Premium Matagorda Bay Fishing with Capt. Shannon

Reel in the Big Ones on Matagorda Bay

Get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer with Captain Shannon's Charters. We'll spend 5 to 8 hours cruising the rich waters of Matagorda Bay, where the fish are always biting and the scenery never disappoints. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with expert guidance, top-notch gear, and all the local know-how to put you on the fish.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. Matagorda Bay is a fisherman's playground, with its mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and oyster reefs creating the perfect habitat for a variety of game fish. We'll be targeting some real bruisers - Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead are all on the menu. Captain Shannon knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll head straight to the hot spots where the fish are schooling up. You'll learn how to read the water, pick the right bait, and use techniques that the locals swear by. And when you hook into that first big one, trust me, you'll be hooked for life.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

We keep things versatile on these trips because the fish don't always play by the rules. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might do some drift fishing over the flats, work the edges of the channels with soft plastics, or set up near structure to tempt those big drum and sheepshead. We'll rig you up with light to medium tackle - nothing too fancy, just good quality rods and reels that can handle whatever Matagorda throws at us. Live bait is often the ticket here, so we'll have shrimp, mullet, or croaker ready to go. Don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Shannon will show you the ropes, from tying knots to setting the hook when a big red decides to take your bait for a ride.

Customer Stories

"My wife and I had a great trip with Zack. Very knowledgeable of the bay system and put us on some targeted fish for my wife's online fishing tournament she was participating in." - Monica

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their trademark tail waving above the water as they root for crabs. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch keeper-sized reds year-round. There's nothing quite like the thump of a redfish taking your bait, and when they make that first run, hold on tight!

Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes, with some old-timers tipping the scales at over 50 pounds. They hang out near structure and love to munch on crabs and shrimp. When you're fishing for drum, patience is key - their bite can be subtle, but once they realize they're hooked, get ready for some serious pulling power. Spring is usually the best time to target the big ones as they gather to spawn.

Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, are the tricksters of the bay. They're notorious bait stealers, so a quick hookset is crucial. These fish love structure, so we'll often find them around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs. Don't let their size fool you - pound for pound, sheepshead put up one of the best fights in the bay. They're especially fun to target in the cooler months when other species might be less active.

While not mentioned in our target species, it's worth noting that Speckled Trout are a favorite among Matagorda anglers. These spotted speedsters are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. We often find them in deeper channels or around grass beds, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. If you're lucky enough to hook into a big "gator" trout, you're in for a real treat - they can top 30 inches and put any light tackle to the test.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Matagorda Bay isn't just another fishing spot - it's a slice of angler's heaven. The diversity of the fishery means you never know what you might catch next. One minute you could be battling a bull red in the shallows, the next you're finessing a flounder from under a dock. It's this variety that keeps our regulars coming back season after season. Plus, there's something special about fishing these waters. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the bay, painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Or perhaps it's the moment of anticipation as your line goes tight and you wonder what's on the other end. Whatever it is, Matagorda has a way of getting under your skin and calling you back time and time again.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, I could talk fish all day, but nothing beats getting out there and experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, Captain Shannon's Charters has got you covered. We provide all the gear, knowledge, and good vibes - all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cold drink or two. Remember, the best days are when the fish are biting, and the second-best days are any other day you're out on the water. So why wait? Give us a call, and let's get your next Matagorda Bay fishing adventure on the calendar. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that trophy catch and making memories that'll last a lifetime. See you on the bay!