Family Fishing Matagorda FishOn Texas Guide

Half Day Family Fun on Matagorda Waters

Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? This 4-hour adventure with Capt. Michael puts you right in the heart of Matagorda's best inshore fishing without the pressure or long hours that can wear out the younger crew. We're talking about a laid-back morning or afternoon targeting redfish, trout, and flounder in some of Texas' most productive coastal waters. No need to stress about experience levels—this trip is designed to get everyone catching fish while soaking up the Gulf Coast atmosphere. Pack your camera and get ready for some quality family time on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Capt. Michael keeps things simple and fun, which is exactly what family fishing should be. You'll launch from Matagorda and head to shallow flats and protected bay areas where the fishing is consistent and the conditions stay comfortable for all ages. The pace is relaxed—no rushing between spots or complex techniques that leave half the family confused. Instead, you'll learn basic casting, how to read the water, and most importantly, how to handle whatever decides to bite your bait. The boat stays in calm, protected waters where seasickness isn't a concern, and there's plenty of room for everyone to fish without tangling lines. Capt. Michael has a knack for keeping kids engaged while teaching adults the finer points of inshore fishing, making sure nobody feels left out of the action.

Techniques and Gear Setup

This isn't about mastering advanced techniques—it's about getting fish in the boat using methods that work for everyone. Capt. Michael provides all the tackle, which means light spinning rods that kids can handle and simple rigs that won't frustrate beginners. We're mostly using live bait like shrimp and small crabs, which are easy to cast and deadly effective on the species we're targeting. The captain will show you how to work soft plastics on jig heads, a technique that's simple to learn but incredibly productive in Matagorda's grass flats and oyster reefs. Bottom fishing with natural baits keeps the action steady for younger anglers, while more experienced family members can try their hand at sight fishing when conditions allow. Everything stays straightforward—no complicated knots or gear changes that eat up fishing time.

Top Catches This Season

Sea trout are the bread and butter of Matagorda Bay, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. You'll find them schooled up around grass beds and drop-offs, especially during the cooler months when they move into deeper pockets of the bay. Trout in the 14 to 18-inch range are common, with bigger fish showing up when conditions are right. They're perfect for family trips because they fight hard enough to get everyone excited but aren't so powerful that kids can't handle them. The best part? Trout are excellent eating, so you can take a few home for dinner and really complete the experience.

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing, and Matagorda has some of the most consistent red drum action on the coast. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow flats and oyster bars where we spend most of our time. Reds between 20 and 28 inches are the sweet spot—big enough to give everyone a real fight but still within the slot limit for keeping. What makes redfish special for families is their predictable behavior and willingness to eat just about anything you put in front of them. They're also incredibly photogenic with those distinctive black spots, making for great pictures before you release them to fight another day.

Southern flounder might not be the flashiest fish in the bay, but they're definitely one of the most rewarding to catch and eat. These masters of camouflage hang out along sandy bottoms and channel edges, waiting to ambush whatever swims by. Flounder fishing teaches patience and technique—you need to feel the subtle bite and set the hook at just the right moment. They're perfect for teaching kids how to read their rod tip and recognize different types of strikes. During the fall months, doormat-sized flounder move through Matagorda on their way to spawn offshore, giving families a shot at fish that can stretch the tape to 20 inches or more.

Time to Book Your Spot

This half-day family trip hits all the right notes—enough fishing action to keep everyone engaged, a relaxed pace that works for all ages, and the chance to create memories that'll last long after the photos are posted. Capt. Michael's approach takes the stress out of family fishing while still delivering the authentic Texas coast experience you're looking for. The 4-hour format is perfect for families with younger kids or anyone who wants to sample inshore fishing without committing to a full day on the water. With a maximum of 2 guests, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to move around. Book this trip and discover why Matagorda Bay has become a customer favorite for family-friendly fishing adventures that actually work for everyone involved.