Top-Rated Matagorda Bay Multi-Boat Fishing Trip

Published Date: October 16, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$450 - $4,800 price range

Summary

Join Expert Guide Joe and his team for a custom half-day fishing adventure in Matagorda Bay, perfect for big groups up to 12 people. With four boats at your disposal, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and target the bay's prized catches like redfish and speckled trout. Joe handpicks top local guides to ensure everyone in your party has a great time on the water. Whether you want to focus on reeling in big reds or prefer a relaxing cruise through the backcountry Gulf waters, this trip can be tailored to fit your group's wishes. It's an ideal option for family reunions, corporate outings, or fishing club trips where you need extra capacity. You'll benefit from the guides' deep knowledge of Matagorda's best fishing spots and techniques, maximizing your chances of landing some impressive catches. Get ready for a day of laughs, friendly competition, and hopefully some fish stories to share back at the dock.

Top-Rated Matagorda Bay Multi-Boat Fishing Trip

Big Group, Big Catches

Nice speckled trout using light tackle on a clear day!

Nice redfish caught jigging and drift fishing in clear conditions!

Nice redfish on ice! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.

Nice redfish on the boat today! Clear skies made for perfect fishing conditions.

Big Group Fishing Bonanza in Matagorda Bay

Get ready for the ultimate fishing adventure with your crew in Matagorda Bay! This half-day trip is perfect for large groups looking to reel in some serious action. Expert Guide Joe and his hand-picked team of local pros will take you and up to 11 of your buddies out on four boats to explore the rich waters of this Texas coastal gem. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish, elusive speckled trout, or just want to cruise the backcountry, we've got you covered. It's time to round up the gang and make some unforgettable memories on the water!

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't your average fishing trip, folks. We're talking about a custom-tailored experience for your whole crew. Joe and his team know these waters like the back of their hands, so you're in for a treat. You'll be spread out across four boats, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to cast and reel. The beauty of this setup is the flexibility - want to split up and try different spots? No problem. Feel like sticking together for some friendly competition? We can make that happen too. And don't worry if some in your group are seasoned anglers while others are total newbies - our guides are pros at making sure everyone has a blast, regardless of skill level.

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

Get ready to try out a variety of fishing techniques as we hunt for the bay's top species. We might start off drift fishing over some prime oyster reefs, where the trout and redfish love to hang out. If the tide's right, we could hit up some shallow flats for some sight casting action - there's nothing quite like watching a big red crush your lure in crystal clear water. For those looking to beef up their skills, our guides can show you the ins and outs of popping cork fishing, a local favorite that's deadly effective for specks and reds. And if the flounder are running, we might break out the jigs for some bottom bouncing. Whatever the fish are biting on, we've got the gear and know-how to put you on 'em.

Top Catches This Season

Matagorda Bay is a year-round fishery, but each season brings its own highlights. In the warmer months, redfish and speckled trout are the stars of the show. As we move into fall, the flounder run kicks off, with some real doormats coming through. Winter can be surprisingly productive, with big schools of black drum moving in. And come spring, it's like the whole bay comes alive again. No matter when you book, there's always something worth chasing in these waters. Our guides stay on top of the patterns, so you'll be hitting the most productive spots for whatever's biting during your trip.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. Reds in Matagorda Bay can range from rat reds in the 18-inch class all the way up to bull reds over 40 inches. They're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Look for them tailing in shallow water or busting bait on the surface. The best time to target big reds is usually in the fall, but they're around all year.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their sporty fight and their excellent table fare. Matagorda Bay is known for producing some real gator trout, with fish over 25 inches not uncommon. They're most active in the cooler months, but can be caught year-round. Specks love to ambush bait around structure, so we'll often target them near oyster reefs or along drop-offs.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. Flounder in Matagorda can get up to 5 pounds or more. They're masters of camouflage, burying themselves in the sandy bottom to ambush prey. The fall flounder run is legendary around here, with big numbers of fish moving through the bay on their way to spawn in the Gulf.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing reds and trout, black drum can provide some serious action. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They love to root around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp, and can often be found in large schools. Winter and early spring are prime time for big drum.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, sheepshead are one of the more unique fish you'll encounter in the bay. They're notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge to catch. These structure-loving fish are often found around pilings, rocks, and oyster reefs. Winter and early spring are the best times to target sheepshead, when they gather in large numbers to spawn.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Matagorda Bay that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the diversity of the fishery - one day you're sight casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're pulling in slabs of trout over a deep oyster reef. Or maybe it's the laid-back vibe of the area, where you can escape the crowds and really connect with nature. But if you ask our repeat customers, they'll tell you it's the memories made with friends and family that keep them coming back. There's nothing quite like sharing a big catch, swapping stories over lunch, or watching the sunset over the bay with your crew. And with our multi-boat setup for large groups, you can create those memories with everyone you care about.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you've made it this far, you're probably itching to get out on the water. And who could blame you? Matagorda Bay is calling, and Joe and his team are ready to show you and your crew the time of your lives. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a corporate team-building day, or just a big fishing trip with your buddies, this is the perfect way to do it. Remember, with four boats at your disposal, we can accommodate up to 12 people, so don't be shy about bringing the whole gang. The fish are biting, the bay is beautiful, and the memories are waiting to be made. Don't let this opportunity slip away - get in touch with Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service LLC today and let's start planning your epic Matagorda Bay fishing adventure!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. These cousins of the Redfish are easily recognized by their black or gray coloring and distinctive "croaking" sound. You'll find Black Drum in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and other structures. They're bottom feeders, using their strong jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is the prime time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and good table fare, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can be tough and less tasty, so we usually release those. For the best luck, fish the shallow flats and oyster reefs. Use fresh crab or shrimp for bait - Black Drum can't resist them. Here's a local trick: if you're having trouble finding them, try "drumming" your rod against the boat. Sometimes that croaking sound will draw them in curious.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Matagorda Bay fishing. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 20 to 30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find Redfish in shallow water, often so shallow their backs break the surface. They love to cruise flats, oyster reefs, and shorelines, hunting for crabs and small fish. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawning run. Anglers can't get enough of Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. That telltale tail spot and the possibility of hooking into a monster keeps folks coming back. For the best shot at Redfish, try sight-casting on the flats or fishing around structure with live bait or artificial lures. Here's a local tip: on calm days, watch for "tailing" reds in shallow water. Their tails will stick up out of the water as they root for crabs in the mud - it's a sure sign you're in for some exciting fishing.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fish typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds, though some can grow much larger. You'll find Sea Trout in shallow waters, particularly grass flats and around structure. They're most active at dawn and dusk, often feeding aggressively on shrimp and small fish. Winter can be great for trophy trout, as they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They put up a good fight on light tackle and are known for their acrobatic leaps. For best results, try topwater lures early in the morning or late evening. Soft plastics and live shrimp work well too. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for "slicks" on the water surface. These oily patches are often signs of feeding trout, and can lead you right to the action.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, or "convict fish," are a unique catch in Matagorda Bay. These striped beauties typically weigh 1-8 pounds and measure 14-20 inches, though some giants can reach 20 pounds. They're famous for their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. You'll find Sheepshead around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. They're most active in cooler months, with spring being the peak season as they gather to spawn. Anglers love Sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. These fish are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. For best results, use light tackle and natural baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Get as close to the structure as you can - Sheepshead rarely stray far from cover. Here's a local tip: if you're fishing from a boat, try scraping some barnacles off the pilings. That'll create a chum slick that can really get the Sheepshead feeding.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are a prized catch in Matagorda Bay. These flat, oval fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches long. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge they present. These fish are masters of camouflage and can be tricky to spot. For the best results, try drift fishing or still fishing near structure. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp, or artificial lures that mimic their prey. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab their prey and reposition it before fully committing. That pause can make the difference between landing a fish and coming up empty.

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