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Caught a Redfish Gigging Trip in Matagorda
Redfish Night Gigging 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 gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. - They can be identified by distinctive black eyespots near the tail and copper-bronze coloration.
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 Thursday October offers an exciting 5-hour night gigging charter in Matagorda Bay. This unique shallow water fishing experience uses bright LED lights to illuminate the flats, targeting redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder in the crystal-clear Texas waters. Perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers, this nighttime adventure provides consistent action across Matagorda's productive back lakes and flats. The fall season brings some of the best gigging conditions, with clear water and active fish movement creating ideal opportunities. All gear included with licensed local guide expertise—book your unforgettable Matagorda Bay gigging adventure online today.
Night Gigging Charter with Captain Joe Guerra – Rates & Booking
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Thursday October leads this 5-hour guided night gigging adventure across Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and back lakes. This unique fishing charter uses powerful LED lighting systems to illuminate the underwater world, revealing redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder as they move through the crystal-clear waters. Trips accommodate up to 2 guests with all specialized gigging equipment provided, including gigs, lights, and safety gear. The experienced local guide provides instruction for beginners while maximizing opportunities for seasoned anglers. Book online for current rates and availability—this one-of-a-kind nighttime fishing experience fills quickly during peak fall season.
Highlights of 5 hour Guided Night gigging Trip In Matagorda Bay - Flounder, Black Drum and Sheepshead.
This nighttime gigging charter offers an immersive fishing experience unlike traditional day trips. The bright LED lights create an underwater theater, allowing anglers to sight-fish multiple species in shallow water ranging from 1-4 feet deep. Matagorda Bay's clear fall conditions provide excellent visibility for targeting redfish cruising the flats, along with black drum and sheepshead moving through the illuminated areas. The 5-hour duration maximizes fishing time during prime nighttime feeding periods when these species are most active.
Please note that flounder gigging is restricted from November 1 to December 15 due to seasonal regulations. The fall months leading up to this closure often provide some of the most consistent flounder action of the year, making early October trips particularly productive for targeting all available species.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and back lakes, making them perfect targets for night gigging adventures. These copper-colored gamefish move into extremely shallow water during nighttime feeding periods, often cruising in just 1-3 feet of water where the LED lights can easily illuminate them. The clear fall waters around Matagorda provide excellent visibility for sight-fishing these prized gamefish. Redfish respond well to the gigging technique, and their distinctive bronze coloration and black eyespots make them easy to identify under the bright lights. October brings some of the most consistent redfish action as they feed heavily before winter, creating ideal conditions for this unique fishing method.
Plan Your Night Gigging Charter Day
Your 5-hour night gigging adventure begins as evening approaches, with departure times coordinated for optimal lighting conditions. The specialized gigging boat features powerful LED lighting systems, comfortable seating for 2 guests, and all necessary safety equipment including life jackets and emergency gear. Captain Joe Guerra provides all gigging equipment, instruction, and local knowledge to ensure a successful trip. The shallow-draft vessel allows access to prime gigging areas across Matagorda Bay's flats and back lakes where traditional boats cannot reach. Dress warmly for evening conditions and bring a cooler for your catch—this unique fishing experience creates lasting memories while targeting some of Texas' most prized gamefish species.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic gamefish found along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines. Members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these copper-colored fish are easily identified by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail and bronze-red back that fades to a white belly. In Matagorda waters this October, redfish provide excellent opportunities for night gigging adventures as they cruise shallow flats under LED lights.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized gamefish known for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to northern Mexico, with Texas waters supporting some of the healthiest populations. These drum family members can live over 40 years and are considered a conservation success story due to effective management practices.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in shallow coastal waters, preferring depths of 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster reefs, and back bay areas. Around Matagorda Bay, redfish frequent the extensive shallow flats and marsh systems that provide ideal feeding and nursery habitat. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, moving freely between saltwater bays and brackish marshes.
Redfish Size and Weight
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 recreational anglers, while larger "bull" redfish over 27 inches are often released to preserve breeding stock.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating distinctive wakes and mud clouds as they root for prey. During nighttime hours, redfish become more active and move into extremely shallow areas where gigging becomes highly effective.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, with peak activity occurring in September and October. During this period, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper waters before returning to shallow feeding areas, making fall an excellent time for targeting them.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Popular methods include sight-fishing with spoons and soft plastics, live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, and fly fishing in shallow water. Night gigging offers a unique approach, using bright LED lights to illuminate fish in 1-3 feet of water. In October, Matagorda anglers find success targeting redfish around oyster reefs and grass flats during evening hours when they move shallow to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. The flesh is lean and versatile, suitable for grilling, blackening, or frying. Slot-size fish provide the best eating quality, while larger specimens are often released for conservation purposes.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, mullet, and blue crab are top choices, while artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs work excellent for sight-fishing.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and back bay areas in 1-4 feet of water, especially during morning and evening feeding periods.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months offer peak action as fish feed heavily before winter, with early morning and evening hours producing the most consistent results in shallow water.
