Ready to get your feet wet in some of the best wade fishing Matagorda Bay has to offer? Our half-day trips are perfect for anglers looking to make the most of their time on the water. We'll hit the sweet spots where redfish, trout, and flounder hang out, giving you a shot at a Texas slam. This isn't your average boat-bound fishing trip – we're talking about getting right in there with the fish, feeling the bay beneath your feet, and experiencing the thrill of the catch up close and personal.
Our 5-hour wade fishing adventure kicks off bright and early when the fish are most active. We'll gear up and head out to some primo spots in Matagorda Bay where the big ones like to lurk. You'll need to bring your own rod, reel, and wade boots – we're looking for experienced anglers who know their way around the water. We'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, so be ready for some action. The bay's got a mind of its own, so we might hop around to a few different spots to find where they're biting. Just remember, this isn't a lazy day at the beach – we're here to fish, and fish hard!
Wade fishing is all about stealth and patience. We'll be shuffling through the shallows, keeping our eyes peeled for signs of fish activity. You might spot a red's tail breaking the surface or see a trout's wake as it chases bait. We'll use a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what's working that day. Topwater lures can be a blast for surface strikes, while soft plastics are great for working the bottom where those flounder like to hide. Remember to keep your casts smooth and quiet – we don't want to spook the fish. And always keep an eye on the weather and tides – they can change quick out here and affect where the fish are holding.
Redfish are the powerhouses of the bay. These copper-colored bruisers can range from "rat reds" under 20 inches to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often tailing as they root for crabs in the mud. When a red takes your bait, hold on tight – they're known for making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime times for reds, but you can catch them year-round in Matagorda.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing. These silver beauties with their spotted backs are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights. They school up, so where you catch one, there's likely more. Trout love to hang around structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs. The bigger ones, what we call "gator trout," are typically most active in the cooler months, but you can find specks all year long.
Southern flounder are the ninjas of the bay. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure and along channel edges. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse – you've got to work your bait slow and steady along the bottom. Fall is the prime time for flounder as they make their run to the Gulf, but you can catch them throughout the warmer months.
There's something special about wade fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the way you can feel the subtle changes in the bay floor beneath your feet, or how you become one with the water, reading its movements and spotting fish that boat anglers might miss. Our half-day trips are perfect for both locals looking for a quick fishing fix and visitors wanting to experience the best of Matagorda Bay. Plus, with our seasonal schedule from March to October, you're fishing when the action's hottest.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some world-class wade fishing, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, we're talking weekday trips by appointment only, so you've got to plan ahead. But trust me, it's worth it. Whether you're after your personal best redfish, want to fill a cooler with tasty trout, or are hoping to land that elusive flounder, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. Just bring your gear, your experience, and your A-game, and we'll take care of the rest. Don't let another season slip by – book your Matagorda Bay wade fishing adventure today and get ready to make some serious fishing memories!
Redfish are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push 40+ in the right spots. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy bottoms. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and excellent eating quality. To land a big one, try sight-casting with topwater lures or gold spoons in ultra-shallow water. Watch for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. One local tip: on calm days, drift the flats and look for pushes of water - that's often a redfish on the move. These fish will test your drag and your nerves, but the fight is worth it. There's nothing like the pull of a bull red in skinny water.
Sea trout are a blast to catch in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fighters usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hit artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs. Best fishing is spring through fall when the water warms up. Anglers prize sea trout for their mild, flaky white meat - just be careful not to overcook it. One local trick: troll slowly along grass edges if you're having trouble finding them. Sea trout form big schools in deeper water during winter, so adjust your tactics with the seasons. The challenge of locating and landing these wary fish, combined with their excellent table fare, makes them a favorite target for bay fishing. Remember to fish them with a light touch - their soft mouths can tear easily if you're too aggressive setting the hook.
Southern flounder are the ninjas of Matagorda Bay. These flat ambush predators blend right into sandy or muddy bottoms, often in less than 10 feet of water. Most run 15-18 inches, but trophy fish over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Fall is the best time to target them as they migrate to deeper water. Flounder fishing takes patience, but the payoff is some of the best-tasting fish you'll ever eat. Drift fishing or anchoring near drop-offs works well. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, dragging it slowly along the bottom. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth. Count to 5, then reel down and lift. Mastering the flounder's unique strike is part of the fun. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked on chasing these tasty flatfish.