Matagorda Bay
Fish profiles, marine conditions, eating guidance and access—all in your water guide.
Quick Limits
Matagorda BayCore species · TPWD recreational rules 2026-09-01–2027-08-31. Open a fish for full exceptions.
| Fish | Daily bag | Length | Eating guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum → | 3 | 20–28 inches | Not Listed in Advisory |
| Spotted seatrout → | 3 | 15–20 inches | Not Listed in Advisory |
| Southern flounder → | 5 | 15-inch minimum; no maximum listed | Not Listed in Advisory |
| Black drum → | 5 | 14–30 inches | Not Listed in Advisory |
Fish this bay
Main targets firstStart with the main bay targets. Expand additional fisheries or identify another catch below. These are planning references, not a live bite report.
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Southern flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma15-inch minimum; no maximum listed · 5 daily
Black drum
Pogonias cromis14–30 inches · 5 daily
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus15-inch minimum; no maximum listed · 5 daily
More targets · local, seasonal & shore fishing ⌄
Additional fisheries for this region. Access type, season and exact area matter; these are not equally available throughout the bay.
Other catches & identification ⌄
Recorded catches kept here for identification and rules. Inclusion does not recommend targeting them or imply that they are common here.
Why these fish are grouped this way
Our editorial shortlist uses angler surveys and fishery guidance. Main targets are separate from other documented catches. A record establishes occurrence, not popularity, current abundance or a dependable fishing opportunity. Shore/pier catches differ from boat catches; surf/pass fisheries do not apply to every protected bay shoreline.
Sources & coastal evidence
Coastal reference review 2026-10-14. Record evidence: Matagorda Bay. Historical records establish recorded occurrence, not current abundance. Artwork is illustrative scenery, not a geographical survey or a conditions feed.