Wadefishing
Port Mansfield, East Matagorda, and West Matagorda Bay offer superb wading grounds for speckled trout and redfish. Wading allows us to cover ground at an ideal pace as well as accommodate larger groups of anglers. Wading offers a more covert and often more productive approach to targetting big trout and fishing schools of fish. Wading is performed on the majority of my charters and allows us to fish in winds that can be too difficult to drift in. Don't let the idea of walking in water scare you. In many locations that we wade in, you can nearly see your feet and it likely more comfortable than sweating in the boat. Accommodations available for up to 6 anglers per boat.

Driftfishing
For a more relaxing style of fishing, drifting in my 25 ft. Explorer Flatsmaster allows us to cover miles of water. This can be a very productive route to catching numbers of speckled trout and redfish that school above oyster shell and mud in East and West Matagorda Bay. However, the most productive driftfishing approach takes place in the seemingly endless flats of the Lower Laguna Madre. In fact, Tomek will often spend time locating fish with a drifting approach to determine where to begin wading. Accommodations available for three to four per vessel.

Flyfishing
Flyfishing is a fast growing trend across the Texas fishing scene. Miles of shallow shoreline, grass, and sand provide some very productive fishing for shallow water predators like sheepshead, trout, redfish, and jack crevalle. For a Matagorda fly fishing experience, give my fishing partner and friend Capt. Jarid Ray Malone a call at Salty Fly Outfitters to plan your trip today.

Tripletailing
From May until as late as October, tripletailing is unique to West Matagorda Bay. Becoming popular in recent years, "tailing" involves the pursuit of an offshore fighter that visits West Matagorda's deep waters to supposedly spawn. Accommodations available for up to four per vessel, however, tripletailing is best achieved with groups of two or three. Tripletailing usually involves a morning wade and then late morning run to midbay structures (only one or two anglers fish at once).

Location
Matagorda: The town of Matagorda sits directly between two very different bay systems-East and West Matagorda Bay.
East Matagorda Bay is a smaller than West with an average depth of only a few feet. However, do not let its size cause you to underestimate its big trout potential. It is one of the biggest producers of trophy caliber speckled trout on the gulf coast.
West Matagorda Bay is big and stretches from the mouth of the Colorado River to Port O'Connor. Unlike East Matagorda's abundant shell and mud structure, West contains long shorelines of grass and sand. Often these qualities allow for much cleaner water in higher winds.
Regardless of where anglers decide to start their day of fishing, Matagorda offers easy access to both bays in only an hour and a half drive from Houston, Texas. Lodges, restaraunts, and 28 miles of accessible beachfront add appeal to weekend getaways. (View Map)

Port Mansfield: For those that have never experienced Port Mansfield, it is truly the' most beautiful location I have ever been to in Texas. It is a small fishing village located on the southern end of Texas and contains crystal clear shallow sand and grass flats that are perfect for wading or drifting with artificial lures.  If south texas brush country scenes aren't enough, South Texas bucks run rampant throughout the town in the evenings..you can actually hand feed some of them.  A sunset drive through the one grocery store town on the way to dinner is a must. Decreased fishing pressure, a 5-fish limit, and a freshly opened pass have all fused together to really make Port Mansfield's fishery very unique.
Port Mansfield may have an almost-nonexistent nightlife and only one gas station. But it surely a gateway to world class fishing for speckled trout and redfish.

Accommodations
Matagorda Fishing Charters take place on a very clean and spacious 25 ft. Explorer Flatsmaster powered by a Suzuki 250 SS.

Supplying a fresh-water wash down,low sides for easy on and off access for wadefishing, plenty of fishing room, and dry-storage, the shallow vessel boasts first class accommodations.

Rates
Full Day Charter $550 1-3 people$50 each additional person
6 person maximum per vessel-More boats available.
I'm willing to work with your schedule.
Large Groups & Corporate Get-Away Packages Available

Book by phone: 979-240-9999 or Online- View Calendar

Equipment Checklist

-Valid Texas fishing license for saltwater
-Food and drinks
-Sunscreen and hat/cap
-Sunglasses
-Chapstick with SPF
-Wading boots or foot protection
-Waders -unless it is summertime!
-Camera
-Ice chest to take your fish home
-Fishing Reel with Fresh Spool of Line-I can provide the rod

Proper equipment is very important. I encourage the use of rod and reel you are accustomed to; make sure it has a fresh spool of line and operates in excellent working condition. Bring a reel along for your charter and I will provide a Laguna Rod if necessary! If you do not have access to rod and reels, you have the opportunity to rent out a setup.

What I Provide

-Photos and Possible Video of Your Catch
-Catch of the Day Cleaned and Bagged
-Rods and Reels Available for Rent
-Artificial Lures

Seasonal Patterns

Fall is spent targetting trophy trout and seeking numbers of quality speckled trout and redfish. Wading and drifting a variety of structure is productive because fish are typically on the move. Redfish action can be superb; seeing big schools of brute redfish traveling the shallows is not uncommon. During this time of year numbers of speckled trout and redfish will surround baitfish that are migrating from bay system marsh. Fall is what East Matagorda is known for.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl6dfEDkdLI

Winter is the prime time for trophy trout. Wading with slow sinking plugs, topwaters, and soft plastics is the name of the game for sow trout. Trout over 25 are targetted and a chance at a 30-inch trout is always present. Whether it is your first wadefishing trip or just a trip to try and top your personal best trout, winter is the time for a wallhanger trout. The Colorado and surrouding rivers are very consistent for trout and redfish. Drifting deep structure works!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hduDEJA6Kw8

Spring is known for heavy trout. Big trout are loaded with eggs and the heaviest trout of the year are caught by wading and drifting. A drifting approach is an option when wind allows; wading protected shorelines is very productive. Late spring, Glass minnows filter into West Matagorda Bay making this time fruitful for numbers of redfish and speckled trout.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sknCkRqs5U

Summer is an excellent time for trout and redfish pursuits. The sun is hot and so is the fishing! Whether it is easy wades over sand and grass in pristine waters of West Matagorda Bay or setting the hook on solid fish in the surf, summer offers an array of possiblities. East Matagorda Bay is an option for wading and drifting; late summer offers a chance at locating schooling redfish. Most enjoy wading when temperatures step into the 90's to escape the heat! Targetting the elusive Matagorda tripletail is a local favorite and a treat for those who want to experience an offshore fight within inshore waters.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY6NKKGYcFM