%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1614%2Fimages%2Flogo.png&w=1200&q=100)
Expert-Led Tournament Fishing in Matagorda
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Matagorda
- $490 - $790 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb4151fbf-689e-4864-867c-16a0bd1f2a0c%2Fratecard%2Fd7652d4f-e5e9-4762-a63a-f60d1244b85d1.webp&w=1200&q=75)
Tournament Tactics Revealed
null
null
null
null
Trout fishing at its finest!
Spring break fishing done right!
Big reds and good times on the bay!
Matagorda Bay is full of bites!
null
null
null
null
null
null
Trout fishing at its finest!
Spring break fishing done right!
Big reds and good times on the bay!
Matagorda Bay is full of bites!
null
null
null
null
null
null
Tournament Fishing: Matagorda's Hidden Edge
Ready to up your game in Texas coastal fishing tournaments? Gon Get'em Guide Service is your secret weapon on the flats of Matagorda. We're not just guides – we're your local fishing buddies who know every nook and cranny where the big ones hide. With our 8-hour private trip, you'll get the inside scoop on landing trophy redfish, flounder, and more. Whether you're a greenhorn or a seasoned pro, we'll help you fine-tune your strategy and give you that competitive edge you've been looking for.
What to Expect on the Water
When you hop on our boat, you're in for a day of serious fishing and strategy. We'll start by breaking down the tournament rules and sharing our local knowledge of Matagorda's diverse habitats. From the grass flats to the oyster reefs, we'll show you where the winning fish hang out. You'll learn how to read the water, spot telltale signs of fish activity, and adapt to changing conditions – crucial skills for any tournament angler. We'll cover everything from bait selection to presentation techniques that trigger strikes from wary fish. And don't worry, we won't just tell you – we'll show you hands-on how to work your lures and set the hook when it counts.
Techniques That Win Tourneys
In tournament fishing, it's all about maximizing your time and targeting quality over quantity. We'll teach you the art of sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water – a heart-pounding experience that can lead to your personal best. You'll also learn the finesse of working soft plastics along drop-offs for those monster trout. For the elusive flounder, we'll show you how to master the slow-roll technique that tempts even the most stubborn doormat to bite. And let's not forget about those bull reds – we'll hit the channels and use cut bait to entice these brutes. Throughout the day, we'll focus on the techniques that consistently produce tournament-winning fish in Matagorda's waters.
Target Species
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas flats fishing, redfish are the go-to target for many tournaments. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along shorelines. They're suckers for a well-placed topwater lure or a juicy piece of cut mullet. The best part? They fight like crazy, making every catch a thrill. In Matagorda, we see reds ranging from slot-sized to over 40 inches, with the fall months being prime time for those bull reds that can make or break a tournament.
Southern Flounder: Often overlooked but highly prized, flounder are the masters of camouflage on the flats. These flatfish lie in wait near structure, ambushing prey with lightning-fast strikes. Targeting flounder requires patience and precision – a slow retrieve with a soft plastic or live bait is key. Late fall is the sweet spot for big flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but savvy anglers can find them year-round. Landing a doormat flounder can be a game-changer in any tournament weigh-in.
Speckled Trout: Also known as sea trout, these spotted predators are a staple in Texas tournaments. Specks are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a true test of an angler's skill. We'll show you how to work topwater plugs at dawn and dusk for explosive strikes, or how to finesse soft plastics in deeper channels during the heat of the day. Spring and fall offer the best shot at gator trout – those 25+ inch monsters that can put you in the winner's circle.
Black Drum: The often-forgotten cousin of the redfish, black drum can be the dark horse of coastal tournaments. These powerful fish can grow to over 30 pounds in the bays, and they pull like freight trains. We'll teach you how to target them around oyster reefs and channel edges using natural baits. The spring months, particularly around March, see large schools of big drum moving into the bays – perfect timing for many tournaments.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing with Gon Get'em isn't just about catching fish – it's about gaining a competitive edge that lasts. Our clients come back year after year because we don't just put them on fish; we teach them how to think like a tournament angler. You'll learn how to manage your time on the water, when to move to a new spot, and how to quickly assess the potential of an area. We'll share our tips for handling and caring for your catch to ensure they're in top shape for weigh-in. Plus, you'll get the lowdown on the local tournament scene, including insider info on which events offer the best payouts and how to navigate the sometimes tricky rules and regulations.
Top Catches This Season
This year's been red hot for tournament action in Matagorda. We've seen clients land personal best redfish pushing 45 inches, hefty trout topping 8 pounds, and even a few doormat flounder over 24 inches. One of our recent trips produced a 30-inch trout that took home big fish honors at a local charity event. Whether you're gunning for the heaviest stringer or that one kicker fish to seal the deal, we've got the know-how to put you in the money.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're serious about upping your tournament game, you can't afford to waste time figuring it out on your own. With Gon Get'em Guide Service, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in your competitive edge. Our 8-hour private trips are tailored to give you the skills and knowledge you need to crush it in your next tournament. We've only got room for two anglers per trip, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction. Don't let another season slip by wondering "what if." Give us a call, and let's start planning your path to the winner's circle. The fish are biting, the tournaments are filling up, and your spot on our boat is waiting. Let's get out there and show 'em how it's done!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big cousins of Redfish, known for their powerful jaws and ability to crush shellfish. They range from 5-30 pounds, but monsters over 90 pounds exist. You'll find them in brackish waters, estuaries, and around oyster beds. They're adaptable to different temperatures and depths, from shallow flats to 100 feet deep. Spring is the hot season for Black Drum as they school up to spawn. Anglers target them for their strong fight and unique drumming sound. For best results, fish muddy flats and oyster beds with live bait like crab or clams. Here's a pro tip: use a heavier line and be ready for a workout – these fish can pull hard! Just remember, for the best eating, keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and less tasty.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the stars of many Texas tournaments. These copper-colored beauties are known for the black spot near their tail – sometimes more than one. They typically grow to 28-33 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can hit 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed, around oyster reefs, marshes, and grass flats. Fall's prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Redfish for their hard fights and versatility on the table. To catch one, try topwater lures in shallow flats for explosive strikes. Here's a tip: if you see them tailing (feeding with their tails above water), switch to a weedless jig or fly to avoid spooking them. Remember, these fish are protected, so know your limits and practice catch-and-release with the big ones.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among coastal anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some giants push 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're aggressive feeders, making them fun to catch on artificial lures. Winter's the time to target big schools in deeper waters, up to 164 feet. Anglers love Sea Trout for their scrappy fight and excellent table fare. They've got a mild, delicate flavor that's hard to beat. To hook one, try topwater plugs or soft plastics in grass flats. Here's a local secret: troll slowly along grass edges if the bite's slow. And remember, these fish are sensitive to cold, so winter fishing can be hit or miss depending on the weather.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. These flatfish typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of spotting them. To land one, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom. Use a single-hook rig with light-to-medium line and bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey and reposition it before swallowing, so patience pays off.
About the TOXICA
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb4151fbf-689e-4864-867c-16a0bd1f2a0c%2Fvehicle_picture%2F37b2336b-9b21-45d4-b166-7ae643e561a6.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 7
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
