Fly Lines
RIO Redfish Fly Line
A heavy front taper for quick shots at tailing fish in warm, humid conditions.
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A large bay system with shell reefs, wade fishing, and redfish.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Matagorda Bay for redfish, speckled trout and flounder. The best months overall are Mar to May, Sep to Nov. In October, redfish, speckled trout and flounder are in season, and Clouser Minnow, EP Baitfish and Spoon Fly are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Rawlings' Bait Camp in Matagorda, 8 mi away. Port Aransas is 79 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to May, Sep to Nov
In October
Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Matagorda Bay Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
12 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer · Speckled Trout, Redfish
Shop This FlyEP Baitfish #2/0-2
FlyStreamer · Redfish
Shop This FlySpoon Fly #1/0-2
FlyFlats Fly · Redfish
Shop This FlyPaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Flounder, Speckled Trout, Redfish
Shop This LureWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Speckled Trout, Redfish · Big trout at dawn.
Shop This LurePopping Cork Rig 18 to 30 in leader
LureRig · Speckled Trout, Redfish
Shop This LureBucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz
LureJig · Flounder
Shop This LureWeedless Gold Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 oz
LureSpoon · Redfish
Shop This LureLive Shrimp 2 to 4 in
BaitLive Bait · Speckled Trout, Redfish
Live Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Flounder · Mud minnows or finger mullet.
Sand Fleas Small
BaitLive Bait · Redfish · Surf.
Cut Mullet Chunk or strip
BaitNatural Bait · Redfish · Surf and passes.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Redfish
Fly 9 ft 8 wt rod, floating redfish line, 16 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Speckled Trout
Fly 9 ft 7 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, 15 lb leader, Clousers and shrimp flies.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 15 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Flounder
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid, Carolina rig or bucktail.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Matagorda Bay
Floats & Rigs
Cajun Thunder Popping Cork
The clacking cork that calls trout and reds to shrimp or a soft plastic.
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Spro Bucktail Jigs
Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.
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Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.
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Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Berkley Gulp! Shrimp
Scented shrimp that out-fish plain plastics on a jighead or under a cork.
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Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
A tough, stretchy paddle tail that survives toothy fish.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Matagorda Bay
Bait & Tackle
Jeco's Marine and Tackle
Port Oconnor, Texas· 23 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Port Oconnor, TX.
Bait & Tackle
Froggie's Bait Dock
Port Oconnor, Texas· 23 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Port Oconnor, TX.
Bait & Tackle
Indianola Fishing Marina
Port Lavaca, Texas· 24 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Port Lavaca, TX.
Make It a Trip