Matagorda Bay

Matagorda Bay fishing is as diverse as it is plentiful due to its nutrient-rich estuary and 422 square mile coverage. Only Galveston Bay and Laguna Madre can beat it for size! Known as “Matty” to the locals, there are lots of things to do here for the whole family. Miles of unblemished beach await, with 35 miles of the shoreline accessible by boat only. Come and enjoy the wildlife, and even camp amongst it! 

Matagorda Bay is made of two large bays: West and East. East Matagorda is split into 5 terrain types, giving you a range of fishing opportunities. Famous for big Trout, reefs in the middle of the bay, and productive oyster beds, East Matty offers hours of fun for any angler. For great fishing, head to Boiler Bay on the south Shoreline, Chinquapin reef adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway, and the mid-bay reef Three Beacon. When on the West Bay, fish the south shoreline for best results.

Wading is a great method in the West Bay for producing results. Another popular technique is drift fishing – the water is rarely deeper than 7 feet and as low as 3 feet in the winter. Where you launch from will determine what you catch. Matagorda Bay fishing guides take their customers out from various harbours, such as Port O’Connor and Port Lavaca. These both give you access to some of the bay’s prime fishing grounds.

With over 50 miles of coastline and a collection of rivers, bayous, and creeks, there are many options to choose from when it comes down to what you’ll fish. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find Redfish, Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Gafftopsail Catfish, Ladyfish, and plenty more. From Port O’Connor you’ll be able to catch the motherload of Trout, due to its underwater structures (both manmade and natural.)  

East Matagorda has plenty of reefs in the bay, such as Three Beacon Reef, Long Reef, and Drull’s Lump. These are great for Trout, but you’ll need to jump into the water and start wading for best results.

There is also a wreck 15 miles from the lighthouse off of Matagorda Island. The Darlington wreck will have you reeling in fish in no time.

• If going after Flounder, use live bait like marsh minnows. Use a short leader of 6 inches with a barrel swivel attaching it to the line.

• Artificial lures are best for Redfish, accompanied with baitcasting tackle if you’re feeling ambitious.

• At the Darlington wreck, you should use lures, silver spoons, and topwaters in 5 to 15 feet of water.

• Over man-made reefs and in the shallows, use popping corks for best results.

Eastern Texas receives more rainfall than the remainder of the state, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Please buy a Texas state fishing license with a saltwater stamp before the day of your fishing trip. You can opt for a single-day license, or a multi-day one, depending on your needs.

You’ll need a $10 permit to drive on the beach, but this is only advised if you have a 4x4 as the sand is very fine.

Trout is limited to 10 fish of a minimum length of 15 inches. You can take one Trout that is larger than 25”.

Matagorda Bay charters vary in price depending on whether you book a private or shared trip. Be prepared to spend between $375–$550 for groups of three on a half day. Full day charters range between $450–$600.

Matagorda Bay is a short 90 minute drive from Houston, which also has the nearest airport. Simply travel down State Highway 288. It’s also two and a half hours from Corpus Christi,  where you’ll find another airport, along the TX-35 N.

Matagorda Bay fishing is great for everyone, no matter your skill level or previous experience. There’s no better time to book a vacation down to Matty than today!