Matagorda Bay Fishing Charters & Guides

Matagorda Bay Fishing Charters

The Texas Gulf Coast has unlimited fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. All along the coast you can fish a variety of intracoastal bays and waterways, including the bountiful Matagorda Bay. This system technically contains a few different bays, including Carancahua Bay, Chocolate Bay, Keller Bay, Turtle Bay, Palacios Bay, East Matagorda Bay and Matagorda Bay. It’s the third largest estuary in the Lone Star State, behind Laguna Madre and Galveston Bay. The closest big city is Houston, about 90 miles northeast from the bay. Other nearby cities include Port Lavaca and Port O’Connor, but these are more residential than tourist destinations. Or try camping at the Matagorda Bay Nature Park. This 1,333 acre nature preserve is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy Texas at its finest. Whether you’re in a RV or a tent, your family will enjoy escaping civilization and fishing, kayaking, and swimming here.

Matagorda Bay Inshore Fishing

Matagorda Bay (or “Matty” as its called by the locals) is one of those fishing grounds that has fishermen and women coming back for more and more. It's one of the top producing trout fisheries in the state, and also sees great numbers of redfish and flounder. These three are the superstars of Texas inshore fishing excursions. If you’re looking for spotted trout (or speckled seatrout), you can fish Matagorda Bay any time of the year. Although winter and cooler temperatures is the best time of year. Trout have slender bodies with black spots all along their backs from head to tail and typically weigh an average of six pounds. Although you can find some gator trout (those that grow more than 25 inches) in Matagorda Bay. The habitat of the bay is perfect for trout, with several deep cuts, channels, and reefs for the trout school to hide. As the temperature drops, they move to shallow waters and grassbeds. It’s during this season that many anglers will wade fish into the bay with hopes of bringing home a cooler full. Throughout the shallow waters of the Bay anglers will “tail for reds”. While looking for food, it’s common for the back and tail of redfish to breach the surface of the water. Redfish are bronze or tan color with a distinct black dot (or dots) near the tail. They are similar to trout in diet, eating shrimp and crab. Top water lures and plastics are also commonly used to reel in reds. To get the bull reds (those over 28”), increase the size of the bait. Along the bottom of Matagorda Bay are flounder, waiting in the reefs to ambush their next meal. For anglers fishing during the day, bottom fish and drift the bait near the drop offs. Flounder will strike fast so get ready to set the hook and start reeling in the line. Flounder gigging is also a very popular technique, and typically takes place at night. Your Matagorda Bay fishing guide will have the boat equipped with LED lights for this evening adventure. Look for the red eyes of the flounder and the outline of their body in the sand before striking with the gig (a pole with barbed spears at the end). Flounder are flatfish and can camouflage themselves along the bottom of the bay. You’ll need a keen eye and quick strike to successfully claim your flounder.

Fishing Matagorda Bay

While trout, redfish, and flounder are certainly the main attraction when fishing Matagorda Bay, there are plenty of other species for anglers to target. Whether you’re wade fishing or surf fishing, expect to find any of these at the end of your line: black drum, croaker, striped bass, gafftopsail catfish, jack crevalle, ladyfish, menhaden, and more. Kayak fishing Matagorda Bay is increasing in popularity. Single rider kayaks get you close to the action with everything you need within reach. All your tackle and gear is piled in or on the kayak with you, and you’re able to paddle to the shallow waters for your catch. Most kayak fishermen and women will practice catch-and-release, as it’s more about the athleticism of fishing than what you’re bringing home. Another popular technique for Matagorda Bay anglers and guides is wade fishing. Whether it’s walking into the water from the shore, or going out by boat first and then wading into the water, wade fishing is a great way to spend your day. Make sure to have waders, or ask if your guide provides them. And of course watch your footing; if you’re unfamiliar with the bay or wade fishing, be cautious of drop-offs or holes. Your guide will be able to teach you everything you need to know for wade fishing the bay.

Book A Matagorda Bay Fishing Charter

Fishing is a year round opportunity in Texas, and Matagorda Bay is no exception. Let your best fishing buddy know that you’re ready to go, and reserve your trip today with FishAnywhere. You’ll be fishing one of the best Texas bays in no time at all!