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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 game fish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish prefer very shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep.
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 leads this Thursday October night gigging charter through Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and back lakes. This 5-hour guided adventure uses bright LED lights to illuminate the underwater world, targeting redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder as they move through the lit waters. The fall season brings some of the most consistent gigging action we see all year, with these Matagorda flats delivering excellent results for both newcomers and experienced anglers. Whether you're new to gigging or looking to try this unique nighttime fishing technique, our local knowledge puts you on fish in the productive shallow waters that make Matagorda Bay famous. Note that flounder gigging is unavailable from November 1 to December 15, making October prime time for targeting all species.
Night Gigging Charter with Captain Joe Guerra – Rates & Booking
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Thursday October offers this 5-hour guided night gigging adventure starting at dusk. The trip accommodates up to 2 guests and includes all gigging equipment, bright LED lighting systems, and local expertise to navigate Matagorda Bay's productive shallow flats. Pricing covers the full charter experience with gear provided, and we recommend booking in advance as fall gigging trips fill quickly. Licensed and experienced, Captain Joe specializes in shallow water techniques that consistently produce results in these waters. Contact us directly for current rates and availability, or book online to secure your spot for this unique nighttime fishing experience.
Highlights of 5 hour Guided Night gigging Trip In Matagorda Bay - Flounder, Black Drum and Sheepshead.
This nighttime adventure takes you through Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and back lakes, where powerful LED lights create an underwater theater revealing fish movement below. The gigging technique allows you to sight-fish in crystal-clear illuminated water, targeting redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder as they cruise the shallows. Fall conditions provide excellent water clarity and active fish movement, making October ideal for this type of fishing.
The 5-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different areas and master the gigging technique, whether you're a first-timer or looking to improve your skills. Captain Joe's local knowledge of Matagorda Bay's productive flats ensures you'll spend time in the right spots when fish are most active during nighttime hours.
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 drum cruise the illuminated shallows during nighttime hours, often moving in small groups through 1-4 feet of water. The LED lights reveal their distinctive bronze backs and characteristic eyespots near the tail, making them easy to identify and target. October brings excellent redfish activity as they feed aggressively before winter, and the cooler nighttime temperatures often trigger increased movement through the flats. Captain Joe's experience with these waters means knowing exactly where redfish congregate during different tide phases and moon conditions.
Plan Your Night Gigging Day
Your 5-hour night gigging charter begins at dusk with a safety briefing and equipment overview aboard Captain Joe's shallow-water boat. All gigging gear is provided, including gigs, LED lighting systems, and safety equipment for nighttime navigation. The boat accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably, allowing for personalized instruction and plenty of room to move around while gigging. We'll motor quietly across the flats using specialized shallow-water techniques, positioning the boat for optimal lighting and fish visibility. Dress warmly for nighttime conditions and bring non-slip shoes for deck safety. The experience includes fish cleaning if you choose to keep your catch, and Captain Joe provides tips on preparation and cooking methods for your fresh-caught redfish, flounder, or black drum.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belong to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These prized game fish are easily identified by their distinctive copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Matagorda waters this October, redfish provide excellent targets for night gigging adventures as they cruise the illuminated shallows.
Redfish Overview
Red drum are among the most sought-after inshore game fish along the Gulf Coast, valued for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit shallow coastal waters, flats, and back bays where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Anglers prize them for their accessibility in shallow water and their willingness to take various baits and lures.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish prefer very shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, making them perfect for sight-fishing and gigging in areas like Matagorda Bay. They inhabit onshore flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore environments throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Young redfish often school in shallow grass beds and oyster reefs, while larger specimens may venture into deeper nearshore waters.
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 recreational anglers, while trophy-class fish over 40 inches provide memorable battles for experienced fishermen.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Red drum are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small fish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances that alert anglers to their presence. During nighttime hours, they become more active and move through shallow flats searching for prey, making them ideal targets for gigging adventures.
Redfish Spawning Season
These fish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, typically from August through November. During spawning season, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper water, creating spectacular fishing opportunities. Water temperatures between 70-85°F trigger peak spawning activity.
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. For gigging, bright LED lights illuminate the fish in shallow flats, allowing for precise targeting. In October, anglers around Matagorda find them actively feeding in 2-4 feet of water near oyster reefs and grass beds, making them perfect for nighttime gigging adventures.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Red drum offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild flavor that works well with various cooking methods. The flesh is lean and flaky when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, mullet, and blue crabs are top choices, while artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs also produce excellent results in shallow water.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, grass beds, and back lakes throughout Matagorda Bay, especially in 1-4 feet of water during morning and evening hours.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor that's perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying, and they're high in protein and omega-3s.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October provide excellent redfish action, with early morning, late evening, and nighttime hours being most productive for sight-fishing and gigging.
