Ready to hit the flats and channels of Matagorda Bay for some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer? Captain Norbert's got you covered with this 5-hour afternoon charter that'll have you casting for reds, specks, and flounder in prime Gulf Coast waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's all about putting you on the fish and showing you why Matagorda's a top spot for inshore action.
Picture this: You're cruising out on a slick bay boat, the afternoon sun warming your face as Captain Norbert points out promising spots where the fish are likely biting. This isn't some cookie-cutter tour – it's a real deal fishing experience tailored to what's hot that day. You might be drifting grass lines for trout, sight-casting to tailing redfish, or working structure for flounder. The captain's been doing this for years, so he knows all the honey holes and tricks to get those fish fired up.
On this trip, you'll get to try out a mix of fishing techniques. We're talking light tackle action with both artificial lures and live bait. You might be tossing soft plastics under a popping cork for trout, working a gold spoon for redfish, or slow-rolling a jig for flounder. The captain's got all the gear you need – quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore fishing. He'll show you the ropes if you're new, or swap fishing stories if you're an old hand. Either way, you're in for some serious fun on the water.
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are a favorite among Matagorda anglers. Known for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets, specks can be found year-round but really heat up in the warmer months. They love to hang around grass beds and oyster reefs, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of a big trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Redfish: The bulldogs of the bay, redfish are prized for their hard-fighting nature and copper-colored scales. In Matagorda, you can find them cruising the flats or tailing in shallow water. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them all year. Sight-casting to a big red in skinny water is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets.
Southern Flounder: These flat fish are masters of camouflage and a delicious target for anglers. They like to hang out near drop-offs and structure, ambushing prey as it swims by. While you can catch them year-round, the fall flounder run is legendary, with big females moving to the Gulf to spawn. Gigging for flounder at night is a whole different ballgame and a Matagorda tradition.
Matagorda's got a rep for being one of the best kept secrets on the Texas coast. It's not as crowded as some other spots, which means more fish for you. The mix of bay, surf, and jetty fishing gives you options, and the diversity of species keeps things interesting. Plus, with a local like Captain Norbert at the helm, you're getting insider knowledge that can make the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Look, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that tug on the line, this Matagorda inshore trip is calling your name. With Captain Norbert's know-how and the rich fishing grounds of Matagorda Bay, you're set up for a day of non-stop action. Whether you're after your personal best speckled trout, want to tangle with a bull red, or just want to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets, this is your chance. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab your buddies, book your date, and get ready for some serious inshore fishing. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?
Redfish are one of our most popular catches in Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored bruisers usually range from 20-30 inches, though we occasionally hook into real monsters over 40 inches. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love to hang around oyster reefs, grass beds, and channel edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Reds put up an awesome fight - get ready for some screaming drags! They're also excellent eating fish with a mild, sweet flavor. Try sight-casting to tailing fish with gold spoons or soft plastics for an exciting visual experience. One local tip: on calm days, look for their wakes or backs breaking the surface as they cruise the shallows.
Sea trout are a blast to catch here in Matagorda. These silver beauties typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Fall and winter are prime time, when they school up in deeper channels. Sea trout love to hit topwater lures, jigs, and soft plastics. They're known for their delicate, mild flavor - perfect for a fresh fish dinner. One local trick: try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork when the bite is slow. Just be careful not to overcook these tender fish or they'll turn to mush. Whether you're after the thrill of the fight or a tasty meal, sea trout are always a fun target.
Southern flounder are the perfect target if you're after both sport and table fare. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, but we occasionally land doormat-sized ones over 5 pounds. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal areas, bays, and estuaries. Fall is the best time as they migrate to deeper waters to spawn. Flounder fishing requires patience and finesse - they're ambush predators that wait for prey to come to them. But man, are they worth the effort. Their sweet, flaky white meat is hard to beat. Try drifting live bait like bull minnows or mullet along channel edges. Here's a local secret: when you feel the bite, don't set the hook right away. Give them a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Tohatsu
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250