Get ready for an epic day on the water with your whole crew! We're talking a full-on fishing extravaganza across Matagorda Bay, customized for big groups who want to experience the best inshore action Texas has to offer. Whether you're wrangling redfish, battling speckled trout, or cruising the backcountry, our team of top-notch guides will make sure everyone in your party has a blast.
Picture this: three boats, nine anglers, and endless possibilities. Our head honcho, Joe, hand-picks the cream of the crop when it comes to local guides. You'll be spreading out across Matagorda's prime fishing grounds, each boat targeting the hottest bite of the day. Maybe your buddies are chasing reds in the shallows while you're drifting for trout over grass beds. Or heck, switch it up mid-day if you want - we're all about keeping things flexible and fun. This ain't no one-size-fits-all trip, folks. We tailor the day to what your group wants, whether that's non-stop action, trophy hunting, or a mix of fishing and sightseeing.
Matagorda Bay is a angler's playground, and we've got all the toys. Depending on conditions and your targets, we might be slinging soft plastics for trout, tossing topwaters for explosive redfish strikes, or finessing live bait around structure for flounder. Our fleet of shallow-draft boats lets us access skinny water flats, oyster reefs, and deep channels. Expect to use light to medium tackle, and don't be surprised if we break out the fly rods for those looking to up their game. The beauty of having multiple boats is we can cover more water and different techniques, maximizing everyone's chances at tight lines.
Matagorda's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish, and we've got the inside scoop on where they're biting. Here's what's been keeping our reels screaming lately:
Redfish: The bulldogs of the bay, these copper-colored brutes will test your drag and your biceps. Reds in Matagorda can range from rat reds in the 18-inch class all the way up to over 40-inch bull reds that'll have you hollering for the net. They love to cruise the shallows, tailing and creating wakes that'll get your heart racing. Fall is prime time for big schools, but we catch 'em year-round.
Speckled Trout: AKA spotted seatrout, these silver beauties are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their delicate mouth and acrobatic jumps, specks will keep you on your toes. We target them over grass flats, along drop-offs, and around structure. The bite can be fast and furious, especially during summer and fall.
Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the bay, flounder are masters of camouflage and ambush predation. They lie flat on the bottom, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. We catch 'em year-round, but the fall run is legendary, with big females heading to the Gulf to spawn. Drift fishing or working jigs along channel edges is the ticket here.
Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are hard-fighting and great eating. These bottom-feeders have a soft spot for crabs and shrimp, making them a blast to target with natural baits. We find 'em around oyster reefs and deeper holes, with the biggest "bull" drums showing up in late winter and early spring.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - sheepshead are no joke when it comes to putting up a fight. These striped brawlers hang around structure and are notoriously bait-stealers. We catch 'em year-round, but winter is prime time when they school up. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are the go-to baits.
Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot - it's a slice of angling paradise that keeps folks coming back year after year. The diversity of species, the unspoiled scenery, and the chance to fish with a crew that knows every nook and cranny of these waters - it all adds up to an experience you can't get anywhere else. Plus, with our multi-boat setup for big groups, you're not just on a fishing trip, you're creating memories and friendly competition that'll be talked about around the water cooler for years to come.
Listen, whether you're planning the ultimate company outing, a family reunion on the water, or just want to get the whole gang together for some serious rod-bending action, our big group Matagorda Bay trip is the way to go. With expert guides, custom-tailored experiences, and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, you're in for a treat. Don't let this chance slip away - spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So round up your crew, give us a shout, and let's get you on the books for a day of fishing that'll have everyone grinning from ear to ear. The fish are biting, the boats are ready, and Matagorda Bay is calling your name. What are you waiting for? Let's make some waves and memories!
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Matagorda Bay. These bruisers can tip the scales at 30-40 pounds, though the sweet spot for eating is under 15 pounds. Look for them in shallow, brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. They've got a set of chompers designed for crushing shellfish, so areas with plenty of crabs and oysters are prime spots. Spring's the best time to target them, when they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and the distinctive drumming sound they make. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Black Drum often play with their food, so give it a few seconds before reeling. And bring your heavy gear - these fish can put up one heck of a battle.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow waters, often so shallow their backs break the surface. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time for Reds as they school up for spawning. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and hard-fighting spirit. To catch one, try sight-casting with topwater lures in the shallows or using live bait around structure. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud flats. It's a heart-pounding experience to stalk these tailing reds. Just remember, a stealthy approach is key - these fish can spook easily in skinny water.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Matagorda Bay. These silvery, spotted fish usually run 14-24 inches long and put up a great fight. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, tender meat. To catch 'em, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs around grass beds or oyster reefs. Here's a tip from the locals: when the water's cooler, slow down your retrieve. Sea Trout get a bit sluggish in cold water, so a slower presentation often triggers more strikes. And keep an eye out for diving birds - they're often a dead giveaway for feeding trout below.
Sheepshead are the oddball characters of Matagorda Bay. These striped fish, nicknamed "convict fish," typically weigh 1-8 pounds and measure 14-20 inches. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and jetties are prime spots. They're year-round residents, but winter and early spring are peak seasons when they school up. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-stealers, known for their human-like teeth and uncanny ability to nibble bait off hooks. They're also prized for their sweet, white flesh. To catch 'em, use small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or shrimp. Here's a local secret: when you feel a bite, wait a second or two before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for stealing bait, so timing is everything. It's a game of patience, but landing one of these striped tricksters is always satisfying.
Southern Flounder are a real treat to catch in Matagorda Bay. These flat, oval-shaped fish usually run 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend in with their surroundings. Fall is prime time for flounder as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white flesh and the challenge of hooking these crafty ambush predators. To land one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder like to grab their prey sideways before swallowing, so give 'em time to take the bait. It's a game of patience, but the reward is worth it.