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Matagorda Bay Inshore Navigation Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda
- $450 - $5,500 price range
Summary
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Matagorda Bay Insider Views
Reeling in a good time by the water.
Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.
Caught a nice one by the water.
Caught a nice one out on the water!
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Reeling in the spotted weakfish in Matagorda, TX!
A spotted weakfish reeled in from the waters of Matagorda, TX.
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Reeling in a nice catch on the water!
Reeling in a good time by the water.
Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.
Caught a nice one by the water.
Caught a nice one out on the water!
null
Reeling in the spotted weakfish in Matagorda, TX!
A spotted weakfish reeled in from the waters of Matagorda, TX.
null
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Reeling in a nice catch on the water!
Reeling in a good time by the water.
Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.
Caught a nice one by the water.
Caught a nice one out on the water!
Navigate Matagorda Bay Like a Pro
Ready to unlock the secrets of Matagorda Bay? Whether you're looking to get your bearings or chase some fish under the stars, this trip's got you covered. We'll cruise the bay, showing you the ropes (literally) and helping you avoid those tricky spots that can ruin a good day on the water. It's perfect if you're new to the area or just want to sharpen your skills. And if you're up for it, we can even head out after dark to see what's biting when the sun goes down. Trust me, there's nothing quite like seeing those LED lights attract curious sea life right to your boat.
What's In Store
This isn't your typical guided fishing trip. We're talking hands-on experience navigating Matagorda Bay, either during the day or under a blanket of stars. You'll be using your own boat and gear, which means you'll get comfortable with your setup in real conditions. I'll show you the ins and outs of the bay - where the fish hang out, where the shallow spots are, and how to read the water. If we go for the night option, get ready for a light show. Those underwater LEDs don't just help us see; they're like a dinner bell for all sorts of marine life. It's a whole different world out there after dark.
Navigating the Bay
Matagorda Bay can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing. We'll start with the basics - how to read a chart, use your GPS, and spot channel markers. I'll point out the oyster reefs and sandbars that can sneak up on you if you're not careful. We'll practice maneuvering in tight spots and I'll show you how to anchor up properly. For night trips, we'll go over how to use your navigation lights and how to spot other boats in the dark. And of course, we'll talk about where to find the fish. I've got some honey holes that are sure to produce, whether we're after redfish in the shallows or trout hanging around structure.
Fish Tales from the Bay
No customer reviews available for this trip yet.
What's Biting in Matagorda
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're most active in fall when they're heading to the Gulf to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder because they put up a good fight and taste amazing. Look for them around drop-offs and structure.
Black Drum: These big bruisers can grow over 40 inches long and put up one heck of a fight. They love hanging around oyster reefs and will happily munch on crab or shrimp. Spring is prime time for black drum, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - sheepshead are no joke. They're notorious bait stealers and can be tricky to hook, but man, are they fun to catch. You'll find them around pilings and jetties, especially in cooler months. Bring some fiddler crabs and get ready for some light-tackle action.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a favorite among Matagorda anglers. They're aggressive feeders and will hit topwater lures with explosive strikes. Look for them around grass flats and deeper holes, especially in summer and fall. Nothing beats a limit of specs for dinner!
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish are hard-fighting and delicious. You can sight-cast to them in the shallows or find them schooling up in deeper water. Fall is fantastic for reds, but you can catch them year-round. When you see that characteristic spot on the tail, you know you're in for a good time.
Time to Hit the Water
Whether you're new to Matagorda Bay or just want to up your game, this trip is the ticket. You'll come away with a better understanding of the bay, some new fishing spots in your back pocket, and the confidence to navigate these waters like a pro. And if you opt for the night trip, you'll see the bay in a whole new light (literally). Don't wait - spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Give us a call and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you see what Matagorda Bay has to offer, you'll be hooked.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Matagorda Bay. These bruisers can top 90 pounds, though the sweet spot for eating is 5-15 pounds. Look for them around oyster beds and muddy flats in 1-4 feet of water. Spring's your best bet, when they school up to spawn. Black Drum are bottom feeders with a sweet tooth for crustaceans. Fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig is hard to beat. Anglers love 'em for their powerful runs and distinctive drumming sound. Here's a tip: when you feel those telltale thumps, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Let the drum take the bait and start to move off before you reel down and give it the steel. These fish have tough mouths, so a sharp hook and firm hookset are key.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. Most slot reds run 20-28 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy shorelines. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. Redfish will eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Anglers love their powerful runs and their willingness to eat topwater lures. Here's a local trick: on calm days, cruise the flats looking for their distinctive V-wakes or tailing fish. Once spotted, make a long cast ahead of their path and slowly work your lure back. There's nothing quite like watching a big red chase down your lure in skinny water.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These silvery predators typically run 14-24 inches, but trophy specimens can hit 30 inches. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are mild. Sea Trout are aggressive feeders, hitting both live bait and artificial lures with gusto. Anglers love their acrobatic fights and mild, flaky meat. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, watch for subtle surface disturbances - that's often trout chasing bait. Throw a topwater lure into the fray and hold on tight. Remember, these fish have soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset to avoid tearing the hooks out.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or convict fish, are the bay's sneakiest thieves. These striped bandits hang around structure like docks, jetties, and reefs. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't unheard of. Spring's prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. Light tackle and patience are the name of the game here. Use small hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Anglers love the challenge and the sweet, white meat. Here's a local secret: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. When you feel that nibble, wait a second or two before setting the hook. It's all about timing with these crafty fish.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. You'll find these flat fish in shallow waters, often near structure like oyster reefs or pier pilings. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. Spring and fall are prime times to target them as they move in and out of the bay. Flounder are ambush predators, so we'll use live bait or slow-moving jigs to tempt them. Anglers love flounder for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of hooking them. These fish have a habit of mouthing the bait before committing, so be patient and wait for that telltale thump before setting the hook. A local trick: drag your bait slowly along the bottom, pausing occasionally. This mimics an injured baitfish and can trigger a flounder's predatory instinct.
About the Haynie
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
