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Get ready to reel in the big ones on this full-day guided fishing trip in Matagorda Bay. We're talking serious angling action from sunup to sundown, folks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Joe of Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service has got you covered. With a variety of fishing techniques and a boatload of local knowledge, you're in for a day of non-stop action chasing after redfish, trout, flounder, and more. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!
Picture this: You're cruising through Matagorda Bay, rod in hand, with nothing but open water and endless possibilities ahead. This ain't no ordinary fishing trip – it's a full-day adventure tailored just for you and your buddy. We're talking about 8+ hours of prime fishing time, where every cast could be the one that lands you a trophy catch. Captain Joe knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. Live bait fishing? Check. Trolling? You bet. Wanna try your hand at some top-water action? We've got that too. And the best part? It's just you, your fishing partner, and the captain – no crowded party boats here.
Alright, let's break down the nitty-gritty of how we're gonna get those fish in the boat. We've got a whole tackle box of techniques up our sleeve. Live bait fishing is a local favorite – nothing beats a lively shrimp or mullet to entice those big reds and trout. We'll also do some trolling, perfect for covering more water and finding those active fish. And for you adrenaline junkies, there's top-water casting. There's nothing quite like watching a big trout explode on your lure. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – Captain Joe's got all the gear you need and he'll show you the ropes. From light tackle for those speckled trout to heavier setups for bull reds, we've got you covered. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
"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
"It was great Capt Joe went above and beyond it was Windy but we were on top of Dem Fishes lol😁... booking my next trip as I type..." - Kevin
"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
Alright, let's talk targets. Matagorda Bay is home to some real heavy hitters, and we're gonna break 'em down for you.
First up, the redfish. These copper-colored bulldogs are what Matagorda dreams are made of. They'll test your drag and your biceps, often tipping the scales at 20-30 pounds. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch 'em year-round. Nothing beats the sight of a tailing red in shallow water – it's like they're begging you to cast their way.
Next, we've got speckled trout. These silver beauties are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're quick, they're feisty, and man, are they tasty. Spring and fall are your best bets for big specs, but summer can be lights out too. Topwater action for trout at dawn? That's the stuff fishing dreams are made of.
Don't sleep on the southern flounder. These flatfish might not look like much, but they're sneaky fighters and absolute delicacies on the dinner table. Fall is the golden season for flounder as they start their migration to the Gulf. Drifting live bait along channel edges? That's flounder fishing 101.
Last but not least, sheepshead. These striped convicts are the unsung heroes of inshore fishing. With their strong jaws and crafty nature, they're a real challenge to hook. But man, once you figure them out, it's game on. Winter and early spring are prime time for sheepshead around structure and oyster reefs. Just remember, when you feel the bite, set the hook hard – these guys are notorious bait stealers!
Look, here's the deal – fishing Matagorda Bay with Captain Joe isn't just a trip, it's an experience. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, this is your ticket. With a seasoned pro at the helm, top-notch gear, and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, you're in for a real treat. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddy, pick a date (remember, Monday through Thursday by appointment), and let's make some memories on the water. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Don't let this one get away – book your trip with Bay Finatic Fishing Guide Service today!
July 26, 2025
Another great trip! Ready for next trip already.
August 30, 2025
We have booked more than one trip with these guys and this time my husband took his dad and let me tell you, they did not disappoint!!!! These guys are great!!! Super friendly and know their stuff!!! We will be back again for sure!!! Thanks again for another amazing time!!! Book with Bay Finatic Charters, you won’t be disappointed!!
August 4, 2023
It was great Capt Joe went above and beyond it was Windy but we were on top of Dem Fishes lol😁... booking my next trip as I type...
September 13, 2025
It was great...Capt Joe was great booking next trip
September 16, 2025
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.
August 31, 2024
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
October 25, 2025
Moved to find them but only little ones found. But tried very hard.
September 21, 2024
Redfish are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored bruisers with their distinctive tail spots love cruising the shallows, often in water barely covering their backs. Most reds here run 20-30 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them tailing in grass flats or hanging near oyster reefs. They'll eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Topwater plugs can provoke explosive strikes. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, using their broad tails to bulldoze away from the boat. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. The meat is excellent - firm and mild-flavored. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water. My local tip: on windy days, focus on shorelines where bait gets pushed up against the bank. Redfish will be there to take advantage of the buffet.

Speckled trout are a staple in Matagorda Bay, with most fish in the 14-24 inch range. These silver beauties love to hang out in grass flats and around oyster reefs. Look for them in 3-6 feet of water, especially early morning or evening when they're actively feeding. Trout fishing heats up in spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round. They're known for their soft mouths, so set the hook gently. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwaters work great too. Sea trout put up a good fight with some acrobatic jumps. The meat is mild and flaky - perfect for the grill. For best results, try drifting the flats and casting towards any bait activity you see. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to catch several in quick succession.

These striped convict fish are a blast to catch around Matagorda's structures. Look for them near pilings, jetties and reefs where they feast on barnacles and crustaceans. Most run 1-8 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 20 pounds. Sheepshead have powerful jaws and human-like teeth perfect for crushing shells. They're notorious bait stealers, so a sensitive touch is key. Use light tackle with small, strong hooks. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs or oysters make great bait. Keep it close to structure and be ready for subtle bites. The meat is sweet and delicious, but cleaning them takes some skill with those tough scales. Spring is prime time as they move in to spawn. My pro tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up before casting. The fight and flavor make sheepshead a favorite for many anglers.

These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in Matagorda's shallow waters. Most flounder here run 15-18 inches, but the big ones can hit 30+ inches. Look for them around structure like jetties or oyster reefs, especially in fall when they move to deeper channels to spawn. Flounder fishing takes patience - they're ambush predators that wait for prey to come to them. Use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, keeping your offering close to the bottom. When you feel that distinctive thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook. Flounder put up a good fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. For best results, try drifting or anchoring near drop-offs where they lie in wait for passing baitfish.

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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.