4.0(1 Reviews)Matagorda Bay Afternoon Redfish Charter
4.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5hour afternoon charter targets redfish and black drumCaptain Chad guides up to four anglers in Matagorda BayAll tackle and live shrimp provided with experienced local guide
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.
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.
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.
"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 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.
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
The 24' Transport SVT cuts through Matagorda Bay's waters with authority, powered by a 300 HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This sleek bay boat handles the shallow flats and deeper channels with equal confidence, making it perfect for chasing redfish, black drum, and sheepshead across both East and West Matagorda bays. Captain Chad keeps up to 4 anglers comfortable while working the productive afternoon bite. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into skinny water without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate those honey holes. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the 5-hour trip, and the VHF radio ensures safety on the water. With all tackle provided and live shrimp when available, this boat has everything needed for a successful afternoon of inshore fishing in one of Texas' premier bay systems.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. They're bottom-feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're bulldogs once hooked, making long runs and testing your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with firm, white meat. Bigger fish are better released. Fresh crab is the gold standard for bait, but our live shrimp works great too. Pro tip: keep your bait right on the bottom and don't set the hook too early - let them really take it before you swing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Our slot fish run 20-28 inches, but we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 30+ inches that'll test your tackle. They cruise shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime, but they bite year-round here in Matagorda. What makes reds special is their power - they'll make screaming runs and fight you all the way to the boat. Plus they're fantastic eating within the slot limit. You'll find them tailing in skinny water or cruising drop-offs. Live shrimp is hard to beat, but they'll crush topwater plugs and soft plastics too. Local tip: look for nervous baitfish and muddy water - that's usually reds feeding. Make long casts and work your bait slow.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are gorgeous silver fish covered in black spots. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds in our waters. They love grass flats, shallow reefs, and drop-offs in 3-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are best, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding actively on shrimp and small baitfish. Specks are solid fighters with a soft mouth, so you need to play them carefully. They're also excellent table fare - tender, white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. During summer, we find them deeper during the day, moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Winter pushes them to deeper holes and channels. Here's a local trick: when you catch one speck, work that area hard because they usually travel in schools. Light tackle and live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly effective.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Texas bays with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we occasionally see 8-10 pounders. These structure lovers hang tight to docks, bridge pilings, and oyster reefs where they munch on barnacles and small crabs. Winter through early spring is peak season when they're most active and aggressive. They're notorious bait thieves - those teeth let them nibble your shrimp right off the hook. But when you hook one solid, they're scrappy fighters. The payoff is some of the best eating in the bay - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use a sharp hook, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They don't give second chances.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are one of our most unique targets - they're flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 3 feet. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud on shallow flats, waiting to strike at shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our bay system heading to spawn offshore. What makes them fun is they can be tricky to spot until they explode off the bottom. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. My tip: watch for their outline in the sand and cast your live shrimp just ahead of where you think they're lying. When you feel that tap, set the hook quick - they're notorious for stealing bait.
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