Full Day Inshore Matagorda Guide Service Charter

Full Day Matagorda Bay Redfish and Trout Charter

Captain Antonio knows these waters like the back of his weathered hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this comprehensive 8-hour drift fishing adventure. Starting at the crack of dawn – 6:30 AM sharp – you'll cover serious ground across Matagorda Bay's most productive structure. This isn't your typical half-day quickie; it's a proper full-day charter where you'll drift the flats, work the shell beds, and target the bay's top predators using proven techniques that consistently produce fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off early with Captain Antonio providing everything you need to succeed – professional-grade rods and reels that can handle whatever pulls back, plenty of ice to keep your catch fresh, and high-quality photos to prove those fish tales when you get home. The $1,000 base rate covers up to three anglers, with room for a fourth guest at an additional $50. There's also a $50 bait charge to ensure you're fishing with the freshest offerings that Matagorda's reds and trout can't resist. Families are absolutely welcome on this charter, though kids need to bring their own USCG-approved life jackets – safety first on these Texas waters. Don't forget your Texas fishing license; it's required before you wet a line, and Captain Antonio won't be able to get you on the water without it.

Drift Fishing the Bay Structure

Drift fishing is where the magic happens in Matagorda Bay, and it's Captain Antonio's preferred method for good reason. Instead of anchoring up and waiting for fish to find you, drift fishing lets you cover water and present baits naturally across prime structure. You'll work over oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where predator fish stage up to ambush baitfish. The technique involves controlling your drift speed with the trolling motor while presenting live or cut bait at the right depth. Captain Antonio reads the tide, wind, and structure to position the boat perfectly, then coaches you through the presentation. When fish are scattered or feeding actively, this approach lets you stay mobile and adapt quickly to changing conditions throughout the day.

Top Catches This Season

Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, and these spotted beauties provide non-stop action when conditions align. These fish relate heavily to grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when they push up shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Trout in this system typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional wall-hangers pushing 6-7 pounds during cooler months. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll rip drag and jump when hooked properly. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer mornings can be outstanding before the heat drives them deeper.

Redfish are the other star attraction, and Matagorda Bay grows some absolute tanks. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows in small schools, tailing and feeding aggressively in 2-4 feet of water. Slot-sized fish between 20-28 inches are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into an oversized bull that'll test your tackle and your patience. Reds fight completely different than trout – they're pure power, making long, bulldogging runs that'll have your arms burning. The best action typically happens during warmer months when they're most active, though winter can produce some of the biggest fish of the year.

Southern Flounder round out the target species list and provide a fun change of pace from the more aggressive predators. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud bottoms near structure where they ambush passing prey. Flounder require a different approach – slower presentations along the bottom with live bait or soft plastics. When you hook one, don't expect the fireworks of a red or trout, but they make up for it on the dinner table. Fall is prime time for flounder as they fatten up before their winter migration to deeper waters.

Time to Book Your Spot

This full-day charter offers serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. Captain Antonio's local knowledge, combined with 8 solid hours of fishing across Matagorda Bay's diverse structure, gives you multiple opportunities to connect with quality fish. Pack your non-spray sunscreen, polarized glasses, and plenty of water – you'll need all three during a full day under the Texas sun. Remember to grab that fishing license ahead of time, and if you're bringing kids, don't forget those life jackets. This is the kind of charter that creates lasting memories and fills coolers, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Good guides and prime fishing windows book up fast in this area.