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Caught a trophy redfish inshore in Matagorda
Redfish Fishing in Matagorda
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized game fish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have red-colored backs that fade to white bellies.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Zack Shannon in December
Meet your Guide Zack Shannon
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Summary
Captain Zack Shannon of Captain Shannon's Charters on Saturday November offers expert-guided inshore fishing in Matagorda Bay's productive waters. This 5-hour guided fishing trip targets redfish, speckled trout, and black drum using proven sight fishing, drift fishing, and bottom fishing techniques. The shallow flats and deeper channels of Matagorda Bay create ideal conditions for consistent action throughout the year. With all gear provided and local knowledge shared, anglers of every skill level can experience the thrill of hooking copper-colored redfish in these Gulf Coast waters. Book online to secure your spot for an authentic Texas inshore fishing adventure.
Guided Fishing Trip with Zack Shannon – Rates & Booking
Guide Zack Shannon of Captain Shannon's Charters on Saturday November runs 5-hour inshore fishing trips targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in Matagorda Bay. This licensed guide provides all fishing gear, local expertise, and professional guidance for up to 5 guests per trip. The charter focuses on sight fishing the flats, drift fishing the channels, and bottom fishing structure using techniques that consistently produce results in these productive Gulf Coast waters. Deposits are non-refundable, so book early to secure your preferred date and experience the best of Matagorda Bay inshore fishing.
Highlights of Matagorda Bay Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish, Trout, and Black Drum
This guided trip delivers authentic Texas inshore fishing with multiple techniques and target species. The shallow flats and deeper channels of Matagorda Bay offer year-round opportunities to hook redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. Captain Shannon's local knowledge helps anglers adapt their approach based on conditions, moving between spots to maximize success. Whether you're sight fishing copper-colored redfish on the flats or working deeper structure for black drum, this charter provides the gear, guidance, and Gulf Coast experience that keeps anglers coming back.
The 5-hour duration allows plenty of time to explore different areas and techniques while accommodating anglers of all skill levels. From beginners learning to read the water to experienced fishermen refining their inshore tactics, this trip offers something for everyone in Matagorda's productive bay system.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Matagorda Bay's shallow flats and backcountry waters, where their copper-colored backs blend perfectly with the sandy bottom. These drum family members cruise the 1-4 foot depths, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish around oyster reefs and grass beds. In November, redfish remain active as water temperatures stay comfortable, making them excellent targets for sight fishing and bottom fishing techniques. Their distinctive eyespots near the tail and powerful runs make every hookup memorable, whether you're targeting slot-sized fish or the larger bull reds that patrol deeper channels.
Plan Your Guided Fishing Trip Day
Your 5-hour charter includes all necessary fishing gear, professional guidance, and local knowledge to maximize your time on Matagorda Bay. Captain Shannon provides rods, reels, tackle, and bait while sharing proven techniques for sight fishing, drift fishing, and bottom fishing. The trip accommodates up to 5 guests and focuses on fishing success with everything needed for a safe, productive day on the water. Early morning departures take advantage of prime feeding times, and the flexible approach allows the group to adapt based on conditions and fish activity throughout the trip.
Fishing in Matagorda: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This prized game fish is found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast waters of the United States, including the productive bays around Matagorda, Texas. Distinguished by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail, redfish are among the most sought-after inshore species for both recreational and sport fishing.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are powerful, hard-fighting members of the drum family that have become synonymous with Gulf Coast inshore fishing. Their distinctive coloration and aggressive feeding behavior make them ideal targets for sight fishing, while their willingness to take both live and artificial baits appeals to anglers using various techniques. These fish are highly valued for their sporting qualities and excellent table fare.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters, particularly flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep. In Matagorda Bay, they frequent oyster reefs, grass beds, and sandy flats where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Their habitat preferences make them perfect targets for wade fishing and shallow-water boat fishing techniques.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-sized fish (generally 20-28 inches) are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger bull reds exceeding 30 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences in deeper channels and nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish in shallow water. They often feed with their heads down and tails up, creating distinctive "tailing" behavior that alerts sight fishermen to their presence. These fish are most active during moving tides and low-light periods, though they can be caught throughout the day in Matagorda's productive waters.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, typically from August through November. During this period, mature fish move to deeper water for spawning activities, though younger fish remain in the bays year-round. Water temperatures between 70-85°F trigger peak spawning activity along the Texas coast.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish fishing employs sight fishing with topwater lures, drift fishing with live shrimp or cut bait, and bottom fishing around structure. Popular lures include spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs, while live shrimp and cut mullet work well for bait fishing. In November around Matagorda, anglers find success working the flats during incoming tides and targeting deeper channels during slack water periods.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying, and provides high-quality protein with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Slot-sized fish typically offer the best eating quality, while larger bull reds are often released to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic paddle tails, and topwater plugs work well for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Matagorda?
A: Look for redfish on shallow flats, around oyster reefs, in grass beds, and along channel edges in Matagorda Bay, particularly during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried, making them popular both as sport fish and table fare.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall months like November offer excellent fishing as fish remain active in comfortable water temperatures before winter.
