Ultimate Weekday Fishing in Matagorda Bay

Full Day Matagorda Bay Fishing Adventure

Ready to spend a full day chasing redfish and trout in one of the Texas coast's most productive bays? Captain Joe and the crew at Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service will put you on the fish in Matagorda Bay's expansive waters. This private charter is built for small groups—just you and one other angler—so you'll get personalized attention and prime fishing spots all to yourselves. We're talking live bait action, top-water explosions, and trolling runs that'll keep your rod bent all day long. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that'll have you planning your next visit before you even hit the dock.

What to Expect on the Water

Your full day charter kicks off early, giving you maximum time to work Matagorda Bay's prime structure and grass flats. Captain Joe knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are doing that day. One minute you might be working a shallow flat with top-water plugs, watching redfish blow up on your lure in crystal-clear water. The next, you could be drifting live shrimp over an oyster reef, feeling that telltale trout bite. The beauty of a full day trip is the flexibility—if one spot isn't producing, we're not stuck there. We'll cover water until we find active fish, and with Matagorda's vast system of bays, back lakes, and channels, there's always somewhere new to try. Monday through Thursday trips are by appointment only, which means you'll often have popular spots to yourself while the weekend crowd is stuck at work.

Techniques That Get Results

This isn't a one-trick pony operation. Captain Joe runs a variety of techniques to keep things interesting and productive throughout the day. Live bait fishing with croaker and shrimp is deadly on big trout and redfish, especially around structure like reefs and drop-offs. When the fish are aggressive, nothing beats the excitement of top-water casting—watching a redfish crush a spook or She Dog in shallow water will get your heart pumping every time. Trolling comes into play when covering water or targeting suspended fish in deeper areas. All gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the day. The boat is equipped to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you, and Captain Joe's experience means you'll be fishing effectively whether it's dead calm or blowing 15 knots.

What Anglers Are Saying

"We fished the morning and caught a few, then the rain came. Later in the day Joe put us back on more fish. Just some of the fish we caught. Thanks for another great trip Joe." - Steve

"I have been out with Joe multiple times and he never disappoints if fish ain't biting within certain amount of cast one spot we moving and he always gonna find some fish they ain't always keeps but ur catching and that to me is what it's about enjoy it every time I go with him took my wife this trip and she loved it even for her not being big on fishing she really enjoyed it" - Shannon

"Our annual trip was great as usual. Captain Joe does an amazing job and we would recommend him whether you are an angler or not." - Steve

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the undisputed kings of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight like freight trains and show up in good numbers year-round. Spring and fall are prime time when schools of reds work the shallow flats, but even summer heat doesn't slow them down much—you just fish them deeper or earlier in the day. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them, from live bait to artificials. A slot-sized red between 20-28 inches is perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline with runs that'll test your drag and your arms.

Sea trout might not fight as hard as redfish, but they're arguably the best eating fish in the bay. Matagorda's grass flats and soft bottoms are perfect trout habitat, and these spotted beauties can be surprisingly picky about presentation. Spring months bring some of the biggest trout of the year as they move shallow to spawn, while summer action stays consistent over deeper grass beds. A good trout bite often means multiple fish—when you find a school, you can usually catch several before they move on. The state limit allows you to keep five trout over 15 inches, making them a favorite target for anglers looking to fill the cooler.

Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in Matagorda Bay, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder as they stage near passes preparing for their offshore spawning run. These flatfish provide excellent table fare and a unique fishing experience—feeling that subtle "thump" of a flounder bite is completely different from the aggressive strikes of redfish or trout. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique, often involving slow presentations with live bait or soft plastics worked right along the bottom.

Sheepshead round out the slam with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. These structure-loving fish hang around oyster reefs, pilings, and jetties, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crustaceans. They're notorious bait thieves with incredibly light bites, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers. Winter months offer the best sheepshead action when they school up in deeper water. Don't let their goofy appearance fool you—sheepshead are excellent eating and provide a fun change of pace from the usual redfish and trout action.

Time to Book Your Spot