5.0(1 Reviews)Matagorda Bay Family Inshore Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Seven-hour private inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and drumFamily-friendly trip accommodates four anglers with all gear providedEarly morning departure ensures cooler conditions and better fishing
Captain Chad knows what makes a perfect family fishing day on Matagorda Bay. This seven-hour private charter kicks off at 6 AM when the water's still cool and the fish are hungry. You'll cruise the shallow flats and protected marshes aboard a boat built for these waters, targeting the bay's top species while keeping everyone comfortable and engaged. Whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or looking to put some serious fish in the cooler, this trip delivers the goods without the crowds.
Your day starts early for good reason – Matagorda Bay fishes best in those cooler morning hours when redfish cruise the shallows and trout work the grass beds. Captain Chad runs a shallow-draft boat that gets you into spots the bigger rigs can't reach, from protected back lakes to productive marsh edges. The setup handles up to four anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to cast without tangling lines. All your tackle, bait, and ice come included, so you just need to grab your Texas fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and bring sun protection. The captain keeps things relaxed but productive, adjusting techniques based on what's working and who's fishing. Kids get patient instruction while experienced anglers can work more challenging presentations. When someone hooks up, everyone gets excited – that's the beauty of fishing with family.
Inshore fishing around Matagorda Bay means working structure and reading water conditions. Captain Chad sets you up with the right gear for each situation, whether that's throwing soft plastics along shell reefs, working topwater over grass flats, or dropping live bait near channel drops. The shallow-water boat lets you fish everything from knee-deep flats where redfish tail in the morning to deeper cuts where black drum stack up. Techniques vary with the conditions – sight fishing when the water's clear, working scent trails when it's murky, and adjusting retrieves based on water temperature. The captain handles boat positioning while explaining what to look for, from nervous water to baitfish activity. Tackle stays simple but effective: medium-action rods matched to the target species, reels spooled with appropriate line weights, and a selection of proven baits that produce in these waters.
"The captain was friendly from the start. He had a great attitude and is very knowledgeable about what he does. It wasn't long into the trip that it felt just like we were fishing with one of my buddies from back home." - Charlie Faz
Redfish are the stars of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters patrol the shallows year-round, with peak action during spring and fall when they school up in impressive numbers. Slot-size reds typically run 18 to 28 inches and put up a memorable fight, making long runs and using their broad tails to shake hooks. What makes them special here is the sight fishing opportunities – watching a red's back fin cut through shallow water before making your cast never gets old. They're forgiving targets for beginners but challenging enough to keep experienced anglers interested, especially when they're spooky in clear, shallow water.
Speckled trout, or sea trout as locals call them, are the bay's most consistent biters throughout the year. These spotted predators love the grass beds and drop-offs around Matagorda, with fish ranging from 12-inch schoolies to wall-hangers pushing five pounds or more. Spring and early summer produce the biggest numbers, while fall brings the largest individuals. Trout are perfect for teaching casting accuracy since they often hold in specific spots along structure. They hit a variety of baits and lures, making them ideal for mixed-skill groups. When you find a good trout bite, multiple fish from the same area are common.
Southern flounder provide some of the most exciting fishing in the bay system, especially for kids who love the surprise factor. These ambush predators bury in sand and mud bottoms, exploding on baits with aggressive strikes that catch anglers off-guard. Fall migration from September through November brings the best flounder action as fish move toward the Gulf. Keeper-size flounder start at 15 inches, with good fish running 18 to 22 inches. They're excellent table fare and provide a different fishing experience from the other species, often requiring more patience and bottom-focused techniques.
Black drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, with fish ranging from schoolie-size juveniles to bulls exceeding 30 pounds. These bottom-feeders use their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish, making them perfect targets when other species aren't cooperating. Spring brings the largest concentrations as drum move into shallow water to spawn, though keeper-size fish are available year-round. What anglers love about drum fishing is the variety – you might catch a dozen schoolies in quick succession, then hook into a monster that tests your drag and patience. They're also forgiving fish for beginners, often giving multiple chances when they mouth the bait.
This family-friendly charter combines productive fishing with a relaxed atmosphere that works for everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers. Captain Chad's local knowledge and patient teaching style make it a top-rated choice for families visiting the Texas coast. The seven-hour format gives you time to try different spots and techniques without feeling rushed, while the early start ensures you're fishing during prime hours. With all gear included and fish cleaning available, you can focus on making memories and maybe filling the cooler. Matagorda Bay's year-round fishing opportunities mean any season can produce great results, so don't wait to secure your dates for this customer favorite experience.
Captain Chad's 24' Transport SVT is built for serious inshore fishing in Matagorda Bay's shallow waters. This sleek fishing machine packs a 300 HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise at 45 knots, getting your family to the hottest redfish and trout spots fast. The shallow-draft design slips into those tight marsh areas where the big fish hide. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking speckled trout in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate schools of drum and flounder. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus GPS and VHF radio ensure safe navigation through the bay's maze of channels. Whether you're teaching kids to fish or chasing that slot red, this boat handles Matagorda's inshore waters like a pro.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, and they'll test your drag system. These bruisers typically weigh 10-30 pounds, with some bulls pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise oyster beds, shallow mudflats, and around any structure where they can crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning in March and April. What guests love is the raw power - these fish make long, steady runs that'll make your arms burn. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones are better released. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near oyster shell. When they pick it up, let them run before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our bay system and what most guests dream about catching. These copper-colored bruisers typically range 18-28 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime time when they school up and feed heavily. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and the sight-fishing opportunities in skinny water. Plus, they're protected gamefish, so we practice catch and release to keep the fishery strong. My go-to trick: look for nervous water or "waking" fish, then cast a gold spoon or topwater plug just ahead of them and work it slow.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-20 inches, with some nice "gator trout" pushing 24+ inches. They love grass flats, shallow reefs, and drop-offs in 3-6 feet of water. Spring and fall offer peak action, especially on overcast days or during low-light periods. Trout are popular because they hit hard, jump when hooked, and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. They're also great for kids since they're aggressive feeders. The key is matching the hatch - if shrimp are running, use live shrimp under a popping cork. When baitfish are thick, try soft plastics on 1/4 oz jig heads. Work them slowly and be ready for that distinctive "thump."
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise in Matagorda Bay. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some up to 25 inches on good days. They bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush passing bait. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water around structure drops, channel edges, and near oyster reefs. Fall and winter offer the best action as they fatten up before heading offshore. What makes flounder special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side - and they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: use a slow drift with live mud minnows or shrimp on a light jig head, and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite.
5.0 out of 5.0The captain was friendly from the start. He had a great attitude and is very knowledgeable about what he does. It wasn’t long into...
Matagorda Bay