Top-Rated Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: November 14, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$500 - $800 price range

Summary

Matagorda Bay offers prime inshore fishing for anglers of all skill levels. With First Class Fishing Charters, you'll spend 7 hours exploring diverse fishing spots, targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum. Your captain brings generations of local knowledge to help you find the best areas based on current conditions. Whether you prefer live bait or artificial lures, you'll have ample opportunity to try different techniques throughout the day. The extended trip time lets you really settle in, maximizing your chances for a great catch while soaking up the natural beauty of the bay. It's an ideal full-day adventure for up to 3 guests who want to experience the rich fishing grounds of the Texas coast. Your guide's expertise ensures you'll hit the most productive spots as you cruise the waters of this exceptional fishery.

Top-Rated Matagorda Inshore Fishing Charters

Bay Fishing Action

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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 the Big Ones: Matagorda Bay Fishing

Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious fish-slaying action in Matagorda Bay? Our 7-hour guided trips are the real deal, giving you plenty of time to hit all the honey holes and fill your cooler. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. With three generations of Texas fishing in our blood, we know every nook and cranny of this bay system. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get after those reds, specks, and more!

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's break it down for you. We'll be cruising the diverse inshore waters of Matagorda Bay, known for its killer fishing spots. You'll have your pick of techniques - we can sling some artificial lures or go old school with live bait. It's all about what's working best that day. We'll hit multiple spots throughout the trip, giving you the best shot at a mixed bag of redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. And don't worry about the gear - we've got you covered with top-notch equipment. Just bring your A-game and be ready to reel 'em in!

Fishing Tactics That Fill the Box

Listen up, because here's where the magic happens. We'll be using a mix of tactics depending on what the fish are biting. Some days, we're tossing soft plastics or topwater lures, working the grass flats and oyster reefs. Other times, we're anchoring up and fishing live shrimp under a popping cork - a Texas staple that flat-out catches fish. For those big bull reds and black drum, we might chunk some cut bait on the bottom. And if the flounder are running, get ready for some precision casting along drop-offs. It's all about adapting to what Mother Nature throws our way, and that's where our experience really pays off.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's talk targets, folks. Matagorda Bay is home to some of the most sought-after inshore species in Texas. First up, the mighty redfish. These copper-colored bulldogs will test your drag and your biceps. They hang around year-round, but fall is when they really shine. Look for them tailing in shallow water or busting bait on the surface.

Next, we've got speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em. These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're great eating and even better fighting. Spring and fall are prime time for big specks, but we catch 'em all year long.

Don't forget about flounder - these flatfish might not look like much, but they're delicious on the plate and fun to catch. They love to ambush bait fish along drop-offs and around structure. Fall is the best time to target them as they migrate to the Gulf.

Last but not least, black drum. These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes, but we target the "puppy drums" in the 5-30 pound range. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they pull like a freight train and taste great too. You can catch them year-round, with spring being particularly good.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

I'll tell you what, there's something special about Matagorda Bay that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of watching a big red crash a topwater lure, or the satisfaction of limiting out on specks before lunch. Could be the chance at a trophy flounder, or just the peace and quiet of being out on the water. Whatever it is, this place has a way of getting under your skin. And with our local knowledge and flexible approach, we make sure every trip is tailored to what you want to catch and how you want to fish. It's not just about filling the cooler (though we do that too) - it's about creating memories and stories you'll be telling for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to get out on Matagorda Bay and tangle with some serious inshore action, now's the time to lock in your date. Our 7-hour trips give you the best bang for your buck, with plenty of time to explore different spots and really dial in the bite. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some bull reds, finesse some specks, or maybe even score a flounder slam, we've got the skills and local intel to make it happen. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Grab your fishing buddies, give us a call, and let's get you on the water. The fish are waiting, and the memories are ready to be made. Book your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure today!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters that'll test your gear. These cousins of the Redfish usually run 5-30 pounds, but can hit 90 in rare cases. Look for 'em around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in 1-4 feet of water. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. That drumming sound you hear? That's how they got their name. For eating, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds – the big boys get tough and lose flavor. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight and make for good table fare when prepared right. Pro tip: use a heavy-duty circle hook to keep 'em from swallowing it whole. These fish can crush oyster shells, so your gear needs to be up to the task.

Redfish

Redfish are the stars of Matagorda Bay, known for their powerful runs and copper color. Most run 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs in shallow flats. They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers prize Reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table quality. They'll hit just about anything – live bait, soft plastics, or topwaters all work well. Here's a local secret: on calm days, try sight-casting to tailing Reds in ultra-shallow water. It's a heart-pounding experience when you see that big tail go down and your line goes tight.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges in 3-6 feet of water. 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. Anglers love Specks for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They'll hit both live bait and artificials, making them fun for all skill levels. Try topwater lures early in the morning for explosive action. Local tip: when you find one Trout, there's usually more nearby. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage in Matagorda Bay. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near drop-offs or structure. They're ambush predators, so look for areas with baitfish activity. Fall is prime time, especially September through November. Anglers love targeting Flounder for their delicious, mild white meat and the challenge they present. They're not big fighters, but outsmarting them takes skill. Use a slow retrieve with live bait like mullet or croaker, or try bouncing a jig 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, then reel steadily to hook 'em.

About the 25' Mowdy

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Our comfortable inshore fishing boat is ready to take you on a 7-hour adventure through Matagorda Bay. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast lines and reel in your catch. The vessel is well-equipped for navigating the diverse fishing spots in the bay system. Your experienced captain will guide you to prime locations for hooking redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. Whether you prefer using live bait or artificial lures, the boat has you covered. Enjoy the scenic views of the Texas coast as you cruise between fishing spots. With ample deck space and sturdy railings, you'll feel secure as you battle your next big fish. The boat's shallow draft allows access to skinny water areas other vessels can't reach. Spend a full day on the water in comfort, with shade and seating available when you need a break from the action.

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