Renowned Matagorda Bay Wading Trips | Texas Fishing

Published Date: November 14, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$500 - $800 price range

Summary

Get ready for a real Texas wade fishing experience in Matagorda Bay. This 7-hour guided trip puts you right in the action, targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum in shallow waters. Your captain brings three generations of local fishing knowledge to help you find the best spots based on the day's conditions. Whether you prefer live bait or want to try your hand with artificial lures, this trip caters to all skill levels. You'll have plenty of time to hone different techniques and explore productive areas throughout the bay system. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get personalized attention from your guide. It's a hands-on day on the water that captures the essence of inshore fishing in Texas. Perfect for anglers looking to dive deep into the local fishing scene and improve their wade fishing skills.

Renowned Matagorda Bay Wading Trips | Texas Fishing

Wading for Winners

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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.

Wade Into Matagorda's Angler Paradise

Get ready to step into the shallow waters of Matagorda Bay for a hands-on fishing adventure like no other. This 7-hour guided wade fishing trip puts you right in the heart of the action, where you'll cast for prized Texas inshore species using both live bait and artificial lures. With three generations of fishing know-how behind your seasoned guide, you're in for a day of top-notch angling in one of the Lone Star State's most productive fisheries.

What to Expect on the Water

Kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes as you wade into Matagorda's rich ecosystem. This isn't your average boat fishing trip - it's an immersive experience where you'll be knee-deep in prime fishing territory. Your guide will show you the ropes, from reading the water to perfecting your cast, ensuring even newcomers to wade fishing leave with new skills and hopefully a few fish stories to tell. With a full 7 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to explore different spots and techniques as the tide and conditions change throughout the day.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

Wade fishing is all about stealth and precision. You'll learn to move quietly through the shallows, spotting telltale signs of fish activity like nervous bait or subtle swirls on the surface. Your guide will help you choose between live bait - think fresh shrimp or finger mullet - and a variety of artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons. Expect to do a lot of sight-casting, where you'll spot a fish and present your bait right in its feeding zone. Don't forget to pack some polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and help you spot those tailing redfish!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored brutes are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on their tail, redfish love to cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish. In Matagorda, you can find them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Nothing beats the thrill of watching a big red's back break the surface as it tails in skinny water.

Speckled Trout: Often called "specks" by locals, these spotted predators are a favorite for both their fight and their flavor. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. Matagorda's grass flats and oyster reefs are prime trout territory. These fish are suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or a live shrimp under a popping cork.

Flounder: The masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bay bottom for unsuspecting prey. While they can be caught year-round, the fall "flounder run" is when these flatfish really shine. As they migrate to the Gulf to spawn, anglers target them around channels and passes. A slow-dragged soft plastic or live mud minnow is your best bet for enticing a strike.

Black Drum: These bulldogs of the bay might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you a run for your money on light tackle. Black drum love to root around oyster reefs and muddy bottoms for crustaceans. They're available all year but really turn on in late winter and early spring. Fresh peeled shrimp or crab is like candy to these powerful fighters.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot - it's a slice of Texas angling heaven. The vast, shallow flats and countless oyster reefs create a perfect habitat for gamefish, while the area's relatively light fishing pressure means you're often casting to fish that haven't seen every lure in the book. Add in the intimacy of wade fishing, where you're fully immersed in the environment, and you've got a recipe for unforgettable days on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Matagorda's diverse fishery offers something for everyone.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to trade the daily grind for the gentle lapping of waves and the screaming drag of a big redfish? This Matagorda Bay wade fishing trip is your ticket to experiencing some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer. With expert guidance, prime fishing grounds, and a full day to perfect your technique, you're setting yourself up for a day of pure angling bliss. Don't let another season slip by - grab your spot on one of the top-rated fishing charters in Matagorda and get ready to make some lasting memories on the water. Book now and prepare to wade into your next great fishing adventure!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters you'll find cruising Matagorda's shallow flats and oyster beds. These cousins of the Redfish typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, but can reach a whopping 90 pounds. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water, especially around structures like pier pilings and creek mouths. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight and make tasty table fare when smaller (under 15 pounds). To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook with just enough weight to keep it on the bottom. Work it slowly - these guys are methodical feeders. Listen close and you might even hear their distinctive drumming sound. For fly anglers, a 9-weight rod with a weighted black fly like a Clouser Minnow does the trick.

Redfish

Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay fishing. These copper-colored bruisers, with their distinctive tail spot, love shallow water - we're talking 1 to 4 feet deep. You'll find 'em cruising flats, oyster reefs, and around structures like old piers. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much bigger. Redfish put up a stubborn, powerful fight that'll test your gear and skills. They're not picky eaters - live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures all work well. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing reds in super shallow water. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Local tip: on windy days, fish the lee shores where baitfish get pushed up. And don't forget, redfish make excellent table fare with their mild, sweet flavor.

Sea Trout

Speckled Trout are a staple in Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These silver beauties, spotted with black dots, typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. Trout are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures - topwater plugs, jerk baits, and soft plastics all work well. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet too. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love 'em for their sporty fight and excellent taste on the table. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, look for subtle v-shaped wakes on the surface - that's often a trout on the prowl. Cast ahead of the wake and hold on tight!

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, also called Fluke, are ambush predators that'll test your skills here in Matagorda Bay. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can grow over 26 inches. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend in with their surroundings. Fall is prime time, especially September through November. Flounder are popular for their fun fight and excellent eating. To catch 'em, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like mullet or croaker. Hook smaller bait through the eye, larger ones through the lips. My local tip: use a circle hook and fish near drop-offs where flounder wait to ambush prey moving with the tide. Once you hook one, be ready - they'll make a hard run before you can get 'em in the boat.

About the 25' Mowdy

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Our Matagorda Bay wade fishing trips offer an authentic Texas inshore experience, perfect for anglers who love getting up close with the water. We'll spend 7 full hours exploring the shallow waters, targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum using both live bait and artificial lures. Your captain brings three generations of local fishing knowledge to help you find the most productive spots based on the day's conditions. Whether you're looking to refine your techniques or simply enjoy a day of hands-on fishing in a beautiful setting, our guided charters provide ample time on the water. With a small group size of just 3 guests, you'll get personalized attention as you wade through Matagorda's rich fishing grounds. Book your trip today and discover why Matagorda Bay is a top destination for Texas inshore fishing enthusiasts.

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