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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. - These fish have red-colored backs that fade to white bellies.
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. Our 7-hour guided fishing trips focus on drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting techniques that consistently produce results in these productive Texas waters. The clear fall conditions and structured current breaks make Matagorda Bay excellent for inshore fishing, with redfish cooperative throughout the day. Our center console boat accommodates teams of 4 anglers, with all equipment provided for your fishing adventure. Book your Matagorda Bay charter for serious inshore action where the tug is the drug and experience why this area produces consistent results for redfish and speckled trout year-round.
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 throughout Matagorda Bay and surrounding waterways. Our 7-hour guided fishing charters focus on redfish and speckled trout using drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting techniques. The center console boat accommodates teams of 4 anglers with all equipment provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear. Licensed guide service includes navigation and fish-finding expertise so you can focus on the action. Book your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure today for consistent inshore results.
Highlights of Full Day Guided Fishing Tournament Charter in Matagorda
This tournament-style charter targets the prime inshore species that make Matagorda Bay famous among Texas anglers. Redfish and speckled trout provide steady action throughout the 7-hour trip, with multiple techniques keeping the excitement high. The structured current breaks and shallow flats create perfect habitat for these species, while clear fall conditions offer excellent visibility for sight fishing opportunities.
Our experienced guide service handles boat operation and fish location, allowing your team to concentrate on landing fish. The tournament format adds competitive excitement while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that makes Matagorda Bay fishing so enjoyable. Perfect for company retreats and team-building exercises where everyone can participate regardless of experience level.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and current breaks, where they feed aggressively on baitfish and crustaceans. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn resistance, making them a favorite target for inshore anglers. The bay's structure provides ideal ambush points where redfish wait for prey, and our drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques take advantage of these feeding patterns. October conditions in Matagorda create excellent opportunities as redfish become more active in the cooling waters, often feeding in schools that provide multiple hookup opportunities for tournament-style fishing.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 7-hour guided fishing trip includes center console boat transportation, all fishing equipment, and expert guide service throughout Matagorda Bay. The boat comfortably accommodates 4 anglers with plenty of room for casting and fighting fish. We provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring personal gear. Start times are scheduled for optimal fishing conditions, and our licensed guides handle navigation and safety while you focus on the action. Bring your fishing license, sunscreen, and cooler for your catch – we'll handle the rest for your successful Matagorda Bay fishing adventure.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belong to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These iconic game fish are easily identified by their distinctive copper-red coloration, one or more black eyespots near the tail, and powerful build that makes them formidable fighters. In Matagorda waters this October, redfish provide some of the most exciting inshore action available to Texas anglers.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore game fish along the Gulf Coast, prized for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and grow to impressive sizes, with the largest specimens exceeding 50 pounds. Their distinctive eyespots serve as false targets to confuse predators, while their copper-bronze coloration provides perfect camouflage over sandy and grassy bottoms.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit shallow coastal waters from Massachusetts to northern Mexico, with Texas waters supporting some of the healthiest populations. They prefer onshore flats, backcountry marshes, and nearshore waters typically ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep. Matagorda Bay's extensive grass flats, oyster reefs, and current breaks create ideal redfish habitat where these fish can ambush prey and find protection from larger predators.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are most commonly targeted by anglers, while oversized bull reds provide trophy opportunities. The largest redfish on record exceeded 90 pounds, though fish over 40 pounds are considered exceptional catches in most waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and other baitfish. They often feed in shallow water with their tails exposed, creating the exciting sight-fishing opportunities that make them so popular. These fish are most active during moving tides when prey is displaced, and they frequently feed in schools that can provide multiple hookup opportunities for tournament anglers.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, typically from August through November. During this period, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper water to reproduce, while younger fish remain in the shallows. Water temperatures between 70-80°F trigger spawning activity, and the post-spawn period often provides excellent fishing as hungry fish return to feeding areas.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful 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, mullet, and blue crab, while effective lures range from soft plastics to topwater plugs. In October, anglers around Matagorda find redfish responding well to gold spoons and paddle-tail soft plastics worked over grass flats and along current edges.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many offshore species. Slot-size fish typically provide the best eating quality, while larger fish 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 consistently effective, while gold spoons and soft plastic paddle tails work well for artificial lures. Match your bait to local forage and water conditions.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for redfish on shallow grass flats, around oyster reefs, and along current breaks in Matagorda Bay. They often feed in 1-4 feet of water during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried. Slot-size fish typically provide the best table fare.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October offer excellent redfish action as fish become more active in cooling waters. Moving tides and early morning or late afternoon periods 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 rigged for Matagorda Bay's inshore waters, with plenty of deck space for 4 anglers to fish comfortably. The shallow draft design lets us access the flats and backcountry areas where redfish and speckled trout feed, while the stable platform provides excellent casting room for tournament-style fishing. All safety equipment is onboard, and the boat's layout allows our guide to navigate efficiently between productive spots while keeping everyone fishing. Rod holders, tackle storage, and fish boxes are strategically placed for maximum convenience during your 7-hour charter adventure.
