Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Galveston Bay

Reel in Galveston's Inshore Slam

Get ready to chase the Texas inshore trifecta on Galveston Bay. This 5-hour trip with Capt. Mike is all about putting you on the fish, whether you're after bull reds, gator trout, or doormat flounder. We'll hit the water at first light when the bite is hot, armed with live bait or artificials – your call. With room for up to four anglers, it's the perfect setup for a group of buddies or some quality family time on the water. Capt. Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust our game plan based on what's running and where they're hiding. Trust me, by the time we're done, you'll be hooked on Galveston Bay fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up just before sunrise – that's when the fish are most active and the bay is like glass. Capt. Mike's got a sweet setup with a state-of-the-art boat that'll get us to the honey holes in no time. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might start by drifting some grass flats for trout, or maybe we'll hit some shell reefs for reds. If the flounder are running, we'll work the drop-offs with some slow-rolled soft plastics. The beauty of Galveston Bay is its variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you're working a topwater for explosive trout strikes. And don't worry if you're new to this – Capt. Mike's got the patience of a saint and loves teaching the tricks of the trade.

Techniques That Fill the Box

On this trip, we're all about adapting to what the fish want. If live bait's the ticket, we might be freeline shrimp under a popping cork for trout or bottom fishing with mullet for big reds. For the artificial crowd, we've got a full arsenal – from weedless spoons in the grass to jigging soft plastics along channel edges. Capt. Mike's always got a pulse on what's working, so don't be surprised if we switch it up mid-trip to dial in the bite. We'll cover different techniques like wade fishing the shallows or working deep shell pads, depending on where the fish are holding. It's all about reading the water, watching for bait movement, and staying on top of the tide changes – that's how you consistently put fish in the boat on Galveston Bay.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Captain Mike is a true example for others to follow. Highly recommend to others. One word for him Stellar. This is our second trip with Mike. And he does everything to put you on the fish . Even was able to have lunch with him today with my daughter. His boat is state of the art very clean and makes you feel like family. He is patient and teaches you the fundamentals of catching fish . Cannot give him enough stars , he is a top notch guide and will not let you down. Captain Mike thank you again for an amazing day in the water." - Jerome

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Galveston Bay. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish can range from rat reds to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing themselves with their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big red stripping line off your reel.

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. They're known for their speckled patterns and delicate white meat. Specks are ambush predators, often found around structure or in the lights at night. Spring and fall are fantastic for trophy trout, but summer can produce numbers. Topwater action for trout at dawn is some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and a delicacy on the dinner table. Flounder fishing heats up in the fall during their migration to the Gulf, but you can target them year-round. They love to ambush prey along drop-offs and around structure. Gigging for flounder at night is a local tradition, but during the day, we'll use specialized techniques like bouncing jigs off the bottom to entice a bite.

Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are hard-fighting and great eating when caught in the slot size. They've got distinctive chin barbels and can grow to massive sizes. We often find them rooting around oyster reefs and in deeper channels. Spring is the best time for big spawning drum, but they're a reliable target throughout the year.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are unique catches. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs. These bait stealers require finesse and patience to catch, but they're excellent table fare. Winter and early spring are prime times for sheepshead, offering a great option when other species slow down.

Top Catches This Season

Galveston Bay is firing on all cylinders right now. The reds have been thick in the back marshes, with some solid bulls mixed in along the jetties. Trout fishing has been lights out over shell pads early in the morning – we've been crushing them on soft plastics and live shrimp under a popping cork. The flounder run is just starting to pick up, and we're finding some nice doormats around the channel edges and gas wells. Black drum have been a reliable backup, especially on days when the wind kicks up and we need to tuck into protected areas. For those looking for a challenge, the sheepshead bite around the bridge pilings has been steady – just make sure you bring your A-game, these convicts are notorious bait thieves!

Gear Talk

Don't sweat the gear – Capt. Mike's got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and tackle. We're talking light to medium action setups perfect for inshore work. If you're into artificials, we've got a full selection of soft plastics, topwaters, and spoons. For the live bait crowd, we'll have fresh shrimp, mullet, or croaker depending on what's working best. Polarized sunglasses are a must for sight fishing, and don't forget your sun protection – the Texas sun doesn't mess around. If you've got a favorite rod or lure you want to bring, by all means, throw it in. Just remember, we're here to put you on fish, so trust Capt. Mike's recommendations – he knows what works on these waters.

Weather Watch

Weather can make or break a fishing trip, and on Galveston Bay, it can change in a heartbeat. We'll keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your trip. A little chop can actually improve the bite, but if it's too rough, we've got plenty of protected areas to fish. Summer afternoons can bring pop-up thunderstorms, so we might adjust our schedule to fish early and beat the heat. Winter can be surprisingly productive, but you'll want to layer up. The beauty of inshore fishing is there's always somewhere to hide from the wind and still get on fish. Capt. Mike's a pro at reading the weather and water conditions to keep you comfortable and on the fish.

Conservation Corner

At Corks And Croakers, we're all about sustainable fishing. Galveston Bay is a treasure, and we want to keep it that way for generations to come. We practice catch and release for oversized fish and encourage responsible harvesting for those you want to take home for dinner. Capt. Mike's an expert at proper handling techniques to ensure released fish swim away healthy. We'll talk about current regulations and size limits – it's not just about following the law, it's about being stewards of these amazing waters. And who knows, that bull red you carefully release today might be the trophy catch for another angler down the line.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's get you out on Galveston Bay for some world-class inshore action. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some bull reds, finesse some specks, or land your personal best flounder, we've got the know-how and the spots to make it happen. Capt. Mike's trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Bring your buddies, your family, or just treat yourself to a day of non-stop fishing in one of Texas' premier inshore fisheries. Trust me, once you experience Galveston Bay fishing with Corks And Croakers, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock. Let's get those lines wet and make some memories!