Matagorda Overnight Shark Fishing Adventure

Published Date: November 8, 2025
Fishing

Texas
$750 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Get ready for an overnight fishing adventure on the Matagorda coast! Captain Anthony Scott leads this full-day trip targeting big Gulf fish like sharks, jacks, and redfish. You'll fish from shore using provided gear and expert techniques, making it great for all skill levels. As night falls, you'll cast lines under the stars with a comfortable setup. Then wake up to more fishing at sunrise. It's a unique way to experience Texas saltwater fishing, with the chance to catch impressive species like blacktip and bull sharks. The captain handles all the details, so you can focus on reeling in some memorable catches. Whether you're new to shore fishing or looking to land a big shark, this guided overnight trip offers an immersive Gulf Coast fishing experience.

Matagorda Overnight Shark Fishing Adventure

Shoreline Shark Action

Family-Friendly Fishing Trips in Matagorda

Matagorda Shark Fishing

One fisherman catches a 61-inch fish in Corpus Christi

Captain Anthony with a Nice record Shark!

Fishing Tower

Night Shark Fishing: Matagorda's Hidden Gem

Get ready for an epic overnight adventure on the wild Texas coast! Captain Anthony Scott's land-based shark fishing trip in Matagorda is the real deal for anglers itching to tangle with some seriously big fish. We're talking monster sharks, hard-fighting jacks, and chunky reds – all from the safety and comfort of the beach. Whether you're a seasoned shark hunter or just looking to wet a line under the stars, this trip's got something for everyone. Grab your buddies, pack some snacks, and let's hit the sand for an unforgettable night of fishing.

What's the Deal with Night Fishing?

Picture this: You're set up on a pristine stretch of Matagorda beach as the sun dips below the horizon. The sound of crashing waves and the salty breeze set the scene as Capt. Anthony rigs up some serious shark baits. As darkness falls, those big predators move in close to shore, hunting for an easy meal. That's when the real action starts! We'll have multiple rods out, some with massive baits for the toothy critters, others with more standard rigs for reds and drum. The anticipation builds with every wiggle of the rod tip – is it finally that bull shark we've been waiting for? There's nothing quite like the rush of hearing that clicker start screaming in the middle of the night!

Gearing Up for the Big Ones

Don't sweat it if you're new to this kind of fishing – Capt. Anthony's got you covered with all the heavy-duty gear you'll need to wrangle in the beasts of the Gulf. We're talking stout rods, reels packed with hundreds of yards of line, and leaders tough enough to handle those gnashing teeth. The captain will show you how to rig up those monster baits and the proper technique for setting the hook when a shark takes the bait. It's all about patience and being ready to spring into action when that moment comes. And trust me, when you're connected to a 6-foot blacktip in the surf, you'll be glad you've got an expert by your side!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Blacktip Shark: These speedsters are the bread and butter of Texas shark fishing. Blacktips usually run 4-6 feet long and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Anglers love 'em for their fast runs and aerial leaps – it's like hooking a missile!

Bull Shark: The bruisers of the bunch, bull sharks are thick-bodied and mean. They can grow over 8 feet long and are notorious for their powerful fights. Bulls aren't picky eaters and will hit just about any bait you throw out there. These guys are around all year but really pick up in the summer. Landing a big bull shark is a badge of honor for any angler.

Jack Crevalle: While not a shark, these bulldogs of the sea will give you one heck of a fight. Jacks show up in good numbers during the warmer months, often busting bait on the surface. They'll hit lures and live bait with reckless abandon. Be ready for long, stubborn fights – these fish just don't know when to quit!

Redfish: A Texas favorite, reds cruise the surf zone looking for crabs and baitfish. They're here year-round but really shine in the fall. Slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the big bulls over 40 inches will test your tackle and your stamina. There's nothing quite like seeing that copper body flash in the surf as you bring one in.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, big black drum can reach over 50 pounds and pull like a freight train. They love crabs and shrimp, so bottom fishing with these baits is the ticket. Spring is prime time for the big ones, but you can catch them year-round. Don't sleep on these bruisers – they'll make you work for every inch of line!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've guided all over the Gulf Coast, and there's something special about Matagorda. The lack of crowds means we often have long stretches of beach all to ourselves. It's just you, your buddies, and miles of shark-filled water. The overnight aspect adds a whole new dimension – there's a primal thrill to battling a big shark under a starry sky. And let's not forget the simple pleasure of watching the sunrise over the Gulf, rod in hand, waiting for that next big bite. It's the kind of experience that gets under your skin and keeps you coming back for more.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks – if the thought of battling sharks and bulls in the Matagorda surf has got your heart racing, it's time to lock in your trip. Capt. Anthony only takes out small groups, so you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and prime fishing spots. Remember, these overnight trips are super popular, especially during peak shark season, so don't wait too long to book. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and get ready for a night of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. The big ones are out there waiting – let's go get 'em!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black drum are the unsung heroes of our inshore fishing. These cousins of the redfish typically run 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can top 90. You'll find them in brackish water, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. They love structure, so check out pier pilings and creek mouths too. Spring's the best time, when they school up to spawn. Anglers dig black drum for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Here's a local secret: listen for their croaking sounds - that can lead you right to a school. Just remember to fish slow and keep your bait on the bottom. These guys aren't speedsters, but they'll give you a solid tug when they bite.

Blacktip Shark

Blacktips are one of our more common sharks, usually 4-5 feet long but can hit 9 feet. They're built for speed, with sleek bodies and those signature black-tipped fins. You'll find them cruising the shallows, often in less than 100 feet of water. They love hanging around bays, beaches, and reefs. Summer's the best time to target them, when they move in close to shore. Anglers get a kick out of blacktips for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting spirit. To hook one, use a chunky bait like mackerel or mullet on a wire leader. Chum helps bring them in, but be ready - once they smell food, they can get pretty fired up. Just remember to handle them carefully and get a quick release if you're not keeping them for the table.

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our waters. These muscular fish typically run 12-24 inches, but the big ones can hit 4 feet and 60 pounds. Look for them around structure - oil rigs, reefs, and even floating mats of seaweed. They'll push baitfish to the surface, so watch for bird activity. Spring through fall is prime time. Anglers love jacks for their aggressive strikes and brutal fights. To catch one, try fast-retrieving a silver spoon or topwater plug. Live bait like mullet works great too. Here's a local tip: if you see a school busting bait on the surface, cast beyond them and rip your lure through the frenzy. Hold on tight - these guys hit like a freight train and don't give up easily.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite around here. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches, with some bulls pushing 40+. You'll find 'em in shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall and spring are prime time, when they school up to feed and spawn. Anglers go nuts for reds because they put up a great fight and taste delicious. To land one, try working a gold spoon or live shrimp along the edges of grass beds. When you see their tails waving in shallow water, that's your cue to make a quiet cast. Just remember, anything over 28 inches goes back - those big breeders keep our fishery healthy.

Tiger Shark

Tiger sharks are the heavyweights of our shark fishing. These beasts can stretch 11-14 feet and pack 800-1400 pounds of pure power. You'll find them cruising deeper waters, but they'll move into the shallows to hunt. Summer's your best bet for hooking one. Anglers target tigers for the ultimate test of strength - these aren't your average fish. To land one, you need serious gear. We're talking 100-pound test line minimum and 6/0 to 10/0 hooks. Bait up with a big chunk of tuna or mackerel. Here's a pro tip: tigers have a great sense of smell, so a good chum slick can bring them in from a distance. Just remember, these are apex predators - treat them with respect and be prepared for a long, intense fight if you hook up.