Matagorda Bay Afternoon Redfish Charter
Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer. This private 5-hour afternoon fishing charter targets the prime feeding windows when redfish, black drum, and sheepshead are most active in Matagorda Bay. You'll fish both East and West Matagorda bays, covering productive flats, grass beds, and structure where these sought-after species love to hang out. With all tackle provided and live shrimp when available, you just need to bring your Texas fishing license and get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
What to Expect on the Water
Matagorda Bay is one of Texas' premier inshore fishing destinations, and Captain Chad's afternoon charter takes full advantage of the bay system's incredible diversity. You'll launch into waters that stretch for miles, with countless pockets of structure, oyster reefs, and grass flats that hold fish year-round. The afternoon timing is perfect for targeting active feeders as the day cools down and baitfish start moving. Captain Chad's boat comfortably handles four anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work without crowding each other. The beauty of this private charter is the flexibility – if the fish are biting in one area, you'll stay put. If they've moved, Captain Chad knows exactly where to go next. The 5-hour window gives you serious fishing time without feeling rushed, and the afternoon start means you can sleep in and still get a full day on the water.
Gear Setup & Bay Tactics
Captain Chad comes prepared with quality tackle suited for Matagorda's conditions and target species. You'll be using medium-action rods with spinning reels that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to bull redfish. The tackle box includes a variety of jigs, soft plastics, and live bait rigs depending on what the fish are wanting that day. When live shrimp are available, that's often the ticket for multiple species – redfish and black drum especially go crazy for fresh shrimp bounced along the bottom near structure. The bay fishing here involves working different depths and cover types. You might start shallow on the flats targeting redfish in 2-3 feet of water, then move to deeper oyster bars for black drum, and finish around pilings or structure for sheepshead. Captain Chad reads the conditions – wind, tide, and water clarity – to determine the best approach for the day. He'll coach you on proper presentation, whether that's a slow drag along the bottom or a more aggressive jigging action.
Customer Stories
"I thoroughly enjoyed our fishing trip and afternoon with Captain Chad. He was very knowledgeable about the Matagorda area and it's history. We were dealing with some windy conditions but Captain Chad still found a way to put us on the bite. It was very comfortable fishing 4 people with his boat. I will most definitely be booking another guided fishing trip with Chad again soon." - BRANDON
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-28 inches in the bay system, with plenty of slot fish and some real bruisers that'll test your drag. Redfish here are incredibly aggressive, especially during their fall spawning runs when they school up in massive numbers. They love shallow grass flats during high tide and will absolutely destroy a well-presented soft plastic or live shrimp. What makes reds so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. The afternoon timing is perfect since reds often feed heavily as the day cools down.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the bay, with fish ranging from 15-inch youngsters to absolute tanks pushing 40+ pounds. These bottom dwellers are masters at using structure to their advantage, diving straight for the nearest oyster reef when hooked. They have incredibly strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so when they grab your bait, you'll know it. Black drum are most active during moving tides, and Captain Chad knows exactly which reefs and structures hold the bigger fish. They're not as flashy as redfish, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fighters in the bay.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the trip, earning their nickname as the "convict fish" with their distinctive black stripes. These guys have human-like teeth designed for picking crabs and barnacles off structure, making them notorious bait thieves. They typically run 12-18 inches in Matagorda Bay, with some quality fish pushing 3-4 pounds. What makes sheepshead so rewarding to catch is their finicky nature – you need perfect bait presentation and lightning-fast reflexes to set the hook before they steal your shrimp. They're excellent table fare and provide a fun change of pace from the power fishing for reds and drum.
Sea trout add another dimension to the mixed bag, especially during cooler months when they school up over grass beds and sandy bottom areas. These spotted beauties are aggressive strikers that'll hit both live bait and artificials. Trout in the 15-20 inch range are common, with some real slabs available during peak seasons. Southern flounder round out the slam opportunities, with these flatfish ambushing prey from sandy bottom areas and channel edges. Flounder fishing requires a different technique – slow, methodical bottom fishing that lets these ambush predators find your bait.
Time to Book Your Spot
Matagorda Bay's afternoon bite is legendary among Texas anglers, and Captain Chad's local knowledge gives you the best shot at experiencing it firsthand. This 5-hour charter provides serious fishing time in one of the state's most productive bay systems, with all the gear and expertise you need for success. Whether you're looking to bend some rods on quality fish