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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. - Popular among anglers for their fighting ability and light flavor.
Fishing Charter by Captain Joe Guerra in February
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 Saturday February offers premier inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, trout, and flounder in Matagorda Bay's productive waters. This full day guided fishing trip combines live bait fishing, trolling, and top-water casting techniques across grass flats and drop-offs that hold fish year-round. Winter months provide some of the most consistent redfish action, with copper-colored fighters delivering explosive strikes and heart-pumping battles. The 7-hour charter accommodates up to 2 guests and includes all necessary gear for a memorable day on these prime Texas coastal waters. Monday through Thursday trips available by appointment only, giving anglers plenty of time to work different techniques and locations throughout Matagorda Bay's diverse fishing grounds.
Fishing Charter with Captain Joe Guerra – Rates & Booking
Captain Joe Guerra of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service on Saturday February runs full day guided fishing trips targeting redfish, trout, and flounder in Matagorda Bay. This 7-hour charter accommodates up to 2 guests with all gear included, focusing on live bait fishing, trolling, and top-water casting techniques. Licensed guide with local experience provides instruction for anglers of all skill levels. Monday through Thursday trips available by appointment only. Contact for current rates and availability.
Highlights of Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Matagorda Bay -Redfish, Trout And More (Weekday M-T trips by appointment only)
Matagorda Bay's grass flats and drop-offs create ideal habitat for year-round inshore fishing action. Winter months offer particularly consistent redfish activity, with these copper-colored fighters providing explosive top-water strikes and strong battles. The diverse fishing techniques—live bait, trolling, and casting—give every angler multiple opportunities to connect with quality fish.
Seven-hour duration allows thorough coverage of productive areas, from shallow flats to deeper structure where trout and flounder hold. The bay's protected waters provide comfortable fishing conditions while maintaining access to prime fishing grounds that produce memorable catches.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow grass flats and oyster reefs, where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These copper-colored drum prefer water depths of 1-4 feet, making them perfect targets for sight fishing and top-water presentations. Winter months bring consistent feeding activity as redfish school up in predictable areas, creating excellent opportunities for multiple hookups. Their powerful runs and head-shaking fights make every encounter exciting, whether you're working live bait near structure or casting topwater lures over shallow flats.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your full day charter includes all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and instruction from Captain Joe Guerra. The boat accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably, with early morning departure times maximizing fishing opportunities. Live bait, artificial lures, and top-water plugs are provided based on conditions and target species. Safety equipment and local knowledge ensure a productive day on Matagorda Bay's diverse fishing grounds, with Monday through Thursday availability by appointment only.
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 found along Atlantic and Gulf Coast waters, distinguished by their copper-red coloration that fades to white on the belly and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Matagorda waters this February, redfish provide some of the most consistent inshore fishing action available to Texas anglers.
Redfish Overview
Red drum are highly sought-after game fish that combine aggressive feeding behavior with powerful fighting ability. They're perfectly adapted to shallow coastal environments, making them ideal targets for sight fishing and a variety of angling techniques. Anglers value them both for their sporting qualities and excellent table fare.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in shallow coastal waters including grass flats, oyster reefs, and backcountry areas. Matagorda Bay's diverse habitat provides ideal conditions with its mix of shallow flats, deeper channels, and abundant structure. They prefer water depths of 1-4 feet but can be found in nearshore waters up to 30 feet deep.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are most commonly targeted by anglers, while larger bull redfish over 40 inches provide trophy-class battles in deeper waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Red drum are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and various baitfish. They often feed in shallow water with their tails exposed, creating excellent sight fishing opportunities. Peak feeding activity occurs during moving tides, particularly early morning and late afternoon periods.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, with water temperatures between 70-85°F triggering reproductive behavior. During winter months, redfish form schools in deeper areas while maintaining active feeding patterns in warmer shallow areas during midday periods.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective methods include live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics, and top-water plugs for explosive surface strikes. In February, anglers around Matagorda find them concentrated near grass beds and oyster bars where they ambush prey during warming periods.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Red drum offer mild, slightly sweet flesh with firm texture that works well grilled, blackened, or fried. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species. Slot-size fish provide the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and mullet are top choices, while artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic paddle tails, and top-water plugs also produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Focus on grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow areas around structure. Look for tailing fish in 1-4 feet of water, especially during warming trends.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, sweet flesh with firm texture. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) provide the best table fare and are legal to harvest.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides during early morning and late afternoon provide peak activity. Winter months offer consistent action during warmer midday periods.
More species you can explore on this trip
Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service LLC Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Join us for a full day of fishing adventure in the productive waters of Matagorda Bay, where redfish, trout, and flounder are waiting. This private charter accommodates up to 2 guests, making it perfect for couples or fishing buddies looking to escape the crowds. We'll explore the bay's prime fishing spots using multiple techniques - from live bait presentations to explosive topwater action and trolling the deeper channels. The diverse ecosystem here provides consistent action for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to saltwater fishing. Our local knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive areas gives you the best shot at landing quality fish. Monday through Thursday trips are available by appointment, offering more flexibility for your schedule. Whether you're targeting speckled trout in the grass beds or sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, every moment on these rich waters brings new possibilities.
