Half Day Guided Fishing In Matagorda Bay
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday guided fishing trip targeting redfish and troutExpert captains provide local knowledge for productive fishingFourhour morning departure accommodating up to three guests
Picture yourself casting lines in one of Texas' most productive fishing spots at first light, with Captains Nicolas and Chris guiding you to the best holes and structure. This 4-hour morning trip kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp, putting you right in the sweet spot when fish are most active. Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and deeper channels create perfect habitat for Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and Black Drum – exactly what makes this destination a customer favorite among Texas coastal anglers. Whether you're looking to nail your first keeper red or add another speckled trout to your count, these waters deliver consistently.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when you want to be fishing these waters. The bay stays relatively calm compared to open Gulf waters, making it perfect for anglers who want productive fishing without fighting heavy seas. Captain Nicolas and Chris know every grass bed, oyster reef, and drop-off where fish like to hang out. You'll be working both shallow flats where reds cruise looking for crabs and deeper pockets where trout stack up. The 4-hour window gives you solid fishing time without wearing you out – perfect for families or anyone wanting a taste of what Matagorda Bay fishing is all about. With space for up to 3 guests, you get personalized attention and won't feel crowded when multiple fish hit at once.
Your guides come equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. In Matagorda Bay, you'll primarily be working with live shrimp and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Expect to do some sight casting on the flats when water clarity allows – watching a big red track down your bait never gets old. You'll also work structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs where trout and drum like to ambush prey. The guides switch up techniques based on conditions, tides, and what species are most active. Popping corks work great for trout in the deeper areas, while weedless spoons and soft plastics are go-to choices when working the grass flats for reds. Don't worry if you're new to any of these techniques – that's exactly why you have experienced guides showing you the ropes.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters cruise the shallow flats year-round, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) are perfect eating and put up a solid fight on medium tackle. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water or see their distinctive bronze backs cruising just under the surface. What makes reds so exciting here is the sight-fishing opportunities – there's nothing like watching a 25-inch red track down your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water.
Spotted Seatrout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the other main target and arguably the best eating fish in the bay. They stack up around structure during cooler months and spread out over grass flats when it warms up. Keeper trout (15+ inches) are common, with occasional gator trout over 25 inches showing up to make your day. Specks hit fast and jump when hooked, making them fun on lighter tackle. The best bite usually happens early morning, which is exactly when you'll be out there.
Summer Flounder add variety to your catch and are masters of camouflage on sandy bottoms near channel edges. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large in Matagorda Bay, with doormat flounder over 20 inches always possible. They're ambush predators that hit hard once they decide to eat, often surprising anglers who think they're snagged on bottom. Peak flounder action runs from late spring through early fall.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with bull drum over 30 inches providing serious pulling power. Younger drum in the 14-24 inch range are excellent table fare and more common catches. These fish love oyster reefs and deeper holes, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. When a big drum takes your bait, you'll know immediately – they pull like freight trains and test your drag system. Fall and winter typically produce the largest drum, though they're present year-round.
This top-rated half-day trip gives you everything needed for a successful morning on Matagorda Bay – experienced guides who know the water, quality tackle, and access to some of Texas' most consistent fishing. The early start time puts you on fish when they're feeding, and the 4-hour duration lets you hit multiple spots without feeling rushed. Whether you're targeting your first redfish or looking to add more keeper trout to your cooler, Captains Nicolas and Chris have the local knowledge to make it happen. Morning trips book up quickly, especially during prime fishing months, so don't wait to secure your spot on the water.
This 21-foot JH Performance boat is built for serious fishing in Matagorda Bay's productive waters. Designed to handle up to 5 anglers comfortably, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing redfish, trout, and flounder. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the hotspots where these Texas coast favorites like to hang out. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those warm mornings on the water. With plenty of casting room and stable footing, this boat gives you the perfect platform for sight-fishing the shallows or working deeper structure where black drum patrol.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These copper-colored bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bulldogs that'll test your drag and patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig right on the bottom - let them pick it up and run before setting the hook. They're notorious for their slow, deliberate bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature catch of Matagorda Bay, easily spotted by their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches in our shallow waters, typically 1-4 feet deep around oyster reefs and grass flats. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up aggressively. These fish fight like trucks - long, powerful runs that'll burn drag. They're also excellent eating with firm, slightly sweet meat. What guests love most is sight fishing - watching their backs cruise the shallows with tails waving above water. My secret weapon is a gold spoon worked slowly over grass beds during moving tides. When you see a red's back, cast well ahead and let the spoon flutter down naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing, running 14-24 inches with beautiful silver sides covered in distinct black spots. These speckled beauties cruise grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when water temps are in the 70s. Trout are scrappy fighters with soft mouths, so you need to play them carefully. The meat is fantastic - mild, white, and flaky when cooked right. My favorite approach is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. The key is a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pops. Keep your drag light because they'll throw the hook if you horse them.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise in Matagorda Bay, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and are built like pancakes with both eyes on one side. They love structure like channel edges and drop-offs where they can blend in perfectly. Fall months from September through November are peak season when they're most active and easier to locate. What makes them special is their chameleonic ability to change colors instantly. The meat is premium - sweet, white, and flaky. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or finger mullet on a sliding sinker rig. Keep your bait moving just off the bottom and be patient - they'll inhale it sideways and you need to give them time to turn it.
Matagorda