Matagorda Bay Inshore Navigation Adventure

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$450 - $4,800 price range
Updated Date: October 16, 2025

Summary

Join Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service for a 4-hour trip on Matagorda Bay that's perfect for new anglers or those wanting a laid-back day on the water. You've got two options: a daytime navigational adventure or a nighttime fishing trip under the stars. During the day, you'll learn the ins and outs of safely navigating the bay – where to go, where to avoid, and how to read the water. At night, you'll cast lines for sea trout, sheepshead, and whatever else is biting. This trip is all about gaining local knowledge and getting comfortable on Matagorda's waters. Whether you're new to the area or just looking to expand your fishing skills, you'll come away with valuable tips and maybe even some fish for dinner. It's a great way to get your feet wet without any pressure. Bring your own boat and gear, and let's explore what Matagorda Bay has to offer!

Matagorda Bay Inshore Navigation Adventure

Bay Fishing in Action

Nice speckled trout using light tackle on a clear day!

Nice redfish caught jigging and drift fishing in clear conditions!

Nice redfish on ice! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.

Nice redfish on the boat today! Clear skies made for perfect fishing conditions.

Matagorda Bay: Navigate or Fish Like a Pro

Hey there, adventure seekers! If you're itching to get out on Matagorda Bay but aren't sure where to start, boy do I have the perfect trip for you. Whether you're looking to learn the lay of the land (or should I say, water) or want to try your hand at some night fishing, this 4-hour trip with Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service LLC is just the ticket. We'll get you set up with all the local knowledge you need to explore these waters safely and successfully.

What's the Deal?

Look, Matagorda Bay isn't your average puddle. It's a complex system of bays, reefs, and channels that can be tricky to navigate if you don't know what you're doing. That's where we come in. On this trip, you've got two options: a daytime navigational adventure or a nighttime fishing excursion. Both are perfect for folks who are new to the area or just want to brush up on their skills without any pressure. We'll cruise around for 4 hours, showing you the ropes and pointing out all the sweet spots (and the spots to avoid). The best part? You'll be using your own boat and gear, so you can apply what you learn right away on future trips.

On the Water Know-How

During our navigational trips, we'll cover all the crucial stuff you need to know to keep yourself safe and find the fish. We're talking about reading the water, understanding tides and currents, and spotting those submerged hazards that can ruin your day (and your prop). For the night owls, our after-dark trips are all about getting you dialed in on the best techniques for fishing when the sun goes down. We'll show you how to use lights to attract bait and the big ones that follow. And don't worry, we'll make sure you know how to get back to the dock safely when it's pitch black out there.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Matagorda Bay is home to some real beauties, and depending on the season, you might get a chance to tangle with a few of these bad boys:

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and a real treat to catch. They tend to hang out near structure and drop-offs, waiting to ambush their prey. Spring and fall are prime times for flounder, with the fall run being particularly exciting as they head to the Gulf to spawn. Catching these guys requires a bit of finesse, but man, are they good eating!

Black Drum: These bruisers can grow to over 40 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. They love hanging around oyster reefs and channel edges, and you can often find them by listening for their distinctive croaking sound. Spring is typically the best time to target big black drum, but you can catch them year-round in Matagorda Bay.

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you, these striped fish are no pushovers. They're notorious bait stealers and require some skill to hook. You'll find them around structures like pilings and jetties, especially during their winter spawn. Their tough fight and delicious meat make them a favorite among local anglers.

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. They're active year-round but really turn on during the warmer months. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges. There's nothing quite like the topwater blow-up of a big trout!

Redfish: The bulldogs of the bay, redfish will test your drag and your arms. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature tailing behavior. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but you can catch slot-sized fish all year. When a school of reds is fired up, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience.

Time to Get on the Water

Alright, folks, here's the bottom line: whether you're new to Matagorda Bay or just looking to up your game, this trip is a no-brainer. You'll walk away with the confidence to navigate these waters like a pro and the inside scoop on where to find the fish. Plus, with a max of 2 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of one-on-one attention. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, hop in your boat, and let's hit the bay. Trust me, after this trip, you'll be itching to get back out there and put your new skills to the test. Don't miss out on this chance to become a true Matagorda Bay expert – book your spot now!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Matagorda Bay. These bruisers can reach up to 90 pounds, though most are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them around oyster beds and in brackish waters, where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is the hot season, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fights and the distinctive drumming sound they make. For the best eating, target ones under 15 pounds - the bigger ones can be tough and less tasty. To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Here's a local secret: when you feel that telltale thump, give it a moment before setting the hook. Black Drum like to play with their food before committing.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the golden boys of Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties, known for the black spot near their tail, typically run 20-30 inches in the bay. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs and grass flats. Fall is prime time when they school up for their annual spawn. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and delicious, mild-flavored meat. To catch one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or soft plastic in 1-3 feet of water. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their wakes or tails breaking the surface. Approach quietly and make a long cast just ahead of them. The explosion when they hit is unforgettable.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Matagorda Bay. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love cooler water, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their delicate, flaky meat and the challenge of catching them. They're suckers for lures that mimic their favorite prey - try topwater plugs at dawn or dusk for some exciting strikes. Here's a local trick: when fishing the flats, cast your lure and let it sit for a moment before retrieving. Sea Trout often hit on the pause. Remember, these fish are sensitive to overfishing, so practice catch and release when you can.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convict-striped tricksters of Matagorda Bay. These crafty fish, usually 1-8 pounds, hang around structures like docks and bridges. They're famous for their human-like teeth, perfect for crunching barnacles and crabs. Spring's the prime time to catch 'em as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. For the best shot, use light tackle and drop your bait right next to pilings. Fresh fiddler crab or shrimp work great. Here's a local tip: when you feel a nibble, don't jerk the rod. Instead, slowly lift it and wait for the weight of the fish before setting the hook. It takes patience, but once you hook one, you're in for a fun fight and some tasty fillets.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, lying flat on the bottom waiting to ambush prey. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, preferring sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom using live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait and reposition it before fully committing. It's a game of patience, but the reward is worth it.

About the Haynie

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Hop aboard for a laid-back 4-hour trip on Matagorda Bay. Whether you're after some fishing action or just want to cruise around, this outing's got you covered. We'll target sea trout, sheepshead, and whatever else is biting, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to wet a line without the pressure. As we navigate the bay, you'll pick up handy tips on where to find the fish and how to safely get around these waters. It's a great way for newcomers to get familiar with the area or for locals to expand their bay know-how. And if you're feeling adventurous, we even offer nighttime trips under the stars. Bring your own boat and gear, and let's hit the water for some fun and learning on beautiful Matagorda Bay.

Sitemap