Get ready for an epic day on the water with your crew! Captain Joe and his hand-picked team of top-notch guides are geared up to show you the best fishing spots Matagorda Bay has to offer. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish or sneaky speckled trout, we've got you covered. This ain't your average fishing trip - it's a custom-tailored adventure for big groups who want to experience the true heart of Texas inshore fishing.
Picture this: Two boats, a bunch of your buddies, and miles of prime fishing grounds stretching out before you. That's what you're in for with our half-day group charter. We'll cruise through Matagorda's rich backcountry waters, hitting up honey holes where the big ones like to hang out. Maybe you want to chase reds in the shallows, or perhaps you're after trout along the grass lines - just let us know, and we'll make it happen. With multiple boats, we can split up to cover more water or stick together for some friendly competition. It's your day, your way.
We'll be working a mix of tactics to put you on the fish. Expect to do some drift fishing over productive flats, sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, or working topwater lures for explosive trout action. Our guides are pros at reading the water and know just where to find the bite. We'll provide all the gear, from light tackle setups for finesse fishing to beefier rods for when the big boys are biting. The beauty of Matagorda Bay is its variety - one minute you're casting into a quiet back lake, the next you're working a bustling jetty. It's this diverse habitat that makes our fishery so darn productive year-round.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and delicious flavor, redfish in Matagorda can range from slot-sized footballs to bull reds over 40 inches. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along oyster reefs. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and when they do, hold on tight!
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They might not pull as hard as a red, but their acrobatic jumps and soft mouths make for an exciting fight. We target specks year-round, but the big gator trout really show up in winter and early spring. Nothing beats the thrill of a topwater trout bite at dawn.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but never underappreciated, black drum are the workhorses of inshore fishing. These bottom-feeders can grow to massive sizes, with some old timers pushing 50 pounds or more. We typically find them around structure like pilings or reefs. They're not the prettiest fish in the bay, but man, can they pull!
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong in a dentist's office, sheepshead are a unique catch. These structure-loving fish are masters at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a stubborn fight. They're most active in cooler months and are excellent table fare.
Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the flats, flounder are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the bottom waiting for an easy meal. We target them around drop-offs and creek mouths, especially during their fall run to the Gulf. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever eat.
Folks, it ain't just about the fish - though trust me, there are plenty of those. It's about the whole package. The way the sun paints the sky as we head out at dawn. The rush when a big red crashes your topwater lure. The laughs and friendly trash talk between boats as you compare catches. Our guides don't just put you on fish; they share the stoke that keeps us coming back to these waters day after day. By the time we're headed back to the dock, you'll be planning your next trip.
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster trout in the 25-inch range, fat and sassy from gorging on mullet. The redfish action has been insane, with schools of upper-slot fish crushing baits in the back lakes. And for those looking for a real pull, the black drum have been stacked up on the reefs, with some true giants mixed in. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, there's never been a better time to get out on Matagorda Bay.
Listen up, folks - if you've got a big crew itching for some world-class inshore action, this is your ticket. We're talking custom trips, expert guides, and some of the best fishing Texas has to offer. Whether it's a family reunion, a corporate retreat, or just a bunch of buddies looking to bend some rods, we've got you covered. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a greased redfish. Give Captain Joe a holler, and let's get your group out on the water. The fish are waiting, the boats are ready, and the memories? Well, they're just begging to be made. Book now, and let's make some Matagorda magic happen!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and other structures. Spring's the hot time to target them, as they school up to spawn. Anglers dig Black Drum for their powerful fights and deep, croaking sounds. They're bottom feeders, so fish accordingly. Fresh crab, clams, or shrimp on the bottom is your best bet. Here's a local trick: if you're sight-fishing in shallow water, look for their tails sticking up as they root around for food. Cast just ahead of them and hold on tight - when they hit, it's like hooking a bulldozer.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties, with their trademark tail spot, typically run 20-30 inches in the bay. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water, cruising flats and marshes. Fall's the prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Anglers love Reds for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. Here's a local tip: look for "tailing" Reds in shallow grass flats during high tides. When you see those tails waving above the water as they root for crabs, it's sight-fishing heaven. Cast a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp just ahead of them and hold on tight.
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Matagorda Bay. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase bait, making them a blast on artificial lures. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They're often found in schools, so where you catch one, there's likely more. Here's a local trick: try topwater lures at dawn and dusk for some exciting surface action. When you see bait fish jumping, that's often a sign Sea Trout are feeding nearby.
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a unique catch in Matagorda Bay. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. Early spring's the prime time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers with their human-like teeth. They're prized for their sweet, white meat too. You'll want to fish as close to structure as possible - that's where they love to munch on barnacles and crabs. Here's a local tip: use a small, sharp hook and set it quick. These guys are notorious for nibbling bait off the hook. Try fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp, and feel for that telltale tap-tap before they steal your bait.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. 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. Fall is prime time for catching these flat fish as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're ambush predators, so fishing near structure is key. Try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. My local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways first, then turn it to swallow. That pause gives them time to get the bait in their mouth for a solid hookset.