Shallowrun Guide Service
Status: active
Chad Kraft has built Shallowrun Guide Service as a year-round inshore operation on Matagorda Bay, where he targets redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and blacktip shark across shallow flats, deeper channels, and Gulf waters. His approach shifts with the seasons — spring and summer sight-casting to cruising redfish on the flats, fall hunting of larger bull redfish in deeper channels, and winter focus on sheepshead and black drum. He accommodates all skill levels and offers both fly and conventional tackle, making him accessible to beginners while challenging experienced anglers with technical presentations.
Details
- Species: Redfish, Flounder, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Blacktip Shark, Tripletail, Spotted Seatrout
- Tags: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Wade Fishing, Year-Round, Topwater, Sight Fishing, Family Friendly, Charter, Catch & Release, Gear Provided, Flies / Lures Provided, Saltwater
Waters Serviced (4)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Matagorda | city |
| East Matagorda Bay | bay |
| Texas | state |
| Live Oak Bayou | river |
FAQ — Shallowrun Guide Service
Raw guide data (JSON)
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"name": "Shallowrun Guide Service",
"guideName": "Chad Kraft",
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"bio": "Chad Kraft has built Shallowrun Guide Service as a year-round inshore operation on Matagorda Bay, where he targets redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and blacktip shark across shallow flats, deeper channels, and Gulf waters. His approach shifts with the seasons — spring and summer sight-casting to cruising redfish on the flats, fall hunting of larger bull redfish in deeper channels, and winter focus on sheepshead and black drum. He accommodates all skill levels and offers both fly and conventional tackle, making him accessible to beginners while challenging experienced anglers with technical presentations.",
"yearsExperience": null,
"city": "Matagorda",
"stateProvince": "TX",
"countryCode": "US",
"country": "US",
"timezone": "UTC-5",
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"canonicalUrl": "https://shallowrunguideservice.com/",
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"fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year on Matagorda Bay is a year-round affair, with each season offering its own unique rewards. While redfish are a consistent target throughout the year, their behavior shifts with the seasons. In the warmer months, I focus on sight-casting to redfish cruising the shallow flats, a thrilling experience for any angler. As the weather cools in the fall, the larger bull redfish move into deeper channels, offering a different kind of challenge and a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a powerful fight. Speckled trout fishing peaks in late spring and summer, with mornings often providing explosive action on topwater lures or around structure with live bait. Fall is also prime time for flounder, as they begin their migration, making for exciting shallow-water hunts. Black drum and sheepshead are also present, adding variety to the catch and providing excellent table fare, with sheepshead often being a late winter and early spring target. My goal is to tailor each trip to the season's patterns, ensuring you have the best possible chance at a memorable catch.",
"meetingPoint": "Matagorda Harbor (189 County Rd 213, Matagorda, TX 77457, USA)",
"providesGear": true,
"gearNotes": "All rods, reels, tackle, and flies are provided. Waders and boots are available for wade trips. Clients are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred.",
"kidFriendly": true,
"skillLevel": "all levels",
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"whatToExpect": "Trips depart from Matagorda Harbor at 189 County Rd 213. Days rotate between shallow flats for sight-casting, deeper channels for bull redfish, and structure-rich areas depending on season and target species. Mornings often feature topwater action on speckled trout, while afternoons may shift to flounder hunts or drum fishing. Wade, drift boat, and poling-skiff options are available year-round.",
"status": "active",
"pipelineId": 173,
"createdAt": "2026-05-16T01:20:19.858Z",
"updatedAt": "2026-05-16T01:39:02.004Z",
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"tags": [
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{
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{
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"faqs": [
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"question": "What fish species can I catch with Shallowrun Guide Service?",
"answer": "Shallowrun Guide Service targets redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, blacktip shark, and tripletail.",
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{
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"question": "What types of fishing does Shallowrun Guide Service offer?",
"answer": "Chad Kraft offers fly fishing, spin fishing, wade fishing, and drift boat trips, catering to various skill levels and seasonal patterns.",
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"question": "Where does Shallowrun Guide Service operate?",
"answer": "Shallowrun Guide Service operates in Matagorda, Texas, focusing on Matagorda Bay, East Matagorda Bay, and the surrounding flats and bayous.",
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{
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"question": "Is Shallowrun Guide Service suitable for beginners?",
"answer": "Yes, Shallowrun Guide Service is family-friendly and offers trips tailored to beginner, intermediate, and advanced anglers.",
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],
"destinations": [
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{
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"primaryDestinationSlug": "matagorda-tx",
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"species": [
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"seasonalityNotes": "Redfish are a year-round staple in Matagorda Bay. While consistently catchable, the fall months are particularly noted for trophy-sized bull redfish moving into deeper channels, offering a powerful fight. Slot-sized fish are also abundant and provide excellent table fare.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "flounder",
"commonName": "Flounder",
"category": "saltwater",
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3,
4,
5,
6,
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"seasonalityNotes": "Flounder fishing is at its peak in the fall, particularly October and November, as they begin their migration. This is a popular time for targeting these flatfish with techniques like drift fishing.",
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},
{
"slug": "black-drum",
"commonName": "Black Drum",
"category": "saltwater",
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"seasonalityNotes": "Black drum are available year-round and provide strong fights, especially the larger bull drum. They are often found around oyster reefs and channel edges, and are a great target during cooler months.",
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},
{
"slug": "sheepshead",
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"seasonalityNotes": "Sheepshead are a seasonal target, often providing excellent action in the late winter and early spring. They are known for their distinctive striped appearance and their ability to steal bait.",
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},
{
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"commonName": "Blacktip Shark",
"category": "saltwater",
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{
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},
{
"slug": "spotted-seatrout",
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"seasonalityNotes": "Speckled trout fishing peaks in late spring and summer, with excellent action often found in the mornings around shell reefs or structure. Live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures are effective.",
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],
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}