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Premier Weekday Fishing Charters in Matagorda Bay

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Matagorda
  • $450 - $5,500 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun half-day fishing trip on Matagorda Bay? This 5-hour charter is perfect for anglers of all levels. You'll head out with an experienced captain to target black drum, redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, and flounder in some of the bay's most productive spots. The trip is ideal for small groups, with room for up to 2 guests. Whether you're casting with buddies or family, you're in for a great day on the water. Your guide will help you make the most of your time, sharing local knowledge and fishing tips. Remember to bring your fishing license and gear. These weekday trips are by appointment only, so book your spot to get out on the bay and catch some fish!
Premier Weekday Fishing Charters in Matagorda Bay

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

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Reeling in a good time by the water.

Reeling in a good time by the water.

Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.

Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.

Caught a nice one by the water.

Caught a nice one by the water.

Caught a nice one out on the water!

Caught a nice one out on the water!

4 big black drum, redfish, and sheepshead fish caught during fishing trip in Matagorda

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Reeling in the spotted weakfish in Matagorda, TX!

Reeling in the spotted weakfish in Matagorda, TX!

A spotted weakfish reeled in from the waters of Matagorda, TX.

A spotted weakfish reeled in from the waters of Matagorda, TX.

3 spotted weakfish, fishing in TX

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6 spotted weakfish and black drum fish caught in Matagorda

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Reeling in a nice catch on the water!

Reeling in a nice catch on the water!

Reeling in a good time by the water.

Reeling in a good time by the water.

Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.

Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.

Caught a nice one by the water.

Caught a nice one by the water.

Caught a nice one out on the water!

Caught a nice one out on the water!

4 big black drum, redfish, and sheepshead fish caught during fishing trip in Matagorda

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Reeling in the spotted weakfish in Matagorda, TX!

Reeling in the spotted weakfish in Matagorda, TX!

A spotted weakfish reeled in from the waters of Matagorda, TX.

A spotted weakfish reeled in from the waters of Matagorda, TX.

3 spotted weakfish, fishing in TX

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6 spotted weakfish and black drum fish caught in Matagorda

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Reeling in a nice catch on the water!

Reeling in a nice catch on the water!

Reeling in a good time by the water.

Reeling in a good time by the water.

Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.

Caught one, but the real catch was the quality time.

Caught a nice one by the water.

Caught a nice one by the water.

Caught a nice one out on the water!

Caught a nice one out on the water!

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Half-Day Fishing Adventures in Matagorda Bay

Ready to spend a morning or afternoon reeling in some of Matagorda Bay's finest? Our private half-day charters are the perfect way to get your fish on without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered for 5 hours of non-stop action on these legendary Texas waters. From hard-fighting redfish to tasty sea trout, we'll put you right where the bite is hot. Grab your lucky hat and let's hit the bay!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising across Matagorda's smooth waters as the sun climbs in the sky, your experienced captain scanning for telltale signs of fish activity. Before you know it, you're dropping lines in a honey hole teeming with fish. Our half-day trips are all about maximizing your time and upping your chances of landing that trophy catch. We'll hit multiple spots, switching up tactics to match what the fish are doing that day. And don't worry if you're new to this - our guides are patient teachers who love nothing more than seeing clients reel in their personal best.

Fishing Tricks of the Trade

On our Matagorda Bay charters, we use a mix of techniques to keep the rods bent. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might have you casting soft plastics along grass lines for redfish, working topwater lures for explosive trout strikes, or jigging near structure for hefty black drum. We provide all the gear, from rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding tech. All you need to bring is your Texas fishing license, some snacks, and a readiness to learn. Our captains are walking encyclopedias of local fishing knowledge, and they're always happy to share tips that'll up your game long after the trip's over.

Customer Stories

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

"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

"We had a fun trip. Fishing was tough, but Capt Joe worked his rear end off getting us on them. I would definitely book again." - ADAM

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored battlers are a Matagorda Bay staple. Known for their strong runs and delicious flesh, redfish can be found year-round but really turn on in the fall. Look for their telltale tail waves in the shallows as they hunt for crabs and baitfish. Landing a big 'bull red' over 20 pounds is a true Texas fishing achievement.

Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these spotted beauties are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They're most active in the cooler months, often found around oyster reefs and drop-offs. The thrill of a sea trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn is hard to beat. While most trout are in the 2-3 pound range, Matagorda is known for producing some real gators pushing 30 inches.

Black Drum: Don't let their humble looks fool you - black drum put up a stubborn fight and make excellent table fare. These cousins of the redfish love hanging around pier pilings and oyster beds. Spring is prime time for big spawning drum, but you can catch them year-round. The smaller 'puppy drum' under 10 pounds are best for eating, while the big ones over 30 pounds are catch-and-release trophies.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, sheepshead are a unique catch. These structure-loving fish are masters at stealing bait, making them a fun challenge for anglers. Winter and early spring are peak seasons as they gather to spawn. Their firm, white meat is considered a delicacy by many.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the bay, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn. Gigging for flounder at night is a popular local tradition, but we catch plenty on rod and reel too. Their sweet, flaky meat makes them one of the most sought-after fish in the bay.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot - it's a slice of coastal paradise that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The diversity of fish species means there's always something biting, no matter the season. Our protected waters offer great fishing even when the Gulf is rough, and the lack of crowds means you often feel like you have the whole bay to yourself. Add in the chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and a huge variety of birds, and you've got all the makings of an unforgettable day on the water.

But what really sets our trips apart is the local knowledge and dedication of our guides. We don't just go through the motions - we work hard to put you on fish and make sure you're having a blast doing it. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the coastal vibes, we've got you covered.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - everything you need to know about our half-day Matagorda Bay fishing charters. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to sample some of Texas' best inshore action, these trips deliver the goods. Remember, we run these weekday charters by appointment only, so you get our full attention without the weekend crowds.

Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the world-class fishing Matagorda Bay has to offer. Grab a buddy, clear your calendar for a weekday morning or afternoon, and let's make some fishing memories. The fish are biting, the boat is ready, and your spot is waiting. Book now and get ready to see why Matagorda Bay is a top-rated destination for anglers in the know. Trust us, once you fish these waters, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock!

Customer Reviews

Unforgettable Catch

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

AC
Adam Chavers

October 26, 2024

Determined Captain

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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.

Read More
RW
Ryan Whorton

March 24, 2025

Top Notch Fishing

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We had a fun trip. Fishing was tough, but Capt Joe worked his rear end off getting us on them. I would definitely book again.

AC
ADAM Chavers

May 3, 2025

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Great trip the guild was able to find us another boat very quickly after some boat problems. Caught a bunch of great fish. Would recommend and go again.

HA
Hunter Ames

June 15, 2024

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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.

AC
Adam Chavers

September 14, 2024

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. You'll find them from 5-30 pounds, but the real monsters can top 90 pounds. They love hanging around oyster beds and other structures in brackish water. Spring is spawning time when big schools gather, making them easier to target. Drum put up a great fight and make excellent table fare when under 15 pounds. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound – it's how they got their name. To catch the big ones, try using fresh crab or shrimp on a stout hook. Just remember, the bigger they are, the tougher the meat gets.

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are a prized catch known for their coppery color and black tail spot. They average 28-33 inches when mature but can grow much larger. You'll find them in super shallow water – sometimes with their backs exposed! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up for spawning. Reds put up a strong fight and are excellent eating. They'll hit just about any bait or lure, but topwater lures in shallow water can produce explosive strikes. Try this: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. It's sight-fishing at its finest.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species. They usually range from 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with some reaching up to 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are known for their soft, delicate meat and put up a good fight on light tackle. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live shrimp or soft plastics under a popping cork are hard to beat. Local tip: when you find one trout, there's likely more nearby. Fan cast the area thoroughly before moving on.

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, or convict fish, are named for their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20 pounds. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers, so use a sharp hook and set it fast. Spring is spawning season when they gather in large groups. Anglers love the challenge of catching these crafty fish, and their sweet, white meat is a real treat. Pro tip: use fiddler crabs or live shrimp and fish as close to the structure as you can without snagging. Patience and precision are key with sheepshead.

Sheepshead

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on one 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. They're ambush predators, so fish slowly along the bottom with live bait or soft plastics. Fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Flounder are prized for their delicate, flaky white meat. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab bait sideways, then turn it to swallow. Patience pays off with these tasty flatfish.

Southern Flounder
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