Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Seven-hour private charter targets redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Chad guides up to four guests with provided tackleFull-day Matagorda Bay trip accommodates all skill levels
When you want serious time on the water to chase trophy redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, Captain Chad's 7-hour Matagorda Bay charter gives you exactly that. This isn't your typical half-day rush job - we're talking about a full day where you can really dial in on the bite and work multiple spots across one of Texas' most productive inshore fisheries. Matagorda Bay's got the perfect mix of grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs that hold fish year-round, and with seven hours to play with, you'll have time to adjust tactics when the fish get picky. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all the high-quality tackle you need, though you can upgrade to live bait if you want to really stack the deck in your favor.
This is a private charter built for up to four anglers, so no sharing the boat with strangers or fighting for the best casting spots. Captain Chad tailors every trip to match your crew's experience level - whether you're teaching the kids their first proper fishing techniques or you're seasoned anglers looking to put some serious fish in the box. The boat launches from Matagorda Bay, and from there you've got access to miles of prime inshore habitat. Early mornings usually start working the grass flats for trout, then moving to structure and drop-offs as the day heats up. The beauty of having seven hours is you can chase the bite - if the trout are being stubborn in the shallows, you pivot to deeper water for reds cruising the edges of channels. Captain Chad reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means switching baits, changing locations, or trying different presentations until we find what's working.
You'll be fishing with quality spinning tackle that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to bull reds pushing 30 inches. The standard setup works great with artificial lures - soft plastics rigged on jig heads are the bread and butter for working grass beds and structure. Captain Chad's got an arsenal of proven baits like paddle tails, shrimp imitations, and topwater plugs for when fish are feeding aggressively in shallow water. If you opt for live bait, we're talking about premium shrimp and croaker that turn even the most finicky fish into believers. The technique varies with conditions and target species - you might be sight-casting to cruising reds in 18 inches of water, or working deeper channels with Carolina rigs for flounder. Wade fishing opportunities come up when conditions are right, letting you get up close and personal with fish in skinny water where boats can't reach. Captain Chad handles the boat positioning and provides guidance on presentation, but you're doing the fishing - that's what makes it rewarding when you stick a good one.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay, and these copper-colored fighters are what most anglers dream about. They range from schooling rats in the 18-24 inch range up to bruiser bulls that'll test your drag and your nerves. Reds feed year-round here, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest fish as they stage for their offshore spawning runs. They're ambush predators that love oyster reefs, grass edges, and shallow flats where they can corner baitfish. When you hook a good red, especially in shallow water, get ready for powerful runs and head-shaking fights that'll remind you why they're called bullreds. The slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) are excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls are catch-and-release trophies that provide bragging rights for years.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the most consistent biters in the bay system and perfect for anglers who love steady action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional trophies pushing 24 inches or better. They're structure-oriented fish that hold around oyster beds, drop-offs, and grass lines, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temperatures hit their sweet spot, but Matagorda's deeper areas hold trout through winter cold snaps. Specks are aggressive strikers that'll hammer topwater plugs in low light conditions, making early morning and late afternoon some of the most exciting times on the water. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Southern flounder might be the sneakiest fighters in the bay, but don't let their reputation as bottom-dwellers fool you - these flatfish are challenging to locate and satisfying to catch. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting to attack passing prey with lightning-fast strikes. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique, typically involving slow presentations with live or fresh dead bait near structure and channel edges. Fall months bring the best flounder action as they fatten up before heading to deeper water, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 15-inchers to doormat-sized 20-plus-inch specimens. The fight might not be as flashy as a redfish, but when you feel that distinctive head-shaking thump on the end of your line, you know you've connected with one of the bay's tastiest residents.
Black drum round out the target species list, offering variety when the primary targets get lockjaw. These bottom-feeders are powerful fighters that can grow substantial in Matagorda's nutrient-rich waters, with fish ranging from 16-inch puppy drum up to 30-pound giants that'll test your tackle to its limits. They're year-round residents that feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and oysters around hard structure. Drum fishing often involves live or cut bait presented on the bottom near oyster reefs and channel edges. While they're not the prettiest fish in the bay,
You'll fish aboard our 24' Transport SVT, a high-performance vessel that's perfect for working Matagorda Bay's productive inshore waters. Powered by a reliable 300 HP Suzuki engine, this boat cruises comfortably at up to 45 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds quickly and efficiently. The shallow-draft design lets Captain Chad navigate tight spots where redfish, trout, and flounder like to hide. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and VHF radio for safety. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when approaching spooky fish in shallow water. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh throughout the 7-hour trip. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without crowding each other. The streamlined hull design handles Matagorda's choppy waters smoothly while providing a stable fishing platform for all skill levels.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders up to monsters pushing 40+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers love crushing oysters and crabs with their powerful jaws around shell reefs, pilings, and shallow flats. Spring is when they really shine - March through May they school up for spawning and you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, but keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough and stringy. You'll find them in everything from 2 feet to 20 feet of water, but the productive spots are usually oyster beds and structure. Live or fresh-dead crab is hands-down the best bait - blue crab halves work great. Pro tip: use a fish-finder rig to keep your bait on the bottom and be patient - drum bites can be subtle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put Matagorda Bay on the map for inshore fishing. These copper-colored fish with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 20-28 inches in the shallows, perfect slot-size fish. They cruise grass flats, oyster reefs, and shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring are peak when they school up in big numbers. What guests love most is watching them tail in skinny water and that explosive topwater bite - it never gets old. They fight hard, pulling drag and making long runs. The meat is excellent, with a mild flavor that's perfect on the grill. These fish will eat just about anything when they're feeding, from live shrimp to big topwater plugs. Local trick: look for nervous baitfish or slight wakes in the shallows, then make a long, quiet cast ahead of where they're moving.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These silver beauties with dark spots typically run 14-20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 24+ inches that'll make your day. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and structure in 3-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring through fall are peak times, but winter can be dynamite when they school up in deeper holes. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're aggressive feeders that put up a scrappy fight. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also great for beginners since they're pretty forgiving. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic over grass beds, but here's the key: when the bite gets tough, slow way down and fish the bottom - those fish are still there, just not as aggressive.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in Matagorda Bay. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches, though we've caught some pushing 25 inches. They bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Both eyes sit on their left side, which always gets a reaction from first-timers. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through the bay system heading to spawn offshore. What makes them special is their ability to change color to match the bottom - it's like watching nature's own camouflage in action. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them a favorite for the dinner table. My tip: drift slowly over shell reefs and mud flats with a light jig and live shrimp, keeping your bait right on the bottom where they're waiting.
Matagorda Bay