Top Rated Redfish Trout Charter Matagorda Bay

Matagorda Bay Redfish and Trout Drift Charter

Captain Antonio's six-hour drift fishing charter is built for anglers who want to experience Matagorda Bay's legendary reputation without the hassle of planning every detail. Starting at first light (6:30 AM), this top-rated trip puts you over productive water where redfish, speckled trout, and flounder feed along the bay's most consistent structures. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing these species for years, this charter delivers the kind of memorable day that keeps customers booking return trips. The $800 base rate covers up to three anglers with everything you need to fish effectively, plus ice for your catch and photos to prove those fish stories back home.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical anchor-and-wait fishing trip. Drift fishing lets you cover serious ground while presenting baits naturally to fish feeding along drop-offs, grass beds, and shell reefs throughout Matagorda Bay. Captain Antonio knows exactly where to position the boat so your baits drift through the strike zones where these species stack up. The beauty of this technique is that it works whether fish are actively feeding or being finicky – you're constantly moving through fresh water and giving different groups of fish a look at your offering. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle come with the trip, though if you prefer to wade fish at any point, you'll want to bring your own gear suited for walking the flats. The captain provides detailed instruction on reading the water, feeling bites, and fighting fish properly, making this charter perfect for anglers still learning the ropes or experienced fishermen wanting to dial in their drift fishing skills.

Drift Techniques & Bay Setup

Matagorda Bay's diverse bottom structure makes it a world-class drift fishing destination. You'll work everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in packs to deeper shell reefs that hold big trout and hefty flounder. Captain Antonio uses live bait, soft plastics, and topwater lures depending on conditions and fish activity. The drift technique involves controlled boat positioning using wind, current, and trolling motor adjustments to keep baits in the most productive zones longer. You'll learn to recognize subtle bites, manage multiple rods effectively, and understand how tide and weather influence fish behavior. The bay's complex network of channels, reefs, and grass beds means there's always a backup plan when one area isn't producing. This systematic approach to covering water is why drift fishing consistently outproduces stationary methods here, especially during the cooler months when baitfish schools are constantly moving.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay fishing, with fish ranging from schooling 14-inchers up to wall-hanger trout pushing 6-7 pounds. These fish love structure and are most active during dawn and dusk, though overcast days can keep the bite going strong all morning. What makes trout fishing here special is the combination of numbers and quality – you might catch a dozen keeper fish before landing that one heavy sow trout that makes the trip memorable. They hit everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastic paddletails worked along grass edges, and their aggressive strikes and head-shaking fights make them a customer favorite for good reason.

Redfish are the bay's most reliable performers, feeding aggressively year-round and growing to impressive sizes in Matagorda's nutrient-rich waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-28 inches here, with fish over 30 inches not uncommon during fall and winter months. Reds patrol shallow flats, deeper channels, and everything in between, making them perfect targets for drift fishing. When you hook a quality redfish, expect a powerful initial run followed by bulldogging fights that test your drag system. They're not picky eaters, crushing live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm, which is why they anchor so many successful trips in this bay system.

Southern flounder add an element of surprise to every drift, with these ambush predators lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. Matagorda Bay's flounder typically range from 16-22 inches, with doormat fish over 4-5 pounds caught regularly during their fall migration periods. What's exciting about flounder fishing here is the sudden, subtle bite followed by a surprisingly strong fight for a flatfish. They prefer live bait bounced along the bottom, but also respond well to slow-worked soft plastics. Finding concentrations of feeding flounder often means discovering productive spots that hold fish consistently throughout the season, making them valuable indicators for return trips.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Antonio's Matagorda Bay drift fishing charter represents exceptional value for serious anglers wanting to experience one of Texas's most productive bay systems. The comprehensive package includes professional instruction, quality equipment, fish cleaning, ice, and photography – everything needed for a successful day except your fishing license and personal items. With space for three anglers (fourth person adds $50), this charter works perfectly for couples, small groups, or solo anglers wanting personalized attention. The $50 bait surcharge ensures you're fishing with the freshest offerings available. Book early, especially for weekend dates, as Captain Antonio's reputation for putting clients on fish keeps his calendar filled with repeat customers who know this bay delivers year-round action.