🎣 Fishing the 6th Annual Hooked On Veterans Fishing Tournament?

6th Annual Hooked On Veterans Fishing Tournament - Fishing Game Plan (Best Spots, Times & Strategy)

Tournament Game Plan

6th Annual Hooked On Veterans Fishing Tournament

Matagorda, TX • Apr 9, 2027

Calculating tide, solunar, species, and wind scores…

Every tournament day is different.

Tournament success starts with today's conditions — not yesterday's. This personalized Tournament Game Plan analyzes today's tide, wind, solunar activity, tournament hours, local fishing structure, and target species to recommend where to start, when to move, and how to maximize your time on the water.

⬇️ Scroll down for today's Best Starting Spot and Suggested Tournament Rotation.

✅ Best Starting Spot

Oyster Lake Shoreline geo: 28.5989,-95.8859
Score: 92/100 — Approx. 6.8 nm from launch

Why This Spot Is Ranked #1 Today:
Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Species: redfish, trout, flounder

Recommended lures:
Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)

Notes:
Protected shoreline and flats near Oyster Lake west of Matagorda. Reds prowl the flooded grass and shorelines; trout and flounder along edges and guts. Best on higher incoming water and moderate onshore breeze.

🔁 Suggested Tournament Rotation

  1. Oyster Lake Shoreline (geo = 28.5989,-95.8859)
    Why ranked here today:
    • ✓ Incoming tide matches this spot’s preferred tide.
    • ✓ Incoming tide pushes fish onto the flats.
    • ✓ Good match for target species: redfish, flounder.
    • ✓ Moderate run from launch with good upside.
    — Approx. 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
    Score: 92/100 — ~ 6.8 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Species: redfish, trout, flounder
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
  2. Mitchell's Cut (East Matagorda Inlet) (geo = 28.6002,-95.7719)
    Why ranked here today:
    • ✓ Nearby drains provide feeding lanes as water floods adjacent flats.
    • ✓ Good match for target species: redfish, flounder.
    • ✓ Moderate run from launch with good upside.
    — Approx. 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    Score: 79/100 — ~ 10.0 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: outgoing | Species: redfish, trout, flounder
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
  3. East Matagorda – Diversion Channel / ICW Intersection (geo = 28.6279,-95.7649)
    Why ranked here today:
    • ✓ Nearby drains provide feeding lanes as water floods adjacent flats.
    • ✓ Good match for target species: redfish, flounder.
    • ✓ Moderate run from launch with good upside.
    — Approx. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Score: 77/100 — ~ 9.3 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Species: redfish, trout, flounder
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
  4. West Matagorda – Grass Island Reefs (geo = 28.6149,-95.8429)
    Why ranked here today:
    • ✓ Good match for target species: redfish.
    • ✓ Moderate run from launch with good upside.
    — Approx. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    Score: 71/100 — ~ 6.8 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, reef | Best tide: either | Species: redfish, trout
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)

Times are approximate based on the selected fishing window and top-ranked spots. Adjust on the water as conditions change.

🗺 Rotation Map

📋 Complete Spot Rankings

  1. Oyster Lake Shoreline
    geo: 28.5989,-95.8859
    Score: 92/100 — ~ 6.8 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.5989, -95.8859
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Protected shoreline and flats near Oyster Lake west of Matagorda. Reds prowl the flooded grass and shorelines; trout and flounder along edges and guts. Best on higher incoming water and moderate onshore breeze.
  2. Mitchell's Cut (East Matagorda Inlet)
    geo: 28.6002,-95.7719
    Score: 79/100 — ~ 10.0 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.6002, -95.7719
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Powerful drain where East Matagorda Bay dumps into the Gulf near Sargent. Outgoing tide pulls shrimp and bait; reds and trout feed in current seams; flounder stack near bottom edges in fall.
  3. East Matagorda – Diversion Channel / ICW Intersection
    geo: 28.6279,-95.7649
    Score: 77/100 — ~ 9.3 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.6279, -95.7649
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Confluence of Diversion Channel and ICW feeding East Matagorda. Current lines, eddies and depth changes hold trout and reds; flounder work the bottom around edges and drop-offs, especially on moving tide.
  4. ICW / Greens Bayou Area
    geo: 28.6149,-95.7649
    Score: 76/100 — ~ 9.7 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.6149, -95.7649
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Drain and bayou complex feeding the ICW near Matagorda. Bait flushed from backwaters draws reds, trout, and flounder to channel edges and shorelines. Productive during both incoming and outgoing tides when water is moving.
  5. Matagorda Peninsula Surf (East Matagorda)
    geo: 28.6009,-95.7649
    Score: 72/100 — ~ 10.2 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.6009, -95.7649
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Sandbars and guts along the Matagorda Peninsula surf. Trout run the guts at first light; reds cruise first and second bars on higher incoming tide with green, fishable water.
  6. West Matagorda – Grass Island Reefs
    geo: 28.6149,-95.8429
    Score: 71/100 — ~ 6.8 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, reef | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.6149, -95.8429
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Shell and scattered reef structure around Grass Island in West Matagorda Bay. Trout hold over shell; reds roam nearby shorelines and shallow edges. Drift or wade depending on wind and clarity.
  7. East Matagorda – Browns & Greens Shorelines
    geo: 28.6189,-95.7489
    Score: 69/100 — ~ 10.3 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.6189, -95.7489
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Classic East Matagorda grass shoreline and shallow flats near Browns & Greens. Reds work flooded grass and pockets; trout hold slightly deeper off grasslines. Best on higher incoming tides with light to moderate onshore wind.
  8. Big Bayou
    geo: 28.4509,-96.4109
    Score: 52/100 — ~ 30.5 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, flats | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.4509, -96.4109
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Classic drain system where falling tide pulls shrimp and baitfish out. Reds cruise the contour; trout in deeper grass; flounder sit at drain mouths.
  9. Pass Cavallo – Gulf Pass
    geo: 28.4099,-96.3959
    Score: 51/100 — ~ 31.2 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, reef, channel | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder, other | GPS: 28.4099, -96.3959
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Weedless Spoon (Amazon)
    MirrOlure MirrOdine (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Powerful deep pass connecting Espiritu Santo Bay to the Gulf. Big trout on incoming green water; reds and flounder on outgoing tide; seasonal tarpon and jacks. Fish current rips, sandbars and drop-offs.
  10. South Pass / Army Hole
    geo: 28.4209,-96.3959
    Score: 51/100 — ~ 30.8 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, channel, flats | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.4209, -96.3959
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Deep channel with adjacent flats and shell. Trout suspend along drop-offs; reds roam shallow sand; flounder in cuts and along channel edges.
  11. Pringle Lake
    geo: 28.4609,-96.4109
    Score: 42/100 — ~ 30.2 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.4609, -96.4109
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Legendary clearwater redfish lake. Sight-casting on grass flats and potholes. Trout hold near the mouth on outgoing tide. One of POC’s most consistent trophy areas.
  12. Shoalwater Bay – Panther Point
    geo: 28.4609,-96.4509
    Score: 42/100 — ~ 32.0 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats, other | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.4609, -96.4509
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Sharp transitions from deep to shallow with clear grass flats. Reds push wakes over shallow sand; trout sit on deeper grasslines. Classic POC structure fishing.
  13. Barroom Bay
    geo: 28.4369,-96.4109
    Score: 41/100 — ~ 30.9 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.4369, -96.4109
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Protected shallow grass flats with sand pockets. Excellent redfish water; trout on deeper grass edges. Good option when the open bay is too windy.
  14. Espiritu Santo Bay – Grass Shorelines
    geo: 28.5009,-96.4109
    Score: 40/100 — ~ 29.1 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, flats | Best tide: incoming | Winds: NE, E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout | GPS: 28.5009, -96.4109
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Remote, quiet grass flats with potholes. Big trout roam deeper edges; redfish tail shallow. Excellent on rising tide with light SE wind.
  15. Oyster Creek Outflow – Freeport Channel
    geo: 28.9499,-95.3449
    Score: 38/100 — ~ 33.2 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9499, -95.3449
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Transition zone where Oyster Creek water meets the Intracoastal/Freeport channel. Constant bait and mixing salinity. Reds and trout along edges and breaks; flounder along the bottom near outflow.
  16. The Washout (ICW Cut)
    geo: 28.4309,-96.3959
    Score: 37/100 — ~ 30.4 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.4309, -96.3959
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Powerful water movement between bays where bait gets flushed. Trout suspend along edges; reds ambush inside turns; flounder on sandy transitions. Very consistent with strong outgoing tide.
  17. Colorado River Mouth / Jetties (Matagorda)
    geo: 28.4119,-95.7269
    Score: 36/100 — ~ 20.4 nm from launch
    Structures: drain, shoreline, channel | Best tide: outgoing | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.4119, -95.7269
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Where the Colorado River meets the Gulf and Matagorda surf. Mixing salinity and strong current concentrate bait. Reds and trout along jetty edges; flounder on the bottom near the mouth, especially on a falling tide.
  18. Surfside Marina Channel & Bridge
    geo: 28.9439,-95.3442
    Score: 31/100 — ~ 33.1 nm from launch
    Structures: shoreline, channel | Best tide: either | Winds: E, SE, S | Species: redfish, trout, flounder | GPS: 28.9439, -95.3442
    Recommended lures:
    Gulp Shrimp (Amazon)
    Popping Cork + Shrimp (Amazon)
    Down South Lures Paddle Tail (Amazon)
    Notes:
    Deeper channel and bridge pilings near Surfside Marina. Shade, structure and current provide a reliable mixed bag. Daytime plastics on bottom; at night, trout and reds around lights when available.

🎒 Gear for This Tournament Gameplan

These lures cover every recommended presentation in today’s plan:

🌊 Tournament Day Conditions - Tide & Solunar Outlook

🌙 Solunar Activity
Solunar loading...
💨 Wind Information:
Summary: Wind unavailable
Note:
NWS: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Click For Weather, Solunar Fishing And Tides Table

Location: 28.71, -95.9139

Date: 2027-04-09 — Lines in: 06:00–14:00

Tide Highs/Lows:

  • L 1:25 AM — 0.15 ft
  • H 3:54 PM — 0.65 ft

NOAA station: 8773146

Use these windows with the ranked spot rotation below. Best tournament starts usually happen where moving tide overlaps bait, structure, and a solunar major/minor period.

Target species: redfish, flounder, speckled trout

Tide phase (auto): incoming (station 8773146 Click for real time )

Spot radius: 35.0 nm from tournament location.

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