Get ready for the ultimate fishing adventure with your crew in Matagorda Bay! Expert Guide Joe and his top-notch team are fired up to take your big group out for a half-day of non-stop action. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish or sneaky speckled trout, we've got you covered with five boats ready to hit the hotspots. This ain't your average charter – it's a custom-tailored experience designed to give everyone in your gang the day on the water they've been dreaming about.
Picture this: You and up to 14 of your buddies, spread out across five boats, each captained by a seasoned pro who knows these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about a flexible, half-day trip that caters to what your group wants. Maybe some of you are itching to battle bull reds, while others want to cruise the backcountry and sight-cast to tailing fish. No problem! We'll mix and match to make sure everyone's having a blast. And with Joe coordinating the whole shebang, you know you're in for a top-shelf experience.
Alright, let's talk tactics. Depending on what's biting and where, we might be drifting live shrimp over grass flats for speckled trout, or tossing soft plastics along oyster reefs for redfish. If the flounder are in, we'll break out the jigs and work those drop-offs. Our boats are set up for everything from popping corks to sight-casting, so we can switch it up on the fly. And don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are killer teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time.
Matagorda Bay is a real fish factory, and we've got some heavy hitters on the menu. Let's break 'em down:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rockstars of the bay. They'll test your drag and your biceps, especially when they're schooling up in the fall. Nothing beats seeing that big spot on the tail as you're reeling one in.
Speckled Trout: The Bay's bread and butter, specks are a blast on light tackle. They're sneaky fighters and tasty to boot. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch 'em year-round.
Black Drum: These big uglies might not win any beauty contests, but they sure put up a fight. They love hanging around structure and will inhale a crab or shrimp bait. Winter's when they really shine.
Southern Flounder: Flatfish ninjas, these guys are masters of camouflage. We target them in the cooler months when they're moving to spawn. Jigging for flounder is an art form, and when you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate.
Sheepshead: Don't let those stripes and teeth fool you – these convict fish are no pushovers. They're structure-huggers with a sweet tooth for crustaceans. Winter and early spring is prime time to tangle with these crafty biters.
Listen, there's a reason our big group trips are always packed. It's not just about the fish – though we catch plenty. It's about the laughs, the friendly competition between boats, and those "You should've seen it!" stories at the end of the day. Our guides aren't just experts; they're fun-loving locals who'll have you in stitches while putting you on fish. And let's be real, there's something special about sharing a killer day on the water with your whole crew.
So, what are you waiting for? Round up your gang and let's make this happen. Whether it's a corporate retreat, family reunion, or just a bunch of buddies looking to bend some rods, we've got the setup to make it unforgettable. Remember, Matagorda's fish don't discriminate – they'll chomp on a pro's line just as quick as a newbie's. Book now, and get ready for a day of laughs, fish slime, and memories that'll last way longer than your sunburn. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing this sooner. Let's go fishing!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, with big ones topping 30 pounds. Look for them around oyster beds and mudflats in 1-10 feet of water. They're bottom feeders with strong, crushing teeth perfect for cracking shellfish. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, making loud croaking sounds you can sometimes hear above water. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and good eating when smaller (under 15 pounds). To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook with just enough weight to hold bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel the telltale thump-thump of a Drum nibbling, wait until the rod loads up before setting the hook. These fish can be finicky, but the reward is worth the patience.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the crown jewels of Matagorda Bay fishing. These copper-colored brutes with a distinctive black tail spot typically run 20-30 inches in the bay, but bull reds over 40 inches cruise the surf. Look for them tailing in shallow flats or prowling along oyster reefs. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawn run. Anglers love Redfish for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. To catch one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or soft plastic on the flats, or fish cut mullet on the bottom near structure. Here's a local secret: when you see mullet jumping, Redfish are often feeding nearby. These fish will test your drag and your arms, but landing a big red is an experience you won't forget.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Matagorda Bay. These silver-sided predators typically run 14-20 inches but can grow much larger. Look for them over grass flats and around structures in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild-flavored meat. To catch them, try working a soft plastic jig or topwater lure with a stop-and-go retrieve. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet too. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, listen for the distinctive "pop" of trout feeding on the surface. Cast your lure just beyond the sound and hang on - the bite can be explosive!
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are some of the craftiest fish in Matagorda Bay. You'll find them around pilings, jetties, and reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-5 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 10+. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. For best results, use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. A local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard. The fight is surprisingly strong for their size, and the white, flaky meat is delicious. Just watch out for those fin spines when cleaning!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Typically 15-18 inches long, these flatfish are ambush predators in shallow coastal waters. We find them year-round in Matagorda Bay, but they're most active in fall as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their unique appearance and delicious, flaky white meat. To catch one, try slow-dragging a soft plastic or live bait along the bottom near structure or drop-offs. A local trick is to use a Carolina rig with a piece of cut mullet - flounder can't resist it. Be ready for a subtle bite, and set the hook fast. These oddball fish put up a good fight and make for some of the best eating around.