adjusted well and got us on...
We enjoyed our trip with Capt Jordan. He got us onto spotted trout & some reds too.
Matagorda