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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Matagorda
Redfish Inshore 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 black spots 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 on Thursday October offers specialized night gigging charters targeting redfish, flounder, and black drum in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats. This 5-hour guided adventure uses bright LED lights to illuminate the underwater world, creating an immersive fishing experience perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers. The fall season brings consistent gigging action across the backcountry waters, with techniques focused on shallow water fishing that produces excellent results. Local knowledge of seasonal bite patterns and prime flats locations ensures productive trips throughout the cooler months. Charter fishing in these protected waters offers family-friendly opportunities to experience this unique nighttime fishing method while targeting multiple inshore species in their natural habitat.
Night Gigging Charter with Captain Joe Guerra – Rates & Booking
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Thursday October specializes in 5-hour night gigging adventures targeting redfish, flounder, and black drum in Matagorda Bay. This unique charter experience uses bright LED lighting systems to reveal fish moving through shallow flats and back lakes. Trips accommodate up to 2 guests and include all specialized gigging equipment, with rates starting at competitive pricing for this specialized fishing method. Book online or call to secure your spot for this one-of-a-kind nighttime fishing adventure.
Highlights of 5 hour Guided Night gigging Trip In Matagorda Bay - Flounder, Black Drum and Sheepshead.
This guided night gigging experience takes you through Matagorda Bay's most productive shallow water areas, where LED lights create an underwater theater of fish activity. The fall season offers prime conditions with clear water and active fish movement, making it ideal for both first-time giggers and experienced anglers. Captain Joe's local knowledge of seasonal patterns and prime flats locations ensures consistent action throughout the trip.
The charter focuses on three primary target species: redfish cruising the illuminated flats, flounder moving through sandy areas, and black drum feeding in shallow backcountry waters. Each species requires different techniques and approaches, providing variety and learning opportunities throughout the 5-hour adventure. Please note that flounder gigging is unavailable from November 1 to December 15 due to seasonal regulations.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and backcountry areas, where they feed actively during nighttime hours. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails become highly visible under LED lighting systems, making them prime targets for gigging adventures. During October, redfish move into shallower waters to feed on crabs and small baitfish, creating excellent opportunities for night gigging. The species' predictable behavior patterns and tendency to cruise open flats make them ideal for this specialized fishing method, with fish typically ranging from 20 to 35 inches in these productive waters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your night gigging adventure begins at sunset with a thorough safety briefing and equipment overview. Captain Joe provides all specialized gigging gear, LED lighting systems, and safety equipment for up to 2 guests per trip. The charter boat is equipped with shallow water capabilities and quiet electric motors for stealthy approaches to feeding fish. Trips launch from Matagorda area boat ramps and cover prime flats locations based on tide, wind, and seasonal fish movement patterns. Dress warmly for cooler evening temperatures and bring non-slip footwear for safe movement on deck during the 5-hour adventure.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic game fish found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these copper-colored fish are easily identified by their distinctive black spots near the tail and reddish back that fades to a white belly. In Matagorda waters this October, redfish become particularly active during nighttime hours, making them prime targets for gigging adventures.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and grow to impressive sizes, with fish in Texas waters commonly ranging from 20 to 40 inches. Their light, flaky meat and mild flavor make them a favorite among both recreational and commercial fishers throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in shallow coastal waters, preferring depths of 1 to 4 feet in grass flats, oyster reefs, and backcountry areas. Matagorda Bay provides ideal habitat with its extensive shallow flats, protected coves, and abundant food sources. Redfish move between different areas based on tides, temperature, and feeding opportunities, often congregating in schools during certain seasons.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Texas slot limits protect breeding-size fish, with most harvested redfish falling in the 20 to 28-inch range. Trophy-class fish over 40 inches are often released to maintain healthy breeding populations in Gulf Coast waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, small fish, and marine worms. They use their downward-facing mouths to root through soft bottoms, often creating visible mud clouds while feeding. During nighttime hours, redfish become more active and move into extremely shallow water to hunt, making them visible under LED lighting systems used in gigging operations.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, with peak activity in September and October. During this period, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper waters to reproduce. Water temperatures between 70-80°F trigger spawning behavior, with females releasing millions of eggs that drift with currents before settling in shallow nursery areas.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Popular methods include sight fishing with spoons and soft plastics, bottom fishing with cut bait, and specialized techniques like gigging. For night gigging, anglers use bright LED lights to spot fish in shallow water, then carefully approach with gigs or spears. In October around Matagorda, redfish respond well to gold spoons, paddle-tail soft plastics, and live shrimp fished near grass beds and oyster structures.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating with firm, white meat that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy seafood choice. Popular cooking methods include blackening, grilling, and baking, with the meat holding up well to bold seasonings and sauces.
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 and paddle-tail soft plastics work well for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for redfish on shallow grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in backcountry areas with depths of 1-4 feet, especially during morning and evening hours.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or baked with Cajun seasonings.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months offer prime redfish action, with October being particularly productive as fish feed heavily before winter and become more active in shallow water.
