4.0(1 Reviews)Matagorda Bay Afternoon Redfish & Drum Charter
4.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5-hour afternoon charter targeting redfish and black drumCaptain Chad guides up to four anglers in Matagorda BayAll tackle and live shrimp provided with expert local knowledge
Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish in Matagorda Bay. This isn't your typical crowded party boat deal – we're talking about a private 5-hour afternoon charter that targets the bay's best inshore species. You'll be fishing both East and West Matagorda bays, hitting the spots where redfish, black drum, and sheepshead love to hang out. With room for up to four anglers, this trip gives everyone plenty of elbow room to work their lines without bumping into each other.
When you step aboard Captain Chad's boat, you're getting more than just a fishing trip – you're getting a local education. This guy has been working these bays for years and knows exactly where to find fish when conditions get tough. The afternoon timing is perfect for Matagorda Bay because that's when the tide changes start moving baitfish around, and predators follow. You'll spend five solid hours working different structures, grass beds, and drop-offs that hold fish year-round. The boat comfortably handles four people, so nobody's fighting for space or getting their lines tangled. Chad provides all the tackle you'll need, plus live shrimp when available – that's the good stuff that really gets these inshore species fired up. All you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license and maybe some snacks if you get hungry.
Captain Chad runs a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are doing and where they're holding. You'll likely be throwing soft plastics on jig heads around structure, working topwater plugs over grass flats during the right conditions, and dropping live or cut bait near oyster reefs and channel edges. The tackle setup is dialed in for these Texas inshore species – medium-action rods with spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid, because you never know when a big red is going to make a run into the grass. Wade fishing might come into play if the conditions are right and the fish are shallow, but most of the action happens from the boat. Chad reads the water constantly, adjusting his approach based on wind, tide, and what the baitfish are doing. This isn't random casting – every spot has a purpose, whether it's a shell bed that holds black drum or a grass edge where reds like to ambush prey.
"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
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Matagorda Bay holds some real bruisers. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-28 inches in the bay, with plenty of slot fish and some oversized bulls mixed in. Reds love to cruise the grass flats and oyster reefs, especially during moving tides. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, and when they grab your bait, you'll know it. The fight is what makes them special – they'll make long runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the water. Fall and spring are prime time, but you can catch quality reds here year-round.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter in shallow water. These bottom-huggers can range from schooling juveniles around 2-5 pounds up to massive adults that can top 30 pounds. They love to root around oyster bars and shell beds, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and oysters. Cut bait and live shrimp fished on the bottom are your best bets. When a big drum takes off, it's like hooking a truck – they use that deep body and powerful tail to test your drag and your patience.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch, with mouths full of human-like teeth designed for picking barnacles and small crabs off structure. These black-and-white striped fish require finesse and quick reflexes – they're notorious bait stealers that can clean your hook before you even know they were there. Live or fresh dead shrimp fished tight to pilings, reefs, or other hard structure is the way to go. They typically run 12-16 inches in the bay, and while they're not the biggest fish you'll catch, they're some of the best eating. Winter months are when they really turn on around structure.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim overhead. These flatfish can be tricky to locate, but Captain Chad knows the drop-offs, channel edges, and mud flats where they like to set up. Soft plastics bounced along the bottom or live shrimp drifted with the current work best. Flounder typically range from 14-20 inches, with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 4-6 pounds. They're excellent table fare and provide a different kind of fight – more head-shaking and rolling than the power runs of redfish.
Sea trout round out the mix as willing biters that can be found throughout the bay system. These spotted beauties love grass flats and sandy potholes, especially during warmer months. They're perfect for topwater action early and late in the day, but they'll also hit soft plastics and live bait throughout the afternoon. Most trout in the bay run 12-18 inches, with some real gator trout exceeding 20 inches and
Captain Chad's 24' Transport SVT cuts through Matagorda Bay waters with authority, powered by a 300 HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This sleek inshore rig handles like a dream in shallow water, perfect for chasing redfish and black drum around the flats. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools of sheepshead around structure. With GPS navigation and VHF radio onboard, you're covered for safe travels across both East and West Matagorda bays. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 5-hour afternoon trip. Built for up to 4 anglers, this boat gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're working live shrimp around oyster reefs or throwing artificials at redfish tails, this Transport SVT delivers the performance and reliability you need for serious bay fishing.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50-plus. These bottom feeders crush oysters and crabs with powerful jaws around structure, mud flats, and shallow grass beds. Spring brings the best action when they school up to spawn - you'll actually hear their drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is that pure power when they take off on their first run, plus the smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic eating. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom, and when you get a bite, don't horse them. Let that fish run and tire itself out, or you'll pull the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing in Matagorda Bay, typically running 20-30 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near their tail. These copper-colored fighters cruise grass flats, oyster reefs, and shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding and easier to spot. What makes them special is that bulldozer fight - they'll strip drag and test your equipment like few fish can. Plus, slot-sized reds make excellent table fare with firm, mild-flavored meat. Here's my go-to strategy: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then cast past them and work your bait back slowly. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but let them run.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, typically running 14-20 inches with nice ones pushing 3-5 pounds. They cruise grass flats, drop-offs, and shell reefs in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Dawn, dusk, and overcast days produce the best bite, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their respectable fight for their size. Plus, they're excellent table fare with tender, white meat that's not too fishy. Pro tip: work your lure slow and steady over grass beds. When they hit topwater early morning, the explosion will get your heart pumping every time.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're some of the craftiest thieves in Matagorda Bay. These 2-8 pound fish hang tight to any structure - docks, pilings, rocks - using their human-like teeth to pick off barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily before spawn. Anglers love the challenge because they're notorious bait stealers, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in the bay - sweet, white, flaky meat. My secret: get your bait as close to structure as possible and when you feel that subtle nibble, don't hesitate. Set the hook hard and fast, or they'll clean your hook and disappear.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that average 15-18 inches and camouflage perfectly on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Matagorda Bay. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they're ambush predators that bury themselves in sediment waiting for shrimp, crabs, and small fish to pass by. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up before heading offshore to spawn. Guests love the challenge of spotting their subtle strikes and the excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My tip: when you feel that light tap or your line just stops moving, set the hook immediately. They're notorious for stealing bait, so stay alert and keep your rod tip sensitive.
4.0 out of 5.0I thoroughly enjoyed our fishing trip and afternoon with Captain Chad. He was very knowledgeable about the Matagorda area and it's...
Matagorda Bay