Learn to Fish in Matagorda | CNG Outdoors

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Welcome to Matagorda Fishing 101, a perfect introduction to saltwater angling for beginners and families. Captain Norbert's 4-hour charter trip is designed to teach you the basics of inshore fishing in the rich waters of Matagorda. Departing at 3:30 p.m., this laid-back excursion is ideal for up to 4 guests, making it a great opportunity for friends and family to learn together. Kids are welcome too, so bring the whole crew! No need to worry about gear – Captain Norbert provides everything you need to start catching fish. Just remember to grab your fishing license, and pack some snacks and drinks for the ride. Whether you're casting a line for the first time or looking to brush up on your skills, this trip offers a fun, hands-on experience in a beautiful coastal setting. You'll learn proper techniques, local fish species, and insider tips from a seasoned pro. It's a great way to spend an afternoon on the water and maybe even catch dinner!

Learn to Fish in Matagorda | CNG Outdoors

Reeling in the Fun

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Catch of the day!

Awesome hook of the day!

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Matagorda Fishing 101: Your 4-Hour Intro to Inshore

Ready to dip your toes into the world of saltwater fishing? Captain Norbert's got you covered with this beginner-friendly charter out of Matagorda. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to learn the ropes without the pressure. You'll be casting lines and reeling in memories in no time on this laid-back afternoon trip.

Trip Overview

Forget about lugging gear or stressing over what to bring. This 4-hour intro trip is all about getting you on the water and fishing with zero hassle. Captain Norbert provides everything you need to start catching fish - from rods and reels to bait and tackle. All you need is your fishing license, some snacks, and a good attitude. Leaving port at 3:30 PM, you'll hit prime feeding time for many inshore species. Whether you're 8 or 80, a complete newbie or just new to saltwater, this trip is tailored to get you hooked on Matagorda fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Norbert knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about sharing that knowledge. You'll learn the basics of reading the water, setting up your gear, and the art of the cast. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - by the end of the trip, you'll be working those lures like a pro. We'll target spots where sea trout, redfish, and flounder love to hang out. Expect to try different techniques, from bottom fishing to working the shorelines. And when you feel that first tug on your line? Let's just say it's the start of a lifelong addiction to Matagorda fishing.

Top Catches This Season

Matagorda's inshore waters are teeming with fish, and this trip focuses on three local favorites. Sea trout are always a blast, known for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. Redfish will test your skills with powerful runs - landing one of these copper-colored beauties is a real rush. And don't overlook the humble flounder. These flat fish might not look like much, but they put up a sneaky good fight and are considered some of the best eating around. Captain Norbert will show you the tricks to targeting each species, adapting to what's biting best that day.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about Matagorda that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun sets over the bay, painting the sky in colors you didn't know existed. Or it could be the thrill of watching your rod bend double as a big red takes off with your bait. For many, it's the laid-back vibe and the chance to disconnect from the world for a while. Whatever brings you here, this intro trip is designed to give you a taste of it all. And with room for up to 4 people, it's the perfect way to share the experience with family or friends.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a Matagorda staple. They're aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Sea trout love to hang around structure, so we'll target areas with oyster reefs or drop-offs. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Anglers love 'em for their fight and their flavor - nothing beats fresh trout on the grill.

Redfish: The bulldogs of the bay, redfish are prized for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. You'll know you've hooked one when your drag starts singing! These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in shallow water, especially during the fall "bull red" run. Captain Norbert will show you how to spot their telltale signs and present your bait just right. Landing a big red is a rite of passage for any Gulf Coast angler.

Southern Flounder: Don't let their funny looks fool you - flounder are sneaky predators and put up a surprisingly good fight. They love to ambush their prey from the bottom, so we'll use special techniques to target them. Fall is prime time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. Half the fun is spotting them before they spot you!

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want to learn the basics yourself, or just fancy a relaxed afternoon on the water, this Matagorda Fishing 101 trip is your ticket. Captain Norbert's patient teaching style and local know-how make this the perfect intro to inshore fishing. With all gear provided and a flexible approach tailored to beginners, you've got nothing to lose and a whole new hobby to gain. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your crew (up to 4 total), pack some snacks, and get ready to make some fishy memories in Matagorda!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a favorite inshore species here in Matagorda. You can spot them by their reddish color and the distinctive black spot near their tail. Most redfish we catch are in the 20-30 inch range, though they can grow much larger offshore. These fish love shallow water, often cruising in just 1-4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. They're most active in the mornings and evenings, especially on incoming tides. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating, which is why anglers can't get enough of them. To catch one, try sight-casting with topwater lures or soft plastics in shallow water. Watch for their tails sticking up as they feed on the bottom. A local secret: on calm days, listen for the distinctive "slurping" sound redfish make when feeding at the surface. It's a dead giveaway to their location and can lead you right to them.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a staple in Matagorda Bay fishing. These silvery fish with dark spots typically range from 14 to 24 inches, though some monsters over 30 inches are caught occasionally. They're known for their soft, white meat that's a local delicacy. You'll find sea trout in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near channel edges. They prefer depths of 3-15 feet and are often more active during cooler months. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, especially on moving tides. Anglers love targeting trout for their aggressive strikes and tendency to school up. When you find one, there's usually more nearby. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. Here's a tip: if you're not getting bites, try "bouncing" your bait off the bottom. Sea trout often hang close to the seafloor and this technique can trigger strikes when nothing else works.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounders are flat, oval-shaped fish that can grow up to 33 inches, though most are 15-18 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often buried in sandy or muddy bottoms. These masters of camouflage can change color to match their surroundings, making them tricky to spot. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. To catch one, try drift fishing or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Use a slip lead rig with a single hook, keeping your bait close to the bottom where flounder hang out. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel in slowly. These flat fish have a unique sideways bite, so patience is key to landing them.

About the Freedom Warrior

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Tohatsu

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready to dip your toes into saltwater fishing? Join Captain Norbert for a laid-back 4-hour trip that's perfect for newcomers to the sport. Leaving at 3:30 p.m., this afternoon charter gives you a taste of Matagorda's inshore waters without the early wake-up call. The captain's got all the gear covered, so you just need to grab your fishing license and any snacks or drinks you fancy. It's an ideal outing for families, with kids welcome to join in on the fun. Bring up to three friends or family members along - the more, the merrier! You'll learn the basics of casting, reeling, and hopefully landing a few fish while soaking in the coastal vibes. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or just want a relaxing way to spend an afternoon on the water, this trip hits the spot. No experience necessary - just come with an open mind and a willingness to learn from Captain Norbert's years of local fishing knowledge.

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