Matagorda Bay Full-Day Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour private inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Chad guides up to four guests with provided tackleFullday Matagorda Bay trip accommodates all fishing skill levels
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, Captain Chad's 7-hour Matagorda Bay charter gives you the time and opportunity to make it happen. This isn't a quick morning trip – we're talking about a full day on one of Texas's most productive inshore fisheries, targeting the big three: redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. With room for up to four anglers, this private charter lets your group fish at your own pace without rushing back to the dock when the bite gets hot. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your technique or a seasoned angler wanting to put numbers on the board, Captain Chad will put you on fish across Matagorda's diverse bay system.
Your day starts early, meeting Captain Chad at the launch with tackle already rigged and ready. The beauty of a 7-hour trip is the flexibility – we can cover serious ground, from shallow grass flats where reds cruise in knee-deep water to deeper channels where big trout hold during temperature swings. The boat's equipped with top-rated gear, so you won't need to haul your entire tackle box unless you want to throw your favorite lures. Live bait runs extra if that's your preference, but Captain Chad knows exactly what artificials are working and when to make the switch. You'll need a valid Texas fishing license before we push off – no exceptions there. The extended time on the water means we're not watching the clock when fish are biting, and that's when magic happens.
Matagorda Bay fishing is all about reading water and adjusting your approach. We'll work everything from topwater early in the morning when trout are busting bait on the surface, to slow-rolling soft plastics along drop-offs where flounder ambush prey. Captain Chad runs a shallow-draft boat that gets into places bigger vessels can't reach – those back lakes and protected coves where redfish tail in skinny water. You'll learn to sight-fish when conditions allow, but also how to work structure and grass lines when visibility drops. The tackle provided covers the full spectrum: topwater plugs, soft plastics in multiple colors, and traditional jigs that produce day in and day out. Depending on tides and weather, we might drift over shell reefs, anchor up on productive drops, or pole through shallow flats. Each spot requires different techniques, and that variety keeps the day interesting while maximizing your chances at multiple species.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Matagorda Bay holds some beautiful fish year-round. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches but don't be surprised when a bull red over 30 inches nearly spools your reel. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but summer brings sight-fishing opportunities when reds cruise the shallows with their backs out of water. What makes catching redfish so addictive is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to shake hooks. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits. Speckled trout provide steady action throughout most of the year, with the best fishing typically from March through November. These fish are school-oriented, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Trout in the 15-20 inch range are common, with occasional specimens pushing 5-6 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, shell reefs, and channel drop-offs. Southern flounder round out the slam opportunity, especially during their fall migration when doormat-sized fish move through the bay system. These ambush predators lie buried in sand waiting for prey, making them challenging but rewarding targets. Flounder fishing peaks from September through November, and a good flounder makes exceptional eating. The bonus species you might encounter include black drum, which can range from puppy drum perfect for the dinner table to massive bulls that will test your drag system.
A full-day charter with Captain Chad isn't just about catching fish – it's about maximizing your time on one of the Gulf Coast's premier fisheries. Seven hours gives you the opportunity to experience different techniques, target multiple species, and really dial in your inshore skills. The private boat means no crowding, no rushing other anglers, and the flexibility to chase whatever bite is hot. Matagorda Bay's reputation as a world-class fishery speaks for itself, but having a knowledgeable guide who knows where fish hold during different conditions makes all the difference. Don't let another season slip by wondering what you missed out on. Book your charter and get ready to experience why anglers keep coming back to these waters year after year.
Captain Chad's 24' Transport SVT delivers serious fishing performance on Matagorda Bay's productive inshore waters. This sleek bay boat combines a 300 HP Suzuki engine with shallow-water capability, letting you chase redfish, trout, and flounder from open bay structures to skinny back-lake flats. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working spooky fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. GPS navigation ensures efficient moves between productive spots throughout your 7-hour trip. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long fishing days. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers with plenty of casting room. Captain Chad provides quality tackle and knows where these fish feed across the bay system's diverse fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90 pounds. These powerful fish have crushing jaws designed for eating oysters and crabs around the hard structure they love. You'll find them on oyster reefs, muddy flats, and near creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water. Spring spawning season from February through April is peak time when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. Anglers love them for their bulldogging fight and the challenge of landing a big one. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are best for eating - the meat gets tough as they grow larger. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster structure. The crabs stay put better than shrimp and drum can't resist them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, known for that distinctive black spot near their tail and copper-bronze coloring. Most fish we catch run 18-28 inches, but we see plenty of bull reds over 30 inches that'll test your drag. They love super shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water where their backs sometimes show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most aggressive. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and the visual excitement of sight-casting to tailing fish. They're excellent table fare in the slot size range with mild, sweet meat. These fish aren't picky eaters - they'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your bait slowly back to them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, running 14-24 inches with occasional heavyweights over 5 pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, shallow reefs, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though you can catch them year-round. What guests love about trout is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the bay with delicate, flaky white meat. They school up in winter around deeper channels and shell pads, making them easier to target. The key is not overcooking them since the meat is tender. Local secret: focus on grass flats adjacent to deeper water during moving tides. Trout use these areas as feeding zones and you can often locate schools by watching for surface activity and working birds.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that hunt by burying themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Matagorda Bay, especially near structure like oyster reefs and grass beds. Fall and winter are prime times when they're most active and feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side of their head and the ability to change color to match the bottom. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local tip: when drift fishing, let your bait settle completely and watch for that subtle tick - flounder often pick up bait gently before committing to the bite.
Matagorda Bay