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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Matagorda 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 a red-colored back that fades to a white belly.
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 where structure and current breaks consistently hold fish. The clear fall conditions and shallow flats around Matagorda provide excellent opportunities for redfish action, making this area one of Texas's top inshore fishing destinations. Perfect for company retreats, team-building exercises, or serious tournament preparation, these charters accommodate up to 4 anglers with all equipment provided. Licensed guides navigate the bay's productive spots while you focus on landing trophy redfish and speckled trout in some of the Gulf Coast's most reliable fishing waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Joe Guerra – Rates & Booking
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Friday October runs tournament-style inshore charters targeting redfish and speckled trout across Matagorda Bay's prime fishing grounds. These 7-hour guided trips focus on drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting techniques that consistently produce results in the shallow flats and structure-rich waters. All fishing equipment is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear for that competitive edge. Licensed and experienced, Joe specializes in navigating teams through tournament scenarios so you can focus entirely on fishing. Book your Matagorda Bay fishing charter online or call to reserve your spot for the ultimate inshore fishing experience.
Highlights of Full Day Guided Fishing Tournament Charter in Matagorda
This charter stands out for its tournament-focused approach, giving anglers the tactical advantage of working with guides who understand competitive fishing strategies. The 7-hour duration allows plenty of time to work multiple productive spots across Matagorda Bay, from shallow flats where redfish cruise to deeper structure where speckled trout hold. The center console boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it ideal for team-building exercises or company retreats where groups want to experience serious fishing action together.
Fall conditions in Matagorda Bay offer some of the year's best fishing, with clear water and active fish providing steady action throughout the day. The combination of drift fishing over structure, bottom fishing in deeper holes, and casting lures to visible fish gives anglers multiple techniques to master while targeting the area's signature species.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and backcountry waters, where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish around oyster reefs and grass beds. These copper-colored fighters are perfectly adapted to the bay's structure-rich environment, using their powerful tails to cruise the flats in search of prey. During October, redfish become particularly active as cooling water temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior, making them prime targets for drift fishing and lure casting techniques. The consistent current breaks and varied bottom structure throughout Matagorda Bay create ideal hunting grounds where these fish concentrate, giving anglers multiple opportunities for hookups during a full-day charter.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your tournament-style charter includes a center console boat equipped for serious inshore fishing, with all rods, reels, tackle, and bait provided by experienced guides. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, allowing plenty of room for casting and fighting fish without crowding. Trips typically start early morning to take advantage of prime feeding times, with guides handling all navigation and boat positioning so your team can focus on fishing techniques and strategy. Safety equipment and fishing licenses are handled by the guide service, though you'll want to bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks for the 7-hour adventure on Matagorda Bay's productive waters.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier game fish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish can be identified by one or more black eyespots near their tail and their characteristic red back that fades to a white belly. In Matagorda waters this October, redfish provide some of the most exciting inshore fishing action along the Texas coast.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drum family members are perfectly adapted to shallow coastal waters, using their powerful tails and keen senses to hunt prey in grass beds, oyster reefs, and sandy flats. Their popularity among sport fishermen stems from their aggressive feeding behavior and the spectacular fights they provide when hooked.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in onshore waters, shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments throughout the Gulf Coast. They prefer water depths ranging from 1 to 4 feet, making them ideal targets for sight fishing and shallow water techniques. Around Matagorda Bay, these fish concentrate near oyster reefs, grass beds, and structure where they can ambush prey while using the cover for protection.
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 in the 18-28 inch range are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger bull redfish over 40 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences in deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish. They use their downward-facing mouths to root through soft bottom areas, often creating visible mud clouds while feeding. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and early fall, typically when water temperatures range from 70-85°F. During spawning season, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper waters, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized specimens.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include drift fishing with live or cut bait, casting spoons and soft plastics to visible fish, and bottom fishing around structure. Popular baits include live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab, while artificial lures like gold spoons, paddle tails, and topwater plugs produce excellent results. In October, anglers around Matagorda find them actively feeding near oyster reefs and grass beds during moving tides.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and 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 firm texture holding up well to various preparation styles.
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 soft plastic paddle tails work excellent as artificials.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for redfish around oyster reefs, grass beds, and shallow flats throughout Matagorda Bay, especially 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 baked.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best action, with fall months offering some of the year's most consistent fishing.
More species you can explore on this trip
Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service LLC Available Trips
Our center console boat is perfectly rigged for tournament-style inshore fishing across Matagorda Bay's diverse waters. Built for stability and comfort, she handles the shallow flats and deeper structure with ease while providing plenty of deck space for up to 4 anglers to fish without crowding. The boat comes equipped with all the electronics needed to locate fish and navigate the bay's productive spots, plus rod holders, tackle storage, and a comfortable layout that keeps your team organized during those intense fishing moments. Joe keeps her maintained and ready for serious fishing action, whether you're working the grass beds for redfish or drifting structure for speckled trout.
