Premium Matagorda Bay Fishing - Redfish & Drum

Published Date: August 29, 2025
Fishing

Matagorda
$550 - $1,050 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action in Matagorda Bay? This half-day afternoon trip is all about chasing down the big ones - Red Drum and Black Drum are our main targets, but we'll go wherever the fish are biting. We'll cruise the bay, rivers, and even hit the surf if that's where they're hanging out. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, I'll make sure you're in the right spots to land some impressive catches. And the best part? At the end of the day, I'll clean and bag your fish so you can take home some fresh fillets for dinner. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a perfect outing for a small group or family. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get out on the water for some real Texas fishing!

Premium Matagorda Bay Fishing - Redfish & Drum

Matagorda's Finest Catches

Great day fishing Matagorda Bay waters

Anglers with a pair of redfish caught in TX

Trophy redfish caught in Matagorda Bay

Matagorda Bay fishing adventure awaits!

Flounder fishing in beautiful Matagorda Bay

Reel in the Big One: Matagorda Bay Half-Day Trip

Ready to wet a line in some of the richest fishing grounds on the Texas coast? Hop aboard with Brawley's Guide Services for a half-day afternoon adventure in Matagorda Bay. We'll chase after hard-fighting drum, redfish, and more, giving you a taste of what makes this area a bucket-list destination for anglers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and local insight to put you on the fish.

What's Biting Today?

Our trips are all about flexibility and finding where the fish are hungry. We'll cruise the vast expanse of Matagorda Bay, checking out productive spots in the bay itself, nearby rivers, and even the surf if conditions are right. The afternoon bite can be on fire here, especially for big redfish and black drum. We keep our groups small - just you and up to three of your buddies - so you get plenty of personal attention and a chance to really dial in your technique. And the best part? At the end of the day, I'll clean and bag your catch, so you're heading home with fresh filets ready for the grill.

Rigging Up for Success

We use a mix of techniques to target the various species in Matagorda Bay. For redfish and black drum, we often start with bottom fishing using cut bait or live shrimp. If we spot schools cruising the flats, we might switch to sight-casting with lures or flies. For trout and flounder, we'll drift fish or work structure with soft plastics or live bait under a popping cork. I'll provide all the tackle you need - top-quality rods, reels, and terminal gear - but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you prefer. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and help you spot fish.

Target Species Lowdown

Black Drum: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the bay. They grow big - we're talking 30-50 pounders not uncommon - and pull like freight trains. Black drum love crustaceans, so we often use crab or shrimp to tempt them. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall through spring prime time for trophy-sized black drum.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are probably the most sought-after inshore species in Texas. They're known for their powerful runs and their distinctive spot near the tail. We catch reds year-round in Matagorda, but the fall "bull red" run, when big spawning-sized fish move into the bays, is something special. Nothing beats the sight of a tailing redfish in skinny water!

Summer Flounder: These flat ambush predators are masters of camouflage. We target them around structure and drop-offs, using live bait or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Flounder fishing heats up in late spring and fall when they migrate between the bays and the Gulf. They're not only fun to catch but also some of the best eating fish in the bay.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, sheepshead are unique-looking fish that put up a great fight. They love structure and can be found around jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs. We often use fiddler crabs or shrimp to entice them. The winter months are prime time for big sheepshead.

Sea Trout: Speckled trout are a staple of inshore fishing in Matagorda. These spotted predators are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a fun challenge. We catch them year-round, but the bigger "gator" trout are most active in cooler months. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic trout-catching technique here.

Time to Get on the Water

Matagorda Bay is a world-class fishery right in Texas's backyard, and there's no better way to experience it than with a local guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the weather's fine, and we've got spots open - so what are you waiting for? Book your Matagorda Bay fishing trip today and let's make some memories on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically 5-30 pounds but can reach a whopping 90 pounds. You'll find them in Matagorda's brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. These guys love to hang out near structure, so look for them around pier pilings and inlets. Spring's your best bet for catching them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers get a kick out of their powerful fight and the drumming sound they make. For bait, you can't go wrong with fresh crab or clams - they're bottom feeders with a taste for shellfish. Here's a local tip: when you feel that nibble, give it a second before setting the hook. Black Drum are notorious bait stealers, so let them really take it. Just remember, for the best eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and not as tasty.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay. These bronze beauties usually run 20-30 inches, but you might hook a bull red over 40 inches if you're lucky. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, especially around oyster reefs and grass beds. They love water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. Fall's prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Anglers go nuts for their powerful fights and that distinctive tail spot. Their firm, white meat is top-notch eating too. Here's a local secret: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper-colored backs or tails breaking the surface. Then, toss a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp right in front of them. When they hit, hold on tight - these guys pull like freight trains!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or specks, are a favorite in Matagorda Bay. These silvery fish usually run 14-24 inches, but you might hook into a 5-pounder if you're lucky. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structures and drop-offs. Fall and winter are prime times when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers prize them for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They put up a good fight on light tackle, making for an exciting catch. Here's a tip: try using topwater lures early in the morning or late evening. Sea trout can't resist a well-placed plug skittering across the surface. And when you're working a soft plastic, give it some erratic twitches - that often triggers a bite from these predatory fish.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, or convict fish, are the toothy critters of Matagorda Bay. These striped fish usually run 1-8 pounds, but you might land a 20-pounder if you're lucky. Look for them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and jetties are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like chompers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Spring's the best time to catch them as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these clever fish, and their sweet, white meat is a real treat. Here's a local trick: use a small, strong hook with fiddler crab or oyster for bait. Get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them, and be patient. When you feel that light nibble, give it a sharp tug - these guys are experts at stripping bait.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage in Matagorda Bay. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're ambush predators, so they'll lie flat, waiting for prey to swim by. Fall's prime time for catching flounder as they migrate to deeper waters. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these sneaky fish, and their mild, flaky meat makes for great eating. Here's a tip: when you're working a jig or live bait, make sure it's right on the bottom. Flounder won't chase far, so you've got to put it right in front of them. And when you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder often grab sideways and need a moment to turn the bait.

About the Weldbuilt

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Get ready for an awesome afternoon of fishing in Matagorda Bay! We'll cruise around the bay, rivers, and surf to find the best spots where the fish are biting. Our main targets are Red Drum and Black Drum, but we might hook other species too. This trip is perfect for both newbies and seasoned anglers. I'll make sure you have everything you need to land some great catches. At the end of our outing, I'll clean and bag your fish so you can take them home ready to cook. It's a fun, laid-back way to spend half a day on the water and potentially reel in some impressive fish. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture your big moments! Book now and let's make some fishing memories in beautiful Matagorda Bay.

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