Top-Rated 9-Hour Inshore Trip in East Matagorda

Full Day Fishing: Matagorda Bay's Hidden Gems

Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on East Matagorda Bay. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll have you telling stories for years to come. Whether you're chasing tailing reds in the shallows or battling big drums in the deeper channels, this trip's got it all. We'll use every trick in the book to put you on fish - from drifting and wading to anchoring up on the hotspots. It's all about what's working and where the fish are biting that day. So grab your hat and sunscreen, because we're about to show you why East Matagorda Bay is a top-rated fishing destination.

What's On The Menu Today?

Here's the deal - we're after some of the tastiest, hardest-fighting fish in the bay. We're talking Red Drum that'll make your drag sing, Black Drum that'll test your arms, and Speckled Trout that are as beautiful as they are delicious. But that's not all - we might just run into some Sheepshead (the bay's best-kept secret) or even some Summer Flounder if we're lucky. The beauty of Matagorda Bay is you never know what might end up on the end of your line. We'll start the day by reading the water, checking the tides, and then we'll make our game plan. Might be drifting the flats, might be wading the shallows, or we could end up anchored on a honey hole. Whatever it takes to get you on the fish - that's what we're gonna do.

Rods, Reels, and Rigging Up

Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We've got a few go-to techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. Drift fishing is a customer favorite - we'll let the wind push us across promising areas, covering lots of water and keeping our baits in the strike zone. When the conditions are right, we'll hop out and do some wade fishing. There's nothing like feeling the bay under your feet while you're casting to tailing reds. And when we find a real honey hole? We'll drop anchor and work it over good. We use light to medium tackle, mostly spinning gear that's easy to handle. Live bait, soft plastics, or even some topwater lures when the fish are aggressive - we've got all the bases covered. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Drum, or Redfish as we call 'em, are the rockstars of Matagorda Bay. These copper-colored beauties can grow over 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. They love to cruise the shallows, often with their tails sticking out of the water - it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch 'em year-round. They're not just fun to catch - they're mighty tasty too.

Black Drum might not be as flashy as their red cousins, but don't let that fool you. These bruisers can grow over 30 pounds and when they decide to dig in, you better hold on tight. They've got a soft spot for crabs and shrimp, and they're often found hanging out near structure. The bigger ones can be a bit tough to eat, but the smaller "puppy drums" are some of the best eating fish in the bay.

Speckled Trout, or Specks, are the bay's bread and butter. These silver spotted beauties are known for their delicate flavor and their tendency to hit topwater lures with explosive strikes. They school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Spring and fall are the best times to target big specks, but you can catch them all year round if you know where to look.

Sheepshead are the dark horses of Matagorda Bay. With their distinctive black and white stripes and teeth that look like they belong in a dentist's office, these fish are as fun to catch as they are to look at. They're structure-oriented, often found around pilings and oyster reefs. They can be tricky to hook, but man, are they good eating. Winter and early spring is when they really show up in numbers.

Summer Flounder, or Southern Flounder as we sometimes call 'em, are the ninjas of the bay. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the bottom. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for an unsuspecting baitfish to swim by. Fall is the best time to target them, as they start their migration to the Gulf. They might not put up the biggest fight, but they more than make up for it on the dinner plate.

Time to Wet a Line

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in East Matagorda Bay, but the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next big catch, or a first-timer just wanting to see what all the fuss is about, we've got you covered. We provide all the gear, the know-how, and we'll put you right where the fish are biting. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch. So what are you waiting for? The fish are out there, and they're not gonna catch themselves. Book your trip now and let's make some memories on the water. Trust me, once you fish Matagorda Bay, you'll be hooked for life.