Get ready to wet a line in one of Texas' premier fishing spots! This 8-hour private trip with Gon Get'em Guide Service puts you right in the heart of Matagorda Bay's fish-rich waters. Whether you're itching to wade the flats or drift the open bay, we've got you covered. Bring your A-game and let's see what we can put in the cooler!
You're in for a real treat with this full-day adventure. We'll kick things off early, meeting at the dock as the sun's just peeking over the horizon. Depending on what the fish are doing, we might start off wading the skinny water or drifting some productive holes. The beauty of Matagorda is its variety - one minute you could be sight-casting to tailing reds in ankle-deep water, the next you're working a deep channel for monster trout. We've got room for up to six anglers if we're wading, or four if we're drifting. Got a bigger crew? No sweat, we can line up multiple boats to get everyone on the water. This trip's all about flexibility, so we'll play it by ear and chase the bite wherever it takes us.
Now let's talk tackle. If you're new to bay fishing, don't worry - we've got you covered with all the gear you'll need. We typically use light to medium action rods paired with quality reels spooled with braided line. For artificial lures, soft plastics like paddletails and jerkbaits are always in the rotation, along with topwater plugs for those early morning blowups. If live bait's more your speed, we'll make a stop at the bait shop for some frisky croakers or mullet. Wade fishing is a blast - there's nothing like feeling the sand between your toes as you stalk fish in gin-clear water. If we're drifting, we'll use the trolling motor to silently glide over fishy-looking spots, fan-casting as we go. The name of the game is covering water and finding the fish, so be ready to put in some work. But trust me, when that rod doubles over with a big red or trout, it'll all be worth it!
Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot - it's a angler's paradise that keeps folks coming back year after year. The diversity of the fishery is unreal. One day you might be sight-casting to schools of redfish so thick they look like a copper cloud moving through the water. The next, you could be battling bull reds in the surf or finessing speckled trout around oyster reefs. And let's not forget the bonus species like flounder, black drum, and even the occasional tarpon that'll test your drag. But it's not just about the fish - it's the whole package. Watching the sun rise over the bay, pelicans dive-bombing bait schools, and maybe even spotting a pod of dolphins if we're lucky. It's the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the show in Matagorda Bay. Reds here can range from rat reds in the 18-inch class all the way up to bull reds pushing 40 inches or more. They love to cruise the shallow flats, often revealing themselves with their signature tail out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Redfish put up a fantastic fight, often making long, powerful runs that'll have your drag singing. They're most active in the warmer months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Speckled Trout: If redfish are the bruisers, speckled trout are the finesse targets of Matagorda Bay. These spotted beauties are prized for both their fight and their excellent table fare. Specks, as we call 'em, can be found in a variety of habitats from grassy flats to deeper channels. They're ambush predators, so working a topwater lure around structure can lead to explosive strikes. Fall and winter are prime time for big sow trout, but you can catch them all year long. Nothing beats the thrill of a gator trout crushing a topwater at first light!
Flounder: While not as common as reds or trout, flounder are a prized catch in Matagorda Bay. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They love to hang around structure like pier pilings or drop-offs, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse - a slow retrieve with a soft plastic or live bait is often the ticket. The fall "flounder run" is the best time to target these tasty flatfish as they move towards the Gulf to spawn.
Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on Matagorda Bay by now, check your pulse! This full-day trip with Gon Get'em Guide Service is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some big reds or a newbie hoping to bend a rod, we've got you covered. Remember, we can accommodate up to six anglers for wade fishing or four for drifting, and we're always happy to arrange multiple boats for larger groups. At just $100 per additional angler beyond the first two, it's a steal for a full day on the water with all the gear and know-how you need. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your favorite fishing hat, and let's go get 'em on Matagorda Bay!