Expert-Guided Matagorda Bay Fishing | CNG Outdoors

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$550 - $750 price range
Updated Date: August 2, 2025

Summary

Join us for a full day of fishing in the rich waters of Matagorda Bay. Over 7 hours, you'll work with a seasoned captain who knows all the prime spots. We'll be after some of the bay's most sought-after fish - Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. This trip is all about variety, both in the fish we're after and the techniques we'll use. You'll get to try different approaches throughout the day, keeping things interesting and upping your chances of a great catch. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to bay fishing, there's something here for everyone. The pace can be fast when the fish are biting, so come ready for action. With a full day on the water, we've got time to really explore what Matagorda has to offer. Bring your energy and enthusiasm - the fish are waiting!

Expert-Guided Matagorda Bay Fishing | CNG Outdoors

Matagorda's Finest Catches

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Catch of the day!

Awesome hook of the day!

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Matagorda Bay Fishing: 7 Hours of Non-Stop Action

Get ready to hit the water for a full day of fishing in one of Texas' best-kept secrets. Matagorda Bay is teeming with fish, and we're here to help you catch 'em. This 7-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to maximize their time on the water and fill the cooler. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our experienced captains know exactly where the fish are biting. We'll be targeting the inshore slam: Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get after it!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Our captains have been fishing these waters for years, and they're itching to share their local knowledge with you. We'll cruise through Matagorda Bay, hitting all the hotspots where the fish are known to hang out. You might find yourself casting along grass flats, working the edges of oyster reefs, or drifting over deep holes. The beauty of a full-day trip is that we have time to try different spots and techniques until we find what's working. And trust me, when the bite is on, you'll be glad you booked the extended trip. There's nothing like the feeling of a bent rod and a screaming drag to get your heart pumping!

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures to target our inshore species. For the live bait enthusiasts, we might be tossing out shrimp, mullet, or croaker – whatever's running that day. If you're keen on artificials, we'll break out the soft plastics, topwater lures, and maybe even some suspending baits. We'll adjust our tactics based on the conditions and what the fish are responding to. Sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows? You bet. Drifting with popping corks for specks? Absolutely. Working a jig slowly along the bottom for those sneaky flounder? Oh yeah. By the end of the day, you'll have a whole new arsenal of fishing techniques under your belt.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Matagorda anglers. Known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, redfish can be found cruising the shallows or hanging around structure. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail – some lucky anglers even catch "bull reds" over 40 inches! Spring and fall are prime times for reds, but they can be caught year-round in Matagorda Bay.

Speckled Trout: Also called "specks" by the locals, these spotted beauties are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Speckled trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. Summer and fall are excellent seasons for trout fishing, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active.

Southern Flounder: Don't let their flat appearance fool you – flounder are sneaky predators and put up a surprisingly good fight. These bottom-dwellers are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy or muddy floor. Flounder fishing really heats up in the fall during their annual migration to the Gulf. Landing a big "doormat" flounder is always a highlight of any Matagorda fishing trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot – it's a slice of angler's paradise. The diverse ecosystem here supports a thriving fishery that keeps anglers coming back year after year. With miles of shoreline, countless oyster reefs, and a mix of deep and shallow water, there's always somewhere new to explore. And let's not forget the chance at a true Texas inshore slam – landing a redfish, speckled trout, and flounder all in one trip. It's the kind of day that keeps you reliving the memories long after you've left the water.

Top Catches This Season

Every season brings its own excitement to Matagorda Bay. In the spring, we see big schools of redfish moving into the shallows, often tailing and creating those heart-stopping sight-fishing opportunities. Summer brings hot trout action, with topwater lures creating explosive strikes at first light. Fall is when things really heat up – the flounder run kicks into high gear, and we often see some of the biggest redfish of the year. Even in winter, the fishing stays strong with big trout hanging in deeper holes and redfish schooling up in the back bays. No matter when you visit, there's always something worth catching in Matagorda.

What You Need to Know

For this 7-hour trip, we've got you covered on the essentials. We provide all the necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, and tackle. We'll also sort out the bait, whether that's live shrimp, mullet, or a selection of proven artificial lures. All you need to bring is your Texas fishing license (easily purchased online), some sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. Don't forget a hat and polarized sunglasses – they're not just for looking cool, they help you spot fish in the water. Oh, and bring a cooler for your catch if you plan on taking some home for dinner. Speaking of which, while we don't provide meals on this trip, you're welcome to bring snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day.

A Day in the Life on Matagorda Bay

Picture this: The sun's just peeking over the horizon as we push off from the dock. The air is crisp, and there's a sense of anticipation as we head out into the bay. Your captain points out a group of pelicans diving – a sure sign of baitfish, and where there's bait, there's usually predators. We'll start by drifting a grass flat, casting soft plastics for trout. As the sun climbs higher, we might move to some deeper structure to target redfish. Midday could find us sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or working a deep channel for flounder. By the time we head back to the dock, your arms will be tired, your face will be sun-kissed, and you'll have a cooler full of fish and a head full of memories.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Matagorda Bay and experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 7-hour charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to catch your personal best redfish, want to try your hand at the elusive flounder, or just want to spend a day on the water pulling in fish after fish, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting fishing memories. Book your Matagorda Bay fishing adventure today, and get ready for a day of non-stop action on the water. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are hard-fighting inshore gamefish that'll test your gear and skills. Most keeper reds run 20-30 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and near marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. They love to cruise the shallows, sometimes with their backs exposed above the waterline. Fall and spring are excellent seasons for redfish action. Anglers prize them for their strong runs and excellent table fare. That distinctive black tail spot isn't just for looks - it confuses predators into attacking the wrong end. When targeting reds, try topwater lures early in the day for explosive strikes. As it warms up, switch to soft plastics or live bait like shrimp or mullet. A local secret: on hot days, look for reds "tailing" in very shallow water as they root for crabs. Approach quietly and make an accurate cast - it's sight fishing at its finest.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target for light tackle enthusiasts. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy specimens can reach 10+ pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs in the bay. They're most active in cooler months but can be caught year-round. Anglers love specks for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. They're not known for long runs, but their head-shaking jumps make for an exciting fight on light gear. To catch sea trout, try drifting grass flats with live shrimp under a popping cork. Artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can be deadly too. Here's a tip: focus on moving water around points and cuts in the shoreline, especially during tide changes. Trout often stage in these areas to ambush bait. A slow, twitching retrieve often triggers strikes when fish are finicky.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounders are masters of disguise, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. These flat fish usually grow 15-18 inches long and weigh around 5 pounds. You'll find them in bays, rivers, and estuaries, especially near structure where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of hooking these crafty bottom-dwellers. They're not known for epic fights, but landing a big one is always satisfying. To catch flounder, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Use a light-to-medium setup with a slip lead rig. Here's a local tip: work your bait slowly along drop-offs or oyster beds where flounder like to hide. When you feel a bite, give it a moment before setting the hook - flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it.

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 a full day of fishing action in Matagorda? Hop aboard for a 7-hour charter that'll have you casting lines and reeling in catches from sunup to sundown. Your seasoned captain knows all the local hotspots where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting some of the bay's most sought-after species like redfish, flounder, and speckled trout. With plenty of time on the water, you can try out different fishing techniques and really hone your skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, this trip offers non-stop fishing fun in the rich waters of Matagorda Bay. Pack your sun protection and get ready for a day filled with tight lines and bent rods. By the time you head back to shore, you'll have plenty of fish stories to share. Don't miss out on this chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer!

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