Premier Matagorda Afternoon Fishing Trip

Published Date: October 4, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda, TX
$750 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for an afternoon of prime fishing in Matagorda? Join Captain Matthew for a 5-hour trip targeting Redfish, Sea Trout, and Flounder in the productive local bays. This half-day adventure is perfect if you want steady action without committing to a full day on the water. You've got options too - drift fish over grass flats or wade into the shallows for a more hands-on experience. Bring your own wade gear if you prefer, or let the captain set you up for success. With room for up to 3 anglers, it's a great way to spend time with friends or family. As the afternoon light hits the water, you'll be right where the fish are biting. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to bay fishing, Captain Matthew will put you on the spots where Matagorda's prized inshore species are active. It's the perfect way to round out your day with some quality time on the water and hopefully a few nice catches to show for it.

Premier Matagorda Afternoon Fishing Trip

Matagorda's Inshore Bounty

Four people enjoying fishing adventure in TX

"Fishing vibes and big catches with No Slack team!

No Slack Guide Service at its finest!

Angler enjoying a day of fishing and hunting at Matagorda

Sunset over Matagorda Bay

Big fish caught in Matagorda while fishing and hunting

Hooked! Reeling in a trophy Redfish

Afternoon Fishing Frenzy in Matagorda Bay

Get ready to hit the sweet spots of Matagorda Bay on this action-packed half-day fishing trip. Captain Matthew's got the local know-how to put you on the fish, whether you're chasing tailing reds in the shallows or working a grass line for some hefty trout. This 5-hour afternoon adventure is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing without burning a whole day. We'll be targeting the bay's big three: redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's make some memories on the water!

Trip Overview

This ain't your average boat ride, folks. We're talking about some serious inshore fishing in one of Texas' most productive bays. Captain Matthew knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on the fish in no time. Whether you prefer to drift fish over grass flats or wade the skinny water, this trip's got you covered. We'll be chasing redfish, speckled trout, and flounder - the holy trinity of inshore fishing in these parts. The afternoon light makes for some killer sight fishing opportunities, so keep your eyes peeled and your rod ready. This trip is all about putting you on fish and having a blast doing it.

Rods, Reels, and Tactics

On this trip, we're not messing around with any fancy-pants gear. We're talking tried-and-true inshore setups that get the job done. Light to medium spinning gear is the name of the game here. If you're into wade fishing, bring your own gear and we'll get you set up in some prime spots. For boat fishing, we'll be drifting over grass flats and working the edges of oyster reefs. Soft plastics, topwater lures, and live bait (when available) are all on the menu. Captain Matthew will show you the ropes if you're new to this kind of fishing, or swap tactics with you if you're an old hand. The key is staying flexible and reading the water - that's how we'll put fish in the boat.

Target Species

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Matagorda Bay. They'll test your drag and your patience, often tailing in shallow water or busting bait on the surface. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, with some real giants showing up in the fall. They love to crush topwater lures and will readily take soft plastics or live bait. The thump when a big red hits your lure is something you won't forget.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these fish are anything but speckled. We're talking about some serious gamefish that'll give you a run for your money. Matagorda's known for producing some trophy-sized specks, especially in the cooler months. They love to hang around grass beds and oyster reefs. A well-placed soft plastic or topwater can result in some explosive strikes. And if you're lucky enough to hook into a big gator trout, hold on tight!

Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for both their fight and their taste. Flounder like to hang out near structure and along drop-offs, ambushing their prey. We'll target them with soft plastics or live bait, working the bottom slowly. The bite can be subtle, but once you set the hook, you're in for a good fight. Fall is prime time for flounder as they start their annual migration to the Gulf.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing Matagorda Bay. Maybe it's the way the light hits the water in the afternoon, or the sound of redfish crashing bait in the shallows. Whatever it is, it gets in your blood. The diversity of fishing here is hard to beat - one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you're working a deep hole for trout. And let's not forget the scenery. Watching the coastal birds work the shoreline or seeing a pod of dolphins cruise by - it's not just about the fishing, it's about the whole experience. That's why folks keep coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're looking for a top-notch afternoon of fishing in Matagorda, this is your ticket. Captain Matthew's got the skills and local knowledge to put you on the fish, whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out. With a max of three guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and fishing time. So don't just sit there dreaming about it - grab your fishing buddies and book your trip now. The redfish are calling, and Matagorda Bay is waiting. Let's make it happen!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a Matagorda staple, known for their coppery color and black tail spot. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. These fish put up a great fight and are delicious on the table. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. They'll eat just about anything, making them fun to target on artificial lures. Topwater plugs can produce exciting strikes in the shallows. For a local trick, try sight-casting to tailing reds with a gold spoon on calm mornings. Work it slowly past their nose, and hang on tight when they pounce. Just watch out for that powerful initial run - it's been known to catch anglers off guard!

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite among Matagorda anglers. These silvery fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a good fight. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Sea trout have delicate, flaky white meat that's great on the grill. They're fun to target because they'll hit a variety of lures - topwater plugs early in the day can be exciting. For best results, work your lure with a steady retrieve and subtle twitches. When the bite is tough, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork. Just remember not to set the hook too hard - sea trout have soft mouths that tear easily.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are ambush predators with both eyes on one side of their flat body. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters and estuaries. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the bottom. Fall is prime time as flounder migrate to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their mild, flaky meat. They don't put up much of a fight, but the challenge is in finding and hooking them. For best results, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Work it slowly along drop-offs and channel edges. When you feel that telltale "thump," resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth before a smooth, steady hookset.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Captain Matthew's afternoon fishing trip in Matagorda offers a laid-back way to enjoy the local waters. Hop aboard for 5 hours of angling action, targeting redfish, sea trout, and flounder in the bay's productive spots. Whether you prefer drifting over grass flats or wading into the shallows, this trip caters to different fishing styles. Bring your own wading gear if you like getting in the water, or let the captain guide you from the boat. The afternoon light creates ideal conditions for reeling in some nice catches. It's a great option if you want to squeeze in some quality fishing without dedicating a full day. With room for up to 3 guests, you can bring along a couple friends or family members to share in the fun of Matagorda's diverse fishery.

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