Premier Weekday Fishing Charters in Matagorda Bay

Half-Day Fishing Bonanza in Matagorda Bay

Get ready to reel in some serious action on this half-day fishing trip in Matagorda Bay! Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Joe's got you covered for 5 hours of non-stop fishing fun. We'll be targeting a mixed bag of inshore favorites – redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder. With years of local knowledge under his belt, the captain knows exactly where to find the honey holes. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water for some rod-bending excitement!

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 paradise, with its maze of shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds – all prime habitat for our target species. The captain will get you set up with top-notch gear, and before you know it, you'll be casting into some of the most productive spots in the bay. Whether you're chunking bait, working a soft plastic, or sight-casting to tailing reds, there's always a chance for that personal best catch. And don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Joe's got the patience of a saint and will have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are biting. You might find yourself free-lining a live shrimp along a grass line for specks, or tossing a gold spoon into a school of redfish. For those big black drum, we might set up with some fresh crab on a Carolina rig. The captain's got all the gear you need, from light tackle setups for trout to heavier rods for battling those bull reds. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure you want to try, bring it along – sometimes that lucky charm is just what you need to land the big one!

What Anglers Are Saying

Don't just take our word for it – here's what some happy anglers have to say about their trips with Captain Joe:

"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

"Capt. Joe did an excellent job. Very personable and knowledgeable. He has nice equipment and put us on fish. Best guided trip I've ever been on." - Adam

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

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Matagorda Bay. Known for their bulldogging fights and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to trophy-sized bulls over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with a tell-tale tail waving above the water. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in Matagorda.

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got a mouthful of teeth and aren't afraid to use them on topwater lures, soft plastics, or live bait. Spring and fall are excellent seasons for specks, but summertime can produce some monster trout in the right spots. Nothing beats the sound of a big speck blowing up on a topwater at dawn!

Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousins of the redfish, black drum can provide some serious pull on your line. These bottom-feeders have a distinctive chin barbel and can grow to over 50 pounds. They're suckers for fresh crab or shrimp and tend to hang around structure like jetties and oyster reefs. Winter and early spring are prime time for big black drum, but you can catch them year-round in Matagorda Bay.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive set of chompers, sheepshead are both fun to catch and great on the dinner table. These structure-loving fish are masters at stealing bait, so a quick hookset is key. They're most active in cooler months, making them a great target when other species slow down. Fishing around pilings, jetties, or oyster reefs with fiddler crabs or shrimp is the ticket to sheepshead success.

Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage lie in wait on the bay bottom, ambushing unsuspecting prey. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever eat. Fall is the prime time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Drifting live bait or working a jig slowly along drop-offs and channel edges can produce some doormat-sized flatties.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up – if you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler, this Matagorda Bay half-day trip is calling your name. With Captain Joe at the helm, you're in for a day of first-class fishing, whether you're after a personal best redfish or a mess of trout for the fryer. Remember, this is a weekday-only gig and by appointment, so don't wait to lock in your date. Bring your fishing license, a good attitude, and get ready to make some memories on the water. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting – let's go fishing!