Saltwater Fishing
Spread Oaks Lodge offers premier saltwater fishing! We’re only 30 minutes from Matagorda’s renowned East and West Bays and have licensed charter captains at the ready. Book a weekend fishing trip or let us organize a day or half-day trip if you’d like to mix bay fishing into your other Spread Oaks activities.
We have great captains
We book our guests exclusively through our network of local, licensed boat captains, most of whom have been in business for 20 years or more. If there are fish to be caught, these are the folks who can do it!
What kind of fish?
Bay trips produce redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, and you can choose between wade fishing, boat fishing, or during the season, night-gigging flounder. When you wade, you’re in the water with your prey and all your fishing gear is strapped to you, which can be a little awkward at first. This style of fishing produces more trophy-sized speckled trout and is enjoyable because “you’re targeting an area and huntin’ ‘em down!”
Fishing from the boat by drifting or setting power poles – the modern version of an anchor – is certainly not less productive, but it is tamer. In both styles of fishing, you have the opportunity to use live bait, spoons, plugs, gigs for night flounder, or even flies. Don’t know what gear to bring? The best advice is to bring nothing at all. Our fishing guides have it all!
Contact us to learn more
Our licensed captains recognize the many fishing options and will find the one that is perfect for your party. For more information see What to Expect for Saltwater Bay Fishing, or contact us at (346) 333-6321, or by email at info@spreadoaksranch.com.
Also: Freshwater fishing
You also can experience freshwater fishing at Spread Oaks Ranch on the ranch’s five-acre lake complex.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
To learn about Texas hunting regulations and purchase licenses, go to: tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual
To purchase your hunting licenses online, visit: tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses
To purchase your hunting license by telephone, please call: 1-800-895-4248 (Monday through Friday).
Questions about any license requirements? Call one of our favorite state game wardens, Alden Mann at 956-500-6273.
Out-of-State License Requirements
Non-Resident Special Hunting License: $48. The best option for DUCK HUNTERS. Required additions/endorsements: Federal Migratory Bird Stamp, State Migratory Bird Stamp, Sandhill crane permit, HIP certification, proof of Hunter Education.
Non-Resident General Hunting License: $300. The best option for DUCK & DEER HUNTERS. Required additions/endorsements: proof of Hunter Education if you hunt only deer. If you intend to hunt waterfowl, then add Federal Migratory Bird Stamp, State Migratory Bird Stamp, Sandhill crane permit, and HIP certification.
Non-Resident Youth License: $7. For under 17 years of age, and both federal and state Migratory Bird stamps (endorsements) are exempt to 16 years of age. After the age of 16, however, federal and state Migratory Bird stamps (endorsements) are required as well as HIP certification and Hunter Education certification.
If you choose to saltwater fish, every non-resident guest must purchase a Non-Resident All Water Fishing package for $68.
Neither ranch hog hunting or ranch freshwater fishing requires licenses.
Texas Resident License Requirements
Resident Super-Combo: $68. While there are several options, the safest option is a Super-Combo. This provides you with all water fishing, all game animals and birds, and includes all game tags.
Required additions/endorsements: Federal Migratory Bird Stamp, State Migratory Bird Stamp, Sandhill crane permit, HIP certification, proof of Hunter Education.
Resident Youth License: $7. For under 17 years of age, both federal and state Migratory Bird stamps (endorsements) are exempt to 16 years of age. After the age of 16, however, federal and state Migratory Bird stamps (endorsements) are required as well as HIP certification and Hunter Education certification.
Neither ranch hog hunting or ranch freshwater fishing requires licenses.
Hunter Education
Texas law required all hunters born after September 2, 1971, to show proof of completing a Hunter Education course. Out of state hunters need only carry proof of same from their resident state.
Hunters between the ages of 9 to 16 without Hunters Education may hunt only if they are be accompanied by a person who is certified.
Hunters 17 or older must have completed a course either online or in person.
There is an option to purchase a one-time Hunter Education deferral ($10) online, but you must be accompanied on your hunt by someone with the certification
Other
Remember that while it is legal to have your license on your phone when waterfowl hunting, by law you need to have migratory bird stamps physically on you. Best practice is to carry your license and ID while engaging in any regulated hunting or fishing activity.
If you intend to hunt game animals during the archery-only season, both non-residents and residents must purchase an Archery Hunting Endorsement.
Disclaimer: Spread Oaks Ranch is providing this information as a courtesy to our guests. It is as accurate as possible. Ultimately, however, the guest is responsible for understanding the regulations and purchase of the required documents for their intended outdoor experience. We have provided links and phone numbers to facilitate this effort.
