Book Your Fishing Charter in Matagorda, TX

Matagorda, Texas, is the third oldest town in all of Texas. In its heyday, it was considered an important cultural center in the state. Now, it is well-known for having one of the most important shipwreck artifacts in the US - the La Belle, which was the flagship of explorer Robert La Salle, who led an expedition that landed at the Matagorda Bay in the 1860s. Matagorda is considered one of Texas’ best-kept secrets, a beloved spot for anglers and bird watchers alike. The shores of the awe-inspiring Matagorda Bay, near the Colorado River delta, are a spot for the fantastically diverse wildlife that nature lovers from all over Texas and beyond come back to over and over again. Golfers love a good challenge in Matagorda’s golf courses. Matagorda is indeed a tourist town that must not be overlooked, especially for historical shipwreck buffs and nature lovers who love to participate in sports and activities while enjoying the beauty of nature. 

Matagorda: Secret Fishing Haven

The Matagorda Bay nourishes both freshwater and saltwater species all year round. Its clean waters and low pollution levels help to ensure that most catches in this part of Texas are trophy size, as long as you know where and when to look. It’s a great spot to check out if you want to try kayak fishing, wade fishing, and flounder gigging. Many fishing charters around the area will be more than happy to give you a hand in trying any of these unique fishing methods.  In the summer, try joining the Texas Trio Classic Fishing Tournament for Redfish, Flounder, and Trout. Women can also join the Matagorda Mermaid Competition, the longest-running offshore tournament for women on the Texas Gulf Coast. 

Top catches in Matagorda:

• Speckled trout - available all year round, but especially plentiful and a joy to catch wade fishing and kayak fishing during springs and summers. 
• Redfish - another Matagorda constant, and just like the speckled trout, can be caught wade fishing and kayak fishing
• Sheepshead - available all year round, except at the height of summer around August. Target this fish species during the colder months when speckled trout and redfish are not as active in biting
• Black drum - not as active during colder months, but are active biters come springtime until the first half of summer season
• Flounder - catch this fish species around the Colorado River delta, Oyster Lake, and Port O’Connor during the warmer months, but not at the height of summer around August when they begin to slow down

Things to Do in Matagorda, TX

1. Bird watching

Bird watchers flock to Matagorda, just as migratory birds do during spring and fall, making it a top birding destination in North America. Visitors who can only fit in one spot to visit should go to Matagorda County Birding Nature Center, which has a view of the Colorado River that runs alongside it, making it a perfect spot for a great variety of bird species.

2. Golfing

World Hall of Famer Gary Player designed not just one but two golf courses in the sprawling nature of Matagorda. Channel your inner hall of Famer as you tackle either golf courses - Palacios Golf Course and the Rio Colorado Golf Course - and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.

3. A Walkthrough of History

The town itself is a testament to its rich history with its old cultural structures, schools, and churches. Take a gander at the shipwreck artifacts of the great but tragic La Belle which is housed at the Matagorda County Museum.