Matagorda Bay Drift Fishing Charter Guide Service

Half Day Drift Fishing for Reds and Trout

Looking for some solid fishing action without burning a whole day? This 5-hour drift fishing trip on Matagorda Bay hits the sweet spot. Captain runs two trips daily - early birds can catch the 6:30 AM departure, while afternoon folks can roll out at 2:00 PM. We're talking about some of the most productive inshore waters on the Texas coast, where the grass flats and oyster reefs hold plenty of Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder. You'll be fishing with quality tackle that's already rigged and ready, so all you need to do is show up with your Texas fishing license and get ready to put some fish in the box.

What to Expect on the Water

This charter keeps things simple and effective. You're looking at a comfortable ride for up to three anglers, with room for one more if needed. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish using proven drift patterns over structure and grass beds. Morning trips catch the early bite when the water's cool and fish are active, while afternoon departures let you sleep in and still get excellent fishing as things pick up again. The boat comes stocked with professional rods, reels, tackle, and ice for your catch. Families are welcome, though kids need to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets the whole time. Pack some water and non-spray sunscreen since you'll be out there for five solid hours of fishing time.

Drift Fishing Techniques

Drift fishing is all about letting the boat move naturally with the wind and current while you work your baits through productive water. The captain will position the boat upwind or up-current from known fish-holding spots like shell reefs, grass edges, and drop-offs. As you drift across these areas, you'll be working soft plastics, live bait, or topwater lures depending on conditions and what the fish want that day. This technique covers a lot of water efficiently and keeps your baits moving in a natural presentation that triggers strikes. The key is staying ready - when you're drifting over structure in 3-8 feet of water, bites can come fast and furious. If you're planning to wade fish instead of staying on the boat, bring your own gear since the provided tackle stays aboard.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing. These beautiful fish love the grass flats and can be caught year-round, though they really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures are in the sweet spot. Most trout here run 14-18 inches with plenty of keepers mixed in, and they fight harder than you'd expect for their size. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures early and late in the day - few things beat the explosive strike of a good trout hammering a surface plug at first light.

Redfish are the ultimate inshore prize and Matagorda Bay holds some beauties. These copper-colored bulldogs average 20-28 inches in these waters and will test your drag system every time. Reds are here year-round but really shine in summer and early fall when they school up in shallow water. They're not picky eaters - they'll crush soft plastics bounced along the bottom, smash topwater baits in skinny water, or inhale live shrimp drifted near structure. The fight is what hooks most anglers - reds make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to pull hard right to the boat.

Southern Flounder add some variety to your box and make excellent table fare. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand near drop-offs and channel edges. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder as they fatten up before their offshore spawning run. Most fish run 14-18 inches, but the big females can push 20+ inches and several pounds. They're ambush predators that inhale baits worked slowly along the bottom, so you need to stay alert - flounder bites often feel like a gentle tap or just extra weight on your line.

Time to Book Your Spot

This half-day trip gives you everything you need for a successful day on Matagorda Bay without the full-day commitment. You get professional equipment, local knowledge, and access to some of the most consistent fishing on the Texas coast. Whether you're introducing someone new to saltwater fishing or just want to get out and catch some fish, this charter delivers the goods. The captain's track record speaks for itself, and the 5-hour format gives you plenty of time to get on multiple species. Morning or afternoon - either departure puts you on the water when fish are biting. Don't wait around thinking about it - good fishing days and open boat dates don't last long around here.