Top-Rated Matagorda Tournament Fishing Trips

Full Day Fishin' Frenzy in Matagorda Bay

Ready to chase some serious fish in Matagorda? Fowl Hooked Outfitters has you covered with this full-day adventure on the flats. We're talkin' prime time for redfish, trout, and more. Captain Kevin Cantu knows these waters like the back of his hand and he'll put you on the fish, guaranteed. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip is perfect for the whole family. We'll start at the crack of dawn and fish till your arms are sore - or until we've limited out, whichever comes first!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at 5:45 AM - yeah, I know it's early, but trust me, it's worth it to beat the crowds and hit that morning bite. The captain will have all the gear ready to go, so you just need to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks to keep you going. We'll head out to the sweet spots in Matagorda Bay, targeting the inshore honey holes where the big ones like to hang out. Depending on the season, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, or drifting for specks over grass beds. The beauty of a full day trip is we've got time to try different spots and techniques until we find what's working.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what the fish are keyed in on. Expect to do some wade fishing if conditions are right - there's nothing like stalking redfish in knee-deep water. We'll also work the boat along shorelines and oyster reefs, using everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics. The captain will show you the ropes if you're new to this kind of fishing, and even experienced anglers might pick up a new trick or two. All the rods, reels, and tackle are provided, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got a lucky lure you can't leave behind.

Top Catches This Season

Matagorda Bay is known for its stellar inshore fishing, and we've been on a hot streak lately. Redfish have been tearing it up in the back lakes, with some real bruisers in the 28-30 inch range. The speckled trout bite has been consistent, especially around the deeper channels and drop-offs. We've also been hooking into some nice flounder around structure and in the passes. And let's not forget about those big, ugly black drum - they might not win any beauty contests, but they sure put up a fight!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the stars of the show in Matagorda. They love to cruise the shallow flats, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Redfish put up an incredible fight, making long runs and bulldogging near the boat. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round. Nothing beats the thrill of watching a school of reds pushing water in the shallows and making the perfect cast.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are a staple of Texas inshore fishing. They're known for their spotted patterns and their willingness to hit topwater lures, which makes for some exciting visual strikes. Specks tend to school up, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch them all year in Matagorda Bay.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse, but when you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure and drop-offs. Fall is the best time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but we catch them throughout the year.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can provide some serious action, especially when the reds aren't cooperating. These fish can grow to massive sizes, with some old-timers topping 50 pounds. They love crustaceans, so we'll use shrimp or crab to entice them. The bigger ones aren't great eating, but the smaller "puppy drum" are delicious. We catch them year-round, with spring being particularly good.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Fowl Hooked Outfitters tend to make it a regular thing, and for good reason. Captain Kevin doesn't just put you on fish - he teaches you how to read the water, understand tides, and become a better angler. Plus, Matagorda's got that laid-back, old Florida feel that's getting harder to find these days. It's not uncommon to have entire stretches of shoreline to yourself, even during peak season. And let's be honest, there's something special about fishing waters that have been producing for generations - you're tapping into a real piece of Texas fishing history.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Matagorda's finest, don't wait to book this trip. With only room for two anglers, these full-day adventures tend to fill up fast, especially during prime seasons. Whether you're looking to put some meat in the freezer or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, this is the trip for you. Captain Kevin will work his tail off to make sure you have a day on the water you won't forget. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go catch some fish! Book now and get ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing in one of Texas' best-kept secrets.