Learn to Fish in Matagorda | CNG Outdoors

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$550 - $750 price range
Updated Date: October 25, 2025

Summary

Captain Norbert's half-day fishing trip in Matagorda is perfect for newcomers to coastal angling. You'll head out for a 4-hour afternoon adventure, targeting redfish, sea trout, and flounder in the rich waters of the area. The captain provides all the gear you need and offers hands-on instruction throughout the trip, so even if you've never held a rod before, you'll be casting like a pro in no time. With room for up to four guests, it's a great option for families or small groups looking to try their hand at saltwater fishing. The trip kicks off at 3:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon bite. Don't forget to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks to keep you fueled up while you're reeling in the catch of the day. Whether you're 8 or 80, Captain Norbert's beginner-friendly approach ensures everyone on board has a shot at landing their first coastal trophy.

Learn to Fish in Matagorda | CNG Outdoors

Coastal Catches

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Catch of the day!

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Sea Trout Madness In Matagorda!

Reel in the Fun: Beginner's Fishing in Matagorda

Ready to dip your toes into the world of saltwater fishing? Captain Norbert's got you covered with this laid-back afternoon charter in Matagorda. Perfect for first-timers and families, you'll get the hang of casting for redfish, trout, and flounder in no time. With all the gear provided and expert guidance throughout, it's the ideal way to try your hand at coastal angling without any fuss.

What to Expect on the Water

Kicking off at 3:30 PM, this 4-hour trip is timed just right to catch the evening bite. Captain Norbert's all about making sure everyone feels comfortable, so don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before. He'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to reading the water. The boat's set up for four, making it a great option for a family outing or a small group of friends looking to learn together. And hey, if you've got kids itching to try fishing, this is the perfect chance - the calm waters and patient instruction are just what young anglers need to build confidence.

Fishing 101: Gear and Techniques

No need to stress about equipment - Captain Norbert's got all the fishing gear you'll need. You'll be using light tackle, perfect for the inshore waters around Matagorda. He'll show you how to work a rod and reel, teaching you techniques like drift fishing and sight casting. Depending on where the fish are biting, you might be tossing soft plastics, working topwater lures, or using live bait. The captain's always keeping an eye on the tides and conditions, so he knows just where to find the sweet spots where redfish and trout like to hang out. And don't worry about messing up - everybody starts somewhere, and half the fun is in learning the ropes.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers put up a heck of a fight, often tailing in shallow water where you can sight cast to them. They're around all year, but fall is prime time when they school up for their annual spawn. Expect to catch reds in the 20-30 inch range, with the chance of hooking into a real bull redfish if luck's on your side.

Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call 'em, are another favorite target. These spotted beauties are known for their delicate taste and tendency to hit lures with gusto. Spring and fall are your best bets for bigger trout, but you can catch them year-round in Matagorda. They love to hang around oyster reefs and drop-offs, so Captain Norbert will have you working those areas with soft plastics or live shrimp.

Southern flounder might not be the first fish that comes to mind, but they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. Fall is the prime time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn. Catching them takes a bit of finesse - you'll learn to slowly drag your bait along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive 'thump' when a flounder grabs it.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda's got a special place in the hearts of Texas anglers. It's not as crowded as some of the bigger coastal towns, which means more fish and less pressure. The mix of bay, marsh, and nearshore Gulf waters gives you a ton of options, no matter what the weather's doing. And with Captain Norbert at the helm, you're tapping into years of local knowledge. He's seen it all and knows how to put folks on fish, whether it's your first time holding a rod or you're looking to sharpen your skills.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we all gotta start somewhere, and this trip's about as good as it gets for newcomers to saltwater fishing. You've got a patient guide, all the gear you need, and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Whether you're looking to create some family memories, try out a new hobby, or just enjoy an afternoon on the water, Captain Norbert's got you covered. So grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready to make some waves in Matagorda. Who knows? You might just catch the fishing bug along with your first redfish. Don't let this opportunity slip away - book your spot now and get ready for a reel good time!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite inshore species here, known for their copper color and distinctive tail spot. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs exposed. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, often making strong runs. They're not picky eaters - live bait, soft plastics, and topwaters all work well. For a fun challenge, try sight-casting to tailing reds in less than a foot of water. Just be ready for an explosive take. Their light, sweet meat is excellent on the grill or blackened. A local trick: on calm days, look for swirls or nervous bait to find feeding reds. Overall, redfish offer exciting sight fishing opportunities and delicious fillets.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a fun target in Matagorda, typically ranging from 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These silvery fish with spotted bodies put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. They prefer cooler water, so fall through spring is prime time. Sea trout hit a variety of lures - jerk baits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics all work well. For best results, try trolling slowly along grass edges or casting into potholes. Sea trout have sensitive mouths, so use a light touch when setting the hook. Their delicate, flaky white meat is prized by anglers. Just be careful not to overcook it or it'll get mushy. Overall, sea trout offer beginner-friendly action and tasty fillets - a great species to target on your first saltwater trip.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, blending in with their surroundings. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters, bays and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing takes patience, but they're prized for their firm, white fillets. Use live bait like mullet or artificial soft plastics, working them slowly along the bottom. When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook to let the flounder swallow it. A local tip: target creek mouths and drop-offs on outgoing tides. Flounder often stack up to ambush bait being swept out. While not known for epic battles, the challenge of hooking them and their excellent table fare make flounder a rewarding catch.

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 laid-back afternoon on the water? Captain Norbert's got you covered with this beginner-friendly fishing trip in Matagorda. Perfect for newcomers to saltwater angling, you'll spend 4 hours learning the ropes of catching redfish and trout. The trip kicks off at 3:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to ease into the day. All the fishing gear is provided, so you just need to bring your license, some snacks, and drinks. With room for up to four people, it's a great way for families or small groups to try their hand at coastal fishing. Kids are welcome too, making it an ideal outing for the whole crew. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - Captain Norbert will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and has a good time out on the bay.

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