5.0(1 Reviews)Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter - Morning Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour private charter targets redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Chad provides all gear, bait, and safety equipmentAccommodates up to 4 anglers across Matagorda Bay waters
When you're looking for a solid half-day of fishing without the hassle, Captain Chad's 5-hour morning charter on Matagorda Bay delivers exactly what you're after. This top-rated private trip accommodates up to 4 anglers and focuses on what the bay does best - consistent action with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. You'll work shallow flats, marsh edges, and productive bay channels with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a weekend warrior looking to get your limit, this charter strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and productive.
Captain Chad runs a no-pressure operation that puts fish in the boat without making anyone feel like they're at fishing boot camp. Your morning starts early, which is exactly when you want to be on Matagorda Bay - the fish are active, the water's calm, and you've got the prime feeding windows ahead of you. The beauty of this charter is the variety you'll encounter. One cast might have you fighting a bull redfish in two feet of water, while the next could connect you with a keeper speckled trout over deeper bay structure. Chad moves the boat based on what's happening that day, not some predetermined route, so when the bite slows at one spot, you're already heading to the next productive area. All your gear, bait, and safety equipment come with the trip, which means you can focus on fishing instead of rigging lines and sorting tackle boxes.
This is classic Texas inshore fishing at its finest - rod and reel work that lets you feel every bump, every run, and every head shake. You'll be throwing everything from soft plastics over grass flats to live bait around structure, depending on what the fish want that particular morning. The shallow water fishing here means sight-casting opportunities when conditions line up right, and there's nothing quite like watching a redfish crush your lure in clear, knee-deep water. Captain Chad provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, plus he's got the local knowledge to match your presentation to the conditions. Whether that means downsizing your jig head for finicky trout or switching to a topwater plug when fish are busting bait, he'll keep you in the game. The boat setup allows everyone to fish comfortably without tangled lines or crowded casting, and Chad's expert filleting service at the end means your fish go home table-ready.
"Great day of fishing. On them quick, great variety, good stories, and move to a fresh spot when things begin to cool down. Plus really expert filet work at the end." - Richard Truman
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for action to bull reds that'll test your drag system and your arms. Spring through fall offers the most consistent redfish action, with fish scattered across shallow flats during warmer months and congregating in deeper channels when temperatures drop. What makes reds so popular isn't just their willingness to bite - it's the way they fight, with powerful runs and stubborn head shakes that keep your rod bent. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within the slot limit.
Speckled trout, or specks as locals call them, are the thinking angler's fish in Matagorda Bay. These spotted beauties relate to structure, grass beds, and drop-offs, making them a bit more predictable once you understand their patterns. Peak speckled trout fishing typically runs from late spring through early winter, with the biggest fish often caught during cooler months. They're notorious for their delicate mouths, so landing a good trout requires a bit more finesse than horse-fighting a redfish. The reward is worth it though - specks are considered some of the best eating fish in Texas waters.
Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're masters of disguise and table fare champions. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms and ambush prey, making them exciting targets when you're working the right areas. Fall brings the best flounder action as fish move toward Gulf passes for their spawning runs, often producing the biggest flatties of the year. Don't let their appearance fool you - flounder can put up a surprising fight, especially the bigger "doormat" fish, and they're absolutely phenomenal when it comes to eating quality.
Black drum round out the target species list and provide some of the most consistent action when other fish get finicky. These bottom-feeders are built like tanks and fight accordingly, making them popular with anglers who appreciate raw power over speed. Drum fishing stays productive year-round in Matagorda Bay, with bigger fish typically showing up during spring and fall migrations. They're not the prettiest fish you'll catch, but smaller drum are excellent eating, and the bigger ones provide memorable fights before going back in the water.
Captain Chad's morning charter offers exactly what most anglers want - good fishing without the complications. You'll cover productive water, target multiple species, and work with a guide who prioritizes putting fish in the boat over showing off his local knowledge. Remember to bring your valid Texas fishing license, some snacks for the trip, and a cooler to take your cleaned fish home. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of fishing without turning into a marathon day, and the 4-angler capacity means you're not fighting for space or attention. This is the kind of charter that turns first-timers into regular customers and gives experienced anglers exactly what they're looking for - a solid day on the water with fish to show for it.
Captain Chad's 24-foot Transport SVT cuts through Matagorda Bay's shallow waters with serious power from its 300 HP Suzuki engine. This fishing machine hits 45 knots when you need to cover ground fast, but the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working the redfish flats. The GPS and fish finder help locate those honey holes where speckled trout hang out, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. An onboard icebox handles your catch and cold drinks during the 5-hour morning hunt. Built for up to 4 anglers, this boat's designed to slip into skinny water where the big reds cruise the marsh edges and bay channels.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bruisers of Matagorda Bay, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders to bulls pushing 30+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster reefs and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - you'll hear their drumming sounds underwater during March and April. They're tough fighters that use their weight and power to test your drag. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to landing drum is fresh crab bait fished right on bottom. My local tip: use blue crab halves and let them find it - these fish hunt by smell and feel, so keep your bait still and be patient.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in Matagorda Bay, cruising shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water. These copper-colored beauties average 20-28 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They love oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges where they root for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up and feed heavily. What makes reds special is their power - they'll strip drag and make long runs in shallow water. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They'll eat everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, but here's my go-to trick: use a gold spoon in stained water and work it just fast enough to flash. When you see their backs out of water, that's your shot.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our bay system, running 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots along their silver sides. They cruise grass flats, drop-offs, and shell reefs hunting shrimp and baitfish. Cool weather from fall through spring brings the best bite, especially on overcast days or around dawn and dusk. Trout are scrappy fighters with a soft mouth, so they'll test your drag technique. The white, flaky meat is some of the finest eating in the bay - just don't overcook it. These fish respond well to both live shrimp and soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Pro tip: when fishing artificials, use a 1/4 oz jig head and work it with subtle twitches. Trout often strike on the fall, so pay attention to your line.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud along our bay bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but we regularly see keepers up to 25 inches that'll put a good bend in your rod. They love muddy flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges where baitfish gather. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes flounder fishing special is the ambush strike - they hammer your bait from below with surprising power. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale thump, count to three before setting the hook. They grab prey sideways first, then turn to swallow it headfirst.
5.0 out of 5.0Great day of fishing. On them quick, great variety, good stories, and move to a fresh spot when things begin to cool down. Plus ...
Matagorda Bay