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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 also known as Red Drum and are prized game fish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - Popular among anglers for their fighting ability and 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. Matagorda Bay's consistent structure and current breaks provide excellent habitat for redfish throughout the year, making it a top destination for serious anglers. The charter includes all necessary gear and equipment, with room for up to 4 anglers on our center console boat. Perfect for company retreats, team-building exercises, or competitive fishing tournaments, these guided trips showcase why Matagorda Bay produces some of the best inshore fishing action along the Texas coast.
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 charters throughout Matagorda Bay. This 7-hour guided fishing experience targets redfish and speckled trout using proven techniques including drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting. The charter accommodates up to 4 anglers on a center console boat, with all equipment and gear provided by our licensed guide. Perfect for company retreats, team-building exercises, or competitive fishing tournaments, these trips showcase the consistent action that makes Matagorda Bay a premier inshore fishing destination. Book your fishing adventure today and experience why local anglers return season after season.
Highlights of Full Day Guided Fishing Tournament Charter in Matagorda
This tournament-style charter focuses on the productive inshore waters of Matagorda Bay, where redfish and speckled trout thrive year-round. Captain Joe Guerra provides expert navigation and local knowledge, allowing your team to focus entirely on fishing rather than boat handling. The 7-hour duration gives ample time to work multiple productive spots, from shallow flats to current breaks where fish consistently hold.
All fishing equipment is included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear to complement the provided tackle. The center console boat offers plenty of room for a 4-person team to fish comfortably, with Captain Joe handling all the driving and positioning. This setup is ideal for tournament preparation, corporate outings, or simply experiencing some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish are the crown jewel of Matagorda Bay's inshore fishery, thriving in the shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore waters that define this productive ecosystem. These copper-colored fighters are perfectly adapted to the bay's structure-rich environment, using oyster reefs, grass beds, and current breaks as ambush points for their prey. In October, redfish are particularly active as cooler water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity, making this an excellent time to target them with the drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting techniques that Captain Joe Guerra employs on these tournament-style charters.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a premier game fish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by one or more black eyespots near their tail and their characteristic red-bronze back that fades to a white belly. In Matagorda waters this October, redfish are particularly active as cooler temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their powerful runs, stubborn fights, and excellent table fare. These fish are perfectly adapted to shallow coastal environments, making them ideal targets for inshore fishing charters. Their popularity stems from both their sporting qualities and their light, flaky meat that's excellent for various cooking preparations.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments. Around Matagorda Bay, they're commonly found in 1-4 feet of water, utilizing oyster reefs, grass beds, and current breaks as feeding areas. These fish prefer areas with good structure and moving water, which explains why Matagorda Bay's diverse habitat makes it such a productive redfish fishery.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights spanning from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) are most commonly targeted by anglers, while larger bull redfish over 40 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and various baitfish. Redfish are most active during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk. They often feed in shallow water with their tails exposed, a behavior called "tailing" that creates exciting sight-fishing opportunities.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, typically when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During spawning season, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper water, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized fish.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include drift fishing with live or cut bait, bottom fishing around structure, and casting lures to visible fish or likely holding spots. Popular baits include live shrimp, cut mullet, and crab, while successful lures include spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. In October around Matagorda, anglers find success working the edges of oyster reefs and grass beds during moving tides.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating with mild, slightly sweet meat that's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The flesh is firm and flaky when cooked, making it versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying. Slot-sized redfish are considered ideal for the table, while larger bull redfish are often released to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and cut mullet are top choices, though redfish also respond well to live crab and fresh cut bait. The key is matching your bait to what they're feeding on in the area.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for redfish around oyster reefs, grass beds, and current breaks in 1-4 feet of water. The flats and backcountry areas of Matagorda Bay consistently hold fish year-round.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, sweet meat that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried. Slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) are considered best for the table.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Redfish bite year-round, but fall months like October offer excellent action as cooler water temperatures increase their feeding activity. Moving tides during dawn and dusk are typically most productive.
More species you can explore on this trip
Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service LLC Available Trips
Our center console boat is perfectly suited for Matagorda Bay's inshore waters, providing a stable platform for up to 4 anglers to fish comfortably. The boat's shallow draft allows us to access the prime redfish and speckled trout habitat in the bay's flats and backcountry areas, while still having the capability to run to nearshore spots when conditions allow. Captain Joe Guerra handles all the navigation and boat positioning, so your team can focus entirely on fishing. The layout gives everyone plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around safely during our 7-hour tournament-style charters. All safety equipment is on board, and the boat is equipped with everything needed for drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting techniques that consistently produce results in these waters.
