5.0(2 Reviews)Matagorda Bay Fishing Charter Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing charter in Matagorda Bay watersAccommodates 3 guests with tackle and cleaning service includedYearround fishing opportunities targeting multiple local species
Looking for a solid day on the water where you can actually bring home dinner? This Matagorda fishing charter delivers exactly that. Captain Jordan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not just about putting you on fish – he's about making sure you have a blast while doing it. We're talking about one of the most productive bay systems on the Texas coast, where the fishing is consistent and the variety keeps things interesting all day long.
Your day starts early with everything you need already sorted out. We've got top-quality rods and tackle ready to go, plus an ice chest to keep your catch fresh and plenty of water to keep you hydrated. The boat handles up to 6 people comfortably, though we book for 3 to give everyone plenty of room to work. Don't forget to pack your own grub and drinks – we'll handle the fish cleaning at the end of the day so you can head home with fillets ready for the pan. Just remember to grab your fishing license and bring some bait, since that's not included in the package. The captain will let you know what's working best before you head out.
Matagorda Bay gives us options, and that's what makes Captain Jordan such a reliable guide. When the flats are calm, we'll work the shallow grass beds where redfish cruise and trout sit in ambush. If the wind kicks up, no sweat – we shift to protected coves and deeper drop-offs where the fish stack up. You'll be throwing everything from soft plastics under popping corks to topwater plugs when the bite gets aggressive. The bay has miles of productive structure, from oyster reefs to mud flats, and each spot fishes differently depending on the tide and season. Captain Jordan reads the water and adjusts tactics on the fly, which is why his clients keep coming back.
"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 table fare champions of Matagorda Bay. These flatfish hang around structure and drop-offs, especially during fall when they're fattening up for their offshore spawn. They're ambush predators that lie buried in the sand, so you'll be bouncing soft baits along the bottom or slow-rolling spinnerbaits. A good flounder runs 16-20 inches, and they're absolutely delicious. The trick is feeling that subtle thump when they grab your bait – it's not aggressive like a trout hit.
Tarpon show up in summer and turn every angler into a kid again. These silver rockets can hit 100+ pounds in Matagorda Bay, and when one explodes on your topwater plug, you'll understand why they're called the silver king. They're catch-and-release fish, but the fight is pure adrenaline. Captain Jordan knows the tarpon holes where they roll and feed, usually in deeper water near the jetties or around bait schools.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout, are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures, and Matagorda Bay produces some real slabs. Spring and fall offer the best action when they school up in the grass beds. A keeper trout runs 15 inches or better, and the big gator trout – females over 25 inches – are trophy fish that fight hard and look great in photos before release.
Redfish are the backbone of Texas inshore fishing, and Matagorda's shallow flats are redfish heaven. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows year-round, feeding on crabs and baitfish. You'll spot them tailing in inches of water or see their backs cutting the surface. They're slot-limit fish between 20-28 inches, and they pull hard with that classic bulldogging fight. Reds eat everything, but they're suckers for gold spoons and topwater plugs worked over grass beds.
Tripletail are the oddball species that keep things interesting. These curious fish hang around floating debris, crab traps, and channel markers, looking like floating leaves until they decide to eat your bait. They're excellent table fare and surprisingly strong fighters for their size. Tripletail fishing is sight fishing at its best – you'll spot them suspended near structure and make precise casts with live shrimp or small jigs. They're not always cooperative, which makes landing one even more satisfying.
Matagorda Bay fishing delivers year-round, but the best dates fill up fast with Captain Jordan. This isn't just another charter – it's a day with a guide who knows how to put you on fish regardless of conditions. You'll head home with a cooler full of fillets and stories worth telling. The fishing is world-class, the captain adjusts to conditions like a pro, and you'll spend the day learning from someone who lives and breathes these waters. Whether you're bringing the family or planning a guys' trip, this charter hits all the marks. Don't wait until the prime dates are gone – book your Matagorda fishing adventure and get ready to load the cooler.
Hit the waters of Matagorda Bay aboard our reliable 24' Transcat SVT! This solid fishing platform comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the action below, and radar for those foggy morning runs. The VHF radio keeps us connected while the built-in icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this boat gets you to where the fish are biting in Matagorda's productive inshore waters. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or speckled trout along the grass lines, we've got the gear and local knowledge to put you on fish. The spacious deck gives everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. We'll provide quality rods, tackle, water, and take care of cleaning your catch so you can focus on what matters - putting dinner in the boat! Just bring your sunscreen, snacks, and favorite beverages. Bait runs extra, but we know where to get the good stuff the fish can't resist.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the ultimate shallow water prize in Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tail average 18-28 inches, but we regularly catch slot fish that'll bend your rod double. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall brings the big schools. What guests love about reds is their power - they'll strip drag and make blistering runs through shallow water. Plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat perfect for blackening. These fish are smart and spooky in skinny water, so approach quietly. My go-to tip: cast past where you see them tailing and work your bait back slowly. They'll hear it coming and usually can't resist.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-20 inches and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. They love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides around dawn and dusk. What makes specks so popular is their aggressive strike and willingness to hit both live bait and artificials. They're also great for kids and beginners since they're plentiful and not too finicky. The meat is soft, so don't overcook it or it'll get mushy. Local secret: work your lures slowly in the winter when water temps drop - they get sluggish and won't chase fast-moving baits.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, diamond-shaped fish are one of the most fun targets in Matagorda Bay. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch plenty up to 25+ inches that'll feed the whole family. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud bottoms, waiting for shrimp, crabs, and small fish to swim by. Both eyes sit on their left side - pretty wild to see up close. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore to spawn. What guests love most is how they eat - they'll hammer your bait and put up a solid fight. The meat is white, flaky, and tastes amazing fried or grilled. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale "thump," count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first, then turn it to swallow.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king of Matagorda - these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but we've seen monsters push 200+. They roll and jump like dolphins, making them easy to spot in our deeper channels and around structure. Late spring through early fall is when they migrate through our waters, feeding on mullet, shrimp, and crabs. What makes tarpon special isn't the meat (they're catch and release) - it's the fight. When hooked, they'll launch 10 feet out of the water, shake their massive heads, and test every inch of your drag. These fish can live 50+ years, so we treat them with respect. The smaller "poon" in the 20-40 pound range are perfect for beginners. Here's the key: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - keeps that hook planted.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the most unique fish we target - they look like floating debris until you get close. These chunky, olive-colored fish average 2-5 pounds but can push 15+ pounds. They swim sideways near the surface around weed lines, crab traps, and any floating structure. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes tripletail special is their acrobatic fight despite their bulky build - they'll jump and shake like a small tarpon. The meat rivals snapper or grouper with firm, white fillets. Be careful of their razor-sharp gill plates when handling. The trick with tripletail is stealth - cast well away from where you spot one and work your bait slowly toward them. They spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable battle on light tackle.
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