Best Galveston Bay Inshore Charter: Redfish & More

Published Date: September 14, 2025
Fishing

Galveston
$150 - $400 price range

Summary

Spend a morning on Galveston Bay learning the ropes of inshore fishing with Capt. Mike. This 5-hour trip is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at catching redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead. You'll fish in calm waters, getting step-by-step guidance on techniques and gear use. It's a great way to build your fishing skills and confidence. The charter can accommodate up to four people, so bring some friends or family along. All the fishing gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to learn. Capt. Mike adjusts the exact meeting spot based on where the fish are biting, ensuring you have the best chance at a good catch. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or just want to enjoy a relaxed day on the water, this trip offers a perfect introduction to Texas coastal fishing.

Best Galveston Bay Inshore Charter: Redfish & More

Galveston Bay Catches

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Galveston Bay redfish catch

Inshore fishing with Capt. Mike

Two anglers caught Black Drum fish in TX

Black drum and redfish landed in Galveston

Weekend Inshore Fishing in Galveston Bay

Hey there, anglers! Ready to wet a line in one of Texas' prime fishing spots? Capt. Mike here, and I'm stoked to take you out for a morning of inshore action in Galveston Bay. Whether you're new to fishing or just new to these waters, this trip is all about getting you hooked up with some of our favorite local species. We'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead – the bread and butter of our inshore fishery. And the best part? You don't need to be a pro to join in. I'll be right there with you, showing you the ropes and helping you land your first catch of the day.

Trip Overview

We'll kick off bright and early, meeting up at a spot I'll confirm with you a week before. Why the wait? Well, fish move around, and I like to make sure we're launching from the best spot to get on 'em. Over the next 5 hours, we'll cruise the calm waters of Galveston Bay, hitting my favorite honey holes where the fish are biting. I've got room for up to four folks on my boat, so bring your buddies or the family. Don't sweat the gear – I've got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. This trip is perfect for beginners, so if you've never held a fishing rod before, no worries. By the end of the day, you'll be casting like a local and hopefully reeling in some tasty dinner!

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be using a mix of techniques, depending on what's working best that day. Might be some light tackle casting, maybe some drift fishing, or even anchoring up on a hot spot. I'll show you how to read the water, look for signs of fish, and present your bait just right. We'll be using live bait most of the time – nothing beats a lively shrimp or mullet for enticing these inshore species. I'll teach you how to hook 'em up and get your line in the strike zone. And when that rod tip starts bouncing, I'll coach you through the fight. There's nothing like the pull of your first redfish or the acrobatics of a speckled trout breaking the surface!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the stars of our show – the fish we'll be after. First up, the redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite around here. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and they put up one heck of a fight. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, often tailing in just a foot or two of water. When they're on, the action can be non-stop.

Next, we've got speckled trout. These guys are the sprinters of the bay. They're known for their spotted pattern and their soft mouths, which means you've got to finesse 'em in. Trout are ambush predators, so we'll be looking for them around structure or drop-offs where they can surprise their prey.

Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of the redfish. They've got a more subdued coloration, but what they lack in flash, they make up for in fight. These bottom-feeders love crustaceans, so we'll often use crab or shrimp to tempt them.

Last but not least, sheepshead. These striped fish are the thieves of the bay – they're notorious for stealing bait. But when you hook one, you're in for a treat. They've got human-like teeth that they use to crunch barnacles and crabs, which makes for some excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love fishing Galveston Bay because it's got a little bit of everything. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, the next you're working a deep channel for trophy trout. The diversity of fish and fishing styles keeps things interesting, and there's always something biting year-round. Plus, the scenery ain't bad either – you might spot some dolphins, pelicans diving for their breakfast, or even a gator sunning on the bank. It's not just about what's on the end of your line; it's about the whole experience of being out on these waters.

Top Catches This Season

Now, let me tell you about what's been hot lately. The redfish have been on fire, especially around the marshy areas on the east side of the bay. We've been finding schools of 'em pushing water in the shallows, and when you get your bait in front of them, hold on tight! The trout fishing has been stellar too, particularly early in the morning around the gas wells and oyster reefs. And for those of you looking for a real arm-workout, the black drum have been showing up in force near the deeper channels. Just last week, we hooked into a 30-pounder that had my client grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to get out there and see what Galveston Bay has to offer? Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip's got you covered. Remember, all the gear's included, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two. I'll take care of the rest. Spaces fill up fast, especially on weekends, so don't wait too long to lock in your date. Give me a shout, and let's get you set up for a day of fishing you won't forget. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweights of the bay, often tipping the scales at 20-30 pounds. These bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and pier pilings in shallow, brackish waters. Spring's your best bet for catching them, as they school up to spawn. Black drum are bottom feeders with powerful jaws, crushing shellfish like it's nothing. Anglers love 'em for their strong, stubborn fights - it's like pulling in a Volkswagen sometimes. For eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds for better flavor. Here's a local tip: use fresh crab or shrimp for bait, and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook. And don't forget to listen closely - these fish make a distinctive drumming sound that can clue you in to where they're hiding.

Redfish

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties, usually 20-30 inches long, love cruising in shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall's the best time to target big bulls as they move to the passes to spawn. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often stripping line off your reel. They're also fantastic eating fish with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast a gold spoon or soft plastic just ahead of them and hold on tight. When that red takes off, you're in for one heck of a ride.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em here, are a favorite target in Galveston Bay. These silvery fish typically run 14-20 inches and love to hang in grass flats and around oyster reefs. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Trout are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights, often throwing hooks with spectacular jumps. Anglers prize them for both the excitement of the catch and their tasty, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: try fishing with live shrimp under a popping cork at dawn or dusk. When you see the cork go under, give it a second before setting the hook - trout often hit the bait multiple times before committing. And keep your drag set light to prevent tearing their soft mouths during the fight.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddball of inshore fishing, with human-like teeth that'll make you do a double-take. These striped convicts usually run 2-5 pounds and love hanging around structures - docks, jetties, you name it. Late winter to early spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching them, plus they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. My local trick? Use fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp, and fish as close to the structure as you can without snagging. Feel for light nibbles - that's the sheepshead testing your bait. When you feel solid weight, set the hook hard. It's a game of finesse, but landing a big sheepshead is always satisfying.

Southern Flounder

These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll typically find them in shallow coastal waters, around 15-18 inches long. Fall's the prime time to target flounder as they move to deeper waters to spawn. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structures like jetties or oyster reefs. Flounder are prized for their delicate, sweet meat, making them a favorite catch for the dinner table. When you're fishing for them, remember they have a unique sideways bite. My go-to trick is to use a slow retrieve with live bait like mullet or shrimp, giving the flounder time to grab it. Once you feel that distinctive tap-tap, pause for a moment before setting the hook. It's a game of patience, but landing a big flounder is always worth the wait.

About the Center Console

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for a laid-back weekend fishing trip in the calm waters of Galveston Bay. This 5-hour charter is perfect for newcomers looking to dip their toes into coastal angling. Captain Mike's your friendly guide, ready to share his local know-how and help you reel in some Texas favorites like redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead. No need to sweat the gear - it's all provided. You and up to three buddies can join in on the fun, making it a great group outing. The boat heads out in the morning, with exact meet-up details coming your way a week before, based on where the fish are biting. It's all about building your skills and confidence at a relaxed pace, so you can soak in the bay views while learning the ropes of inshore fishing. By the end of the day, you'll have some new fishing tricks up your sleeve and maybe even a fresh catch to brag about.

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