MATAGORDA COUNTY , TEXAS, USA --The fishing is fabulous in Matagorda County, Texas, an as yet undiscovered by the masses (2006) nature and outdoor enthusiast's dream destination.

Matagorda County's unique position at the juxtaposition of the 900 mile long Colorado River and the Gulf of Mexico makes it one of the country's finest angling areas. No matter what your fishing preference and style - casual hobbyist to professional angler -- Matagorda County, Texas has something for the angler in everyone.

Fishing Experiences Available in Matagorda County

• Drift Fishing for speckled trout and redfish.
• Wade fishing in the Gulf of Mexico surf or in the shallows of East or West Matagorda Bay.
• Bay fishing along scenic spots of interest like Oyster Lake, Three Beacon Reef, Kain Cove, and Palacios Point.
• Fly fishing along the banks of the Colorado River and near the flats or reefs in East and West Matagorda Bay.
• Pier Fishing off the Matagorda jetty.
• Flats fishing with one of Matagorda County's experienced guides to show you to the hot spots and help you "limit out" during the day's fishing.
• Deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to reel in high quality "trophy" fish such as blue marlin, sailfish and cobia.

Matagorda County Fishing Records

Matagorda Bay has been the origin of four Texas state record holders including a 33 1/2 pound tripletail, a 45 pound black drum, a 13 pound speckled trout, and an astounding 23 pound redfish!

If you have a competitive nature you'll find special fishing events and competitions throughout the year in Matagorda County. You can find a schedule of events, as well as fishing license regulations at the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation website listed at the end of this article.

Fishing Spots and Guides

There are lots of places to fish all over Matagorda County, but to truly nab the big ones, you may want to enlist the help of a professional. You can find lots of good fishing guide services in Matagorda County that can customize trips to meet your needs and experience level.

These professional guides will take you to all the best spots and can also provide all the necessary gear, equipment and bait, making this an easy no brainer expedition.

For a compete listing of fishing guides, check out the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation website listed at the end of this article.

For something more than an ordinary fishing trip - if there ever truly is such a thing, look to A Day on the Bay Services. Owned and operated by Captain James Arnold, assisted by his brother Ozzie. A Day on the Bay will customize a Matagorda Bay experience for you. The Arnold brothers have been commercially and sport fishing these waters for over 40 years and they know every nook, cranny, inlet and island. If there are fish to be had (and there are always fish to be had in Matagorda County) the Arnold Brothers can find them. But more than acting as just a fishing guide, James Arnold seeks to educate, entertain and enlighten his customers, awakening them to the countless aspects of subtle beauty and the delicate coastal ecosystem they might have otherwise missed. Guests can chose to catch shrimp or oysters, redfish or trout, or just take in the breathtaking scenery of Matagorda Bay and its surrounding estuaries, abundantly filled with wildlife. We enjoyed our "Day on the Bay" so much, we did a separate story about it. Click here.

What to Do with Your Catch

If you're traveling in an RV or camping, you cook your catch right away. Another good option is one of the county's many vacation rental cottages (click to our Accommodations on Matagorda County for details).

If, on the other hand, you find yourself in Matagorda County without access to a kitchen, don't worry, just take your catch to the Outrigger restaurant in Palacios (pronounced pul-lash-shus) where for a small fee, they'll cook it up and serve it to your table. Click here for more details about this fun local hangout where you'll find the world's best fried shrimp!

Awesome Redfish Recipes!

Greg Garvey's Awesome Grilled Redfish Recipe

Redfish with Sizzling Crab and Herbs

Practicalities

For a full listing of fishing guide services, as well as information about licenses, limits and regulations, visit www.visitmatagorda.com or contact the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation at 979-245-8913.

Find out more about A Day on the Bay Services by calling Captain J.P. Arnold at 979-244-9555 or by visiting www.DayOnTheBayServices.com.

The Outrigger Restaurant is located at 311 East Tres Palacios Avenue in Palacios, Texas. The restaurant does close some days during off season months, so before visiting be sure to call 361-972-1479 or click to www.OutriggerRestaurant.com.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day and The Low Carb Restaurant Guide, and the co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies. To learn more about Cheri, click here.