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Competitive Matagorda Bay Fishing Charters

  • Published Date: November 14, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Matagorda
  • $500 - $800 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of tournament-style fishing on Matagorda Bay. This 10-hour guided charter puts you right in the action, targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum. Your captain comes from three generations of Texas fishing guides, so you'll benefit from deep local knowledge of the most productive spots. Whether you prefer live bait or artificial lures, we've got you covered. The bay system here is known for its excellent fishing, and our extended trip gives you plenty of time to maximize your catch. It's perfect for competitive anglers looking to test their skills or anyone wanting to spend a solid day on the water. With room for up to 4 guests, you can bring along friends or family for this immersive fishing experience. By the end of the day, you'll have gotten a real taste of what makes Matagorda Bay fishing so special.
Competitive Matagorda Bay Fishing Charters

Matagorda Bay Catches

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Black drum fish caught in TX

Your Matagorda fishing guide showing off a trophy Black Drum catch.

A person fishing in Matagorda

Discovering some of the best spots for wade fishing in Matagorda, TX, catching Redfish along the way.

Scenic view of Matagorda

Redfish and Speckled Trout highlights on Matagorda Bay guided fishing trips.

A fisherman catching a redfish in Matagorda

Anglers enjoying family fishing trips in Matagorda Bay with Captain Ashton.

5 fishing line with Matagorda location

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Redfish caught in Matagorda during fishing

Private fishing trips in Matagorda Bay for small groups, catching Redfish together.

Sheepshead fish caught while fishing in Matagorda

Working with one of the best fishing guides in Matagorda Bay area for Redfish and Sheepshead.

Redfish caught while fishing in TX

Current Matagorda Bay fishing report and conditions showing excellent Redfish activity.

A person fishing for a black drum in TX

Matagorda wade fishing for trophy trout and Redfish with expert guidance.

Redfish caught in TX

Exploring the waters of Matagorda TX fishing charters near Sargent and Palacios, landing Redfish along the way.

Black drum fish caught in TX

Your Matagorda fishing guide showing off a trophy Black Drum catch.

A person fishing in Matagorda

Discovering some of the best spots for wade fishing in Matagorda, TX, catching Redfish along the way.

Scenic view of Matagorda

Redfish and Speckled Trout highlights on Matagorda Bay guided fishing trips.

A fisherman catching a redfish in Matagorda

Anglers enjoying family fishing trips in Matagorda Bay with Captain Ashton.

5 fishing line with Matagorda location

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Redfish caught in Matagorda during fishing

Private fishing trips in Matagorda Bay for small groups, catching Redfish together.

Sheepshead fish caught while fishing in Matagorda

Working with one of the best fishing guides in Matagorda Bay area for Redfish and Sheepshead.

Redfish caught while fishing in TX

Current Matagorda Bay fishing report and conditions showing excellent Redfish activity.

A person fishing for a black drum in TX

Matagorda wade fishing for trophy trout and Redfish with expert guidance.

Redfish caught in TX

Exploring the waters of Matagorda TX fishing charters near Sargent and Palacios, landing Redfish along the way.

Black drum fish caught in TX

Your Matagorda fishing guide showing off a trophy Black Drum catch.

A person fishing in Matagorda

Discovering some of the best spots for wade fishing in Matagorda, TX, catching Redfish along the way.

Scenic view of Matagorda

Redfish and Speckled Trout highlights on Matagorda Bay guided fishing trips.

A fisherman catching a redfish in Matagorda

Anglers enjoying family fishing trips in Matagorda Bay with Captain Ashton.

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Reel in the Big Ones: Matagorda Bay Tournament Trip

Get ready to fish like the pros on this 10-hour guided charter in Matagorda Bay. We're talking serious angling action, folks. With a seasoned captain from a family of Texas fishing legends, you'll be hitting the hottest spots for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum. Whether you're looking to sharpen your tournament skills or just want a full day of non-stop fishing, this trip delivers. Grab your lucky hat and let's get after it!

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't your average fishing trip. We're talking a full 10 hours on Matagorda Bay, one of Texas' premier fishing grounds. Your guide comes from three generations of local experts, so you know you're in good hands. We'll be targeting the bay's most sought-after species using both live bait and artificial lures. The boat's set up for four anglers, so bring your buddies or make some new fishing friends. Just remember, we don't provide meals, so pack a cooler with plenty of snacks and drinks – trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there!

Fishing Like the Pros

On this trip, we fish tournament-style. That means we're constantly on the move, hitting prime spots as the tide and conditions change. We'll use a mix of techniques – from sight-casting to reds in the shallows to working deeper channels for trout. Your guide will show you how to read the water, spot fish signs, and present your bait or lure for maximum effect. Don't worry if you're new to this style – we'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. And for you seasoned anglers, get ready to up your game with some local insider knowledge.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of Matagorda Bay. They love to cruise the shallows, often with their tails sticking out of the water (we call that "tailing"). Reds put up a great fight, especially on light tackle. They're most active in the fall, but you can catch them year-round here. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big red stripping line off your reel!

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're known for their spotted pattern and sharp teeth. Specks are ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure and drop-offs. They're most active in the cooler months, but summer can be hot for big ones. Landing a trophy speck is a badge of honor for any Texas angler.

Flounder: These flat fish might not look like much, but they're prized for both their fight and their taste. We target them as they migrate to and from the Gulf, with fall being prime time. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but when you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate! The "doormat" flounder (big ones) are the holy grail of flatfish angling.

Black Drum: The heavyweight champions of the bay, big black drum can top 30 pounds! They're bottom feeders with a distinctive "chin whiskers" look. Spring is the best time for the big ones, but smaller "puppy drums" are around all year. When a big drum takes your bait, hold on tight – it's like hooking a bulldozer!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot – it's a angler's playground. The mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and oyster reefs creates a perfect habitat for a variety of game fish. Our long fishing day gives you time to really explore and find the hot bite. Plus, with a knowledgeable guide, you're not just fishing – you're learning. Every trip here is different, and that's what keeps folks coming back. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you could be hauling in monster trout. It's addictive, I'm telling you!

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster reds cruising the flats – I'm talking 30-inch-plus bruisers that'll test your drag and your biceps. The trout bite has been insane too, especially around the deeper channels on incoming tides. And don't even get me started on the flounder – we've been pulling in some real doormats. Of course, every day is different on the water, but that's the beauty of it. You never know when you might hook into the fish of a lifetime!

Gearing Up for Success

We provide all the tackle you need, but if you've got a favorite rod and reel, feel free to bring it along. Light to medium spinning gear is perfect for most of what we'll be doing. Wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes – you'll be on your feet a lot. Don't forget sun protection – hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. A rain jacket's always a good idea too, just in case. Oh, and bring a camera – you're gonna want proof when you land that monster red or trophy trout!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're ready for a serious day of fishing Matagorda Bay style, it's time to lock in your date. This 10-hour trip is perfect for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and really dial in their techniques. Whether you're prepping for a tournament or just want to fish like the pros do, this is your chance. Remember, we're limited to four anglers per trip, so don't wait too long. The big ones are out there waiting – let's go catch 'em!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are tough fighters that'll test your gear. They typically run 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can hit 90. You'll find 'em in Matagorda's shallows, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. These bottom-feeders love crabs and shrimp, so that's what you'll want to use. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Listen for their drumming sounds - it's how they communicate. The smaller ones under 15 pounds taste best, with a nice flaky texture. For the big boys, we usually catch and release. A local trick: use a heavy sinker to keep your bait on the bottom where they feed. The fight's fun, but be ready to work - these fish don't give up easy. And watch out for those crushers in their mouth - they can demolish an oyster shell, so mind your fingers!

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay. Look for that telltale spot near the tail - it's like a bullseye for anglers. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can top 40. You'll find 'em in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs and grass flats. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. These fish put up a hell of a fight and taste great too. Try live shrimp or mullet, or go artificial with topwater lures for some explosive action. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs. Sight-casting to tailing reds is about as fun as it gets. Just be stealthy - they spook easy in the shallows.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a favorite in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in the grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're suckers for artificial lures - try topwater plugs early morning or jigs later in the day. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's just right. Trout are known for their light, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for 'slicks' on the water surface - that's where trout have been feeding. Cast your lure right on the edge of those slicks, and you're in for some action. Just remember, these fish are delicate, so handle 'em with care if you're catch-and-release.

Sea Trout

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are the chameleons of Matagorda Bay. These flatfish blend right into the sandy bottom, with both eyes on one side - pretty wild, right? They're ambush predators, so they'll wait for bait to swim by. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 26 pounds. Look for them in estuaries and inshore waters, especially from September to November. They love live bait - try minnows, mullet, or sea worms. Here's a tip: use a circle hook and drag your bait slowly along the bottom. Flounder have a unique bite - they'll grab the bait and move off, so give 'em a second before setting the hook. Folks love catching these for their fight and their excellent table fare. The meat's white, flaky, and mild - hard to beat for a fish fry.

Summer Flounder

About the 25' Mowdy

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Get ready for a full day of competitive fishing action on Matagorda Bay! Our 10-hour guided charters are perfect for anglers looking to test their skills in a tournament-style setting. You'll be in prime position to target prized catches like Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum. Our captain comes from three generations of Texas fishing guides, so you'll benefit from deep local knowledge of the most productive spots. Whether you prefer live bait or artificial lures, we'll adapt to the conditions to maximize your chances. With room for up to 4 guests, you can bring along friends or family to share in the excitement. This extended time on the water gives you ample opportunity to land that trophy fish and rack up an impressive catch. If you're serious about inshore fishing and want to make the most of Matagorda Bay's abundant waters, this is the charter for you!
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Don’t miss your chance to experience unforgettable family fishing adventures with First Class Fishing Charters in Matagorda! Book your private charter today and reel in Redfish, Black Drum, Sea Trout, and Flounder while making memories that last a lifetime

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