%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F571%2Fimages%2Fscreenshot2024-01-31at3.31.36pm.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Spotted Weakfish Fishing Charter in Matagorda
Spotted Weakfish Fishing Charter in Matagorda
4.9
19 Reviews
- 5
89% - 411%
- 3
0% - 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F5d729193-6522-4462-943a-d502a7ead174%2Fimages%2Fmatagorda-spotted-weakfish-fishing-best-11881.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Cynoscion Nebulosus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 12 and 39 inches in length, with a weight range from 3 to 17 lbs. Habitat: onshore, nearshore, coastal river. - Popular gamefish in Gulf of Mexico waters. - Commonly found from Maryland to Florida. - Prized by both recreational and commercial fishers. - Known for excellent flavor and relative ease of catch.
Fishing Charter by Captain Joe Guerra in August
Meet your Captain Joe Guerra
- Reel the Best of Matagorda with Captain Joe Guerra
Summary
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service offers specialized night gigging charters on Saturday July in Matagorda Bay. These 5-hour guided adventures combine traditional sight casting with LED-lit gigging techniques, targeting spotted weakfish, flounder, and black drum in shallow flats and back lakes. The unique nighttime fishing experience reveals an underwater world as bright lights illuminate the bay, creating perfect conditions for wade fishing and drift fishing. Local anglers consistently land quality catches including 20-inch spotted weakfish using proven techniques adapted to Matagorda's diverse inshore habitats. Bay Finatic's experienced guides provide all necessary gear and local knowledge for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to night fishing adventures.
Night Gigging Charter with Captain Joe Guerra – Rates & Booking
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Saturday July offers 5-hour night gigging adventures starting at sunset. These private charters accommodate up to 2 guests and include all LED lighting equipment, gigging gear, and safety equipment. Trips run Monday through Friday by appointment, focusing on shallow flats and back lakes where flounder, black drum, and spotted weakfish are most active. Book online or call to secure your preferred date—advance reservations recommended for weekend availability.
Highlights of 5 hour Guided Night gigging Trip In Matagorda Bay - Flounder, Black Drum and Sheepshead.
This unique fishing experience combines traditional angling with specialized gigging techniques under bright LED lights. The illuminated waters reveal fish movement patterns invisible during daylight hours, creating exceptional opportunities for sight casting and wade fishing. Recent trips have produced quality spotted weakfish up to 20 inches, along with consistent action on flounder and black drum.
The shallow water environment of Matagorda Bay provides ideal conditions for night gigging, with depths ranging from 1-4 feet in prime fishing areas. Captain Guerra's local knowledge ensures productive fishing regardless of weather conditions, adapting techniques based on tides, wind, and seasonal fish behavior.
Local Species Insights: Spotted Weakfish
Spotted weakfish thrive in Matagorda's nearshore and coastal river systems, where they feed actively during evening hours. These members of the drum family respond well to both live bait and artificial lures, particularly when worked near structure and drop-offs. Summer months bring excellent spotted weakfish action as they move into shallow feeding areas, making them perfect targets for night gigging adventures. The combination of LED lighting and traditional fishing techniques creates unique opportunities to observe and catch these prized gamefish in their natural habitat.
Plan Your Night Gigging Charter Day
Your 5-hour adventure begins at sunset with a safety briefing and equipment overview. Captain Guerra provides all specialized LED lighting systems, gigging equipment, and traditional fishing gear. The shallow-draft boat allows access to prime back lake areas where flounder and black drum concentrate after dark. Trips include ice, bait, and tackle—just bring your fishing license, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Note that flounder gigging is unavailable from November 1 to December 15 due to seasonal regulations.
Fishing in Matagorda: Spotted Weakfish
The Spotted Weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus), also known as spotted seatrout, is a highly sought-after gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This popular species features distinctive spotted patterns along its silvery sides and is commonly found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States coastal waters. In Matagorda waters this July, anglers consistently target these fish during evening hours when they move into shallow feeding areas.
Spotted Weakfish Overview
Spotted weakfish are prized by both recreational and commercial fishers for their abundance, fighting ability, and excellent table fare. These drum family members are easily recognized by their elongated body, prominent canine teeth, and characteristic spots scattered across their sides and back. They play a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem as both predator and prey species.
Spotted Weakfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and coastal river environments from Maryland south to Florida, with significant populations throughout Texas coastal waters. They prefer shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Around Matagorda Bay, they frequent areas with good water circulation and abundant baitfish populations.
Spotted Weakfish Size and Weight
Adult spotted weakfish typically range from 12 to 39 inches in length, with weights between 3 and 17 pounds. Trophy specimens can exceed these averages, particularly in productive waters like Matagorda Bay where forage is abundant and habitat conditions are optimal.
Spotted Weakfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on shrimp, small crabs, and various baitfish including mullet, menhaden, and anchovies. They are most active during dawn and dusk periods, making them excellent targets for night fishing adventures. Their feeding behavior intensifies during moving tides when prey is displaced from cover.
Spotted Weakfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters during spring and early summer months when water temperatures reach optimal ranges. During this period, fish concentrate in specific areas, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers who understand their seasonal movements and preferred spawning habitats.
Spotted Weakfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or small baitfish, artificial lures such as soft plastics and topwater plugs, and fly fishing with streamer patterns. In July around Matagorda, anglers find success using LED lights to attract baitfish, which in turn draws spotted weakfish into casting range during night gigging adventures.
Spotted Weakfish Is It Good to Eat?
Spotted weakfish offer excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The flesh has a delicate texture that works well with various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and pan-frying. Fresh fish should be cleaned and iced immediately for best flavor.
Spotted Weakfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for spotted weakfish?
A: Live shrimp and small baitfish like mullet or menhaden are most effective, though soft plastic lures and topwater plugs also produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find spotted weakfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs in 1-4 feet of water, particularly during dawn and dusk periods when they actively feed.
Q: Is spotted weakfish good to eat?
A: Yes, they offer mild, flaky white meat that's excellent grilled, baked, or pan-fried, and they're high in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch spotted weakfish?
A: Early morning and evening hours during moving tides provide the best action, with summer months offering consistent opportunities in Texas coastal waters.
