Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the waters of Matagorda Bay for some serious fishing action? I'm talking about a day trip that'll have you reeling in dinner and bragging rights. Our 1-day charter is the perfect chance to escape the daily grind and get your hands on some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered with everything you need for a successful day on the bay.
Here's the scoop: we're talking about a full day of fishing in the rich waters of Matagorda Bay. We'll provide top-notch gear, so don't sweat it if you left your favorite rod at home. We've got rods, reels, and tackle that'll make those fish wish they'd stayed in bed. Plus, we're throwing in water and an ice chest to keep your catch (and your drinks) cool. Speaking of drinks, don't forget to pack your own cooler with snacks and beverages - trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there. Oh, and sunscreen is a must unless you want to come back looking like a cooked redfish.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "What about bait?" Well, here's the deal: bait's not included in our trips. But don't worry, we can point you in the right direction to grab some before we head out. And once we're done for the day, we'll take care of cleaning your catch. Nothing beats the taste of fresh fish you caught yourself, am I right?
This isn't a solo mission unless you want it to be. Our boat's set up for 3 guests, but we can squeeze in up to 6 if you've got a bigger crew. So round up your fishing buddies, bring the family, or make it a team-building trip with your coworkers (just don't tell the boss how much fun you had). Matagorda Bay's got enough fish for everyone, and trust me, the stories get better with more witnesses.
Alright, let's talk technique. In Matagorda Bay, we're mostly doing light tackle fishing. That means we'll be using lighter rods and reels, perfect for the inshore species we're after. We might do some drift fishing, where we let the boat drift with the current while we cast our lines. Or, if the fish are being stubborn, we might anchor up and chum the waters a bit to bring them to us. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll show you the ropes, from how to cast without tangling your line (or your buddy) to the best way to set the hook when you feel that telltale tug.
We'll be using a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what's biting. Soft plastics, topwater lures, and good old-fashioned live shrimp or mullet can all be killer in these waters. And here's a pro tip: pay attention to the tides. The fish sure do, and knowing when and where they're feeding can make the difference between a good day and a great one.
Matagorda Bay is like a buffet for anglers, with a variety of species that'll keep you guessing what's on the end of your line. Let's break down some of the stars of the show:
Southern Flounder: These flat masters are the ninjas of the bay. They're experts at camouflage, blending in with the bottom until they ambush their prey. Spring and fall are prime times for flounder, especially during their migration. When you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate - a tasty, challenging dinner plate. They put up a decent fight and make for some of the best eating around.
Tarpon: Now we're talking about the silver king! Tarpon are the acrobats of the sea, known for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Hooking a tarpon is one thing, landing one is a whole different ball game. These beasts can grow over 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. If you're lucky enough to tangle with one, you're in for the fight of your life.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a staple of Gulf Coast fishing. They're beautiful fish with spotted patterns and a mouth full of sharp teeth. Sea trout are around all year, but they really turn on in the cooler months. They're not the biggest fish in the bay, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and taste. There's nothing quite like the thump of a trout hitting a topwater lure at dawn.
Redfish: Ah, the redfish - or red drum if you're feeling fancy. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their hard-pulling fights. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall is when they really shine, schooling up in big numbers. They'll test your drag and your arms, especially when you hook into a big bull red. And let me tell you, blackened redfish is hard to beat on the dinner table.
Tripletail: These odd-looking fish might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it with their fight and flavor. Tripletail get their name from their rounded fins that make them look like they have three tails. They love to hang around structure, often floating near the surface mimicking debris. Spring and summer are your best bets for tripletail. They might not be the most common catch, but hooking one is always a treat.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing in Matagorda Bay, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, test your skills against some hard-fighting fish, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, we've got you covered. The bay is calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this call. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, pack your cooler, and let's go make some memories (and maybe set a new personal best while we're at it). Book your trip now, and I'll see you on the water!
Tarpon are the silver kings of Matagorda Bay. These prehistoric-looking beasts can top 200 pounds, though most we see run 80-120 pounds. With their massive, armor-like scales and underslung jaws, tarpon look like something from another era. You'll find tarpon cruising the surf, in the passes, and sometimes way up coastal rivers. They feed on mullet, crabs, and other baitfish. The best time to target them is late spring through early fall when they migrate through our waters. Hooking a tarpon is only half the battle - landing one is a true test of skill and endurance. They're famous for their spectacular aerial displays, often jumping 10 feet clear of the water. Many fish are lost on those wild leaps. We typically use heavy spinning gear or fly rods in the 10-12 weight range. Live mullet, crabs, or large flies are all effective. My top tip: when a tarpon jumps, drop your rod tip to give slack. It helps keep the hook from tearing free. While we release all tarpon, the thrill of battling these giants keeps anglers coming back. There's nothing quite like watching a 100-pound fish clear the water time after time. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of our bay fishing. Most run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 25 inches are always a possibility. Look for their silvery bodies covered in dark spots, with distinctive fangs in that bucket mouth. These guys hang out over grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near deeper channels. They're aggressive feeders, chasing down shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Sea trout move with the tides, so we follow their patterns. Spring and fall are peak seasons as the fish migrate, but we catch them all year. They're especially fun on light tackle or fly gear. Sea trout aren't the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with acrobatic leaps and head shakes. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but I love throwing soft plastics for specks. Work a paddle tail or curl tail grub with a slow, twitching retrieve. When you find a school, it's often nonstop action. Beyond the fun factor, sea trout make excellent table fare. The meat is mild and flaky - perfect for a fish fry. Just be careful not to overcook it. Whether you're after numbers or size, speckled trout rarely disappoint.
Tripletail are an odd-looking fish that can grow up to 3 feet long, though most we catch are 18-24 inches. They love hanging out near the surface around floating debris or structure. You'll often spot them lounging on their sides, mimicking leaves or junk in the water. That camouflage makes them tricky to see, but also fun to target. These guys are ambush predators, so we look for them around weed lines, buoys, or anything floating. The best time to chase tripletail is summer when the water warms up. They put up a surprisingly acrobatic fight for their bulky shape. Sight fishing for tripletail is a blast. We'll slowly cruise likely areas, scanning for their distinctive silhouette. Once spotted, you've got to be stealthy with your cast. I like to land a shrimp or small crab imitation a few feet away and slowly work it past them. The key is patience - let them come to the bait. Hook into one and you're in for some jumps and runs before landing a great-eating fish. The meat is firm and tasty, similar to snapper.
Redfish are one of our most popular targets here in Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches, though trophy "bull reds" over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for their distinctive black spot near the tail - most have one, but some fish sport several. You'll find redfish prowling the shallows, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy edges. Redfish will eat just about anything, but they go crazy for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Fall is prime time for reds as they school up to spawn, but we catch them year-round. Sight-casting to tailing fish in skinny water is hard to beat. When hooked, redfish pull hard and make screaming runs. For a real thrill, try throwing topwater lures - the strikes are explosive. My go-to trick is working a gold spoon slowly across a shallow flat. Match the retrieve to the mood of the fish and hang on! Whether you're after a mess for the dinner table or a trophy catch-and-release, redfish deliver consistent action and tasty fillets.
Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the bottom, waiting to pounce on prey. They're oddly-shaped fish, with both eyes on one side of a flat body. Most we catch are 14-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds show up too. Look for flounder around drop-offs, near jetties, and along channel edges. They love hanging out where currents sweep bait past their hiding spots. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn, but we catch them year-round. Flounder aren't known for long runs, but they put up a dogged fight. The real challenge is getting them to bite. A slow presentation is key - I like to bump a jig or live bait along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give them a second before setting the hook. These fish are masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. Keep a sharp eye out for their outline or the glint of their eyes. Gigging flounder at night is another popular way to target them. Beyond the fun of catching them, flounder are prized for their sweet, flaky meat. They're considered one of the best-eating fish in the bay. Whether you're after a fish fry or a trophy catch, southern flounder offer a unique angling challenge.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250