5.0(2 Reviews)Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter for Reds & Trout
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday private charter targets redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Chad provides gear, bait, and local expertiseProductive Matagorda Bay waters accommodate up to four anglers
Picture yourself casting into the clear, shallow waters of Matagorda Bay where redfish cruise the grass flats and speckled trout patrol the drop-offs. That's exactly what you'll get with Captain Chad and Shallowrun Guide Service on this top-rated half-day fishing adventure. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's passionate about putting his guests on fish. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore game, this 5-hour private trip delivers the goods. You'll have the boat to yourselves, which means no crowds, no rush, and plenty of room to work when that drag starts screaming.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Chad at the dock, coffee in hand and anticipation building. The morning bite is prime time for inshore species, and Chad makes the most of every minute on the water. This is a private charter for up to four anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention. Chad provides all the tackle, bait, and safety gear – you just need to bring your valid Texas fishing license, some snacks, and your favorite beverages. The beauty of Matagorda Bay lies in its diversity of structure and habitat. One moment you're working a shallow grass flat where redfish tail in knee-deep water, the next you're drifting over an oyster reef where flounder ambush unsuspecting baitfish. Chad reads the conditions daily – wind, tide, water clarity, bait movement – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. He's not stuck on one spot or technique, which is exactly what separates the good guides from the great ones.
Captain Chad comes equipped with quality spinning gear matched perfectly to the species you're targeting. For redfish, expect medium-heavy rods with enough backbone to turn a bull red away from structure, but sensitive enough to feel that subtle pickup. The tackle box is loaded with proven producers – soft plastics in chartreuse and pink, gold spoons that flash through the water column, and topwater plugs for those explosive morning strikes. Techniques vary with conditions, but you'll likely experience everything from sight-casting to tailing reds, working soft plastics along drop-offs for trout, and bouncing jigs across sandy bottoms for flounder. Chad's approach is hands-on but not overbearing – he wants you to feel the fight and make the catch, but he's right there with guidance when you need it. The boat is set up for success with a shallow draft that gets you into the prime fishing zones other boats can't reach. Live bait is available when the bite calls for it, typically live shrimp for trout and croaker for the bigger drum and reds.
"As always, CAPT. CHAD was awesome! He found the fish. Too many to count. Another great experience. R" - Richard
"Once again, CAPT CHAD delivered a high quality fishing experience for me and our grandchildren. Great spots, lots of fish, including some beautiful reds & drum. A fabulous weather day as well. We look forward to fishing again with CAPT CHAD. RICHARD" - Richard
Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These bronze-backed bruisers average 18 to 28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish that make excellent table fare. Reds are year-round residents, but fall and winter months offer some of the most consistent action as they school up in deeper water. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll peel drag and test your patience every time. Captain Chad targets them along grass lines, over shell bottom, and around structure where they hunt for crabs and baitfish. The sight-fishing opportunities are world-class when conditions align, watching nervous water and tailing fish in crystal-clear shallows.
Speckled trout, or sea trout, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and Matagorda Bay produces some beauties. These spotted predators typically run 14 to 20 inches, with occasional "gator" trout pushing 25 inches or better. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, holding in deeper water near drop-offs and channel edges. Trout have a soft mouth, so the fight is more about finesse than power, but their willingness to hit topwater plugs and the way they jump when hooked makes them a customer favorite. They school up heavily during winter months, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. These flatfish range from 14 to 22 inches typically, with some doormat-sized fish pushing 4 to 6 pounds. Fall months from September through November offer the best flounder action as they stage for their offshore spawning run. What's exciting about flounder fishing is the technique – bouncing jigs along the bottom, feeling for that subtle thump that signals a pickup. They're also excellent eating, which makes them a popular target for anglers looking to take home dinner.
Black drum round out the target species list and provide some of the most consistent action in Matagorda Bay. These bottom-dwelling fighters average 16 to 26 inches and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around oyster reefs, pilings, and rocky areas where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Black drum are year-round residents, but spring and fall offer peak action. They're not the prettiest fish in the bay, but their fighting
The 24' Transport SVT cuts through Matagorda Bay's shallow waters with authority, powered by a reliable 300 HP Suzuki that gets you to the fish fast. This sleek inshore rig handles like a dream whether you're running the flats for redfish or working deeper pockets for speckled trout. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Chad position the boat silently over productive spots without spooking wary flounder. You'll stay comfortable with the onboard icebox keeping your drinks cold during those hot Texas afternoons. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and baitfish, while GPS navigation ensures efficient travel between honey holes. VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fishing reports. With space for four anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. The shallow draft design opens up backwater areas where big reds love to cruise, giving you access to spots larger boats simply can't reach.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, commonly running 10-20 pounds with some giants pushing 40+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster reefs, muddy flats, and structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning in shallow water - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're not the prettiest fish, but they pull like freight trains and smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. Bigger fish get tough and stringy, so we usually release those bruisers. The key to landing drum is patience - they mouth the bait before committing. Use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and let them take it. When you feel that steady weight, set the hook and hang on.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water fishing here in Matagorda. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-28 inches in the bay, with their signature black spot near the tail. They love cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they're feeding heavy before winter. What guests love is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. Plus, slot-sized fish make outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. The trick is staying quiet and watching for wakes or tailing fish. Once you spot them, cast ahead of their path with a gold spoon or topwater plug. Work it slow and steady - when they hit, hold on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Matagorda Bay fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 14-18 inches, with some keeper-sized fish pushing over 20 inches. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and shell reefs in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime, but they school up in deeper channels during winter cold snaps. Trout are aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they fight well but aren't too overwhelming. Pro tip: fish early morning and late evening around grass beds. Use a popping cork with live shrimp or throw soft plastics over the grass - let it fall into the pockets.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are one of those fish that really test your patience and technique. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches in Matagorda Bay, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches. They're masters of camouflage, burying in sand and mud bottoms waiting to ambush shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. You'll find them in shallow bay waters, around grass flats, and near structure during warmer months. Fall and winter are prime time when they're actively feeding before heading offshore. What makes them special is their unique fight - they pull hard and steady once hooked, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. My go-to tip: work your bait slow along the bottom and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite - they don't slam it like other species.
5.0 out of 5.0As always, CAPT. CHAD was awesome! He found the fish. Too many to count. Another great experience. R
Once again, CAPT CHAD delivered a high quality fishing experience for me and our grandchildren. Great spots, lots of fish, includi...
Matagorda Bay