Ready for a Texas-sized fishing adventure? Grab your crew and join us for an epic day out on Matagorda Bay! We're talking multiple boats, expert guides, and a whole lot of fish. Whether you're looking to team up with your buddies, organize a work retreat, or get the whole family out on the water, we've got you covered. Our custom charters are perfect for large groups who want to mix it up and try different fishing styles all in one trip.
Here's the scoop: we're not just talking about one boat here. Nope, we're bringing in the whole fleet! Our main man Joe works with a handpicked team of local pros to set you up with a fishing extravaganza. You and your gang will spread out across multiple boats, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to cast. Want to try your hand at different fishing techniques? No problem. Some folks can head to the flats for redfish while others troll for trout. It's all about what you want out of your day on the water.
Matagorda Bay is like a buffet of fishing options, and we're serving up all the good stuff. Fancy some sight casting in the shallows? We'll get you on the redfish. More interested in drifting for trout? Say no more. Our guides know every nook and cranny of these waters, from the back bays to the nearshore reefs. We'll rig you up with the right gear, whether it's light tackle for finesse fishing or heavier stuff for battling those big bruisers. And don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are part fisherman, part teacher, and they'll have you casting like a pro in no time.
Let me tell you, once you've fished Matagorda Bay, you'll be hooked (pun intended). Our regulars rave about the variety – one minute you're sight fishing for tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're jigging for flounder along a channel edge. And with multiple boats, you're not stuck doing the same thing all day. Plus, there's nothing like a little friendly competition between boats to get the adrenaline pumping. At the end of the day, you'll swap stories and compare catches as you cruise back to the dock.
Alright, let's talk target species. Matagorda Bay is home to some real beauties, and we're going after the cream of the crop.
First up, redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your patience, especially when they're tailing in the shallows. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can find them year-round.
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are another favorite. These spotted speedsters are known for their acrobatics and their tasty fillets. They're suckers for a well-presented lure, and the thump when they hit is something special. Early morning and late evening are your best bets for the big ones.
Don't sleep on the black drum. These bulldogs of the bay might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they fight like crazy and are a blast on light tackle. They love crustaceans, so crab-scented soft plastics are the ticket.
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are the sneaky thieves of the bay. They're experts at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a treat. They're especially fun around structure where their powerful jaws come in handy.
Last but not least, we've got southern flounder. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush predators. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're tricky to find and even trickier to hook. Get one on the end of your line, though, and you're in for some of the best eating the bay has to offer.
Look, if you've got a big group itching for some quality time on the water, this is your ticket. We're talking custom trips tailored to what you want to do. Whether it's a corporate team-building day, a family reunion, or just a bunch of buddies looking to wet a line, we've got you covered. With multiple boats and guides, we can accommodate groups of all sizes and skill levels. And remember, these weekday trips are by appointment only, so you know you're getting our full attention. Don't let this chance slip away – the fish are biting, and the bay is calling. Give us a shout, and let's get your crew out on the water for a day you won't forget. Trust me, the office can wait – these fish won't!
Black Drum are the bruisers of Matagorda Bay, growing up to 30 pounds or more. You'll find them cruising shallow flats and hanging around oyster beds, using their sensitive chin barbels to root out crabs and shellfish. Spring is spawning season when big schools gather, making for some exciting action. These fish put up a stubborn fight, using their size to their advantage. Anglers enjoy the challenge and the tasty fillets from smaller drum under 15 pounds. Bigger ones can get tough and wormy, so we usually release those. For best results, use fresh peeled shrimp or crab on a fish-finder rig. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. Black Drum aren't the prettiest fish, but they'll test your tackle and your patience.
Redfish are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay, with their copper color and distinctive tail spot. They love super shallow water, sometimes tailing with their backs out of the water. Most run 20-30 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and hard-fighting spirit. They're also delicious, with a mild, sweet flavor. To target reds, look for them cruising the flats or hanging around structure. Use live bait like mullet or crabs, or try artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics. A local secret: on calm days, sight-cast to tailing reds in inches of water for an unforgettable experience. Just be ready for an explosive take and a drag-screaming run!
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-24 inches but can reach 30+ inches in rare cases. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Plus, they make for some fine eating with their mild, flaky meat. To catch specks, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Work your bait with a twitch-and-pause retrieve to mimic wounded baitfish. A local tip: focus on areas where bait is jumping or birds are diving – that's often where the trout are feeding.
Sheepshead, or convict fish, are the bane of many anglers with their human-like teeth and bait-stealing ways. These striped fish hang around structure like pilings and jetties, picking off barnacles and crabs. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are prized for their sweet, white meat, but cleaning them can be a chore with their tough scales. They're not big fighters, but hooking one takes finesse. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. When you feel a nibble, wait a beat before setting the hook – these guys are pros at stripping bait. A local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Just watch your fingers around those chompers!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They're not the strongest fighters, but landing one takes skill. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, letting it drift along the bottom. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder time to swallow the bait before a gentle hookset. Patience is key with these flat fish.