Top-Rated Matagorda Fishing Charter | CNG Outdoors

Half Day Matagorda Fishing: Reds, Trout & Flounder

Ready to hit the water for some of the best inshore fishing Matagorda has to offer? This 5-hour morning charter is your ticket to hooking into redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the productive waters of Matagorda Bay. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our experienced local captain will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of inshore fishing Texas-style.

Trip Overview

We'll meet up at the dock just before sunrise, when the fish are most active and the bay is calm. After a quick safety rundown, we'll head out to some prime fishing spots that have been producing well lately. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be in good hands. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, adjusting our tactics based on what the fish are biting that day. With room for up to four anglers, this trip is perfect for a small group of friends or family looking to make some memories on the water. Don't worry about gear - we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and tackle. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you come!

What to Expect on the Water

Inshore fishing in Matagorda is all about versatility. We might start the morning drifting over grass flats, casting soft plastics for speckled trout. If the redfish are tailing in the shallows, we'll switch gears and quietly stalk them with topwater lures or live bait under a popping cork. For flounder, we'll work the drops and channel edges with slow-moving jigs. Your captain will teach you the techniques that work best for each species and help you dial in your presentation. Don't be surprised if you hear some local fish tales or pick up a few new knots along the way. The beauty of inshore fishing is that the action is often fast-paced, and you never know what might grab your line next.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the bay. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive black spot on the tail, redfish (or red drum) love to cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish. In Matagorda, we often find them in schools around oyster reefs and along grassy shorelines. The "slot" size for keepers is between 20-28 inches, but don't be shocked if you hook into an oversized bull red that'll really test your drag!

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They've got a mouthful of sharp teeth and aren't afraid to use them on your lure. Specks are ambush predators, often hanging around structure like drop-offs or grass beds. In Matagorda, we catch them year-round, but the bigger gator trout tend to show up in the cooler months. There's nothing quite like the aggressive strike of a speck on a topwater lure at dawn.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're crafty predators and tasty to boot. Flounder like to bury themselves in the sand or mud, waiting to ambush passing prey. In Matagorda, we target them around points, drop-offs, and areas with current. The fall run, when flounder migrate to the Gulf to spawn, is prime time for catching these odd-looking fish. Feeling the distinctive "thump" of a flounder strike is something every inshore angler should experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda's inshore waters are a fish factory, plain and simple. The mix of fresh and saltwater creates a nutrient-rich environment that supports a diverse ecosystem. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're working a deep channel for monster trout. The ever-changing nature of the bay means every trip is different, keeping even seasoned anglers on their toes. Plus, with a knowledgeable local captain at the helm, you're not just fishing - you're getting an insider's tour of one of Texas' best-kept angling secrets. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a morning on the water, Matagorda delivers.

Top Catches This Season

Lately, we've been seeing some solid action on all three target species. The redfish bite has been particularly hot, with schools of upper-slot fish hanging around the outer shorelines and shell pads. Speckled trout have been crushing topwaters early, then moving to deeper structure as the sun gets up. Flounder fishing has been steady, with some real doormats coming from the channel edges. Remember, conditions can change quickly in the bay, so your captain will have the latest intel on where the fish are biting and what they're eating.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and feel the tug of a Matagorda inshore slam, now's the time to lock in your date. This half-day trip is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without eating up your whole weekend. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fix or a visitor wanting to sample some of Texas' best inshore action, we've got you covered. With all the gear provided and an expert captain to put you on the fish, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a lucky hat). Don't let another season slip by - book your Matagorda fishing charter today and get ready to make some memories on the water. Tight lines!