5.0(1 Reviews)Matagorda Family Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour private inshore charter targets redfish, trout, and drumFamilyfriendly trip accommodates four anglers with patient guidance providedCaptain supplies all tackle, bait, and ice for complete experience
Captain Chad's 7-hour private inshore charter in Matagorda Bay puts your family right where the fish live. Starting at 6:00 AM when the water's still cool and the fish are active, you'll spend the day exploring productive shallow flats and protected marsh systems that make this Texas coast gem famous among anglers. This isn't a cattle-boat operation – just your crew of up to four anglers getting personal attention from a captain who knows these waters like his backyard. Whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or looking to put some quality fish in the cooler, this trip delivers the goods without the pressure.
Your day kicks off early when the bay's mirror-calm and the redfish are cruising the shallows looking for breakfast. Captain Chad runs a shallow-draft boat that gets you into skinny water where the big boats can't reach – that's where the magic happens in Matagorda. The bay system here is perfect for families because it's protected from rough seas, but still holds serious fish. You'll work everything from grass flats loaded with trout to oyster reefs where the drum like to hang out. The captain provides all your bait, tackle, and ice, plus he's got the local knowledge that makes the difference between a slow day and filling the cooler. Kids get extra patience and hands-on instruction, while experienced anglers can dial into techniques that work best in these specific waters. The boat's set up for comfort with shade and plenty of room to move around, so nobody feels cramped during the full day on the water.
Captain Chad's got the tackle dialed in for Matagorda's conditions – medium-action spinning rods that handle everything from schoolie trout to bull reds without being too heavy for kids to manage. You'll fish live bait when the fish are finicky and artificial lures when they're aggressive, switching tactics based on what the fish are telling you. The shallow-draft setup lets you pole into water so thin you can see the fish's backs, perfect for sight-fishing reds when they're tailing in the grass. Soft plastics on jigheads work great around structure, while topwater plugs create explosive strikes during the early morning bite. The captain reads the tides and wind to position you on the most productive spots – maybe working a shell reef on the incoming tide or hitting the back lakes when the wind kicks up on the main bay. Everything's rigged and ready when you need it, from circle hooks for live bait to weedless rigs for fishing heavy cover where the big fish hide.
"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 bruisers patrol the shallows year-round, with fish ranging from slot-size keepers around 20 inches up to bull reds pushing 40 pounds. Fall and spring offer the best action when schools of reds work the flats aggressively. What makes them special is their willingness to eat in skinny water where you can watch the whole fight unfold. They'll crush a topwater plug at sunrise or slowly stalk a live shrimp along the grass line. Kids love them because they fight hard but don't usually jump, making them easier to land.
Speckled Trout bring a different kind of excitement to your Matagorda trip. These beautiful spotted fish are incredibly popular because they hit hard, taste great, and can be caught consistently when you know where to look. The best trout fishing happens during cooler months from October through March, when the fish hold in deeper potholes and along drop-offs. They're structure-oriented, so Captain Chad targets oyster reefs, grass edges, and channels where the current brings food. Trout are perfect for teaching kids proper technique since they require a gentle touch – set the hook too hard and you'll pull it right out of their soft mouths.
Southern Flounder are the bay's ultimate ambush predators, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim overhead. These flatfish are trickier to target but incredibly rewarding when you connect. They typically hold near structure transitions – where sand meets grass or along channel edges – and prefer moving water that brings baitfish within striking distance. Fall migration from September through November provides the best opportunities for keeper-size fish. What anglers love about flounder is their unique fighting style and excellent table fare. They're also great for kids because once hooked, they don't jump or make long runs.
Black Drum round out your target species list with their impressive size and bulldogging fight. Matagorda's drum fishing peaks during spring spawning runs when schools of big fish move into shallow areas. These bottom-feeders use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs, making them perfect candidates for fresh shrimp or crab baits. Drum fishing teaches patience since they're deliberate feeders, but when a big one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're popular with families because even smaller drum provide good action, while the big ones – some pushing 30-plus pounds – create memories that last a lifetime.
This Matagorda Bay charter delivers exactly what families need – quality fishing without the hassle, expert guidance without the attitude, and fish that actually bite. Captain Chad's local knowledge and family-friendly approach mean everyone from first-time anglers to experienced fishermen will have a productive day on the water. The early start gets you into fish before the crowds, while the 7-hour duration gives you time to work different areas and species as conditions change throughout the day. With
Captain Chad's 24-foot Transport SVT cuts through Matagorda Bay's waters with serious authority, powered by a robust 300 HP Suzuki that'll get your family to the fish fast. This sleek fishing machine handles the shallow bay waters like a dream, reaching speeds up to 45 knots when you need to chase the bite. The boat's built for comfort with space for four anglers, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold during those hot Texas mornings. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools of redfish and speckled trout hiding in the grass flats, while the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on wary drum without spooking them. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, and VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. Perfect for families wanting to experience Matagorda's legendary inshore fishing - from first-time kids learning to cast to experienced anglers targeting trophy reds in the back lakes.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, often called "drums" for the croaking sounds they make underwater during spring spawning. These powerful fish average 5-15 pounds but can push 40+ pounds around Matagorda's deeper holes and oyster reefs. They've got crushing jaws designed for eating crabs and oysters, so expect a serious fight when you hook one. Spring is peak season when they school up in shallow water - you can actually hear them drumming if you listen close. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic eating with firm, white meat, while the big bulls are better released. Families love them because they're steady pullers that don't jump, making them manageable for kids. Pro tip: fresh blue crab on a fish-finder rig near oyster beds during incoming tide is deadly - just be patient and let them take it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, known for their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. In Matagorda Bay, most run 18-27 inches - perfect slot-size fish that fight like freight trains. They love super shallow water, often feeding in 6 inches to 3 feet around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges where they tail like bonefish. Fall and spring are peak times, but they bite year-round when you find them. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they'll peel drag and make multiple runs that test your equipment. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. Guests get hooked on sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water. My best advice is to cast past cruising fish and work your bait back in front of them - live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly around structure.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing, with their silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. Most run 14-18 inches, but we regularly see 20+ inch "gator trout" around deeper grass beds and channel edges. They love structure - seagrass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall are prime, especially early morning and evening when they feed aggressively in 2-6 feet of water. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make runs that get everyone excited. The meat is tender and flaky, making them perfect for the dinner table. My secret is working soft plastics like paddle tails slowly along grass edges during moving water - trout are sight feeders, so keep your bait moving naturally and they'll hammer it.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms with just their eyes showing, waiting to ambush passing shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 25+ inches in Matagorda's deeper channels. They're both eyes on the left side, which kids always find fascinating. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through the bay heading to spawn offshore. What makes them special is they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The fight isn't flashy, but they pull steady and make great targets for beginners. My go-to trick is using live shrimp on a Carolina rig near oyster reefs during moving tides - let it sit still and wait for that subtle tap.
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