Full Day Advanced Fishing Trip In Matagorda Bay
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour advanced fishing trip targeting trophy redfish and troutProfessional captains guide experienced anglers using advanced techniquesUp to three guests aboard 21foot performance boat
This isn't your typical half-day outing on the water. When you book this 8-hour advanced fishing trip with Captains Nicolas and Chris, you're signing up for a serious day of angling in one of Texas' most productive bay systems. Matagorda Bay delivers consistent action for experienced anglers who know how to work the water, and this extended format gives you the time to really dial in your technique while chasing some genuine trophy fish. With space for up to 3 guests aboard their 21' JH Performance boat, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you head out.
Your day starts early, meeting at the dock while the morning air still has that cool bite to it. Captains Nicolas and Chris have been working these waters for years, and they'll have the boat rigged and ready with everything you need for a full day of serious fishing. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is that you're not rushing from spot to spot – you have time to work areas properly, adjust your approach when the bite slows down, and really focus on improving your casting accuracy and lure presentation. These guys know where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns, so you'll be covering everything from shallow grass flats where reds cruise looking for baitfish to deeper channels where the big trout like to ambush prey. The extended time on the water means you can adapt to changing conditions and fish multiple spots without feeling rushed.
This trip is built for anglers who already know their way around a rod and reel. You'll be working with artificial lures most of the day, focusing on perfecting your retrieve techniques and learning to read subtle strikes. The captains will show you how to work topwater plugs in the early morning bite, transition to soft plastics when the sun gets higher, and adjust your approach based on water clarity and structure. You'll be casting to shoreline structure, working drop-offs along channel edges, and sight-fishing to cruising reds in the shallows. The 21' JH Performance handles the bay's varying conditions well, from skinny water flats to the deeper holes where big drum like to hang out. All tackle is provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you have favorite setups you prefer to fish with.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, and these copper-colored fighters put up a serious scrap once they feel the hook. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats in water so thin their backs are almost breaking the surface, especially during the warmer months. They're aggressive feeders and will slam a well-presented spoon or soft plastic with authority. Most reds here run between 20-28 inches, with plenty of slot fish perfect for the dinner table and some oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. Spotted Seatrout are another favorite target, particularly the bigger "gator trout" that patrol deeper grass beds and channel edges. These fish are more finicky than reds but incredibly rewarding when you dial in the right presentation – a slow-sinking soft plastic worked just above the grass tops is often the ticket. Summer Flounder add another dimension to the fishing, especially around structure and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. They're excellent table fare and provide a different kind of fight than the other bay species. Black Drum are the heavyweights of the system, with big fish often exceeding 30 pounds. They're bottom feeders that require a different approach, but when you hook into a big drum in shallow water, it's a battle you won't forget anytime soon.
If you're ready to step up your bay fishing game and spend a full day learning from experienced captains while targeting quality fish, this trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. The combination of Captains Nicolas and Chris' local knowledge, the extended time on the water, and Matagorda Bay's diverse fishing opportunities makes this a top-rated choice for anglers who want more than just a quick fishing trip. You'll come away with improved techniques, a better understanding of how to read bay waters, and hopefully a cooler full of quality fish. The small group size ensures plenty of personal attention and coaching throughout the day. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – experienced captains who run quality trips like this tend to book up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Hit the waters of Matagorda Bay aboard our 21' JH Performance boat, built to handle everything from shallow flats to deeper channels where the big fish hang out. This spacious rig comfortably fishes up to 5 anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines without bumping elbows. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky redfish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate those deeper holes where trout stack up. GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the onboard icebox means your drinks stay cold and your catch stays fresh. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working soft plastics through grass beds, this boat puts you in position to connect with trophy-class fish across Matagorda's diverse waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with trophy fish pushing 50+ pounds. These powerful bottom-feeders love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use crushing jaws to crack open shellfish. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in 2-4 feet of water. You'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater - that's how they got their name. The fight is all about raw power and endurance. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent table fare, but the big ones are better released. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and be patient. They're notorious for picking up bait and moving off slowly, so wait for that steady pull before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing here in Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches but trophy bulls can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They love super shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges where they tail and cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active in the shallows. What makes reds special is that explosive topwater strike and their bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and make long runs. Plus, slot-sized fish are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. My favorite approach is sight-fishing with topwater plugs at first light. When you see those bronze backs in skinny water, cast ahead of them and work it slow.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing, typically running 14-18 inches with occasional trophy fish over 24 inches. These silvery beauties with distinctive black spots patrol grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk. They're most active during cooler months when water temps drop into the 60s and 70s. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table quality - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great fighters for their size, often jumping when hooked. Best strategy is working soft plastics or topwater plugs over grass beds in 2-6 feet of water. Key tip: slow down your retrieve during cold fronts - trout get lethargic and need an easy meal presented right in front of them.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are master ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. They're found in deeper channels and drop-offs around structure where current brings food. Fall months from September through November offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes them special is their unique appearance and fighting style - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the bay. The meat is white, flaky, and mild. Pro tip: hook your bait through the lips and keep it moving slowly along the bottom. Flounder will often grab bait and sit still, so give them time to turn it before setting the hook.
Matagorda