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Top-Rated Tournament Fishing in Matagorda Bay

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Matagorda
  • $450 - $4,800 price range
  • Updated Date: November 5, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing competition? Join Joe and his expert team at Bay Finatic for a full-day guided tournament in Matagorda Bay. We'll handle the navigation so you can focus on landing the big ones. Our center console boat comfortably fits a team of 4, with plenty of room to cast. We provide all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you prefer. This trip is perfect for company outings or friends looking to test their angling skills. We know these waters like the back of our hand and will put you on the fish. Just grab your license, sign up for the tournament, and let's hit the bay. Whether you're after redfish, trout, or flounder, we'll work hard to get you that winning catch. It's a full day of fishing, strategy, and friendly competition in one of Texas' best inshore spots.
Top-Rated Tournament Fishing in Matagorda Bay

Tournament Action Shots

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Large redfish with orange fins on ice in cooler from fishing adventure in Matagorda TX

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

Angler holding caught redfish on fishing boat in Matagorda TX with rod and cooler

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

Redfish caught using jigging and light tackle fishing techniques at Harbor Bait & Tackle, LLC on boat

Nice redfish on light tackle! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure today.

Two fishermen on boat holding redfish catch at Harbor Bait & Tackle LLC

Nice redfish using jigging and light tackle today!

Fresh caught speckled trout in cooler with ice at Harbor Bait & Tackle LLC

Nice speckled trout using light tackle on a clear day!

Two fishermen on boat holding caught redfish with fishing rods at Harbor Bait & Tackle LLC

Nice redfish caught jigging and drift fishing in clear conditions!

Large redfish with orange fins on ice in cooler from fishing adventure in Matagorda TX

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

Angler holding caught redfish on fishing boat in Matagorda TX with rod and cooler

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

Redfish caught using jigging and light tackle fishing techniques at Harbor Bait & Tackle, LLC on boat

Nice redfish on light tackle! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure today.

Two fishermen on boat holding redfish catch at Harbor Bait & Tackle LLC

Nice redfish using jigging and light tackle today!

Fresh caught speckled trout in cooler with ice at Harbor Bait & Tackle LLC

Nice speckled trout using light tackle on a clear day!

Two fishermen on boat holding caught redfish with fishing rods at Harbor Bait & Tackle LLC

Nice redfish caught jigging and drift fishing in clear conditions!

Large redfish with orange fins on ice in cooler from fishing adventure in Matagorda TX

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

Angler holding caught redfish on fishing boat in Matagorda TX with rod and cooler

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

Redfish caught using jigging and light tackle fishing techniques at Harbor Bait & Tackle, LLC on boat

Nice redfish on light tackle! Clear conditions made for an exciting adventure today.

Two fishermen on boat holding redfish catch at Harbor Bait & Tackle LLC

Nice redfish using jigging and light tackle today!

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Reel in Tournament Glory in Matagorda Bay

Get ready to fish like a pro in one of Texas' top inshore destinations. Our full-day guided fishing tournament charters in Matagorda Bay are tailor-made for anglers looking to up their game and land that winning catch. With Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service LLC, you're not just booking a trip – you're locking in local expertise that could be the difference between going home empty-handed or with a shiny new trophy.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You and your crew of up to three buddies, out on Matagorda's rich waters, with a seasoned pro at the helm. Our center console boat gives you plenty of elbow room to cast, reel, and hopefully land some monster fish. We're talking a full day of prime fishing action, where you can focus on your technique while we handle the navigation. Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler or it's your first rodeo, our guides know exactly where to put you for the best shot at tournament-winning fish.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard with Bay Finatic, you're getting more than just a boat ride. Our guides are dialed into the latest patterns and hotspots across Matagorda Bay and the surrounding waterways. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, but feel free to bring your lucky lures if that's your style. We'll zip you between honey holes, show you how to read the water, and share those little tricks that often make the difference in a tight tournament. And don't worry about driving – our captains handle that so you can keep your eyes on the prize and your lines in the water.

Top Catches This Season

Matagorda Bay is teeming with inshore gamefish that'll test your skills and make for some epic weigh-ins. We're targeting the heavy hitters: brawny redfish that'll bend your rod double, crafty speckled trout that require finesse, chunky black drum that put up a stubborn fight, and the elusive southern flounder – the flatfish that can make or break a tournament. Our guides know the seasonal patterns of these fish like the back of their hand, so you're always fishing the right spots at the right time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Our tournament charters are perfect for team-building or a company retreat that'll have everyone talking for months. There's nothing like a friendly competition to bring folks together, and the shared excitement of a big catch can forge bonds that last well beyond the weigh-in. Plus, with our local knowledge, you're not just fishing – you're getting an insider's tour of one of Texas' most productive bay systems.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage are the ninjas of the flats. They lie in wait, perfectly blended with the bottom, ready to ambush their prey. Flounder fishing is an art form, requiring patience and a delicate touch. In Matagorda, we target these flatfish year-round, but the fall run is when things get really exciting. That's when big flounder move towards the Gulf, and your chances of hooking a doormat-sized fish skyrocket. Landing a big flounder can be a real game-changer in a tournament setting.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and can really beef up your tournament haul. These bruisers hang out near structure and oyster reefs, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp. In Matagorda, we see good numbers of "puppy" drum in the 5-10 pound range year-round, but spring is when the big boys show up. Hooking into a 30+ pounder is like trying to winch up a Volkswagen – it's a fight you won't forget.

Speckled Trout: Ask any Texas angler about their favorite inshore species, and there's a good chance they'll say speckled trout. These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. They're abundant, great to eat, and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Specks can be caught year-round, but the best action is typically in the spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. The real thrill is targeting gator trout – those 25+ inch monsters that can turn the tide in a tournament.

Redfish: The bulldogs of the bay, redfish are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in Matagorda. These copper-colored brutes are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. We target reds in the shallow grass flats and along the edges of oyster reefs. The sight of a big red's tail waving above the water as it roots for crabs is enough to get any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for bull reds, when these giants move into the bays to spawn, offering a shot at a true trophy catch.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're serious about upping your tournament game or just want to fish like the pros for a day, our Matagorda Bay charters are your ticket. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and the passion to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to crush the competition or just enjoy a day on the water with your buddies, we've got you covered. Don't let another season slip by – grab your license, sign up for that tournament, and let's hit the water. Book your Bay Finatic tournament charter today, and let's start planning your path to that winner's circle. The fish are biting, and the clock's ticking – what are you waiting for?

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of Matagorda Bay, growing up to 90 pounds, though most catches are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. These bottom-feeders use their strong jaws to crush shellfish, so areas with plenty of crabs and oysters are prime spots. Spring is the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers enjoy the fight these big boys put up, plus the smaller ones make great eating. For the best results, use fresh crab or shrimp as bait. Here's a local tip: fish slowly and keep your bait on the bottom. If you hear a croaking sound, you're in the right spot – these fish are known for their drumming noises. Just remember, for the best taste, stick to Black Drum under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can be tough and less flavorful.

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple in Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive tail spot, typically run 28-33 inches when mature, but can grow up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs, coves, and seagrass. They love a muddy bottom. Fall's the best time to target them as they move to spawn. Anglers can't get enough of the fight these fish put up, plus they're delicious on the plate. To land one, try topwater lures in shallow flats for some explosive action. Here's a local tip: look for their backs breaking the surface in really shallow water. They'll eat almost anything when they're hungry, so experiment with different lures. Just remember, they're protected, so check the regs before you keep any.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Matagorda Bay. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love cooler water, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their mild, delicate flavor and the exciting topwater action they provide. To hook one, try artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. A local secret: troll slowly along grass flats if you're having trouble locating them. Remember, these fish school up in deeper waters during winter, so adjust your tactics accordingly. Sea Trout put up a good fight and make for some tasty eating, just be careful not to overcook the tender meat.

Sea Trout

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are a prized catch in Matagorda Bay. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, using their ability to change color and blend in with the substrate. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these masters of camouflage. To land one, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: use a slip lead rig with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz head for the best presentation. Keep your line light, your movements slow, and you might just fool one of these crafty flatfish.

Southern Flounder

About the Haynie

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready to reel in some tournament glory? Join Captain Joe and the Bayfinatic team for a full day of competitive fishing action in beautiful Matagorda Bay. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the hottest spots to maximize your chances of landing that winning catch. Hop aboard our spacious center console boat with room for up to 3 anglers plus your captain. We'll provide all the top-notch gear you need, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you prefer. This charter is perfect for serious tournament anglers looking to gain an edge, as well as corporate groups wanting a unique team-building experience on the water. Just grab your fishing license, sign up for the tournament, and let us handle the rest. With Bayfinatic at the helm, you can focus 100% on the fishing and bringing home that trophy. Don't miss your chance to fish Matagorda Bay like a pro - book your tournament charter today!
Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service

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