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Caught a trophy redfish inshore in Matagorda
Redfish Fishing in Matagorda
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - They have a red-colored back that fades to a white belly. - Very popular among fishermen and prized for their light flavor.
Fishing Charter by Captain Joe Guerra in October
Meet your Captain Joe Guerra
- Reel the Best of Matagorda with Captain Joe Guerra
Summary
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Friday October offers tournament-style inshore fishing charters targeting redfish and speckled trout in Matagorda Bay. This 7-hour guided fishing experience combines drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting techniques across prime inshore waters where structure and current breaks consistently hold fish. The clear fall conditions and shallow flats make Matagorda Bay excellent for light tackle fishing, with redfish cooperative throughout the day. Perfect for company retreats, team-building exercises, or serious tournament preparation, these full-day charters provide all equipment while accommodating teams up to 4 anglers on a center console boat designed for inshore tournament fishing.
Fishing Charter with Captain Joe Guerra – Rates & Booking
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Friday October specializes in tournament-style inshore fishing across Matagorda Bay's prime waters. This 7-hour guided fishing charter accommodates teams up to 4 anglers with all equipment provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear to solidify that winning tournament trophy. The center console boat is specifically designed for inshore tournaments, with experienced captains handling navigation so your team can focus entirely on fishing. Licensed guides provide local expertise year-round, making this ideal for company retreats and team-building exercises. Book your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure today and experience why this area produces consistent results for redfish and speckled trout.
Highlights of Full Day Guided Fishing Tournament Charter in Matagorda
This tournament-focused charter combines three proven techniques: drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting with lures to target cooperative redfish and speckled trout. Matagorda Bay's structure and current breaks hold fish consistently, with shallow flats ranging 1-4 feet providing perfect conditions for light tackle fishing. The clear fall conditions typical for the season create ideal visibility and fish activity, allowing guides to work prime spots when fish are most active.
Bay Finatic's approach emphasizes tournament preparation and team coordination, with captains handling all boat operations while your crew focuses on fishing strategy. The 7-hour duration provides ample time to work multiple productive areas across Matagorda Bay's extensive inshore waters, maximizing your chances for steady action throughout the day.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and backcountry waters, where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish around structure breaks and current edges. These copper-colored drum are perfectly adapted to the bay's 1-4 foot depths, using their downturned mouths to root through sandy bottoms and oyster bars. In October, redfish become increasingly active as water temperatures cool, making them more willing to chase lures and take baits throughout the day. The combination of jigging and light tackle proves especially effective, as these fish respond well to both vertical presentations near structure and horizontal retrieves across grass flats.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your tournament-style charter includes a center console boat equipped for up to 4 anglers, with all fishing equipment provided by experienced guides who know Matagorda Bay's productive waters. Early morning departures take advantage of prime feeding times, while the 7-hour duration allows for comprehensive coverage of the bay's best inshore spots. Captains handle all navigation and boat positioning, letting your team concentrate on fishing techniques and tournament strategy. Don't forget your fishing license and any personal gear you prefer – Bay Finatic welcomes anglers who want to use familiar equipment alongside their provided tackle.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier game fish found along the Atlantic and Gulf coastlines of the United States. Members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these distinctive fish can be identified by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Matagorda waters this October, redfish provide some of the most consistent inshore fishing action available to tournament anglers.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drum species combine aggressive feeding behavior with impressive size potential, making them perfect targets for both recreational fishing and tournament competition. Their adaptability to various inshore environments and willingness to take both live bait and artificial lures has made them a cornerstone species for Gulf Coast fishing guides.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in shallow coastal waters, preferring depths of 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas. Matagorda Bay's extensive shallow water system provides ideal redfish habitat, with numerous current breaks, structure, and feeding areas that concentrate fish year-round. They move freely between onshore flats, nearshore waters, and backcountry marshes depending on tides, weather, and feeding opportunities.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights spanning 10 to 45 pounds for mature fish. Slot-sized redfish in the 18-27 inch range are most commonly targeted by inshore anglers, while larger bull redfish exceeding 27 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences in deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and various baitfish using their downturned mouths to root through sandy bottoms and around structure. They feed most actively during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are favorable. Redfish often travel in schools, making multiple hookups common when you locate active fish.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, with peak activity occurring from August through November. During this period, they become more aggressive and feed heavily to prepare for spawning, making fall an excellent time for tournament fishing in areas like Matagorda Bay.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include drift fishing with live or cut bait, bottom fishing around structure, and casting lures such as spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Light tackle jigging works exceptionally well, allowing anglers to feel subtle bites and fight fish effectively. In October around Matagorda, anglers find success working grass flats with gold spoons and soft plastic baits, particularly during moving tides when redfish are most active.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's versatile for various cooking methods. The flesh is lean and high in protein while being relatively low in mercury compared to many saltwater species. Popular preparations include blackened redfish, grilled fillets, and fish tacos, with the light flavor appealing to both seafood enthusiasts and those new to eating fish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic paddle tails, and topwater plugs excel as artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and current breaks in 1-4 feet of water throughout Matagorda Bay, particularly around structure and tide changes.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, flaky white meat that's excellent grilled, blackened, or prepared as fish tacos, with high protein content and relatively low mercury levels.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October provide excellent redfish action, with fish feeding aggressively during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk periods.
More species you can explore on this trip
Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service LLC Available Trips
Our center console boat is purpose-built for Matagorda Bay's inshore tournament fishing, with plenty of deck space for up to 4 anglers to work comfortably. The shallow-draft design lets us access the prime 1-4 foot flats where redfish and speckled trout feed most actively, while the open layout gives everyone room to cast, drift fish, and work bottom structure without crowding. We keep all the gear organized and ready, from light tackle setups for sight fishing to heavier rigs for working oyster bars and current breaks. The boat's designed specifically for these tournament-style trips where positioning and quick moves between spots can make the difference between a good day and a great one.
