Hidden Gem in Port Lavaca – Matagorda Bay Fishing Co-Op

[mmontelongo]

Wanted to share a lesser-known honey hole for anyone looking to get on some solid trout action in Port Lavaca.

Matagorda Bay Fishing Co-Op
Coordinates: 28°37'24.2"N 96°37'30.9"W


This spot doesn’t get talked about much, but if you time it right—especially during an evening major and on a calm night—you’ve got the potential to limit out on speckled trout in as little as 15 minutes. No joke.


There’s a lighted area for night fishing, and the specks love to hang out in the glow. You’ll also find picnic tables and plenty of room to spread out, making it a great place to bring a buddy or even the family. It’s fully public and totally free to access.


Keep an eye on the wind and tides, and if conditions are right, this place can be magic. I’ve seen trout stacked in there like crazy when the stars align.


If you’ve been there before, you know what I’m talking about. If not, it’s definitely worth a trip.


Tight lines

 

[Daniel]

Whoa it is so funny I have seen that spot a couple of times during the day when traveling to Port Lavaca and always kind of wondered. I just grabbed Eduardo to show him your post because we need to hit that spot up. I feel like we could park there and use our lights at night too. We are trying to finish some work up at the shop so maybe we can head that way later this week.

 

[mmontelongo]

Dude, for sure! If y’all end up heading out there, let me know—I’ll grab my rod and reel and meet y’all. That spot gets wild at night when the conditions line up. Would be awesome to link up and fish it together.

 

[Daniel]

Dude, for sure! If y’all end up heading out there, let me know—I’ll grab my rod and reel and meet y’all. That spot gets wild at night when the conditions line up. Would be awesome to link up and fish it together.

100% talking to Eduardo here in the shop to see how we can make it happen. Might have to just play hooky when the boss is not looking lol.

 

[Eduardo “Oso”]

Man thanks for the advice and the spot definitely gana try and make it out there

 

[Daniel]

We just got called out by @TxHCFishing for a challenge so we are headed to this spot!! Thinking about trying to be there this Thursday afternoon! Looks like the wind may be a bit much but still going to try it out.

 

[mmontelongo]

Game plan time. I’ll be there after work.


Port Lavaca Fishing Game Plan — Thursday Evening (5–9 PM)
Location: Lynn Bayou Turning Basin (Matagorda Bay Fishing Co-op)
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tide: Incoming (peak around 5:42 PM)
Conditions: Windy (15–20 mph SE), outside solunar peak, partly cloudy

Recommended Bait: Salted squid & salted shrimp

Target Species: Redfish, black drum, speckled trout (if conditions align)

Suggested Game Plan (with Strategy)

1. Positioning:

Set up along the bulkhead shoreline across from the deeper part of the turning basin.

Why:

This location provides access to the main drop-off zone (10–12 ft) without needing a boat. It also offers a wind break from southeast gusts and a solid angle to cast into the deeper channel where fish tend to hold during tide movement.

2. Bait & Rig Selection:
Salted Shrimp: Rigged on 1/0–2/0 circle hooks using a Carolina rig with 1/4 to 3/8 oz egg sinker.
Salted Squid: Cut into strips and used for soaking longer on heavier rigs (up to 1/2 oz sinker if wind is strong).

Why:

Salted bait is tougher and better for windy or choppy conditions. Shrimp offers a natural scent trail ideal for drum and trout, while squid adds durability and appeals to opportunistic reds.

3. Casting Range:

Target the 60–80 ft range from shore to reach the 11–12 ft bowl at the center of the turning basin.

Why:

Fish tend to stage in deeper water when surface conditions are stirred up. Hitting the drop-off increases the chance of encountering feeding fish, especially during a moving tide.

4. Rod Strategy:

Use a dual-rod approach if possible:

• One rod soaking bait deep and stationary
• One rod actively fan casting the edge of the drop-off or bulkhead seam

Why:

Combining a passive bait rig with an active approach covers more water and increases chances of identifying where fish are concentrated.

5. Adjustments & Movement:

If bites are slow, shift slightly toward the bend in the channel or any area where water movement or eddies are visible.

Why:

Wind and tide working together often concentrate bait in certain areas. Channel edges, structure transitions, or seams can become prime ambush points for predatory fish.

 

[Eduardo “Oso”]

Bro what that is amazing how u created a whole action plan ive never seen anything like that wow thats awsome great advice

 

[mmontelongo]

Bro what that is amazing how u created a whole action plan ive never seen anything like that wow thats awsome great advice

Thanks man! I’ve found that putting together a full action plan like this really helps take the guesswork out of fishing — especially when the conditions aren’t ideal. It’s built around how wind, tide movement, water depth, and bait all interact to affect fish behavior.
Redfish and speckled trout are predatory fish, so it only makes sense to target them where they’re most likely to be hunting: along drop-offs, structure, and areas with moving water. That’s where bait naturally gets funneled, and that’s where the ambush zones are.
I try to break down each move with a “why” behind it so people can learn the reasoning and adjust their own approach. The more we share with each other, the sharper we all get as anglers.
Appreciate the kind words — let me know if you ever want help dialing in a plan for your own trip!

And hey — you were right about the perfect sleep being at 69 degrees too. Science backs you up on that one.

 

[Daniel]

Pretty cool looking forward to this. @mmontelongo do you have an image you would like to me to set as your profile image/avatar? If so just attach it and I will add it on the back end.

 

[mmontelongo]