Premier Matagorda Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: November 14, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$500 - $800 price range

Summary

Matagorda Bay is a top-notch spot for inshore fishing, and this 5-hour trip lets you make the most of it. You'll be in good hands with a captain from a family of Texas fishing guides going back three generations. They know exactly where to find the Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll have a great time trying different fishing styles. Live bait and artificial lures both work well here. You can choose a morning or afternoon trip, perfect for fitting into your schedule. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a nice way to spend time on the water with friends or family. The captains at First Class Fishing Charters really know their stuff, so you're set up for a solid day of fishing in one of Texas' best inshore areas.

Premier Matagorda Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Rods, Reels, and Catches

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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.

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

Reel In Texas Gold: Matagorda Bay Fishing

Ready to tangle with some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer? Hop aboard our 5-hour Matagorda Bay charter and get set for a day of rod-bending action. Whether you're chasing tailing reds in the shallows or working a topwater for speckled trout, we've got the local know-how to put you on the fish. With three generations of guiding experience under our belts, we know every nook and cranny of this bay system like the back of our hand. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see why Matagorda is a bucket-list destination for anglers in the know.

What to Expect on the Water

Our Matagorda trips are all about variety and action. We'll cruise the bay, hitting prime spots where the fish are biting. Depending on conditions, we might be sight-casting to redfish, drifting live bait for trout, or working shell reefs for black drum. The beauty of Matagorda is its diversity – one minute you're in knee-deep water, the next you're fishing a deep channel edge. We provide all the gear and knowledge; you just bring your sense of adventure. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll have you casting like a pro in no time.

Techniques That Hook 'Em

In Matagorda, we're all about matching our approach to what the fish want. Some days, it's all about finesse – working soft plastics with a subtle twitch to tempt wary trout. Other times, we'll chunk live bait and let the redfish do the work. For you artificial enthusiasts, we've got a tackle box full of local favorites – from classic gold spoons to the latest swimbaits. And when the topwater bite is on? There's nothing like watching a big trout explode on your lure. We'll teach you the ropes, from how to work a popping cork to the art of sight-casting in skinny water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish are hard-fighting and great eating. In Matagorda, we get some real bruisers – 30-inch fish aren't uncommon. Look for their copper backs and spotted tails in the shallows, especially on calm mornings. These guys will test your drag and your biceps.

Speckled Trout: If redfish are the brawlers, specks are the acrobats. Known for their silver-spotted sides and delicate mouths, trout are a blast on light tackle. We target them year-round, but the big gator trout show up in winter. Nothing beats the thrill of a speck crushing a topwater lure at dawn.

Flounder: The masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait to ambush their prey. We catch them drifting or working structure with soft plastics. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they start their migration to the Gulf. These flatfish might not look like much, but they put up a scrappy fight and are delicious on the dinner table.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are the bulldogs of the bay. They hang around oyster reefs and channel edges, and when hooked, they dig deep. We catch them on live or cut bait, and the bigger ones make a distinctive croaking sound that you can feel through your rod. Spring is trophy time for big uglies, as we call the oversized drum.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda isn't just another fishing spot – it's a slice of old Florida right here in Texas. The lack of development means we've got miles of pristine shoreline and endless fishing opportunities. Our clients love the variety – one trip you might be sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you're drifting deep water for trout. And let's not forget the chance at a grand slam – redfish, trout, flounder, and drum all in one day. It's this mix of quality and quantity that keeps folks coming back year after year.

Top Catches This Season

This year's been a doozy for big fish. We've been seeing more oversize reds than usual, with several pushing the 40-inch mark. The trout fishing has been lights out, especially around the gas wells and deeper shell pads. And don't get me started on the flounder run – we had days where everyone on the boat limited out before lunch. With the bay in such great shape, who knows what records we might break on your trip?

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, I could talk fishing all day, but nothing beats experiencing Matagorda for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some Texas-sized reds or a newbie hoping to bend a rod, we've got you covered. Our 5-hour trips are perfect for getting a taste of what Matagorda has to offer, and with morning and afternoon options, we can work around your schedule. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure today, and let's make some memories on the water. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life.

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in Matagorda's brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. These bottom-feeders love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Spring's the prime time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig Black Drum for their strong pull and good eating, though stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best flavor. When you're out there, listen for their distinctive croaking sound – it's how they communicate and can give away their location. Pro tip: use a heavy enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom where these guys feed. And don't set the hook too early; let them take the bait and run with it a bit first.

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay, known for their coppery color and black tail spot. Most inshore reds run 20-30 inches, but you might hook into a monster bull red over 40 inches. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, often in water barely covering their backs. They love to hang around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and creek mouths. Fall's the prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard-pulling fight and excellent table fare. They'll hit just about anything – live bait, soft plastics, or topwater lures. Here's a local secret: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for pushes of water or swirls. That's often a redfish rooting for crabs in the mud. Cast ahead of them and hang on – when they hit, it's like hooking a freight train.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a Matagorda Bay favorite. These silver beauties usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Trout are popular for their mild, flaky meat and the thrill of topwater strikes. They'll hit a variety of lures, from soft plastics to topwater plugs. One local tip: on calm mornings, look for "slicks" – oily spots on the water surface caused by feeding trout. These are dead giveaways for where the fish are holding. When you find a school, work the area thoroughly – where there's one trout, there's often many more.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage in Matagorda's inshore waters. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 26 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like jetties or drop-offs. They're ambush predators, so they'll wait for prey to come to them. Fall's usually the best time to target Flounder as they move towards the Gulf. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky fish. When you're out, try drifting with the current, dragging a live mullet or soft plastic on a jig head along the bottom. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the Flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait – they often grab it sideways before turning it to swallow.

About the 25' Mowdy

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing in Matagorda Bay! We'll cruise the inshore waters in a comfortable, well-equipped boat perfect for up to 3 guests. Our seasoned captain knows all the prime spots where redfish, trout, flounder, and drum love to hang out. Whether you're into using live bait or prefer artificial lures, we've got you covered. With three generations of local fishing knowledge, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have a great time out on the water. Choose between a morning or afternoon 5-hour trip - either way, you're in for some excellent angling action. Our boat has everything you need for a successful day, including quality rods, reels, and safety gear. Come experience why Matagorda Bay is such a hot spot for inshore fishing!

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