Shallowrun Guide Service
+39Book a trip with Shallowrun Guide Service and come explore the waters of Matagorda Bay, Texas. You may qualify for a Loyalty Program so give Chad a call if your a repeat customer. Captain Chad works hard to provide his customers with service that is second to none. You will find him on Matagorda Bay fishing every day of the week – join him and bring home a catch to remember!
Step aboard a 24’ Transport SVT. Powered by a 300 HP Suzuki engine, this craft boasts a maximum cruising speed of 45 knots. Her sleek design allows you to navigate inshore waters with ease. There’s room on board for up to 4 passengers and children are welcome to hop aboard.
Capt. Chad fishes both the east and west Matagorda bays, allowing you to experience this magnificent bay complex to the fullest. Here you can chase after the Texas Trio of Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. A variety of other popular fish inhabits these waters, too, such as Sheepshead, Black Drum, and small sharks.
While fishing Matagorda Bay, you will have a chance to try various methods such as back lake fishing, wadefishing, and drift fishing. Capt. Chad supplies top-notch gear, including Shimano or Penn reels matched with medium to light action rods. Fly fishermen are welcome to bring their own gear for some great fly fishing action, as well. You may also have fun fishing the jetties and surf & are always an option in these waters.
If looking to maximize your time on the historical waters of Matagorda, then book now. These trips will be a great day on the water and consist of cruising the bays, fishing and enjoying the stunning views.
Shallowrun Fishing Adventures provides bait 1qrt & all the gear you need. Just be sure to bring a Texas state fishing license with a Red Drum tag. If you plan to keep your catch, bring an icechest.
Come aboard and spend the day on Matagorda Bay fishing for some of the most sought-after game fish in Texas!
Captain
Chad Kraft
Highlights
Plan your trip
In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (315)
+312Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
93%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Got us on the fish
Fishing & Crabtrap Cruise on May 22, 2025
Captain Chad did a great job getting us on the fish. He was also friendly and gave history lessons about Matagorda. We didn't get many keepers but had tons landed that were just a little short. Still a good day. The 9 hour trip with checking crab traps was nice, but by the end we all agree (including Chad) that it's too long of a day on flat bottom boat. He said the 9 hour + crab may not be offered in the future, but if it is I want to share that we did get 11 blue crab and 3 stone crab claws. I would definitely use Captain Chad's services again, and might even do so this fall, but it would be a 5-7 hour trip.
Captain Chad did a great job getting us on the fish. He was also friendly and gave history lessons about Matagorda. We didn't get many keepers but had tons landed that were just a little short. Still a good day. The 9 hour trip with checking crab traps was nice, but by the end we all agree (including Chad) that it's too long of a day on flat bottom boat. He said the 9 hour + crab may not be offered in the future, but if it is I want to share that we did get 11 blue crab and 3 stone crab claws....
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Rough Conditions But Great Captain
Fishing 7 Hour Trip on June 21, 2025
Conditions were rough, water was super muddy, and there was a massive tournament in town. All of this resulted in a pretty slow day of fishing. However, Captain Chad worked his butt off to try to put us on the fish. He’s knowledgeable about the Bays, easy to communicate with, and really helped make the best of a bad situation. Will be reaching back out in October to try another trip with Chad!
Conditions were rough, water was super muddy, and there was a massive tournament in town. All of this resulted in a pretty slow day of fishing. However, Captain Chad worked his butt off to try to put us on the fish. He’s knowledgeable about the Bays, easy to communicate with, and really helped make the best of a bad situation. Will be reaching back out in October to try another trip with Chad!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great day on the water
Fishing 5 Hour Trip – (AM) on June 1, 2025
Capt Chad was fantastic. We had a great time on the water. I think we caugh every species of fish in the bay. We caught our limit of Specs and he made sure we had pics to carry the memories home. The few times the bite was slow he shared his knowledge of the area and the fisheries, before moving us to another hot spot. We'll definitely give him a call the next time we're in town.
Capt Chad was fantastic. We had a great time on the water. I think we caugh every species of fish in the bay. We caught our limit of Specs and he made sure we had pics to carry the memories home. The few times the bite was slow he shared his knowledge of the area and the fisheries, before moving us to another hot spot. We'll definitely give him a call the next time we're in town.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great fishing trip!
Fishing 5 Hour Trip – (AM) on June 25, 2025
Captain Chad was great. We limited out on trout. He even provided some pictures which was an unexpected bonus. If we are back in this area we will definitely book another trip with him. Highly recommend booking with him!
Captain Chad was great. We limited out on trout. He even provided some pictures which was an unexpected bonus. If we are back in this area we will definitely book another trip with him. Highly recommend booking with him!
Carrollton, TX
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Matagorda Bay fishing trip with Capt Chad
Fishing 5 Hour Trip – (AM) on May 14, 2025
Very, very windy day for our morning trip. We fished multiple locations trying to locate keeper fish. Redfish (5) all missed the slot cutoff length by 1”, but we caught limits on black drum and even a couple sheepshead. Croakers, a blue crab and a ladyfish were also caught. Catching about 30 fish, with the weather against us, is not a bad morning of fishing.
Very, very windy day for our morning trip. We fished multiple locations trying to locate keeper fish. Redfish (5) all missed the slot cutoff length by 1”, but we caught limits on black drum and even a couple sheepshead. Croakers, a blue crab and a ladyfish were also caught. Catching about 30 fish, with the weather against us, is not a bad morning of fishing.
FAQs about Shallowrun Guide Service
What are the trip rates for Shallowrun Guide Service?
Shallowrun Guide Service offers the following trips to customers:
- US $170 per person - Fishing 5 Hour Shared Trip (5 hours)
- US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Fishing 5 Hour Trip – (AM) (5 hours)
- US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Fishing 5 Hour Trip (PM) (5 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Fishing 7 Hour Trip (7 hours)
- US $750 per group - Fishing & Crabtrap Cruise (7 hours)
- US $750 per day per group - Fishing with rv hookup (2 days)
Which amenities are available onboard with Shallowrun Guide Service?
When you book a trip with Shallowrun Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live Bait Well
- Wireless Trolling Motor
- Ice Box
- Radar
What's included in the trip price with Shallowrun Guide Service?
Trips booked with Shallowrun Guide Service include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live Bait (Shrimp when available. 1 quart)
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Help is appreciated )
What types of fishing does Shallowrun Guide Service offer?
Shallowrun Guide Service offers the following types of fishing:
- River Fishing (Colorado river)
- Lake Fishing
- Inshore Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing
- Offshore Fishing (If conditions are great then I fish the surf)
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Flats Fishing
- Backcountry Fishing
What fishing techniques does Shallowrun Guide Service offer?
Shallowrun Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Popping
- Fly Fishing (BYO fly gear)
- Drift Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Shallowrun Guide Service?
Top targeted fish species with Shallowrun Guide Service include:
- Black Drum
- Flounder
- Redfish
- Shark (Blacktip)
- Sheepshead
- Speckled Trout
- Spotted Seatrout
- Tripletail
Meet your captain
Matagorda, Texas, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain Chad has been fishing the waters of Matagorda his whole life. You will find him on the water seven days a week. He offers his customers affordable rates and top-notch service.
Fish you can target
Your boat
Where you can fish
River Fishing
Colorado river
Lake Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
If conditions are great then I fish the surf
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing
How you can fish
Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
BYO fly gear
Drift Fishing
What's on board
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Radar
Included in the price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Shrimp when available. 1 quart
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Help is appreciated
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
Listing policies
Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
Age 6 and above
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
How to pay
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Matagorda right now
Black Drum
Flounder
Redfish
Shark (Blacktip)
Sheepshead
Speckled Trout