Premier Weekday Fishing Charters in Matagorda Bay

Half Day Fishing Bonanza in Matagorda Bay

Get ready to wet your lines in the fish-rich waters of Matagorda Bay! This half-day trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Joe knows how to put you on the fish. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and more – all waiting to test your skills. With top-notch gear and local know-how, you're in for five hours of non-stop fishing fun. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the bay!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Matagorda Bay is a fisherman's playground, with its mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and oyster reefs. Captain Joe will have you casting into prime spots before you know it. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are biting. Don't worry if you're new to this – the captain's got plenty of tips and tricks up his sleeve to help you land the big one. And with a two-person max, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention. Just remember to bring your Texas fishing license, and we'll take care of the rest.

Techniques That Hook 'Em

On this trip, we're not just fishing – we're outsmarting some of the wiliest game fish in the Gulf. We might start by drift fishing over grass flats, letting our bait dance naturally in the current. If the reds are schooling, we'll switch to sight casting, sneaking up on those copper-colored beauties. For trout, we might throw soft plastics or topwater lures around structure. And when we're after black drum, nothing beats a chunk of fresh crab on the bottom. Captain Joe's boat is decked out with top-of-the-line gear, including light tackle that lets you feel every nibble and head shake. It's all about reading the water, matching the hatch, and putting you in the sweet spot where the big boys are biting.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Second time out with Captain Joe. Had a great time and caught plenty of fish." - Adam

"It was great / captain Joe is very nice and did a really good job. I'll definitely book another trip in the future." - Clint

"Capt. Joe was hands down the best most attentive captain our family has ever had. His patience and knowledge was top notch. Did some driving around on a beautiful morning and put us on the fish quickly. Limits of trout and 2 Black drum of a lifetime we will never forget. Cannot go wrong if you use his services. Will definitely use him again soon. Thanks for the wonderful memories Capt. Joe." - Ryan

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Matagorda Bay. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish will test your drag and your patience. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing themselves with their tails sticking out of the water – a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round. Nothing beats the thrill of watching a big red crush a topwater lure!

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these sleek predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water. Specks hang around grass flats and oyster reefs, ambushing bait fish and shrimp. Early morning and late evening are magic hours for trout fishing, especially with topwater lures. The "gator" trout (big ones over 25 inches) are the holy grail for many Matagorda anglers.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are hard-fighting fish that'll give you a run for your money. These bottom-feeders use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the bay floor. While smaller "puppy drum" are great eating, the big ones (over 30 pounds) are catch-and-release trophies. Spring is spawning season when big schools of drum gather, creating some epic fishing opportunities.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are the oddballs of the bay. But don't be fooled by their goofy looks – these fish are master bait-stealers and put up a great fight on light tackle. They love structure, so we'll target them around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons when they gather to spawn.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of Matagorda Bay, masters of camouflage that can change color to match the bottom. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever eat. We'll target them around drop-offs and creek mouths, especially during their fall run to the Gulf. Gigging for flounder at night is another popular technique that Captain Joe can introduce you to on a specialized trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, there's a reason why Matagorda Bay is considered one of the best inshore fishing spots in Texas. With its diverse ecosystem and year-round action, every trip out here is a new adventure. Whether you're chasing that personal best redfish, trying to outsmart a wily trout, or just want to feel the tug on your line, this half-day trip delivers. Captain Joe's local knowledge, combined with top-notch equipment and a passion for putting clients on fish, makes this a can't-miss experience for any angler. So what are you waiting for? Weekday slots are filling up fast, and the fish aren't getting any smaller. Grab your fishing buddy, book your trip, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action in Matagorda Bay. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life!