Top-Rated Bay Fishing | Barely Legal Outdoors

Half Day Bay Fishing: Matagorda's Hidden Gems

Looking for a quick getaway that packs a serious fishing punch? Our 4-hour bay fishing trip in Matagorda and San Antonio Bay is just the ticket. We'll hit the water at first light, when the fish are hungry and the crowds are still hitting snooze. For $600, you and three buddies can have the boat to yourselves as we hunt down some of the best inshore action Texas has to offer. From speckled trout to bull reds, we've got the local know-how to put you on the fish.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we shove off, you'll feel the excitement building. The sun's just peeking over the horizon, painting the bay in golden hues. We'll cruise to my favorite spots – places I've been fishing for years that consistently produce. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, I'll make sure you're rigged up right and show you the techniques that work best here. We'll be targeting trout, redfish, and drum primarily, but don't be surprised if we hook into some bonus species along the way. The best part? You don't need to worry about a thing. Bait, tackle, licenses – it's all covered. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two.

Techniques & Terrain

Matagorda and San Antonio Bays are a fisherman's playground, with a mix of grass flats, oyster reefs, and deeper channels. We'll adjust our approach based on where the fish are biting. Some days, we might be tossing soft plastics along grass lines for trout. Other times, we could be sight-casting to tailing reds in shallow water. If the drum are schooled up, we might anchor up and fish with live or cut bait. I'll show you how to work a popping cork, the art of the slow retrieve, and when to set the hook. These waters can be tricky to navigate, but with years of experience under my belt, I know how to read the water and find the honey holes where the big ones lurk.

Top Catches This Season

Man, the fishing's been on fire lately. Last week, we had a group nail a 28-inch redfish right off a grass flat – that fish put up one heck of a fight. A few days before that, one of my regulars landed a gator trout pushing 7 pounds. Even the drum have been showing up in force, with several over the 30-inch mark hitting the deck. But it's not just about size – the consistent action we've been having makes for non-stop excitement. There's nothing like feeling that thump on your line and watching your rod double over.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Speckled Trout: These guys are the bread and butter of bay fishing. They're quick strikers and put up a great fight on light tackle. In Matagorda, we see specks ranging from 14 to 20 inches regularly, with some gators pushing past 25 inches. They love to hang around structure and drop-offs. The best time to target them is early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding. Trout have soft mouths, so finesse is key when fighting them – it's all about maintaining constant pressure without horsing them in.

Redfish: If you're looking for a drag-screaming battle, redfish are your target. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in shallow water or cruising along shorelines. In our bays, we regularly catch reds in the 20 to 30-inch range, with some bulls exceeding 40 inches. They're opportunistic feeders, so we can catch them on a variety of baits from soft plastics to cut mullet. The fall is prime time for reds as they school up for their spawning run, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a big red crush a topwater lure in skinny water.

Black Drum: Often overlooked but always fun to catch, black drum are the gentle giants of the bay. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with some exceeding 50 pounds. We typically target them in slightly deeper water, especially around oyster reefs. They're bottom feeders, so we'll use natural baits like shrimp or crab to entice them. The cool thing about drum is their ability to "croak" – you can actually hear them making noise when you bring them in the boat. Spring is the peak season for big drum, but we catch them consistently throughout the year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. This 4-hour trip is perfect for squeezing in some quality angling without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fix or a visitor wanting to sample what Texas bay fishing is all about, we've got you covered. Remember, everything's included – rods, reels, bait, and even fish cleaning at the end. All you need to do is show up ready to have a blast. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first hit, you'll be hooked for life.