5.0(1 Reviews)Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charter - Morning Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour private charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Chad provides all gear, bait, and safety equipmentAccommodates up to 4 anglers on Matagorda Bay waters
When you're looking for a solid half-day of fishing without the hassle, Captain Chad's got you covered on Matagorda Bay. This 5-hour private charter with Shallowrun Guide Service puts you right where the action is - shallow flats, marsh edges, and productive bay channels where redfish, speckled trout, and flounder call home. You'll be fishing with up to 3 other anglers in your group, so it's perfect for families, friends, or anyone who wants a more personal experience on the water. All your gear, bait, and safety equipment comes with the trip, which means you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat.
Captain Chad knows Matagorda Bay like the back of his hand, and he's built this trip for anglers of every skill level. Whether you've never held a rod or you're a weekend warrior, you'll feel right at home. The morning bite is when these fish are most active, so you'll be starting early to make the most of those prime feeding windows. Chad keeps things moving - when one spot cools down, he's already eyeing the next productive area. That's the difference between a good guide and a great one. You're not stuck in one place hoping things turn around. The bay offers everything from knee-deep grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels where big trout hold. Bring your Texas fishing license, pack some snacks, and don't forget that cooler for your catch. Everything else is handled for you.
This is pure rod-and-reel fishing at its best. Captain Chad runs a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are telling him. You might be working topwater plugs over shallow grass beds at first light, watching redfish blow up on the surface. When the sun gets higher, he'll switch things up - maybe soft plastics on jig heads bounced along drop-offs, or live bait under popping corks around structure. The beauty of Matagorda Bay is its diversity. You've got expansive flats that warm up and hold baitfish, marsh drains that funnel feeding fish, and deeper bay channels where bigger trout patrol. Chad reads the water, tide, and conditions to put you on fish. The tackle is quality stuff - rods that have enough backbone for slot reds but won't overpower a nice trout. He keeps multiple rods rigged so you can switch techniques quickly when fish preferences change.
"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 bruisers love the shallow flats and marsh edges where they can ambush crabs and shrimp. You'll find them year-round, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. Slot reds - those 20 to 28-inch keepers - put up a serious fight and make excellent table fare. What gets anglers hooked is that explosive strike when a red hammers a topwater plug in two feet of water. You can actually see them coming sometimes, that bronze back cutting through the grass. They're not the smartest fish in the bay, but they make up for it with attitude and pulling power.
Speckled trout are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting. These spotted beauties are more finicky than reds, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. Spring through fall are prime time, especially during those cooler morning hours. They love structure - shell beds, drop-offs, and areas where current brings baitfish. A good speckled trout bite can make your whole trip, especially when you get into a school of keeper-size fish. They're excellent eating and beautiful fish with those distinctive black spots. The bigger ones - what locals call "gator trout" - are getting harder to find, so when you hook into a 5-pounder, you know you've got something special.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure muscle and determination. These bottom-dwellers love oyster reefs and muddy areas where they can root around for crabs and shellfish. They're most active during cooler months, and once you hook one, you'll know it immediately. Black drum don't run or jump - they just dig down and make you work for every inch of line. The bigger ones can really test your tackle and your patience. They're underrated eating too, especially the smaller ones. Many anglers overlook drum, but Captain Chad knows where to find them when other species are being stubborn.
Southern flounder are the sneaky predators of Matagorda Bay. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in wait along sandy bottoms and channel edges. Fall is prime flounder time when they're moving toward the Gulf to spawn, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. They're ambush feeders that love slow-moving baits bounced right along the bottom. When a flounder hits, it's not dramatic - just a solid thump and weight on the end of your line. But don't let that fool you. A good flounder will give you a decent fight, and they're some of the best eating fish in the bay. Captain Chad knows the structure and edges where these flatfish hang out.
This top-rated Matagorda Bay charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. Captain Chad's reputation for putting clients on fish and keeping things fun has made this a customer favorite among Texas anglers. The 5-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of bay fishing without burning a whole day. Remember, deposits are non-refun
The 24' Transport SVT cuts through Matagorda Bay's shallow waters with serious purpose. Powered by a 300 HP Suzuki engine, this sleek fishing machine hits 45 knots when you need to cover water fast, then switches to whisper-quiet mode with its wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on redfish in skinny water. Captain Chad knows every flat and marsh edge where speckled trout hide, and the onboard fish finder helps pinpoint schools before you even wet a line. The spacious deck gives all four anglers room to cast without tangling lines, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those warm Texas mornings. GPS navigation and VHF radio keep you connected and on course, whether you're working oyster reefs or drifting grass beds. Built for serious bay fishing, this boat handles everything from open water runs to tight mangrove cuts where the big reds cruise.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, ranging from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 30+ pound bulls that'll test your tackle. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and around structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time, especially March through May when they school up for spawning - that's when you can find multiple fish in one spot. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm white meat, while the big boys are better as photo opportunities. They're strong fighters that use their size and the bottom to their advantage. Pro tip: fresh blue crab is the ultimate bait, but here's what most folks miss - crack the shell slightly so the scent gets out, then fish it right on the bottom with just enough weight to hold.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put Matagorda on the map for sight fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches and are built for shallow water battles. You'll spot them tailing in 1-3 feet on the flats, cruising marsh edges, or holding around oyster reefs. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding aggressively. What makes reds special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every inch of that broad tail. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, sweet meat. The slot fish (20-28 inches) are perfect for dinner, while the oversized bulls make for great catch-and-release memories. My go-to trick: when you see a red with its head down feeding, cast your bait 3-4 feet ahead of where it's moving, not where it is. Let it find your offering naturally as it feeds along.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our bay system, running 14-20 inches on average with those beautiful spotted sides. They love grass flats, shell bars, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water most of the year, but they move to deeper channels during cold fronts. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're actively feeding, though summer early mornings and evenings produce well too. Trout are scrappy fighters with a soft mouth, so they'll test your drag technique. The meat is flaky and mild - perfect for the family fish fry. They're also great for kids since they bite readily and aren't too big to handle. Here's a local trick: when fishing soft plastics, use a slow, steady retrieve just off the bottom. Trout will often follow before committing, so don't speed up when you see one tracking your lure.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey. They run 15-18 inches typically, but we see some pushing 25+ inches in Matagorda's deeper channels and drop-offs. Look for them along muddy bottoms near structure, especially around oyster reefs and bay edges in 2-8 feet of water. Fall through early spring are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them fun is that sneaky bite - they'll suck up your bait and you barely feel it. Great eating too, with mild white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My tip: use a Carolina rig with live shrimp or small mullet, and when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to mouth the bait first.
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