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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Matagorda
Redfish Inshore in Matagorda
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a prized gamefish in Matagorda Bay. These powerful fighters belong to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. Redfish in this region typically range from 30-61 inches in length and weigh between 10-45 pounds, with their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spot near the tail making them easily identifiable. - Habitat includes onshore waters, shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore zones - Known for their strong runs when hooked and excellent table fare - Peak season in Matagorda Bay is fall through spring
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Zack Shannon in December
Meet your Guide Zack Shannon
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Summary
Saturday November on Matagorda Bay delivered non-stop bites during our 5-hour guided fishing trip with Captain Shannon's Charters. Despite early morning rain, conditions cleared perfectly as we launched into the productive waters. Using a mix of drift fishing, bottom fishing, and sight fishing techniques, we targeted redfish throughout the shallow flats and deeper channels. The redfish were consistently active, striking our baits throughout the day. Matagorda Bay offers exceptional inshore fishing opportunities year-round, with fall being particularly productive for these copper-colored fighters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or first-timer, Captain Shannon provides all the equipment and local knowledge needed for a successful day on the water. Our charter focuses on putting clients on quality fish using proven methods that work in these specific waters.
Fishing Charter with Zack Shannon – Rates & Booking
Guide Zack Shannon of Captain Shannon's Charters on Saturday November offers a comprehensive 5-hour guided fishing experience on Matagorda Bay. This guided trip accommodates up to 5 guests and includes all necessary equipment, bait, and tackle. Captain Shannon specializes in targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead throughout the bay system. His local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots based on seasonal patterns and current conditions. Whether you prefer drift fishing across flats, bottom fishing deeper channels, or the excitement of sight casting to cruising redfish, this charter provides multiple fishing techniques tailored to your experience level.
Highlights of Matagorda Bay Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish, Trout, and Black Drum
This 5-hour guided trip explores the diverse inshore waters of Matagorda Bay, where multiple fishing techniques produce consistent results. The shallow flats and deeper channels create perfect environments for redfish, allowing for drift fishing, bottom fishing, and sight fishing approaches all in one trip. Captain Shannon's experienced guidance makes this charter suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned anglers.
The fall season in Matagorda Bay brings particularly good redfish action as these copper-colored fighters become more active in the cooling waters. Captain Shannon provides all gear and tackle needed, along with the local knowledge that comes from years of fishing these specific waters. The charter's focus on multiple species including redfish, speckled trout, and black drum ensures you'll have opportunities for action throughout your time on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Matagorda Bay provides ideal habitat for redfish with its mix of shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and deeper channels. These copper-colored fighters are particularly active during fall months when water temperatures begin to cool, making them more aggressive feeders. Redfish in this area typically cruise the flats during higher tides, searching for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. During lower tides, they'll retreat to deeper channels but remain catchable with the right approach.
For successful redfish targeting in Matagorda Bay, we primarily use three techniques: drift fishing across productive flats, bottom fishing near structure in deeper water, and sight fishing when conditions allow clear visibility. Live bait produces consistent results, but artificial lures like soft plastics and gold spoons can be equally effective when worked properly. The redfish population here remains strong year-round, with fall through spring offering the best opportunity for quantity and quality catches.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter with Captain Shannon includes a well-equipped boat designed for inshore fishing, with all rods, reels, tackle, and bait provided. The vessel comfortably accommodates up to 5 guests with ample fishing space. Morning trips typically begin around sunrise when fish are most active, though afternoon trips can be productive as well, especially during fall months.
Dress in layers appropriate for the season, as morning temperatures on the water can be cooler than expected. Bringing sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), water, snacks, and a camera is recommended. Captain Shannon handles all licensing requirements for the trip, and will clean and bag your catch afterward. The charter departs from a convenient Matagorda launch point, with exact details provided upon booking.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belong to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These copper-colored gamefish are instantly recognizable by their distinctive black spot (sometimes multiple spots) near the tail. In Matagorda waters this November, redfish provide some of the most exciting inshore action available to anglers.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after inshore species, prized for both their fighting ability and table quality. They feature a downward-facing mouth designed for bottom feeding and a robust body built for powerful runs when hooked. Their coloration ranges from copper-bronze on the back to white on the belly, allowing them to blend perfectly with their surroundings.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish thrive in various coastal environments including shallow flats, oyster reefs, marsh edges, and deeper channels. In Matagorda Bay specifically, redfish can be found throughout the estuary system, often relating to structure and depth changes where prey concentrates. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to move between near-freshwater backwaters and full-strength saltwater environments.
Redfish Size and Weight
Mature redfish in the Matagorda Bay system typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds. Bull redfish (larger breeding adults) tend to move offshore, while slot-sized fish (typically regulated between 20-28 inches in Texas) remain inshore and provide the bulk of the recreational catch.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crabs, shrimp, small baitfish, and even small crustaceans. Their feeding behavior is distinctive – they often cruise with their backs exposed in shallow water or create visible "mud boils" when rooting through bottom sediment for prey. They'll feed throughout the day but are especially active during dawn and dusk periods and around moving tides.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning activity for redfish near Matagorda peaks from August through October when adults gather in large schools near passes and deeper offshore waters. Water temperature plays a crucial role, with spawning triggered when temperatures hover between 70-75°F. After spawning, juvenile redfish utilize the protected bay systems as nursery grounds until reaching maturity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Three primary techniques produce consistent results in Matagorda Bay. Sight fishing the shallow flats during clear conditions allows for the excitement of spotting fish before casting. Drift fishing productive areas works well when covering water is necessary. Bottom fishing near structure with natural baits is effective when fish are holding deeper. In November, anglers around Matagorda find redfish concentrating near deeper channels and drains as cooler weather pushes baitfish from the shallows. Live shrimp, mullet, and cut menhaden are top natural baits, while gold spoons and soft plastics in shrimp patterns excel among artificial options.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that holds up well to various cooking methods. It has a mild, sweet flavor that's less fishy than many other inshore species. Blackened redfish became famous in the 1980s, but these versatile fillets also excel when grilled, broiled, or baked. Nutritionally, redfish provides lean protein, beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, and contains relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Matagorda Bay?
A: Live or fresh-cut mullet, live shrimp, and blue crabs consistently produce the best results for Matagorda redfish. If using artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics in natural colors (especially those imitating shrimp), and weedless jerkbaits are top performers.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats during higher tides, especially areas adjacent to deeper channels. Oyster reefs, marsh drains, and shorelines with good current flow are consistently productive. During colder months, deeper channels and holes within the bay system hold concentrating schools.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and firm texture. It's versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, blackening, and baking. For best results, keep fish on ice immediately after catching and remove the dark red meat along the lateral line before cooking.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Matagorda?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round, fall through spring offers the most consistent action. October through December is particularly productive as cooling water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity. Early morning and late afternoon periods, especially around moving tide phases, typically produce the best bite.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in Texas waters?
A: Texas regulations allow anglers to keep redfish between 20-28 inches in length (slot limit), with a daily bag limit of 3 fish per person. One oversized redfish above 28 inches may be kept per day with a properly completed redfish tag from your fishing license.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish in Matagorda Bay?
A: Medium-action spinning or baitcasting equipment with 15-20 pound test line works well for most Matagorda redfish. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining enough backbone to handle their strong runs. When sight fishing the flats, slightly lighter tackle enhances the experience without sacrificing landing ability.
