Best Matagorda Redfish Trip | CNG Outdoors

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$550 - $750 price range

Summary

Want to try your hand at saltwater fishing? This 4-hour trip in Matagorda is perfect for newcomers. You'll head out at 3:30 PM with Captain Norbert to target redfish and trout in the local waters. The captain provides all the gear you need, so just bring your Texas fishing license and any snacks you'd like. With room for up to four people, it's a great option for families or small groups looking to learn together. Throughout the trip, you'll get hands-on instruction on fishing techniques, local marine life, and how to read the water. Whether you're 8 or 80, you'll come away with new skills and hopefully a few good catches. The afternoon timing means you might even catch a beautiful coastal sunset while you're out there. It's a relaxed way to experience the Gulf Coast and get a taste of what makes Matagorda fishing special.

Best Matagorda Redfish Trip | CNG Outdoors

Reeling Them In

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Catch of the day!

Awesome hook of the day!

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Reel in Reds & Trout on Matagorda's Coast

Get ready to wet a line in some of Texas' most productive inshore waters! This 4-hour guided trip out of Matagorda is perfect for newcomers looking to learn the ropes of saltwater fishing. You'll be chasing after hard-fighting redfish and speckled trout with an expert local captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're a total beginner or just new to saltwater, you'll come away with new skills and hopefully a few fish for the cooler too.

Trip Overview

Leaving the dock at 3:30 PM, you'll head out with Captain Norbert to some of his favorite honey holes in Matagorda Bay. The late afternoon timing is perfect - the heat of the day is fading and the fish are getting active again. You'll learn the basics of inshore fishing techniques as you target redfish and speckled trout, two of the most popular gamefish on the Texas coast. The shallow, grassy flats and deeper channels of Matagorda Bay create the perfect habitat for these fish, and your captain will put you right on top of them. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's a great trip for families or a small group of friends looking to learn together. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - Captain Norbert will show you the ropes and make sure everyone's having a blast out on the water.

Rods, Reels & Rigging

One of the best parts of this trip? You don't need to bring a thing (except your fishing license). Captain Norbert provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. You'll likely be using light to medium spinning gear, perfect for casting lures or live bait to hungry reds and trout. Expect to learn about popular inshore techniques like popping corks for trout or bottom fishing with cut bait for redfish. The captain will show you how to rig up, cast effectively, and most importantly - how to set the hook when a fish strikes! Don't forget to bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up as you reel 'em in. The focus here is on having fun and learning, so don't sweat it if you're not hauling in monsters on your first cast. By the end of the trip, you'll have the basics down and be itching to get back out on the water.

What's Biting in Matagorda

Matagorda Bay is known for its incredible inshore fishing, and this trip targets two of the most sought-after species: redfish and speckled trout. Redfish, also known as red drum, are hard-fighting fish that love to cruise the shallow flats. They can grow to over 40 inches, but you'll most likely be catching "slot reds" between 20-28 inches. These copper-colored beauties put up a great fight and are delicious on the grill. Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are another favorite. These silvery fish with distinctive spots can be found around grass beds and oyster reefs. They're known for their aggressive strikes and tasty white meat. While reds and trout are the main targets, don't be surprised if you hook into some bonus species like flounder or black drum. The diversity of Matagorda's fishery means there's always a chance for a surprise catch!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. Redfish love to cruise shallow flats, using their downturned mouths to root out crabs and baitfish from the bottom. They're known for their powerful runs and can often be seen "tailing" in very shallow water. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but redfish can be caught year-round in Matagorda. The trademark black spot on their tail makes for great photos, and their fight will have you grinning from ear to ear.

Speckled Trout: Often called "specks" by locals, these silvery gamefish are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Speckled trout tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They love to hang around structure like oyster reefs and grassbeds, ambushing baitfish. Summer and early fall are prime time for big trout in Matagorda Bay. Their soft mouths make for an exciting fight - you never know if they'll stay hooked until they're in the net!

Southern Flounder: While not the primary target, flounder are a welcome bonus on any Matagorda fishing trip. These flat, bottom-dwelling fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. Flounder fishing picks up in the fall as they migrate towards the Gulf to spawn. They're not known for long runs, but their strong, head-shaking fight makes for an interesting challenge. And many anglers consider flounder to be the best-tasting fish in the bay!

Time to Wet a Line!

Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want to learn the basics of saltwater angling yourself, this 4-hour trip in Matagorda is the perfect starting point. You'll get hands-on experience with an expert guide, targeting some of the most popular gamefish on the Texas coast. By the end of the day, you'll have new skills under your belt, a few fish stories to tell, and probably an itch to get back out on the water as soon as possible. Remember, no experience is necessary - just bring your sense of adventure (and your fishing license). So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready to make some memories on the water in beautiful Matagorda Bay!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a real treat to catch here in Matagorda. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow waters, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, especially during the fall when they're feeding heavily. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a blast on light tackle. They're also delicious on the dinner table. To land one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or topwater lure in the shallows. A local trick: on cloudy days, listen for their distinctive 'tailing' sound as they feed with their backs out of the water. It's a dead giveaway to their location and can lead to some exciting catches.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a favorite target in Matagorda, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially active at night. These silvery beauties put up a good fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, delicate flavor. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but winter can yield big schools in deeper waters. Sea trout love shrimp, so using live bait or shrimp imitations is a solid bet. When fishing the flats, try a slow retrieve with a soft plastic on a jighead - the erratic action often triggers strikes. Keep an eye out for diving birds, which can signal feeding trout below. Remember, these fish have soft mouths, so set the hook with a firm but gentle motion to avoid tearing the hook free.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in Matagorda's waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal areas, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting flounder for their unique challenge and excellent taste. They're ambush predators, so patience is key. Try drift fishing with a live mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, slowly dragging it along the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Give the flounder time to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily. These odd-looking fish might not put up the biggest fight, but landing one is always satisfying.

About the Freedom Warrior

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Tohatsu

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an afternoon of fishing fun in Matagorda? Hop aboard Captain Norbert's boat for a relaxed 4-hour trip targeting redfish and trout in the local saltwater. This laid-back excursion is perfect for newcomers to fishing or families looking to try something new together. The captain provides all the gear you'll need and plenty of helpful tips, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. With room for up to four people, it's a great way to bond with friends or family while learning the basics of saltwater angling. Just bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks, and your favorite drinks. Whether you're 8 or 80, you'll get personalized attention to help you land your first catch. As the afternoon sun starts to dip, you might even snag a photo-worthy fish to show off back home. It's a chill way to spend an evening on the water and maybe discover a new hobby.

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